Computer Shuts down

[Exterous]

I have this problem where my computer will shut down and I cannot track down the problem. I am running two HDDs, one with XP and another with Vista. When running Vista and playing BF2142 the computer shuts down about once every 2 days. The computer wil then restart and run fine. It shuts down about once every 5 days when running XP and playing BF2142.

The problem also manifests itself when playing other games. It doesn't happen as often then, maybe once every 9 days or so - but the games are not as intense as BF2142 spec wise.

Also, the computer will randomly shut down about once a month randomly when its not being used

Vista says its a hardware problem after the shutdown. I have run Memtest and the Windows mem test in Vista and my memory passed both tests. I also tested the HDDs and they apear to be ok. I tried an ATI video card (I was using a 7600GT before) and the same thing happened with about the same frequencey. I reinstalled Vista and that didn't help.

I have not tested the PSU - but I'm guessing that shouldn't be the cause since I would imagine the problems would be more regular? But thats just a guess.

I'm thinkiing its a motherboard problem but I don't know and I don't know how to find out. Any help or suggestions would be welcome

System SPecs:
C2D E6400 (not overclocked)
Gigabyte GA-965G-DS3
2GB RAM (2x 512mb corsair xms ddr2 and 2x 512mb el cheapo hynix ram)
2 HDDs (1x 80 GB IDE Seagate 1x250 GB SATA WD)
NEC dvd burner
HP dvd burner
7600GT BFG (also tried x1650 ATI)
Antec 500 NeoHE ATX PSU
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Windows XP MCE 32-bit

 

[Bill Kunert]

Have you monitored your temperatures on the cpu? If they are marginal it's possible that they could spike to shut the unit down.

 

[AmberClad]

I wouldn't rule out the PSU actually. I had a problem a few years ago when my system would shut down at random every once in a while, most often when I played games. The symptoms gradually grew worse, escalating to problems POSTing. I finally swapped out the PSU, and it's been smooth sailing ever since. Even reliable companies can pump out a bad part once in a while.

 

[Exterous]

My temps are usually quite low, but I will keep an eye on them
As for the PSU.....I don't know if I have one to swap out without haivng to buy a new one but I will see what I can do

Thanks for the help guys!!

 

[blak000]

Well, I would suggest checking the inside of your computer for excess dust. My computer had the same problem as yours, and it was completely dust related (never going to let a computer illiterate friend borrow my computer again... came back with all kinds of grime all over it! Even my mouse had black gunk on it... gross) Dust is a very good conductor, could be shorting out your system. Especially check your fans for dust... make sure they're able to spin properly.

Other than that. it does sound an awful lot like a PSU problem... but you're right in that it SHOULD be more of a regular occurrence. Sorry, actually can't be of much help, but I hope you figure it out soon!