Computer Randomly Shutting Off

Discussion in 'General Hardware' started by absltmike, Aug 3, 2004.

  1. absltmike

    absltmike Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I've been having a problem with my computer recently. I myself have no clue about computer, so I guess you'll have to bear with me. My friends at school helped me put this system together, but since school is out for the summer, I can't get in good contact with them.

    Basically, my computer randomly shuts down. Not shuts down through windows, just plain shuts off. Now its been suggested that this is either the Power Supply or the CPU fan, but I don't know which and really have no idea of that out.

    I have an Antec 350w power supply on an Asus P4C800 deluxe and a Pentium 4.

    I am also getting an error message sometimes when I start up (sometimes after the random shutdown, sometimes not) that the "System Failed CPU test," but again I have no idea how to correct this. This isn't as bad because I just try again after that message and the computer boots up fine.

    Any help would be appreciated.
     
  2. ninja fetus

    ninja fetus I'm a thugged out gangsta

    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    48
    does it instantly turn back on, or boot up instantly after it turns off. if so its windows at fault. give us your pc specs.
     
  3. absltmike

    absltmike Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    It doesnt shutdown through windows.. the whole system just shuts off

    Intel P4 2.4 ghz
    Asus p4c800 deluxe
    1024g kingston RAM
    ATI radeon 9800 pro
    2 HDs
    2 CD drives
    350 w Antec PSU
     
  4. ninja fetus

    ninja fetus I'm a thugged out gangsta

    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    48
    does it instantly start to boot?
     
  5. absltmike

    absltmike Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    no, i have to turn it back on myself
     
  6. Emu

    Emu Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Are you monitoring your CPU temperature?
     
  7. absltmike

    absltmike Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I've checked it several times... it seems to be 38 C
     
  8. ninja fetus

    ninja fetus I'm a thugged out gangsta

    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    48
    then its definately hardware. sounds like your power supply, BIg B should help you out.
     
  9. Big B

    Big B HWF Godfather

    Likes Received:
    145
    Trophy Points:
    63
    As the power supply is generally cheaper than the CPU, I'd try another unit, but do make sure it's of a high-quality brand: Sparkle, Antec, PC Power & Cooling, Fortron, and don't get anything less than 350W.

    What OS are you running? WinXP?
     
  10. absltmike

    absltmike Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Thats the thing.. I'm running an Antec 350w PSU right now...
     
  11. Sniper

    Sniper Administrator Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    59
    Trophy Points:
    63
    What are the temps your computer runs at? Maybe it gets hot and shuts down! Install Motherboard Monitor and see what temps you get! http://mbm.livewiredev.com/ My friend had this problem just a few days ago, where as removing the side window fixed the problem...or maybe the heat sink needs to be re-seated?

    You can try maybe strip down the system, to lets say just the video card, one HD, one CD-Rom and try again!
     
  12. Big B

    Big B HWF Godfather

    Likes Received:
    145
    Trophy Points:
    63
    PSU's don't last forever, and Antec probably has a dud or two they don't catch. While it should be okay, it's worth making sure it's not a problem.

    The other thing that might be happening is that you're getting a BSOD or other error message. The XP is set to reboot automatically with these errors by default.

    To change it so it won't reboot, do the following:

    Right click on 'My Computer'-->Properties. Go to the Advanced tab, and then click the Settings button under 'Startup and Recovery. Under 'System Failure' make sure that the box by Automatically Reboot is unchecked. Hit 'OK' to apply the setting and exit the box.

    Now, if you get a BSOD, write down the entire message, especially any files it lists. It could be a driver screwing around with stuff.
     
  13. Emu

    Emu Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    when did this start? (ie: has it always been doing it, or has it started more recently?)
     
  14. absltmike

    absltmike Geek Trainee

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Its started about a month ago, about 6 months into the systems life.

    I found some other people with this problem, and they found that they had some faulty RAM. So I've removed one stick to see if that is the faulty one. If not, I'll try the other one.
     
  15. Anti-Trend

    Anti-Trend Nonconformist Geek

    Likes Received:
    118
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Allow me to point you to one of Big B's earlier posts. :) Note the part about "memtest", that's the way to go!
     

Share This Page