Techie question

[cheekbones3]

Hello all! We've got a computer that's just started switching itself off for no apparent reason - it seems like there's something wrong with the power supply as far as I can tell. Is this a common symptom of a worn-out PSU? And if not, what else might it be? (I'm sure it's not the external power supply equipment, as the monitor doesn't go off.

Comments

[dryriser.livejournal.com]

At a guess, it's either a dodgy power supply or a virus. Depends on the nature of the shutdown - whether it's instant, or a normal windows shutdown...

[cheekbones3.livejournal.com]

I thought it could have been a virus, but it's an instant shutdown with multiple on/offs afterwards until it settles again.

I assume PSU then - are they easy to replace?

[dryriser.livejournal.com]

Depends on the age of the machine. If it's a standard ATX unit, then you're looking at about 15 quid, from memory. Trouble is, of course, it could also be the motherboard. I'd suggest seeing if you can borrow one first... (Unfortunately, I don't have a spare)

[dryriser.livejournal.com]

And as for ease of replacement - about 4 screws and 4 or 5 wires usually, so not too difficult.

[cheekbones3.livejournal.com]

Hmm - this comp's about six years old now - might be worth getting a new one. There's a laptop that can be used in the interim.

[guyinahat.livejournal.com]

A good first course of action would be to pop the case and check everything is seated correctly - all cards plugs and wires. If a component is loose on the motherboard, the machine would shut down immediately to protect itself. I had exactly that problem when I built my current machine - the graphics c ard was out.

I also have an old 250W PSU kicking about that you can borrow for testing if you want.

[cheekbones3.livejournal.com]

I suspect it is more of an age problem - it's never done that in six years, so why should something have got loose now?

I may take you up on that offer - we'll consider options :o)

[imagesandwords.livejournal.com]

so why should something have got loose now?

Because it's just moved home???

[cheekbones3.livejournal.com]

Aye that could be I suppose, but it's been fine for a wee while.

[cairmen.livejournal.com]

Odds are it's a PSU overheating or generally fannying around.

Might also be a CPU overheating - you can download various pieces of software to test the temperature of your CPU. Try http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php or http://www.tech-faq.com/monitor-cpu-temperature.shtml.

[chuma.livejournal.com]

My first guess would overheating. Sometimes there is a cut off on the motherboard as well, so check fans, especially the CPU fan. If you have a case with poor air-flow, try taking the sides of the case off and see if that stops it from happening. Also see if you have any utlities for your motherboard/cpu to detect and report the temperature.