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Desktop powers on for a split second then shuts down

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  • Components
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November 23, 2013 4:15:37 PM

Well, I was playing Skyrim earlier today and suddenly, my computer turned off (funny, right when I selected a response in game). So, after fuming for a few moments, I thought the RAM was the most likely cause (it has caused me different issues in the past), so I just re-seated all of the sticks. It didn't work. Then, I decided to test the PSU with the ol' paperclip trick, and it seemed to be working fine. I've checked the case for loose screws.

However, I found that after unplugging and plugging the computer, it turns on for a split second, the CPU fan moves for a half a moment (I literally mean not even a second), and the whole thing crashes again.

Here's the catch, though. I have absolutely no money to buy replacement parts or get it repaired, so I'm gonna need to do it all myself. Neither of my parents have a job, and no one will accept me for a job either, so I am trying to make money but it won't happen, and to be honest, gaming on this computer is one of the few things that helps me get through.

Any suggestions and help?

More about : desktop powers split shuts

November 23, 2013 4:54:54 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles.

You may want to simply disconnect the power to the system, and reset the BIOS using the jumpers (usually located on the mobo by a 3 pin header - if no joy then skip that step).

Next remove all components with the exception of the CPU and RAM (including any HDD's, SSD's or DVD's) and reseat the CPU and the RAM.

Power up with only the CPU and RAM and see what happens.
The paper clip test does not prove anything as you should be verifying if the PSU is indeed passing the correct voltage levels to the system board - this mean measuring each of the cables where possible.
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November 23, 2013 7:41:44 PM

elmo2006 said:
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles.

You may want to simply disconnect the power to the system, and reset the BIOS using the jumpers (usually located on the mobo by a 3 pin header - if no joy then skip that step).

Next remove all components with the exception of the CPU and RAM (including any HDD's, SSD's or DVD's) and reseat the CPU and the RAM.

Power up with only the CPU and RAM and see what happens.
The paper clip test does not prove anything as you should be verifying if the PSU is indeed passing the correct voltage levels to the system board - this mean measuring each of the cables where possible.


Should I remove the PSU as well?
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November 23, 2013 7:55:48 PM

LegateNoah said:
elmo2006 said:
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles.

You may want to simply disconnect the power to the system, and reset the BIOS using the jumpers (usually located on the mobo by a 3 pin header - if no joy then skip that step).

Next remove all components with the exception of the CPU and RAM (including any HDD's, SSD's or DVD's) and reseat the CPU and the RAM.

Power up with only the CPU and RAM and see what happens.
The paper clip test does not prove anything as you should be verifying if the PSU is indeed passing the correct voltage levels to the system board - this mean measuring each of the cables where possible.


Should I remove the PSU as well?


If you do that, then how would you power up the system - ;) 
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November 23, 2013 8:02:03 PM

elmo2006 said:
LegateNoah said:
elmo2006 said:
I'm sorry to hear about your troubles.

You may want to simply disconnect the power to the system, and reset the BIOS using the jumpers (usually located on the mobo by a 3 pin header - if no joy then skip that step).

Next remove all components with the exception of the CPU and RAM (including any HDD's, SSD's or DVD's) and reseat the CPU and the RAM.

Power up with only the CPU and RAM and see what happens.
The paper clip test does not prove anything as you should be verifying if the PSU is indeed passing the correct voltage levels to the system board - this mean measuring each of the cables where possible.


Should I remove the PSU as well?


If you do that, then how would you power up the system - ;) 


Right. I'm a noob, sorry. I just finished removing the hard drive and GPU.
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November 23, 2013 8:25:34 PM

Unfortunately, I don't have thermal compound... so I can't reseat the CPU... I will reseat the rest and see what happens though.
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November 23, 2013 8:35:10 PM

Ok, running only with the PSU, CPU, and RAM the computer actually stays on, except with an orange light and constant beeping (which I'm assuming is because half the computer is missing). I'm probably hitting the sack tonight, and will reassemble tomorrow to see what happens.

Thanks for having me take apart the whole thing, Elmo, I not only gained experience into basically taking apart and reassembling my computer for the first time, but also was able to give her a good cleaning (the GPU was FILTHY).

I' pretty sure the hard drive is the culprit, if simply reseating didn't fix it.
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November 24, 2013 7:24:21 AM

Ok, I came back, added in the Hard Drive, everything went smoothly (the beeping persisted, an orange start button with a series of beeps, a pause, and another series of beeps). However, when I added in the GPU (XFX Radeon HD 6870), I was back to square one. It only powered up for a split second before turning off, and I had to replug in order to get it to do it again. What is the culprit and how can I fix it?
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November 24, 2013 10:17:49 AM

LegateNoah said:
Ok, I came back, added in the Hard Drive, everything went smoothly (the beeping persisted, an orange start button with a series of beeps, a pause, and another series of beeps). However, when I added in the GPU (XFX Radeon HD 6870), I was back to square one. It only powered up for a split second before turning off, and I had to replug in order to get it to do it again. What is the culprit and how can I fix it?


What is your mobo type? I ask as I'm wondering if you can try another slot for the GPU and try again.

Can you also provide the number of beeps i.e. 3 beeps, space, 3 beeps?

Thanks
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November 24, 2013 10:33:32 AM

elmo2006 said:
LegateNoah said:
Ok, I came back, added in the Hard Drive, everything went smoothly (the beeping persisted, an orange start button with a series of beeps, a pause, and another series of beeps). However, when I added in the GPU (XFX Radeon HD 6870), I was back to square one. It only powered up for a split second before turning off, and I had to replug in order to get it to do it again. What is the culprit and how can I fix it?


