[solved]Random shut downs

sgtsolidus

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Mar 28, 2008
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So, i recently started having an issue with my PC. Last night my computer started shutting off randomly. It started doing it while playing WoW and started getting gradually worse to the point that now it happens while just using firefox.
I thought it was overheating so i watched the temps while using the PC. From what i saw the temps never changed enough to seem suspicious. they are at the same range they have always been maybe a little hotter due to it being a very hot summer.

I reseated everything including the CPU and heatsink while also applying new paste. Also reseated the RAM and tried using the second set of slots. Also reseated the CPU and reconnected all cords from the PSU. I have not changed any of the hardware in months and this only started last night.

this seems to happen when i try to play video games. or run a video in fullscreen.

temps right after shutdown

CPU 45c
Board 35c
GPU 55c

temps/cpu-z
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/e...solidus/PC.jpg

almost forgot PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341003

I am also running windows 7 RC 64-bit on a seperate Hard drive on which this problem happens as well.
 

sgtsolidus

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I was looking around and found the thread about bench testing. so i took my computer apart completely and followed that guide. i found that the issue might be my second hard drive. so i kept that disconnected and so far (only been about 5 minutes) the computer has not shut down even with fullscreen apps. so i am hoping it's the hard drive as i have an extra, i do not have an extra PSU at the moment that's powerful enough to use with testing. the hard drive im suspecting is about 3-4 years old. is that old enough to start degrading?

EDIT: nevermind. the computer shut down again with the other hard drive unplugged. but, it stayed on longer after unplugging the hard drive. could the power supply be getting overtaxed? it's only a year old and has't had any problems since before wednesday.


also to give specifics. it turns off
a) when i start a video game like World of Warcraft
b)when i run a video in fullscreen
c)when i run a few programs at once.
 


Yes, it could be getting overtaxed. And these parts fail when they fail, not a moment sooner or later lol.

It sure sounds like a psu problem. Are you sure your old one won't power the system?

Please let us know the make and model of your current and old psu, and what graphics card(s) you are using.
 

sgtsolidus

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currently using an ocz gamexstream 850w PSU with a Palit 8800gt 1gb sonic

old PSU is a dell stock 300w PSU.

also tried an old ati radeon hd 2600pro 512 with no luck.
 
The most likely culprits for random shutdowns are heat and psu by far, but they are not the only possibilities. The next most likely is graphics card, but that would be an unusual occurrence.

You tell us you have eliminated heat. To be honest, we can't be 100% sure its your psu. But there isn't any way to pin down the cause without substituting parts. And I'd re-emphasize that (heat and) a bad psu is the cause of MOST problems reported here.

With no other swap options, if I had to make a choice, I'd buy a new psu (Antec EARTHWATTS, Corsair, PC Power & Coolig, or Seasonic), or I'd RMA the OCZ under its warranty.
 

sgtsolidus

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The temps are steady at what they usually are. the PSU is still under limited warranty so i'm going to see if i can RMA it. is there any way to test it before RMAing it?

i was actually looking at new PSUs (in case warranty doesn;t cover the issue). the one i have has a TON of cables and airflow is a little restricted because of it, so i was looking at modular. my computer is rated to need around 550W(averaged but i oround up to be safe. is this PSU worth the money?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121025
 

JessicaD

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Sgtsolidus,

Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 RC Support Forum located here http://tinyurl.com/9fhdl5 . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams. You may want to check the threads there for additional assistance.

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team


 
Not really. There are inexpensive testers (and you can use tricks+voltmeter) to see if voltage is present on various leads. That will detect some failures. But to test whether it delivers clean, adequate, constant power as and when required under load requires much more equipment.

The PSU is important, causing a high percentage of the problems posted here asking for help. There are some fine and lots of adequate PSUs out there - the problem is identifying them. Folks here tend to recommend Antec (EARTHWATTS only), Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, and Seasonic because those *lines* have, over time, been well reviewed and well received. So for us they recommend safe recommendations.

If you are interested in another PSU, google the specific make and model + "review". If you can find a favorable review done by a qualified reviewer who *himself* examines construction and tests performance . . . doesn't just say "Oooooh shiny black case and nice braided cables" . . . trust that review and ignore all others. As for other recommendations, I have a Tagan 1000W that caused various system failures after 30 days . . . and an OCZ that has been pumping power well for 3 years . . . but are those useful recommendations for you? I don't think so. (Note: Today I follow the recommendation I gave to you lol.)