Computer has died...

[RSanders]

Alright. My computer is over a year old. I built the thing. I also built the computer that I am on now and both have had similiar problems at times.

What happened? I was playing Counter-Strike (And I have played that for over a year on here without any problems), then my computer just shuts off... so I was like.. "Err that sucked."... so usually whenever this happens (and it happens a lot on the computer I am on now, rarely on the other one), I just go behind the case, turn the power switch off for a few seconds, then turn it back on, then it will come straight back on.

Nowww.... I have tried all of that, waited overnight and all kinds of stuff, and when I press the power button, it just makes this short hissing noise then nothing. I have the side of the case off so I can see inside, and everynow and then, the fan will start to spin for like 1Milisecond.. then nothing. -- Now I don't know if this will help any of you that is assisting with my problem, but when I have the power swtich turned on, a red light appears, and when it is off, there is not light. The red light is on the motherboard.

This is what I believe is the problem:
THE POWERSUPPLY

I bought the case/+ps from a local computer store, and never really knew if it was great.. it said 400watts. I also didn't think if it was really only about 350watts, that I would have much of a problem.. because I only have the following hooked into the computer:
- 60GB HD
- ATI Radeon 8500LE 128MB
- Sound Card
- Ethernet Card
- 768MB of RAM (If that uses power)
- and I have a fan on the processor.

Do any of you have any thoughts?

------

The current computer shuts off sometimes for no reason and a lot when I play games.. do you think this could also be a power supply issue?

 

[mechBgon]

Power supply is a likely suspect. Go out and get an Antec SL400 or another high-quality brand of power supply. CompUSA-brand.... uh, NO.

If you remember what motherboard and CPU you're using, that could be helpful to know.

 

[Sonic587]

It does indeed sound like a power issue. What brand is it?

I'd suggest taking mech's advice and look for a quality PSU at your local Best Buy/CompUSA/ect. If you don't need this PC up and running right away, then looking online will get you better prices and selection. Do tyou have a budget for a new PSU?

BTW, don't be fooled into thinking you need a higher wattage PSU. Your power supply most likely lacks one thing: Quality. And that's key.

Here's a short list of quality buys: Antec, Fortron, Enermax, Seasonic, Sparkle, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling.

 

[RSanders]

I will look today.. but I don't want to buy online as much cause what if its not the problem.... then I have to go through all the stuff to get a refund. I would also maybe like to look into getting a new case with a good PS with it.. cause this case would have to be cut on for another fan to be placed on it.

BTW... Do you think the powersupply would be the cause for this current computer shutting off when playing games and stuff like that? I can't play games on here because of it.


P.S... I noticed my computer (one that crashed) was getting very loud a few days before this happened.. and continued.. I wasn't sure what it was though, since the PC is already a little loud.

 

[Fern]

Why not test with the PSU from the other pc you mention, b4 running out and speding money?

Fern

 

[RSanders]

Well. I don't really want to unplug all of the power cords. Is there a quick way to do it, where I don't have to unplug all of the power cords?

Also, if the problem isn't the powersupply, then what else could it be? I don't think it is the motherboard although it could very well be. I will be going back home (I live with dad, at my moms right now) soon, so I will check and see if it is working now... guess I will have to wait and turn my research paper in Monday, which will take off 10 points, not including all the mistakes I made.

 

[Fern]

Well. I don't really want to unplug all of the power cords. Is there a quick way to do it, where I don't have to unplug all of the power cords?

Ummm.. based on what you say in the OP, it looks to be about 3 connectors. 1 or 2 12v ATX connectors for the mobo and 1 more for the HD. I'm guessing you forgot to list your optical drive, so that would make 4 at most. Well, OK maybe some case fans you forgot to mention too.

I'm pretty sure I could have it out, laying next to the problem pc and hooked up in 15 minutes. Maybe your case is difficult to work on? Maybe you can set the two pc's close together and the cables/wires will reach?

In any case, I find it much easier to swap psu's then mobo's

Good Luck with it

Fern