[RESOLVED] Weird Shutdown Problem

[ChrisAtUofI]

For a while, I had a problem where my comp would just shutdown, and I mean go powerless, for what seemed like no reason. This either happened before windows ever got open, or right after I would try playing a game on CD (Civilization III). Could a screwed up video card be the problem?? I thought it might be a lack in the power supply, so I took out my CD burner and the problem was solved for a little bit, but then it came back again. Everything seems to be working fine on the computer except it just sometimes go powerless. What hardware device could cause this?? I also switched out the IDE cable, and it still happened.

Thanks,
Chris

[AlienDyne]

What Windows version are you using? Have you checked the Advanced Power Management option? Is it enabled? Have you also checked the memory modules? There is an excellent utility that tests the memory and reports any possible faults called GoldMemory.

<a href="http://www.goldmemory.cz" target="_blank">www.goldmemory.cz</a>

[kato]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by ChrisAtUofI:
<strong>I thought it might be a lack in the power supply, so I took out my CD burner and the problem was solved for a little bit, but then it came back again.
Chris</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'd say it probably is your power supply.

Unhooking components really won't tell whether you've got a bad PS. See usually it's not a matter of the PS not providing enough wattage to components. Even in high end personal systems, you rarely approach maxing out a 300 Watt supply. The problem is usually that the PS isn't supplying good power which could mean that the voltages are a bit out of wack, the power coming from it is a little bit "dirty" or that it is causing spikes/sags.

Replace the power supply with a high quality one. Go to your local best buy / compusa and buy one to test (you can take it back. look for antec!) If the problem goes away with the new PS, then either keep the store bought one, or look for one online. I've had great luck with enermax, antec and recently leadman powermax (I've built a few systems with their 400Watt supplies from them and they are very heavy well built supplies. the voltages are spot on.)

If you need links to get a supply, post reply, pm, or email and I'll be happy to send some resources.

If it was your video card, I'd expect lock ups and freezes in 3d accelerated games, not complete reboots/shutdowns.

[NightRust]

I agree with Kato2274. My PC where I used to work started doing this. I thought it was overheating and going down due to a bad CPU or PS fan, or I had a bad CPU, or the mobo was touching something and shorting out.

Finally discovered that just flicking the side of the tower would cause the machine to power off. Took the PS out, held it, fired up the machine, and shook the supply. The PC dropped.

Replaced the supply, no more problems.

[ChrisAtUofI]

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I think you are probably right. I bought the cheapest power supply I could because of money issues, and that is probably what I got. I will give a new power supply a go.

Thanks again,
Chris

[ChrisAtUofI]

Thanks for the help everyone. I just added a 300 watt Antec and now everything is up with zero problems. Thanks again,
Chris

[kato]

glad to hear that Chris!! Thanks for the update.