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Author Topic: Sudden loss of power  (Read 3950 times)

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Schnibob

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Sudden loss of power
« on: September 27, 2007, 06:57:57 AM »
Hi, I'm new here but it looks like a very informative and friendly forum... can you help?

Last night, whilst playing "Painkiller" (I'm 38, don't start!), I had a sudden loss of power to my desktop; without any warning and no jarring to the case, it suddenly died.

Monitor, speakers, external HD all carried on working.

When i switch off the power at the wall and switch back on (UK 240V), there is a momentary flicker of life as the case fans (and leds) flare up for a tiny flicker and then die. It will do this once only... subsequent pressing of power button does nothing, HOWEVER if i disconnect power to the wall and reconnect, it will do the same thing.

I opened it up and the processor, PSU fans all start momentarily and then die.

No other equipment in the house flickered at the time (like lights or TV).

Am I right in thinking it's the PSU that has suddenly died?

(One thing of interest... a week ago I updated my video driver to ATI Catalyst 7.9; this wouldn't run any of my Half life installation so I removed it and reinstalled version 6.8)

Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated.

AMD Athlon 2.2, running at 3.2
1GB RAM
Radeon 9600 graphics
Onboard sound.
Fancy case.

Schnibob

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Re: Sudden loss of power
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2007, 07:04:20 AM »
Forgot to add:

I have a 400w power supply and ASRock K7S8X motherboard.

patio

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Re: Sudden loss of power
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2007, 07:04:38 AM »
What make and wattage is that PSU ? ?
It's possible it has failed and/or it's not quite enough for the new hardware.
Best procedure would be to borrow a known good one of the same or greater wattage and swap it in there overnite...
If everything works fine you know for sure it's the PSU...
" Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "

Schnibob

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Re: Sudden loss of power
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2007, 07:15:08 AM »
Thanks, unfortunately I don't know  - it's at home and I never thought to check. I'm at work on the only other PC I have access to.


There's no new hardware at all... the last thing I added was the external HD about 3 months ago.

patio

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Re: Sudden loss of power
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2007, 08:23:46 AM »
Well at any rate try what's been suggested and we'll leave the light on...
" Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "

Schnibob

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Re: Sudden loss of power
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2007, 08:34:09 AM »
Thanks for your help.
I'll try that!

deep



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    Re: Sudden loss of power
    « Reply #6 on: September 27, 2007, 01:18:02 PM »
    Power supply is shot, replace it

    Schnibob

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    Re: Sudden loss of power
    « Reply #7 on: September 28, 2007, 06:27:53 AM »
    Hi!

    Yep, I put in an old Power supply and sure enough, it works!

    Fab. Thanks for your help and advice.

    patio

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    Re: Sudden loss of power
    « Reply #8 on: September 28, 2007, 04:52:26 PM »
    With a newer machine to keep it in good shape and also be ready for any upgrades down the road you may want to invest in a new PSU instead of relying on one swapped in that "works"...

    It's one of the most important components yet everyone seems to overlook it.
    Expect to spend 40 to 50 bucks for a decent one and 70 to 100+ for high end.
    PSU Calculator

    Good to hear you are fixed up and stop by anytime !
    " Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "