PC randomly shuts off while using, doesn't turn back on right away

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chinabuffet

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Nov 1, 2011
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For the past few months now, a PC a built (primarily for gaming purposes) about 2-3 years ago will sometimes shut down while using it. Afterwards, it usually won't turn back on. If I try it a few hours/days later, it sometimes will fire right back up like it was no big deal...

I want to think it's the PSU, but I'm not really sure. I tried the paper clip test on the PSU and it works every time, although I'm aware that just because it passes that test, it doesn't mean it's going to work with the computer necessarily. The part that baffles me is how it will sometimes not start, and then when I try again later it fires right up. I don't think anything is overheating, but I guess I'm not 100% sure. I don't think it's the motherboard, because if it was, I don't think the computer would sometimes work.

Does it seem like the PSU is dying?

Thanks!
 
Solution
clarkjd

You have picked good components. That being said, your PSU or MB could still be having a problem. since the paper clip test no longer works, the first thing to replace is the PSU. You will probably have to contact Corsair for an RMA or any kind of warranty service..

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chinabuffet

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The couple time's that it's shut down while I'm using it I've been playing Diablo 3. There's been other instances where after I finish using it and shut it down normally, it doesn't want to turn back on the subsequent time. The first year and a half or so I played a lot more graphically intense games and it never had any overheating issues.

When I was doing the paper clip test and reseating various components trying to troubleshoot this problem, I cleaned out all the dust so everything's pretty clean in there right now.

I don't have another PSU laying around to swap in to see if that fixes it or not. I'm probably going to just order a new one today/tomorrow, but I'm hoping to get a better indicator if that is indeed the problem component or not first =\
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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Dec 7, 2005
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if all the fans are running and the dust has been blown out of the heat sinks, Then your issue does lie somewhere else. What are your COMPLETE (make model,etc) system specs? If your PSU is of questionable origin, it could be the culprit.

 
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chinabuffet

Distinguished
Nov 1, 2011
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18,510
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clarkjd

clarkjd

Splendid
Dec 7, 2005
6,486
34
28,490

You have picked good components. That being said, your PSU or MB could still be having a problem. since the paper clip test no longer works, the first thing to replace is the PSU. You will probably have to contact Corsair for an RMA or any kind of warranty service..

 
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