What is your mobo type? I ask as I'm wondering if you can try another slot for the GPU and try again.

Can you also provide the number of beeps i.e. 3 beeps, space, 3 beeps?

Thanks


I'm not sure about the type, but there are no other slots where the GPU will fit. And you got it, 3 beeps, space 3 beeps, along with an orange light on the power button (Dell).

After looking at the PSU and seeing that it is only 22 on the 12v rail (my GPU should need AT LEAST 30), I decided to get a replacement anyway (early Christmas present, lol). The fools at Staples really ripped me off. From now on I'm building my own computers. I bet this is what is the cause of the problem. It should have given me a clue when my machine sounded like 5 million decibel heavy metal concert.
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November 24, 2013 10:39:38 AM

LegateNoah said:
elmo2006 said:
LegateNoah said:
Ok, I came back, added in the Hard Drive, everything went smoothly (the beeping persisted, an orange start button with a series of beeps, a pause, and another series of beeps). However, when I added in the GPU (XFX Radeon HD 6870), I was back to square one. It only powered up for a split second before turning off, and I had to replug in order to get it to do it again. What is the culprit and how can I fix it?


What is your mobo type? I ask as I'm wondering if you can try another slot for the GPU and try again.

Can you also provide the number of beeps i.e. 3 beeps, space, 3 beeps?

Thanks


I'm not sure about the type, but there are no other slots where the GPU will fit. And you got it, 3 beeps, space 3 beeps, along with an orange light on the power button (Dell).

After looking at the PSU and seeing that it is only 22 on the 12v rail (my GPU should need AT LEAST 30), I decided to get a replacement anyway (early Christmas present, lol). The fools at Staples really ripped me off. From now on I'm building my own computers. I bet this is what is the cause of the problem. It should have given me a clue when my machine sounded like 5 million decibel heavy metal concert.


Quick question, how many sticks of RAM in your system?

I'm thinking that maybe in the meantime you can try to boot with only 1 stick and go from there.
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November 24, 2013 10:45:59 AM

elmo2006 said:
LegateNoah said:
elmo2006 said:
LegateNoah said:
Ok, I came back, added in the Hard Drive, everything went smoothly (the beeping persisted, an orange start button with a series of beeps, a pause, and another series of beeps). However, when I added in the GPU (XFX Radeon HD 6870), I was back to square one. It only powered up for a split second before turning off, and I had to replug in order to get it to do it again. What is the culprit and how can I fix it?


What is your mobo type? I ask as I'm wondering if you can try another slot for the GPU and try again.

Can you also provide the number of beeps i.e. 3 beeps, space, 3 beeps?

Thanks


I'm not sure about the type, but there are no other slots where the GPU will fit. And you got it, 3 beeps, space 3 beeps, along with an orange light on the power button (Dell).

After looking at the PSU and seeing that it is only 22 on the 12v rail (my GPU should need AT LEAST 30), I decided to get a replacement anyway (early Christmas present, lol). The fools at Staples really ripped me off. From now on I'm building my own computers. I bet this is what is the cause of the problem. It should have given me a clue when my machine sounded like 5 million decibel heavy metal concert.


Quick question, how many sticks of RAM in your system?

I'm thinking that maybe in the meantime you can try to boot with only 1 stick and go from there.


I got 4 2gb sticks inside. Unfortunately, though, I took out the PSU and opened it up to see if there was anything obvious. I can't get it back together now. My new PSU is coming in two days, so I'll report back then.
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November 24, 2013 10:54:52 AM

LegateNoah said:
elmo2006 said:
LegateNoah said:
elmo2006 said:
LegateNoah said:
Ok, I came back, added in the Hard Drive, everything went smoothly (the beeping persisted, an orange start button with a series of beeps, a pause, and another series of beeps). However, when I added in the GPU (XFX Radeon HD 6870), I was back to square one. It only powered up for a split second before turning off, and I had to replug in order to get it to do it again. What is the culprit and how can I fix it?


What is your mobo type? I ask as I'm wondering if you can try another slot for the GPU and try again.

Can you also provide the number of beeps i.e. 3 beeps, space, 3 beeps?

Thanks


I'm not sure about the type, but there are no other slots where the GPU will fit. And you got it, 3 beeps, space 3 beeps, along with an orange light on the power button (Dell).

After looking at the PSU and seeing that it is only 22 on the 12v rail (my GPU should need AT LEAST 30), I decided to get a replacement anyway (early Christmas present, lol). The fools at Staples really ripped me off. From now on I'm building my own computers. I bet this is what is the cause of the problem. It should have given me a clue when my machine sounded like 5 million decibel heavy metal concert.


Quick question, how many sticks of RAM in your system?

I'm thinking that maybe in the meantime you can try to boot with only 1 stick and go from there.


I got 4 2gb sticks inside. Unfortunately, though, I took out the PSU and opened it up to see if there was anything obvious. I can't get it back together now. My new PSU is coming in two days, so I'll report back then.


I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you.
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November 24, 2013 8:21:30 PM

Thanks. I'm about 90% sure the replacement PSU will work.
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November 27, 2013 12:45:54 PM

Installed the new PSU (XFX Pro550W) same issue (the cpu spins for a split second), also, there is a constant orange Mobo light whenever it is plugged in. However, the computer turns on whenever I remove my GPU (the GPU is the XFX Radeon HD 6870). When this happens, the power button flashes orange and 6 beep, pause, 6 beep code starts playing.

Please help me, I'm really getting sick and tired of fooling with this computer.

Oh, and there is no way I can buy a new GPU or pretty much anything else for that matter.

EDIT: The GPU still is under warranty, thank God.
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