Computer shuts down whenever it feels like it...

[Superman9534]

Yea so I've had this problem every so often where for no apparent reason my computer will just shut down. I'll be in windows 2000 and the "windows it shutting down" will pop up and it will turn off. Im like ... yea. Usually isn't much of a problem. But somtimes like today, it'll do it, and then when i try to turn it back on, it will turn on for about 4-5 seconds, the monitor will attempt to come on, then BAM its off agian. Im like ... ... ... like a lot more. Pissed me off. I switch off the power supply (which at first i thought was the problem, generic 400 watt), switch it back on. It comes on immediatly, doesn't wait for me to push the power button just turns on, then turns off again. Did this a lot. I cleared the CMOS on my K7S5A w/ 1800+ Tbred and same thing. I unplugged all my fans cept the CPU fan and my hard drive. Same thing. Unplugged my peripherals. Same thing.

So now this is pissing me off. So what I did was I flipped the power switch on the power supply, then IMMEDIATLy unplugged the Front Power switch cord on my motherboard and BAM the thing boots up fine. So now im down to a faulty power button/wire on my case. how wierd. I bought this case locally and it resembles a lot of window enermax cases I've seen. Its silver with a little crystal shaped power button.

Any ideas? Right now i have to hope windows stays up.

 

[VeXeR]

Same thing happened to me with my old kakky case. Both my reset and power buttons failed. Had to steal micro-switches from an old radio.


CooL

 

[Davegod]

have a go at rewiring it, probably just a loose wire or something. Also, Ive no idea what case that is or the design of the switch, but if its a sort of styled one then you might find it's just a standard momentary switch being activated by the button design... er kind of like those floppy covers some case have where you just install the FDD right behind the case's built in fronting.

 

[Bovinicus]

Usually problems like this are the result of one of two things. The first being a crappy PSU, or an inadquate one for the job. The problem with generic PSUs is that they skimp on the 12v rail, which your CPU uses for it's power. This can be very detrimental to system stability. The other is heat. Make sure your case is nice and cleaned from dust. Try to arrange the wires in the case so that they don't impede airflow. Get a better HSF or better case cooling if you are lacking good cooling in either department.

Also, you can touch a screwdriver to the power switch pins to turn it on. That should work as a temporary measure until you can get to Radioshack.

 

[Superman9534]

yea i thought it might have been a power supply issue, but since its cured by removing the power button wire i dont think thast it. Also I have Motherboard monitor and my 12V seems ok, running at 12.65V. Also I have a rear 80MM fan and a side intake 80MM fan above my CPU, which has a copper heatsink w/ 5500RPM 60mm ballbearing fan. I get 95F idle 102F load temps, pretty good. Yea i'm pretty sure its just a styled button but i've never removed the front of this case...i'll try after I get my new motherboard next monday (replacing K7S5A with a KT333 chaintech).

Thanks for the suggjestions.