Power instantly off - What components can do this?

[KuJaX]

When a computer powers off instantly (while in Windows for example), what components could be the culprit?

I thought that only a power supply and motherboard can cause an instant power off because memory, video card and hard drive will usually give a restart rather than power off.

What components can cause an actual power off where the fans and everything stop spinning? No errors or message, just BOOM, power off.

 

[secretanchitman]

ive seen it where the cpu gets too hot (p4 2.4C with the intel stock cooler) and it just shuts off. also that the mobo isnt getting sufficient power (havent seen that one in a while).

 

[gsaldivar]

Any component that is capable of a short circuit can cause this. (Personal experience) 🙂

 

[fffblackmage]

An old computer I had would randomly shut down instantly during summers. Probably caused by the Athlon XP 2000+ overheating.

 

[Soundmanred]

overheating

 

[MStele]

Heating will usually cause a reboot. I think its more likely a power supply dropout or a short circuit (as someone mentioned above)

 

[PsiStar]

when was the last time you cleaned the system ... including & especially the CPU HSF?

 

[imagoon]

Heating will usually cause a reboot. I think its more likely a power supply dropout or a short circuit (as someone mentioned above)

Not always. CPU over heating can result in an instant off. The motherboard simply powers down.

 

[KuJaX]

I am relaying this information:
There was a smell, like a burning type smell and then shortly there after the system completely shut off. Strangely enough, it would turn back on but would turn off fairly quickly once in Windows. The power supply was replaced, and it will boot into Windows just fine but would again turn off completely (not restart) after about 20 minutes in Windows. However, in memtest it ran over 4 hours without it shutting down and no errors on the memory. Strange that it will only stay up 20 minutes in Windows and over 4 hours in memtest with a brand new power supply. Processor is a core2duo of about 8 months old. The issue or thing that I find interesting is that it powers off (instantly no power) rather than an error on the screen and then shutdown/reboot.

 

[Magusigne]

It's overheating issue.

Check your contact and reseat your CPU cooler.

Otherwise you could have a bad PSU

Other more rare possibilities is a fried semi functioning dimm slot and or bad mobo

 

[KuJaX]

It's overheating issue.

Check your contact and reseat your CPU cooler.

Otherwise you could have a bad PSU

Other more rare possibilities is a fried semi functioning dimm slot and or bad mobo

The computer is about 8 months old with absolutely no problems. It also hasnt moved and has fantastic ventilation. Also the PSU just got swapped (unless the new PSU is bad). memtest tested the memory for quite a bit of time without shutting down so I dont think it is a dimm slot issue. Bad motherboard maybe, but that is the purpose of this thread. To see what others may think.

 

[Magusigne]

The computer is about 8 months old with absolutely no problems. It also hasnt moved and has fantastic ventilation. Also the PSU just got swapped (unless the new PSU is bad). memtest tested the memory for quite a bit of time without shutting down so I dont think it is a dimm slot issue. Bad motherboard maybe, but that is the purpose of this thread. To see what others may think.

I would run a CoreTemp if your able to get windows running for any length of time and see how hot your core's are running.

Also what brand/model of PSU are you using?

 

[Slugbait]

Another vote for heat.

The CPU heatsink of my four-year-old HTPC was completely clogged with dust last summer. But it didn't power off when I launched Live TV: it rebooted.

I've seen several different systems instantly power off soon after Windows finishes loading. Each one had dead GPU fans.