Computer Woes

[Pickers]

Well it looks like the 'study' computer is giving up the ghost. Yesterday it randomly just shut off, like there had been a power cut, then it happened a few times on the trot in the evening - I thought it may have been a software issue.

This morning, I booted it up, and it loaded windows then powered off instantly. Then I thought I'd try it in safe mode, so got to the boot menu, and before I had chance to select anything it turned off (looking less like a software issue). Then I loaded BIOS fail safe settings and it powered off on the POST screen during the memory test.
Then I tried one more time, and it got further through the memory test before doing the same. :(


Ideas guys? Power supply up the swanny? RAM gone? Mobo?

Unfortunately I don't think I have compatible equipment to check each component, and I definitely don't have a lot of spare time to sort it :(

[Desmo]

I'd start by taking a quick look inside and making sure all the power cables and components are slotted home OK.

[Belmit]

Then try booting with just one stick of RAM in a slot, and swapping it for the other/s.

Also check the processor temperature in the BIOS if you can.

[Mark]

I've had those exact symptoms three times now. All of them down to blown/about to blow capacitors. First in the power supply, then in the power regulation circuitry on the motherboard, then back to another power supply.

You'll usually be able to spot them on the motherboard - bulging/leaking/making whistling noises. It's a bit harder to spot them in the power supply. :)

[Blighter]

It's a bit harder to spot them in the power supply. :)

Just look/smell for smoke ;D

At least, that's what I got when a bug crawled into my old laptop :(

[Mark]

You only get the smoke when a component finally lets go of it. In my case, with an almighty bang and everything else in the room going off. I opened up the power supply and discovered a nice hole in the side of the capacitor. :)

[Blighter]

It may just have been the burning carcuss of whatever went inside, as it did stay on when the smoke was coming out ;D

[Feek]

Sounds most like the PSU is starting to go a bit flaky.

[Dymetrie]

Let me know the spec Picky, got lots of spares kicking around so might be able to ship some stuff over to you :)

Spare PSU as well if it's that which is on the way out :D

[divine]

PSU, i'd put money on it. (Except I don't have any spare to make bets with, so I won't actually put money on it :p)

If it was RAM, chances are 99 times in 100 it would give you BSODs and lock ups rather than straight up power offs.

[Dr. Z]

I'm inclined to agree with divine. Thats classic PSU symptoms.

[Briggykins]

We've got plenty of spare PSUs in work - I could bring one round after work on Monday (or sometime this week) if you want to confirm the problemmo. Lots of RAM as well, although most of it is old.

[Jingo]

It does in fact sound like PSU problems, however I have family machines perform exactly like your description when the CPU cooler bracket came loose.

Upon boot up the CPU rockets in temperature instantly, (you'll notice the main fan 'revs' high for a second before settling at it's usual pitch), alot of systems will cut out instantly rather than risk the CPU temp reaching a damaging state.

Best bets are to open up, double check all connections- again, look for any unusual signs before guessing and RMA-ing/replacing :)

[Pickers]

Cheers brigster... if you can get a spare PSU to test out that would be grand. I'll try and find some time to run some visual checks, so expect to hear more over the comming days.

[Pickers]

right well if it wasnt the PSU before, its definitely gone now... Woke up this morning and the computer was ticking, it had somehow turned itself on. Then, just got back from work and turned on the mains plug at the wall, and computer whirred to life without me hitting the on button.
I've replaced the PSU with one that Briggykins lent me, which is fine, but is 'only' 300W so I've not plugged everything in to it.

Anyone got any recommendations for power supplies? It needs to run:
Abit AN8 ultra mobo
Geforce 7800 GTX
one case fan
Front panel display
2 optical drives
1 floppy
1 sata drive (I think its sata II... if that matters?)

The unit that is gone is a modular one, Hiper Type R 580W beast. Was a bit noisy all its life and I don't know if I went overboard with the power when I built it or not.

Advice required please :)
Once PSU is replaced, I'll see if other problems still remain.

[iCraig]

I've got a Corsair TX650w and it's been faultless. It's not modular which is one downside, but it's silent (I mean literally, I can't hear a thing from it) and comes from a long line of good reviews. 650w might seem a bit high, and it probably is for now, but you won't need to worry about it supporting SLi or a better CPU/Mobo in 6 months or whatever, it will cope with it easily.

[Pickers]

bit pricy tho :eek:

[iCraig]

Yeah I guess it is, but if there's one component to invest in it's the PSU. I wouldn't want a bog standard £20 unbranded thing powering a decent PC. Some machines have £500-1000 worth of components running off that thing, you just don't want to risk it killing them for the sake of £30-40.

[divine]

An AMD64 machine will happily run on 450W (decent brand, Corsair are good in their TX and VX range)

edit - http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114929

That'll sort you nicely.

[Pickers]

Was looking at that actually Divine, or the OCZ Stealth Xtream 500W

[divine]

Where have you found the OCZ for a tenner less?

I'd be happy with either the Antec or OCZ around that money.

[Pickers]

scrub that - got confused with it all :/

Right, so maybe the OCZ then? Talks about quietness in reviews.. tho confused by the 6+2 pin PCI-E... I though PCIe were 6 pin only?

[divine]

Big cards like the GTX295 (IIRC) take a 6pin and 8pin PCI-E connector.

Some less powerful ones take a 6 pin or 8 pin.

[Pickers]

Thread Resurection
Have had to RMA the OCZ power supply as the fan inside is rattling like maad its driving me insane. Means once again the desktop is out of action :/

Anyone RMA'd OCZ before? I was wondering how quick the turnaround is, and also est advice for getting this sodding PSU shipped to Netherlands, earing in mind they wont refund postage costs.

[Mark]

I've had quite a few PSUs with fans that rattle a little. Dunno why but it seems a common trait. If it's rattling enough to annoy you then sounds like an RMA before it dies would be good.

Can't provide any advice on shipping however.

[Pickers]

this isnt a little rattle. Its a propper Grinding.

[Pickers]

well, £20 postage cost which I am expected to pay. Think I'll e sending back to ebuyer at this rate.

[Zirax]

Had this from time to time. Take the PSU out, give it a good whack and then it will be quiet :) Literally bottom of the fist thump.

[divine]

well, £20 postage cost which I am expected to pay. Think I'll e sending back to ebuyer at this rate.

You should be dealing with the retailer anyway at this stage, it's their responsibility.

[Belmit]

Use a non-metallic AMD stoppage utensil to cause movement disruption.

Some people call it sticking a pencil in the fan.

[Pickers]

I was using paper to lift it, which would work for a while, but slowly it would come back. Not to worry. I've returned to ebuyer and swapped it for a modular corsair one. Ebuer are even going to collect the old one on Monday - excellent!!