Computer shuts off...

[Cuda1447]

Ok so Ive got this really weird problem thats started happening last night. The weird thing about it is thus far its only happened while loading, or playing CS. My computer will just completely shut off. Its odd though because the power button isn't OFF, its like its in standby mode, but nothings working. Holding the power button will do nothing and the only way to get power back to the computer is to unplug the power cable from the back and plug it back in. It happened a few times last night then was fine, and has now happened 3 times in a row today. I doubt its a loose power connection inside the PC cause that would affect the computer if I were to bump it or something, but the last time I made sure not to make contact with the PC.



Anyone have any suggestions/things to try? This is very frustrating! Thanks in advance.

 

[us3rnotfound]

before posting this kind of problem which is very hard to diagnose, first try running your system with another power supply.

 

[Cuda1447]

Don't have one handy. Think that could be a cause? Bad PSU?

 

[us3rnotfound]

reset CMOS to its default state, start w/ that. maybe something in the power tab got screwed up/

 

[PanzerIV]

Hmm. Normally those symptoms would cause me to think overheating if in fact it was completely shutting down. BUT, the part where you say it acts almost like it's in standby mode has me stumped for the time being.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: PanzerIV
Hmm. Normally those symptoms would cause me to think overheating if in fact it was completely shutting down. BUT, the part where you say it acts almost like it's in standby mode has me stumped for the time being.

Well the power LED lights up like its in standby, but the computer is completly off. Ill try the CMOS....


The thing that confuses me though is why is it only happening while running Counterstrike?

 

[sctakeshi]

Something like this happened with my old laptop. It would just shut off sponaneously for no reason (the batteries also wouldn't hold a charge; thus, it just completely shut off) -- my laptop also seemed to go into some "low-power" state, as I couldn't just hit power to turn it back on (an LED might have been flashing too; I don't remember)... in order to turn it back on, I'd usually have to unplug it and pull the batteries out, then plug it back in and turn it on. -- Gateway replaced the chassis and then it worked again (the batteries still wouldn't hold a charge, but the computer no longer spontaneously shut off). So my laptop had pretty much the same problem as yours, "standby"-like symptoms and all. To fix it, the chassis had to be replaced. I don't really know what the "chassis" entails in the laptop; maybe the power supply was part of it, in which case maybe replacing the PSU would be your best shot.

 

[Cuda1447]

Ack, no good. My PC is a modded gateway as well. By modded I mean a few parts replaced, thats all. I don't think I still have my warranty though

 

[Cuda1447]

TTT

 

[DotheDamnTHing]

try reseating all components (ie. video card, ram,)

 

[snidy1]

sounds like overheating or bad PS.

 

[tallman45]

Try moving your power plug to another outlet, if you are using a surge protector try another one. If your power cord is crimped in any way replace it or swap it with say your monitor.

 

[Cuda1447]

All good suggestions, and thx I'll try them. One last question though... why would this only happen when loading Counterstrike or during gameplay?

 

[Andyman53]

Counterstrike is putting the most load on your computer that webbrowsing etc... More load = more heat and more stress on the PSU. Your motherboard might be shutting down to save itself from being fried from over heating. Your PSU could also just be konking out because it can't provide enough voltage to run the video card.

 

[Cuda1447]

I tried running my PC without my case on and a window open (so overheating wouldn't be the problem) and it still occurred. I tried re-setting my video card and other devices, at first I thought it worked... was wrong.


Im starting to believe its my PSU not being able to provide enough power to my computer? Why would that start to happen all of a sudden though? Ive run it for over a year with the same config with no problem. Should I grab a PSU from one of my old computers and try to run it? Do you think an old PC PSU would be able to run a newer system?


System specs: 1.7 ghz P4
Radeon VE 64mb Vid card.
Sound card
2 HD's
Linksys NIC
and 256 Rambus RAM


Not that much of a load. Any input is appreciated.

 

[Cuda1447]

bump

 

[snidy1]

I would go buy a new PS and if it doesn't work, just bring it back. You usually have a couple weeks for returns.

 

[Cuda1447]

T

 

[amdskip]

Power supply for sure. Power supplies degrade over there lifetime IMHO. Thats why it used to work fine.