random power-offs

[dpopiz]

I bought an HP last week from some guy on craigslist. He's reluctant to give me a refund, but here's the problem:

It worked fine for a few days.
Now it shuts off randomly. Sometimes it lets me work an hour before it shuts off. Sometimes 1 minute, sometimes it shuts off right after I turn it on.

So I loaded up Speedfan and low and behold here's the readout:
CPU: 32C
Local: 41C
Remote 2: 61C
HD0: 32C

This is a "SFF" desktop-goes-under-monitor style chassis, so it has one of those unusual PSUs that looks like a small but long rectangle, passively cooled and it is rated for 185W.

So what I'm suspecting is that "Remote 2" is a thermistor inside the PSU and that maybe the PSU is shutting itself off.

1. Is 61C too high for most PSU components?
2. Are you aware of some PSU models exhibiting this behavior of shutting off without warning when they get too hot?
3. Can I buy a better quality PSU in this unusual form-factor somewhere?

Lastly
4. What OTHER non-PSU-related thing might be causing this behavior?


BTW the model is an HP-Compaq "dc5000 SFF" in case that rings any bells about recalls or something. I believe it is still in its factory configuration except the 40GB HD has been replaced by a 160GB.

 

[Jiggz]

Yes, 61C is too high for a PSU. Usually PSU's are rated at 50C operating temp. If you cannot get a refund you will have to do something about the unit. I wonder if it is under warranty from HP. The last choice will be to either install a small fan on the psu or position the unit so that it at least have natural air flow or direct a smal fan to the unit. Make sure you are not voiding warranty before you troubleshoot. And make sure you clear it first from the person who sold it to you.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Have you considered simply opening the PC up?

61C is too hot for anything inside a PC. But if you open it up, you can test it with a standard PSU and see if you can duplicate the problem.