Computer only boots after 10 min power disconnect, otherwise just loud fans

[Darthy1980]

Hello all,

Since 2 days ago I'm having problems with my computer. When I shut it down it'll power off for 3 seconds and then my case fan/processor fan will turn on (loudly). It's the only thing that starts, for the rest the computer remains off. Only way to shut those fans off is to remove the power cord. Reinserting the power cord within a few minutes will result in the fans again coming to live and not able to boot the system (nothing appears on screen). Leaving the power cord out for around 10 mins and then plugging it in will cause the fans to remain powered off (as should be) and then I can boot the computer normally.

Also worth mentioning is that I have this problem with basically every reboot, even starting the computer, going into the bios, exiting the bios and then it'll stay powered off except all fans are again blowing at full speed. So it doesn't just reboot as should be when exiting the bios.
It's definitely not a heat issue. I can also use the computer fine as long as I wait 10 mins between reboots with the power disconnected. However this is a very annoying problem.

I've looked in the case, all cables seem to be attached ok (but I hadn't opened my case in a year or so so wouldn't know why anything would come lose).

Computer is 3 years old and didn't have the problem before, no hardware changes in the last year or so.

Does anyone have any idea what could be the problem ?

I guess it could be the PSU or the mainboard, but I have no spares lying around to test with and would like to see if I cannot fix the problem without bringing it back to the store.

I've read posts here about people not getting to POST and removing hardware 1 by 1, but since it basically works I would find it strange that it would be a hardware issue since disconnecting the computer for 10 mins basically means everything works fine again (for 1 boot). Could be a wrong assumption of course

Would a CMOS reset have a chance of fixing the problem ?

Thanks,

Jorn

 

[jackofalltrades]

You could try a cmos reset but if you have had the system for 3 years, how often do you clean the inside of the case? If you have not cleaned it you should do so now. Because it could be overheating due to dust.
The next step would be to power it down and then remove everything but one stick of ram and unhook the hard drive, cd drive,and video card if it has onboard video to go back to, just reduce to to the least parts if it boots fine from there power off and replace one part at a time until the problem comes back. Don't assume the first stick of ram you leave in is good too sometimes it will boot with problems with a bad stick of ram when you boot with one stick if you have the same problem swap the staicks out. remember to power down each time and remove the power cord, touch the case before touching the guts of your computer, static kills electronics. don't cause more trouble fixing it. Good luck.