power supply problem or not?

[invasian]

Hey guys, I was hoping someone would have any thoughts on what is going on with my computer.

Computer specs
Mobo: p4c800 e-deluxe
80gig western digital, radeon 9200se, soundblaster live sound card, a liteon cd drive, 420w power supply, a tv tuner card, 3 fans, 512 ram, intel p4 2.8 w/HT

Well, i built this about a year and a half ago...and it's been a problem ever since then. The problem is that to turn it on, i have to hold the power button down for like ten seconds or more before the computer powers on. Sometimes, within those 10+ seconds, there'll be jolts of power (like it wants to turn on (lights on fan flash and start to whir), but then doesn't...think the little engine that could)...anyways, once it is on, there are never any problems.

It seems to me that it would be the power supply, but then the fact that it never turns off once it is on, leads me to believe it isn't the power supply...i dunno...i've browsed the other messages, although there seems to be nothing exactly like my problem...i doubt it is anything loose because if something was loose, why would it even turn and stay on?

i'm not familiar with cmos resetting...i could probably figure out how to do it, but what does resetting the cmos effect?

It's not that big of a deal, but it'd be nice to just have to press the power button for it to turn on rather than holding it down for such a long time.

Thanks in advance.

QP

 

[mechBgon]

What brand and model is the 420W power supply? The brand can be an indicator of the unit's quality level, or lack-of-quality level sometimes

 

[invasian]

the power supply came with a scorpio 868 case that i got...so i'm assuming it is a generic 420w one...i guess the real question is do i have anything to worry about?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: invasian
the power supply came with a scorpio 868 case that i got...so i'm assuming it is a generic 420w one...i guess the real question is do i have anything to worry about?

I'd be worrying. Having to kick-kick-kick-KICKSTART my hard drive's motor into operation can't be good for it, just to name the first thing that comes to mind. Got any data you don't wanna lose? Then toodle on over to Directron (Houston, right?) and grab a nice Fortron Blue Storm maybe... sleeved connectors, variable-speed 120mm quiet fan (lighted), quality, AND it's 24-pin natively for your next rig, while having a 24-to-20 converter for your present one. Or there are plenty of reputable 20-pin units if you don't want to be so extravagant, look at some Enermax, Antec or Fortron ones.

 

[invasian]

MechBgon,

interesting point you raise about the hard drive...i'm a little surprised that nothing has happened in over a year...

in a given year, i maybe only shut off my computer off at most 10 times...it is always on otherwise (there are no problems with booting)...and it has never had a power problem...

i guess i have to decide whether i want to get a new power supply or just stick with what i have now...that one you recommended me looks really nice...

thanks...although i'd like to still hear what others think