PC Randomly Shutting Down - Help Please

[KaMoS]

A friend of mine is having a problem with his PC where it just randomly shuts down. The screen would flicker for a few seconds and then just shuts down. We have re-installed the OS (XP SP2), re-seated all the components (except the CPU), bought a new GFX (shut down WHILE installing new drivers). As soon as he boots up again it’s fine for a while but then just randomly shuts down later again. We’re thinking maybe it’s the CPU overheating or maybe a memory a problem.

Do you have any advise as to what the problem could be and what could cause this? We’re thinking of running a few memory and CPU stress tests to try and find out what hardware it’s affecting. What would you recommend for this?

System specs:

Intel E7600 CPU
2x1GB matched Hyper-X DDR800 RAM
Some ASUS discrete Intel Mobo
8600GT / ATI 4650
400W CM Real Power

 

[Messugga]

Err...Why not just check the CPU temp? If it's high, it's probably that.
Alternatively, it may be your PSU not being able to supply enough juice. PSUs do wear a bit through years of use and lose some of their efficiency.
But since checking system temps cost nothing other than a bit of time, that would be my first course of action, followed by the RAM test, as you said.

 

[Gazza]

I had the same problem with my PSU upgrade it to at least 500W

 

[tco21]

Yeah, just make sure your heat sink is properly secured.

 

[xumwun]

It is most likely that the psu is either faulty or not delivering enough power.

 

[bullzeye.za]

In order of likliness ( in my experience ) it's

1) Your CPU cooler isn't seated right, causing it to overheat.
2) Your motherboard is damaged/struck by lightning/etc
3) Your PSU is faulty
4) Your power is unstable
5) Your power button on your chassis is faulty ( Yes.. I've had that problem before )
6) Your chassis doesn't have sufficient airflow

 

[mister]

Make sure you're not running an unactivated version of windows 7 lol.

My trial version would switch off the pc without going thru the shutdown procedure.

 

[KaMoS]

Make sure you're not running an unactivated version of windows 7 lol.

My trial version would switch off the pc without going thru the shutdown procedure.

Errr...I did say the OS is XP SP2???

OT: Thanks for all the advise. Just sent this to my buddy and he said that his pc doesn't switch off, the machine stays on but the screen goes blank :/ I assume that does change things slightly.