Computer just shuts off

[RSanders]

I have a problem. This mostly happens when running games, but the computer will just shut off randomly. I don't know what to do and am scared of it doing this every time I try to play a game. I have to turn the switch on the back of the computer off then back on before it will even start back up. I am thinking it is either the videocard or the RAM. It has always done it every now and then, not much at all. My other computer has even did it before, but this one in the last week does it a whole lot. Anyone have an idea what could cause this and any suggestions?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW the specs aren't the ones listed in my signature, they are:
Athlon XP 2500+
80GB HD
512MB of ram
ATI Radoen 9800SE
52X CDRW

 

[Appledrop]

what is your CPU temperature (check in bios - usually under PC Health)

 

[bomberz1qr20]

Originally posted by: RSanders
I have a problem. This mostly happens when running games, but the computer will just shut off randomly. I don't know what to do and am scared of it doing this every time I try to play a game. I have to turn the switch on the back of the computer off then back on before it will even start back up. I am thinking it is either the videocard or the RAM. It has always done it every now and then, not much at all. My other computer has even did it before, but this one in the last week does it a whole lot. Anyone have an idea what could cause this and any suggestions?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Could be:

Bad drivers
Direct X problem
Failing power supply
Hot CPU

Some more specifics on your system would help.

 

[RSanders]

Ok. Here is some PCHealth Info

CPU Temp - 59-60C
System Temp- 41-42C
PWM Temp- 45-46C

 

[Appledrop]

whats your CPUS voltage, "Vcore", if too low it can do this

 

[RSanders]

CPU Voltage- 1.63v
Chipset- 1.69v
Voltage Battery- 3.12v

 

[Appledrop]

strange...

 

[RSanders]

Umm.. what is? haha. Should I try maybe putting my ram in a different slot?

 

[Appledrop]

baffling..

edit::::::::::::::i have no clue what could be the matter, things like that suck...

 

[stevty2889]

What kind of power supply do you have? The way your describing it, I would bet on a weak or generic PSU. Your CPU temp sounds a bit high too, is the the idle temp or under full load?

 

[RSanders]

Well I am in the BIOS so I don't think its under full load, not really sure actually. I just restart the PC and go into the BIOS then PC Health.

PCU came with the case, looking it up now..

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=11-138-033&depa=0

 

[Appledrop]

under load, the cpu can go up to 10-15 degrees more than idle.. so that would mean around 75 degrees... VERY hot.

are u using thermal compound?

 

[RSanders]

Yes I am. It was some little paste type thing on paper that I used.. Should I try to buy some more and use it? Didn't really like it when I saw it.

 

[Appledrop]

wellllllllll get someone to suggest a better Heatsink/Fan if i were you. ( i am an p4 user atm)

although it may not be heat causing the instability, but it does sound like it... wait i got an idea.. go into bios and set your CPU voltage as low as u can.. this shud lower temps alot, and see if u still crash.

edit: but then i guess u cud start crashign cus of too low voltage =P, so thats a crap idea , but maybe u cud try

 

[RSanders]

Someone suggest a good CPU Fan?

http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=35-150-023&depa=0

that is what i am using

 

[Appledrop]

i suggest you suggest people to suggest a good fan in a new thread

 

[Appledrop]

eh well ur FAN looks ok, instead try get some arctic silver... then FOLLOW this guide, i know it may seem obvious how to slap some grease on this, but really, follow it!

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ar...ilver_instructions.htm

btw when PC shuts off, when u press the on button without doing the switch, do any LEDs come on? if so it cud be the psu i guess

 

[RSanders]

No, nothing happens.

I am gonna try the arctic silver stuff and also try getting as much dust out of the pc too.

 

[bluewall21]

try running distributed computing software to see if heat is the culprit.