Dead Computer Self-boots

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
K

Kilfaxi

Reputable
Aug 18, 2015
3
0
4,520
I powered down my computer last night and when I woke this morning it wouldn't boot. The power button did nothing but I could see that the flipping the Power Supply on and off would at least get power to some components of the Motherboard that would light up.

Two times, while flipping the Power Supply switch on and off, I was able to get to get the computer to start. It would start up to the point that the fans would begin to spin and then power off again. The first time they went for 4 seconds, the second time for 2 seconds. There were no beeps indicating RAM issues, it just powered down.

Being unable to find a pattern in the behavior, I gave up temporarily. I got out my work laptop and sat at my computer desk. Five minutes later while I was working on my laptop, the computer booted for no reason. I must have left the Power Supply switch in the on position, but otherwise I did not touch it. Didn't even bump it a little.

I have never seen anything like this and have no idea how to diagnose it. My guesses are that its a Power Supply (Corsair 750w) on the verge of death or Motherboard (Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK) on the verge of death. I have not tried hard-booting it again yet.

Any/all suggestions welcome.
 
Solution
K
I picked up the PSU tester and oddly enough, turns out it is a PSU issue. To use it, I disconnected the motherboard power connectors and plugged them into the tester. When I flipped the PSU power switch, more than half the time there was no power coming from the PSU. I would switch it off and back on after waiting 10 seconds, but it usually didnt work. The PSU was around 5 years old so its no surprise, but it is still a really weird issue. I picked up a new PSU and so far have no problems. Will keep an eye out for motherboard issues though. It may have been both components.
Sort by date Sort by votes
Chayan4400

Chayan4400

Honorable
Apr 12, 2015
1,734
0
12,460


It is most likely a motherboard issue, since a power supply usually can't by any means start a computer by itself. It could also be a faulty on switch, but I doubt it is. I do have a problem similar to this, where my computer shuts down by itself for no reason, starts by itself and occasionally gets into a reboot loop where it POSTs then shuts down immediately.

I'm convinced it is a motherboard problem since I have got an 'overclocking failed' message before windows boots. I have an i3 4130,which is a locked CPU, so definitely something's wrong, so I'd guess that your problem is also the motherboard, so try RMAing that first.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

Kilfaxi

Reputable
Aug 18, 2015
3
0
4,520


Thanks for the response. I am inclined to agree, it really feels more like a Motherboard issue. This is the first Gigabyte that I have used, and it may be the last. I am going to buy a PS tester just to be safe before I try to RMA it. Going to leave the thread open a little longer in case there are any other suggestions.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Chayan4400

Chayan4400

Honorable
Apr 12, 2015
1,734
0
12,460


Are you comfortable with opening up your PC? If so, then try removing the front panel header wire which connects the on switch to the motherboard. Then try shorting the two contacts by connecting them with the tip of a flat head screwdriver. If the machine turns on fine, then it is a problem with the on switch, which you can replace yourself if you are comfortable with doing so, or you can RMA the case if it is under warranty.

Replacement switch: Click Here.

To find your front panel header pinout, check your motherboard's manual: Click Here.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

Kilfaxi

Reputable
Aug 18, 2015
3
0
4,520
I picked up the PSU tester and oddly enough, turns out it is a PSU issue. To use it, I disconnected the motherboard power connectors and plugged them into the tester. When I flipped the PSU power switch, more than half the time there was no power coming from the PSU. I would switch it off and back on after waiting 10 seconds, but it usually didnt work. The PSU was around 5 years old so its no surprise, but it is still a really weird issue. I picked up a new PSU and so far have no problems. Will keep an eye out for motherboard issues though. It may have been both components.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom