computer powering off suddenly

Scorpionic · 06-May-06, 05:44 PM

Got a problem with an older PC of mine, it's powering off suddenly and you can't turn it back on again without flicking the switch on the back of the PSU first. Initially I thought it was a power surge or something, but it's happening within 5 minutes of use now.

Also, I noticed a loud noise and vibration coming from what I think to be a hard drive, but I'm not 100% sure and haven't heard it again.

First order of business is to replace the PSU with a spare and test, if that doesn't work anyone have suggestions?

HigHTecHReDNecK · 06-May-06, 05:55 PM

What are the spec's??, but i would check if its a heat issue like a fan onthe cooler goin out. Could be (if your runnin one) the power back up, I'd go with your first thought and swap the psu though an see what you get.

The Dragon Reborn · 06-May-06, 05:59 PM

Could be the memory failing on you.... download a copy of Memtest86+ (free, btw) in form of a
disak/cd image, make a disk/cd out of that image & boot from that...

It starts the "test run" right away....

TDR

Fred_G · 06-May-06, 11:54 PM

I agree with the above posts. Swap out the PSU, I have had some strange things happen with a failling, or poor PSU. If a PSU swap does not fix it, I would suspect the hard drive, you can find free hard drive software online.

Also, HTRN has a good point, if it runs for 5 mins, then dies, make sure all the fans are spinning!

Good luck

E

PurpleDiamond · 07-May-06, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dragon Reborn


	Could be the memory failing on you.... download a copy of Memtest86+ (free, btw) in form of a disak/cd image, make a disk/cd out of that image & boot from that... It starts the "test run" right away.... TDR

I built a new machine for folding and last night it turned off by itself - I tested it with memtest86+ and turns out it's a bad stick of RAM.
I have seen about the same amount of RAM problems as I have seen failed hard drives. Start with the RAM, then the PSU, then the cooling, then check the capacitors on the mobo. The last on my list would be add-on cards and CD drives.

Splitter · 07-May-06, 03:15 PM

Easy stuff first:

-Check the CPU HSF. When the fan isn't working, it only takes the CPU about 3 - 5 minutes to shut down.

-Check the PSU. Slave in a generic PSU and see if it does the same thing.

-Check the IDE bus. Unplug all IDE devices. Plug in the hard drive and boot the machine. If the machine stays running, turn it off. Plug in the next IDE device and keep doing this until you find the faulty device.

I really believe your problem resides in the CPU HSF or the PSU. Either way, they are simple to troubleshoot and replace.

Reza · 07-May-06, 04:13 PM

My hunch is a heat problem but I would definatly second that with witha memory problem!

Scorpionic · 08-May-06, 03:24 PM

Looks like it was a crappy PSU (made out of flimsy aluminum, no less!). Just wanted to get other ideas in case it was something else, thanks for the suggestions.

06-May-06, 05:44 PM		#1 (permalink)
Scorpionic Recycl-Hoe-tron	computer powering off suddenly Got a problem with an older PC of mine, it's powering off suddenly and you can't turn it back on again without flicking the switch on the back of the PSU first. Initially I thought it was a power surge or something, but it's happening within 5 minutes of use now. Also, I noticed a loud noise and vibration coming from what I think to be a hard drive, but I'm not 100% sure and haven't heard it again. First order of business is to replace the PSU with a spare and test, if that doesn't work anyone have suggestions?

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06-May-06, 05:55 PM		#2 (permalink)
HigHTecHReDNecK Sophist'Hoe"cated ReDNecK Reviewer	What are the spec's??, but i would check if its a heat issue like a fan onthe cooler goin out. Could be (if your runnin one) the power back up, I'd go with your first thought and swap the psu though an see what you get.

06-May-06, 05:59 PM		#3 (permalink)
The Dragon Reborn Apex Elite Expert Tech	Could be the memory failing on you.... download a copy of Memtest86+ (free, btw) in form of a disak/cd image, make a disk/cd out of that image & boot from that... It starts the "test run" right away.... TDR

06-May-06, 11:54 PM		#4 (permalink)
Fred_G !! Sm-hoe-k Free !!	I agree with the above posts. Swap out the PSU, I have had some strange things happen with a failling, or poor PSU. If a PSU swap does not fix it, I would suspect the hard drive, you can find free hard drive software online. Also, HTRN has a good point, if it runs for 5 mins, then dies, make sure all the fans are spinning! Good luck E

07-May-06, 03:15 PM		#6 (permalink)
Splitter Foe's Hoe	Easy stuff first: -Check the CPU HSF. When the fan isn't working, it only takes the CPU about 3 - 5 minutes to shut down. -Check the PSU. Slave in a generic PSU and see if it does the same thing. -Check the IDE bus. Unplug all IDE devices. Plug in the hard drive and boot the machine. If the machine stays running, turn it off. Plug in the next IDE device and keep doing this until you find the faulty device. I really believe your problem resides in the CPU HSF or the PSU. Either way, they are simple to troubleshoot and replace.

07-May-06, 04:13 PM		#7 (permalink)
Reza Apex Elite Expert Tech	My hunch is a heat problem but I would definatly second that with witha memory problem!

08-May-06, 03:24 PM		#8 (permalink)
Scorpionic Recycl-Hoe-tron	Looks like it was a crappy PSU (made out of flimsy aluminum, no less!). Just wanted to get other ideas in case it was something else, thanks for the suggestions.