Strange power issue...?
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Thread: Strange power issue...?

  1. #1
    Registered User techleet's Avatar
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    Question Strange power issue...?

    Ok here's the deal.
    I leave my main pc on all day, because I'm a power-wasteing bastard and because it's a web server! Anyway, a couple of times spread out over the last 3 months I have come home and my pc was OFF!

    Symptoms:
    - PC shuts down automatically. This is NOT hybernation, etc.
    - Power light BLINKS
    - All fans, hard drive are off. All is quiet!
    - Hitting the power button does nothing
    - Holding power button in for 5 seconds does NOT shut off machine to reboot.
    - Must turn off power supply for over 5 seconds and turn back on to get power light to stop blinking and boot.
    - System (Win2k sp2) has been rock solid for months. Haven't had any problems. Haven't installed any software in months.

    Is this a power supply issue? A motherboard issue? Overheated processor?
    <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">

    Specs:
    Win2k Sp2
    Athlon Thunderbird 850 (stock heatsink/fan)
    Asus A7V
    256mb PC133 (crucial, I think)
    WinFast GeForce2 MX 32mb
    20gig ATA/100 7200rpm
    SBlive value
    Kingston 10/100 nic
    TDK velocity 10/12/40 cdrw
    Memorex 48x cdrom
    300watt ramdom power supply/case
    3 large fans
    DON'T PANIC

  2. #2
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    have you been caught in any rolling blackouts? if not it may be thet you need a UPS on your system to condition the line so you dont have to deal with all those surges and drops in power.

  3. #3
    Registered User ephmynus's Avatar
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    This, atleast to me, sounds like it is most likely a power supply issue. It does depend on how long it has been acting like that. It is not uncommon for a motherboard to automatically shut down a computer if it becomes overheated. Also, a power supply will automatically shut your computer off if it can't run properly. If you have another lying around it may be best to test it but, 95% chance it is the power supply.
    The Artisan formerly known as A+Tech.

  4. #4
    Registered User techleet's Avatar
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    Originally posted by valyard2k1:
    <STRONG>have you been caught in any rolling blackouts? if not it may be thet you need a UPS on your system to condition the line so you dont have to deal with all those surges and drops in power.</STRONG>
    Yes, I got hit by the rolling blackouts once, but this is unrelated. The pc has just died once in the middle of working. There I was, typing, etc and then BLAM! Whole thing shuts off. I'm leaning more towards a faulty power supply.
    DON'T PANIC

  5. #5
    Registered User Ruslan's Avatar
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    Looks like Your power supply has problems with standby mode...
    Besides that,I'd check also Advanced Power Management - may be Your PC was turned off by APM instead of going into "wake-on-ring" (or wake-on-LAN) mode.If that option was enabled in BIOS,of course.

  6. #6
    Registered User techleet's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Ruslan:
    <STRONG>Looks like Your power supply has problems with standby mode...
    Besides that,I'd check also Advanced Power Management - may be Your PC was turned off by APM instead of going into "wake-on-ring" (or wake-on-LAN) mode.If that option was enabled in BIOS,of course.</STRONG>
    Told ya man, it's NOT hybernation, APM... nothing like that. This thing has shut off in the middle of working. I mean I was TYPING and the damn thing shutoff. Just BOOM! No "please wait" no nothin <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

    Thanks though! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">
    DON'T PANIC

  7. #7
    Registered User Ruslan's Avatar
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    ...and,I hope, You have got good UPS connected to that system... <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

  8. #8
    Registered User techleet's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Ruslan:
    <STRONG>...and,I hope, You have got good UPS connected to that system... <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"></STRONG>
    LOL yeah if I gave a damn about my site, sure! This is just my personal site. I could care less. I suppose a UPS would be cool, but **** I'm not about to blow $200 on my computer! I have bills! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
    DON'T PANIC

  9. #9
    Registered User Ruslan's Avatar
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    Originally posted by techleet:
    <STRONG>
    I mean I was TYPING and the damn thing shutoff.
    </STRONG>
    Just a thoughts... It couldn't be keyboard with additional "power on/off" and so on keys?. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
    Check also real temperature of CPU... <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

  10. #10
    Registered User techleet's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Ruslan:
    <STRONG>

    Just a thoughts... It couldn't be keyboard with additional "power on/off" and so on keys?. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
    Check also real temperature of CPU... <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"></STRONG>
    HAHAHAHA no, there is no on/off key.
    Yeah, like I said, it could be CPU temp, but then I have 2 extra case fans, one pulling air in the front bottom and one pushing air in the back top. Also, I keep the case mostly open. I'm still leaning towards the power supply, but I'll check the temps. Thanks
    DON'T PANIC

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