Computer Hope

Software => Computer software => Topic started by: southern_boy1975 on August 21, 2009, 12:45:39 PM

Title: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 21, 2009, 12:45:39 PM
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction with a problem I am having. I first noticed my computer was turning off during my scheduled AVG scan before it was finish. I thought I would clean my C drive up some but during disk clean up it shuts down as well. I have to shut off the power supply for a minute (until the light on the motherboard goes off) and then turn it back on before I can start it back up. I was hoping someone might be able to tell me where to begin?
Thanks in advance.....
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: Karnac on August 21, 2009, 12:50:26 PM
Check your housekeeping inside the case........blow out the dustbunnies with compressed air. Make sure your fans turn freely and are not caked in dirt.

Download Speedfan and check your temperatures....http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php

While in the case, make sure all cards and memory are well seated....Practice safe ESD (static) precautions....touch the metal case before you touch a component inside.
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 21, 2009, 02:07:28 PM
Hi, housekeeping I did about 2 weeks ago when I first noticed it shutting down (it was pretty bad as it had been a while). I did just check all my hardware to make sure it everything was tight and in place. I had downloaded speedfan but I am not really sure how to read it? I also have HWMonitor installed, not sure if its easier to read but I noticed I can save information through it? I am attaching a screen shot of speedfan if that will help...

I have a P4 (Prescott) Socket 478 which shows:
P4 3.2E
(1MB) 1.4V
(1.25V~1.4V) 1.55V 91A 103W W 73.2° C

That is from the link to Chris Hare's Processor Electrical Spec. page linked from this site.







[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: smeezekitty on August 21, 2009, 02:16:24 PM
i am having trouble reading
your attached file
what does speedfan say ?
it could be a PSU issue too
----edit----
ok i got the screen shot to work
if those speedfan temps are correct you are in big big trouble
i really hope that your processor is not 126*C
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 21, 2009, 02:26:22 PM
Under the  readings:
CPU Usage 0.0 percent

Fan 1: 0 RPM
Fan 2: 2538 RPM
Fan 3: 0 RPM

Temp: 1 25C
Temp: 2 42C
Temp: 3 -46C
Temp: 126C
Temp: 126C
HDO: 30C

Hope that is what you need?
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 21, 2009, 02:30:38 PM
Here is one from HW monitor....
How big is big big trouble???

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Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: kpac on August 21, 2009, 02:32:20 PM
Quote
How big is big big trouble???
Let's just say mine is about 68*C.

You should try placing a tower fan beside the PC for a while, when you're using it.
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: smeezekitty on August 21, 2009, 04:34:04 PM
although the hardware sensors monter program is better
i still think you may have a heat problem
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: Karnac on August 21, 2009, 05:26:19 PM
Time to swap in a known good power supply to eliminate it as the cause.....the 126C. is Speedfans way of saying theres no sensor.......one other point....when you did your housekeeping did you remove the heat sink and if so did you reapply thermal paste?
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 25, 2009, 11:28:01 AM
Hi, no I did not to be honest.... I looked it up and it was 2004 when I put this one together, wow how time flies!! Do you think I should go ahead and re-apply some of the arctic silver that I used first before I get a power supply? If so, should I order some new as mine is about 5 years old? Also I was looking at their website & wondering if that arctic clean is worth buying to clean it up with first?
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: Karnac on August 25, 2009, 11:55:28 AM
It wouldn't hurt to try.....remove the old dried paste with isopropyl alcohol.....apply a pea sized glob of paste and allow the weight of the heatsink to spread it.....too much is no good.....paste should be ok unless the consistency has changed with age.
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 26, 2009, 02:07:49 PM
Hi, I did the thermal paste today, it did go through the AVG scan without a shut down but when I tried a disk cleanup it shut itself down after about 5 minutes... I was watching the readings on speedfan and CPUID monitor the whole time. The temp 2 reading went to a high of 52C during the avg scan but jumped up to 54C right before shut down and was back to around 42C when I brought the system back up. I assume the next step is to picp up a power supply? Is there a better brand that somewhere like Best Buy sales? I was going to order one from newegg but I really just want to find out if that is my problem asap....
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: smeezekitty on August 26, 2009, 02:19:53 PM
it should not shutdown at 54
usuly they shutdown at 75 or so
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 26, 2009, 02:28:28 PM
Yeah, I am leaning on the power supply like Karnac said causing the shut down now. Is there one that you would recommend? I hate to buy a junk one, mine is the original 420w one I got with this alienware case 5 years ago....
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 26, 2009, 03:43:18 PM
Never mind, I did some research and I am going to get a BFG Tech LS-450 from New Egg... They seem to have great reviews for the $... Let you know if it solves my problem!
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: Karnac on August 26, 2009, 04:28:46 PM
Can you not borrow a PSU from a buddy and swap it in overnight?....really hate to see someone spend money when it might not necessary.....Also did you try kpac's suggestion  and point a fan into the open case ......
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 28, 2009, 08:23:04 AM
Hi, I have been trying to find one... Seems the only one I can find is a 250W but it is out of a P4! Will it be ok to try it if I do not plug in all my fans? I was thinking just the board and my hard drive to test them but I did not want to cause a problem by under powering it as the one I have now is 420W....
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: Karnac on August 28, 2009, 08:32:16 AM
Count the pins on the motherboard connector (20 or 24) and match the connector on the psu....some PSUs' allow you to remove four pins on the end of the connector, all fans must be plugged in, even just seconds without can damage components.
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: smeezekitty on August 28, 2009, 12:02:44 PM
Count the pins on the motherboard connector (20 or 24) and match the connector on the psu....some PSUs' allow you to remove four pins on the end of the connector, all fans must be plugged in, even just seconds without can damage components.
seconds without fans would simpliy thermal shutdown (just shutdown suddenly)
running without a heatsink would damage the processor or motherboard
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: southern_boy1975 on August 28, 2009, 12:22:26 PM
Well, I have 4 case fans in which I was referring to... I just changed out the psu and run a disk clean up and a AVG scan without a shutdown  ;D! Looks like it was my old psu after all.... Is there anything else I need to try before placing a order for a new one or should I be in the clear now?
Title: Re: Computer shuts down......
Post by: Karnac on August 28, 2009, 12:33:03 PM
Looks like you've found the problem....doublecheck the documentation on the new PSU and make sure it's the one you need.