PC switches off after 5-10 mins

nckr

Reputable
Mar 15, 2014
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0
4,510
Hi all,
I have a 6 year old PC that used to work till last year. I use it only once in a while as I have a laptop. I switch off the power supply when not in use. Recently when I tried to switch it on by pressing the power button, it didn't start. When I pressed the reset button, it started and worked for 10 mins and then it switched off. When I try to start again, this time it worked for 2-3 mins and switched off again. I waited for some time and pressed reset button and the above repeats. I checked connections to my hard drive and removed and reinstalled RAM. I would like to know if this is a SMPS issue or problem with motherboard?
 
Welcome to Tom's Hardware Forums!

My initial thought is that it is a PSU issue. Capacitors age in a period of six years and the overall efficiency of the PSU will deteriorate over time.

Another possible cause could be that the heatsink is clogged with dust and the CPU is over-heating and shutting down the computer as a safety feature.

Remove the side cover and clean the inside of the computer carefully using a can of compressed air.