Computer turns off on me

[f1sh3r]

Alright, I've got an MSI Mega 651 that I've pieced together. Specs are as follows: P4 2.4, 2x512 DDR400, Hauppauge PVR-150, WD 60GB HDD.

When I first got it together, I put linux on it. Then I decided I would try Vista RC1 on it. I wanted to up the graphics (onboard 64MB), so I got a 256MB FX5200. I put the card in, loaded in my Vista DVD, it started loading and shut off about 20 seconds into loading. The power LED was still on, but nothing was going. I had to unplug it to make it turn off. Turned it back on to try again. Same thing happened.

I took out the 5200, hit the power button, power LED came on, nothing else. Unplug, plug in, power button, it turned on. Vista installs. I use Vista. Computers working.

I decide to put XP Pro on it. Insert XP Pro disc. Starts loading, shuts off. Unplug, plug in, power button, pwr LED only. Repeat x3. Unplug, leave it while at work, plug in, load live cd diagnostic software. Test starts, computer shuts off. I go to bed. I wake up, post this.

//CLIFFS
Installed new gfx card
Tried installing Vista
Computer shut off
Removed gfx card
Installed Vista
Computer works
Tried changing OSes
Computer wont stay on

What should i be doing? Throwing this away?

Imperative Sidenote: This barebones systems has a "HiFi" feature which allows you to use the optical drive while the computer is off and listen to music and such. During this entire error-fest, the HiFi features work. This uses the same PSU and logic board as the computer. I'm baffled, and the computer wont stay on long enough to run a hardware diagnostic.

 

[Modular]

Make/model/12v wattage of PSU?

Edit:

I just read that it's 200w, but they don't give a brand. I'm not sure if the MOBO in that thing uses a proprietary PSU, but I'd at least check the 12v rail for stability with a voltmeter.

 

[f1sh3r]

i did get into the bios one time, i think all of the voltages were low. 10.* for the 12 or some nonsense... ill see if i can get some readings tonite. could this be a cap issue?

 

[AsusGuy]

You need to try and test the PC with a higher watt PSU

 

[f1sh3r]

yeah, i was right about the 12v... the +12 is at 10.9 and the -12 is at 10.45 ... i tried out another psu, and it run through a diagnostic without error.

next question... this is a proprietary psu in here. could i, in theory, take the guts out of a different one and put them in the case of the original? or is there a way to fix the old one? thanks.

 

[AsusGuy]

just try and get a new one