Got a computer problem, want your input pls...

Z

Zulash

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For the last month or so my computer has been randomly switching off. This would happen once every 3 or 4 days and has continued to happen. Today was the worst one yet... my computer switched off and would not switch on... 10 mins later I hit the power button and everything is back to normal.

Once it switched off i could see the lights on my motherboard were off (they usually remain on even when the computer is powered down... thus indicating it is receiving power). After switching it back on (on every occasion) my internet takes a good few minutes to start up again, and my Quicktask icons are all reset.

I am using a Raidmax Sirius case which has a temprature gauge set up on it. My system usually runs between 26C and 30C. So im ruling temprature problems out.

My best guess is either the power supply is failing (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152035) , or my motherboard is failing. The power supply is only about 6 months old and the motherboard is going on 2ish years now.

What do you guys think?

Thanks
Zulash


My Specs are as follows:
==================
Intel Core2Duo E6420
4GB Budget Ram
MSI MS-7350 P6N Platinum Mobo
Vista Business
HIS ATi 4850 512MB
Samsung T220 22"
Airflow is great in my case (running 6 fans)
 
i have the same problem with my pc switching off then back on again for no reason, someone said it may be the heat as its been hot here.
 
* If you can, borrow a second power supply from a second machine and try.
* Try one ram module at a time
* Check nothing can be shorting the mother board,.. it is possible, at work i found a piece of wire in a machine before.
* Re seat your cpu (take it out and put it back in making sure it is in right and check heat sink is on prop')
* Check heat

Not nocking u, just a note to many fans can = disruptive flow. But that sounds like a good temp runing at.
 
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K, I found the main reason why most PSU failed

ESKOMS AT FAULT

I put an 250v surge protection and every hour the switch off
I tested the input of power and it bounces from 220 - 270v
PSU boxes can only stand power at the range of 220 - 250v
When the power bounces the PSU box becomes weak and there producers lesser power
This is bad... Hope my TV, fridge does not get effected by this!
 
Go to mycomputer properties > advance Tab > startup and recovery > setting >system failure

You'll see an option automatic restart.
Untick it and then tell me what error pops up
 
Does it shut down during heavy load? I take it it's an instant off?
Check your voltages in the BIOS, if they are below what they should be, then it could be a power supply issue. It might also be spyware/malware or a virus or memory issues. Try swopping the memory sticks around.
 
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genetic said:
Does it shut down during heavy load? I take it it's an instant off?
Check your voltages in the BIOS, if they are below what they should be, then it could be a power supply issue. It might also be spyware/malware or a virus or memory issues. Try swopping the memory sticks around.
Click to expand...

I flash the bios of my HDD, Motherboard, change ram, HDD , disable DVD writer and alot more...
 
If the PC just dies instantly its defnitely a hardware problem. It could be anything from a crack in the mainboard, to a general problem with the mainboards circuitry or a power supply.

Check the main board for swollen capacitors. Often its the power supply and when you allow it to cool for a few minutes it comes back to life. The power electronics inside the power supply can behave strangely under load and when the temperature rises. At PC stores they have power supply testers and most of those are useless since they only tell you if the voltages are present. They say nothing about load. The best would be to test with other power supplies if you have available.

It could also be a harddrive or DVD drive that is shorting somewhere inside. You will have to try and isolate the fault. Smell and look at the circuitry as well as sometimes these can give clues.
 
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