Computer just shuts off with no warning

[phrelin]

This is a new one in my experience. My computer just shuts off. Not a shut down, but "click" as if someone turned the power off.

This morning it didn't even have time to warm up. I built it a three years ago - Intel Pentium D 920 on a Asus P5N32-SLI in a Ultra Aluminus ATX Mid-Tower Case with lots of crap in it.

I don't even know where to begin as there are so many components to check, other than to build a new one which I didn't want to do until Windows 7 was fully released in September.:confused:

[houskamp]

pop the cover and clean it out.. especialy the processor heatsink..
Almost every time I see one shutdown like that it's overheating do to dust/pethair..

[phrelin]

pop the cover and clean it out.. especialy the processor heatsink..
Almost every time I see one shutdown like that it's overheating do to dust/pethair..Thanks. I'll give that a shot. I haven't looked inside for months. My housekeeping habits are terrible and I have a cat that sheds like crazy.

[houskamp]

Thanks. I'll give that a shot. I haven't looked inside for months. My housekeeping habits are terrible and I have a cat that sheds like crazy.
I had 3.. cleaning them was every other month requirement :lol:

[SayWhat?]

Sounds like a dead PSU.

[BattleZone]

Sounds like a dead PSU.

It's one of the two: overheating (probably due to lack of airflow/clogged fan) or a dead power supply.

[phrelin]

Well, I cleaned it. Let's just say I could have built my cat a friend. Probably the problem. It's been hot here. I hope so, because if it's a dying power supply or CPU or...whatever, it's easier to build a new one.

[jeffreydavisjr]

Gotta disagree with you. It is not cheaper to build a new one if the problem is just the CPU or PSU. A good PSU can be purchased for $50 and a CPU can be purchased for $100.

If you had those kinds of dust problem, then simply dusting out the machine should solve your problem. If not, I would check the PSU. But in all honesty, it sounds like the CPU is overheating and just shutting off.

Intel CPU's do that. If they overheat they shutdown to prevent damage. AMD CPU's keep on going until they break permanently. Just another reason to go with Intel... :D

Good luck.

[phrelin]

Still running since my last post. http://www.phrelin.com/Dish/fingcrossm.gif

Actually I have a spare CPU and PSU I'd try first. I do want to build a new computer after Windows 7's out awhile using one of the new processors. So I hope I can keep this one working for a few months.

[JM Anthony]

Temperatures in Seattle are close to the century mark today and my HTPC shut down abruptly after being up and running for only a short while. Heat prostration solved by the strategic location of a big desk fan.

John

[Marlin Guy]

Don't you people have air conditioning?
Turn it on!

[Richard King]

My machine is a similar Pentium D based unit and I have had similar problems in the past. I also found the heat sink clogged with dust (no cats here). After cleaning it out it has been much more stable and usable.

[LOCODUDE]

You could also check the graphics card...May be the cause.

[SayWhat?]

Don't you people have air conditioning?
Turn it on!

I've been told that due to the normal climate, A/C is not as common in the Pacific Northwest as it is elsewhere.

[Marlin Guy]

I've been told that due to the normal climate, A/C is not as common in the Pacific Northwest as it is elsewhere.


Clickity click, click (http://www.google.com/search?q=seattle%2C+wa+air+conditioning+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t)

[phrelin]

Happy to report no further shut offs after the cleaning. Thanks for all the help and comments.

Here in the redwoods in the Coast Range at 1600 feet, we have one small window air conditioner that can cool our bedroom and office to under 80° when it get's over 90° outside, which is typically fewer than 7 days a year. This year we've had a few more days over 90° even though we had rain into June.

[SayWhat?]

So did your cat like it's new friend?

[Fontano]

I had one system that was doing that.
It was the power supply, it slowly died to the point that it couldn't support the hardware I had in there any more.

[phrelin]

So did your cat like it's new friend?Sure did.:lol:

[phrelin]

Just a quick update. The computer ran fine all weekend. Turned it on and did some things this morning, then went into another room. I heard a "click." Couldn't get it to turn on no matter what I tried. So I replaced the power supply and it's working fine again.

That likely was the problem, but keeping my fingers crossed.http://www.phrelin.com/Dish/fingcrossm.gif

[Illan]

Sounds like a dead PSU.
i second that

[cdizzy]

Gotta disagree with you. It is not cheaper to build a new one if the problem is just the CPU or PSU. A good PSU can be purchased for $50 and a CPU can be purchased for $100.

If you had those kinds of dust problem, then simply dusting out the machine should solve your problem. If not, I would check the PSU. But in all honesty, it sounds like the CPU is overheating and just shutting off.

Intel CPU's do that. If they overheat they shutdown to prevent damage. AMD CPU's keep on going until they break permanently. Just another reason to go with Intel... :D

Good luck.

I agree. Especially the last paragraph. :)

[cdizzy]

Just a quick update. The computer ran fine all weekend. Turned it on and did some things this morning, then went into another room. I heard a "click." Couldn't get it to turn on no matter what I tried. So I replaced the power supply and it's working fine again.

That likely was the problem, but keeping my fingers crossed.http://www.phrelin.com/Dish/fingcrossm.gif

I would think you solved your problem. Since PSU's have their own fan I'd imagine that it got pretty hot being plugged up.