CPU or motherboard failure???

Hello, all,

Having an issue with some equipment but not sure if it's the mobo or CPU.

Specs:

MSI K9A Platinum
1 GB XMS RAM
AMD X2 6000+
Windows XP

This system used to work fine but not any longer. Just stopped working!

Now any time I try to boot into Windows (in Standard mode) using a SCSI, IDE or SATA drive, the system either reboots or shuts off (usually shuts off and won't restart until I reset the PS).

I can leave it running with the BIOS screen viewable (ie the Setup screen) without issue... the CPU idles at 43 C.

Things I've tried without success:

- reseating the CPU fan with new thermal paste (tried a different fan, too).
- different PS's.
- different graphics cards.
- different memory sticks.
- double-checked that all PS connectors are plugged into the MOBO where outlined in manual.
- disabling the onboard audio.

The weird thing is I can boot into Windows Safe Mode (with networking) and it doesn't seem to crash. Was able to surf the web, install new NVIDIA drivers, etc.

System has never been overclocked.

Any ideas? Tempted to get a used MOBO but if it turns out the CPU or fan is bad, I've wasted that money.

Thank you for any help!
etudenc

Hi, O1die,

It's an Antec 500w PS. Got the same results when I tried a different (equally powerful) PS. Am curious - would there be that much of a difference in load between Windows in Safe mode (which I can boot) and Windows in Standard to cause the PS to overheat?

Thanks for your response!