- Identify faulty parts in Fix PCs by running the diagnostic scan before touching any screws.
- Match symptoms to components: dead GPUs, faulty RAM, failing PSUs, and loose cables each show distinct signs.
- Always verify at the workbench — parts not registering usually means screws or cables remain attached.
- Pass the benchmark before delivering; a failed run means something is still loose or wrong.
- Speed is money: memorize fault patterns to raise your repairs per hour.
Fix PCs Fault Identification Basics
Knowing how to identify faulty parts is the single most important skill in Fix PCs. Every repair ticket starts the same way: a customer hands you a broken PC, and your job is to figure out exactly which of the 192 components inside is causing the problem before you open the case. Guessing wrong wastes time and money — the correct replacement part only pays off if your diagnosis is right.
The game gives you a diagnostic tool that points you toward the failing component, but skilled technicians pair the scan with symptom recognition to cut repair time dramatically. If you can read a ticket and predict the fault before you even reach the workbench, you will complete far more orders per hour.
Diagnostic Tool Scan
- Primary method for every ticket
- Points to the failing component
- Works before disassembly
Symptom Recognition
- Fastest method once learned
- Based on customer complaint patterns
- Pairs with the scan for confirmation
Workbench Inspection
- Final verification step
- Check screws, cables, seating
- Catches loose-part tickets instantly
Run the diagnostic scan the moment you accept a ticket, before carrying the PC to your workbench. Knowing the fault in advance lets you grab the replacement part on the way, saving a full round trip per order.
Symptom-to-Faulty Part Reference Table
The quickest way to master diagnosis is memorizing how common customer complaints map to specific components. Use this table as your reference until the patterns become second nature.
| Symptom / Ticket Clue | Likely Faulty Part | Repair Action |
|---|---|---|
| No power, no lights | PSU or PSU cable | Replace PSU, reconnect power, flip PSU switch |
| Black screen, fans spin | GPU (dead or unseated) | Reseat or replace GPU, reconnect power cable |
| Random crashes, blue screens | RAM module | Reseat or swap memory stick |
| Slow boot, long load times | Storage (HDD failing) | Replace with SSD or fresh drive |
| PC won't POST after upgrade | PSU wattage too low | Install higher-wattage PSU |
| Intermittent shutdowns | PSU or loose connectors | Check all cables fully seated |
| No display signal | Cable or GPU unseated | Unplug and firmly reconnect |
A PC that won't power on is not always a broken part. Confirm the PSU is connected to the motherboard and the PSU switch is flipped before you order a replacement — this is one of the most common misdiagnoses for new players.
High-frequency fault categories ranked by how often they appear in standard orders:
| Rank | Component | Frequency | Typical Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GPU | Very High | Dead graphics card swap |
| 2 | RAM | High | Reseat or replace memory |
| 3 | PSU | High | No-power complaints |
| 4 | Storage | Medium | Slow-boot complaints |
| 5 | Cables | Medium | Loose connector fixes |
| 6 | CPU | Low | Premium upgrade orders |
Step-by-Step: From Ticket to Confirmed Fault
This is the full identification-to-repair workflow used by experienced players. Follow it in order for every order until it becomes muscle memory.
Accept the Order and Read the Ticket
Interact with the customer or order counter to accept the repair ticket. Read the listed requirements carefully — some jobs demand a specific part tier, and installing the wrong part means redoing the job.
Run the Diagnostic Scan
Use the diagnostic tool on the customer's PC. The scan points you to the failing component: a dead GPU, faulty RAM, a failing PSU, or simply loose cables.
Move the PC to the Workbench
Carry the PC to your workbench and place it down. Disassembly and part swaps only happen at the bench — a PC on a random counter cannot be opened.
Open the Case and Confirm the Fault
Unscrew the side panel with your screwdriver and inspect the flagged component. Check for remaining screws or attached power cables before pulling any part — the most common removal failure is a missed screw or an unplugged connector.
Swap the Part and Reassemble
Install the correct replacement from your inventory, screw it firmly into place, and reconnect any detached power or data cables. Reattach the side panel.
Benchmark and Deliver
Plug the PC in, power it on, and run the benchmark test. A passing score confirms the fix; a failure means something is still loose or wrong. Return the PC to the customer to collect your Cash.
Hold left-click on each screw and follow the on-screen motion to twist it out. Cables unplug by clicking the connector and pulling in the indicated direction. Screws and cables must be fully seated on reassembly or the part will not register as installed.
Common Misdiagnoses and How to Avoid Them
Even with the diagnostic tool, players lose money to avoidable mistakes. These are the four most frequent errors seen at the workbench, along with the fix.
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering a new PSU for an unplugged one | Wasted cash on a working part | Check power connections and PSU switch first |
| Pulling a part with screws left in | Part refuses to detach | Inspect every screw point before removing |
| Ignoring ticket part-tier requirements | Customer rejects the job | Compare installed parts against ticket specs |
| Delivering without benchmarking | Failing run, redo the repair | Always run the benchmark before delivery |
A failed benchmark after a part swap almost always means a loose cable or an improperly seated component — not a second faulty part. Reopen the case and check that every connector clicks fully into place before spending money on another replacement.
Pre-Delivery Checklist:
- Diagnostic scan completed and fault confirmed
- All screws removed before part extraction
- Replacement part matches ticket requirements
- All power and data cables fully seated
- Side panel reattached and PC plugged in
- Benchmark test passed before handoff
Diagnosis Speed = Profit
Fast identification directly increases your hourly income. Players who diagnose in seconds complete far more orders per hour than those who reopen cases and second-guess the scan.
| Technique | Effect on Speed | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Scan before carrying to bench | Saves one round trip | ★★★★★ |
| Keep top-seller parts stocked | No mid-order shopping | ★★★★★ |
| Batch similar orders together | Less tool swapping | ★★★★ |
| Upgrade tools early | Faster screwing and unplugging | ★★★★ |
| Second workbench | Two PCs at once | ★★★ |
Prioritize high-payout tickets that require premium part swaps — flagship GPU and high-end CPU orders pay significantly more than loose-cable fixes once your shop can stock the parts. Skip low-margin jobs unless you are idle.
FAQ
Q: How do I identify faulty parts in Fix PCs?
Use the diagnostic tool on the customer's PC right after accepting a ticket. The scan points you to the failing component — such as a dead GPU, faulty RAM, failing PSU, or loose cables — so you know exactly which part to replace at the workbench.
Q: Why won't a part come out of the PC?
Check for remaining screws or an attached power cable. Some parts require unscrewing before removal, and PSU or front-panel connectors must be unplugged by clicking and pulling in the indicated direction before the component detaches.
Q: The PC won't power on after my repair. What did I miss?
Confirm the PSU is connected to the motherboard and the PSU switch is flipped. Also verify every cable is fully seated — connectors that are not clicked in completely will not register as installed and can prevent boot.
Q: Is the diagnostic tool always necessary?
It is the reliable primary method, but experienced players pair it with symptom recognition to predict faults from the ticket alone. Running the scan is still recommended as confirmation, especially on multi-part or tier-specific orders.