XP install shuts off power

[jt2417]

A most bizzare problem. During the install of XP on a new SATA drive, the power will keep mysteriously turning off like the cable was pulled from the power supply. I can make it through the install process up to the point of setting up the system files. It will load, format the drive, and then bring up the screen saying that the system files are being written to the drive. Sometimes it shuts off power immediately. Other times it makes it up to 30% complete.

So is this a MB, memory, processor, drive, powersupply, or XP problem?

System is all new parts: MSI K8NGM2-FID motherboard, AMD 3700 San Deigo core, 2GB Corsair Value Ram, and a Seagate 250GB Sata2 drive. System temps are normal, and it can sit in the bios page for hours without a rise in temp over 90' F. 400W AMD approved powersupply has been in use for months without problems, and works with sepparte motherboard.

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

I think I'd take a look at your power supply. It may not be up to the task.

Where are you getting your temp reading? From the bios? I believe the bios posts temps in Celcius on that board ... I think I'd double check. 90C would be dangerously hot and would produce the symptoms you're having.

 

[jt2417]

Yes, from the bios. It posts in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. I can never remember Celsius temps, so I reported the F temp. It sits around 90' Fahrenheit NOT Celsius...

 

[jmagg]

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally posted by: jt2417
Yes, from the bios. It posts in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. I can never remember Celsius temps, so I reported the F temp. It sits around 90' Fahrenheit NOT Celsius...

Since thats the case, its not your temps if they are being reported correctly. Lets strip your system down so its running 1 hard drive, 1 optical drive, ram, mobo and proc. Try to install your OS again. If it works, your PSU isn't up to the task of running your system as you originally had configured.

If you're already at the minimum configuration, see if you can borrow a friend's supply. If this works, replace your PSU.

The PSU is frequently the most over-looked component in a system. It can also give you some of the most frustrating problems. If it turns out you need a new PSU, shop wisely. Different manufacturers list their output differently. Some list their specs as maximum output. Others list their specs as continuous output.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: jt2417
Yes, from the bios. It posts in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. I can never remember Celsius temps, so I reported the F temp. It sits around 90' Fahrenheit NOT Celsius...

That's about, 30 degree celsius. From what I've heard, you double the celc temp and add 30-32, depending on who you ask.

 

[jt2417]

Update: Tried installing XP on a IDE drive rather than the SATA drive, and was successful. At first I thought, "Ah Ha, it is the SATA drive!" But then I got to thinking it could also be a) the sata interface on the motherboard, or b) the sata power connector on the powersupply, or c) power supply inability to support the SATA drive. I think I may get a new powersupply and see if I can install XP on the SATA drive with it. If not, I will RMA the SATA drive back, and see if the new one works. If that doesn't, then I will RMA the motherboard. Hope I can do this within the 15 day RMA limit though.

Thanks again.