mobo or power supply failing?

[BZ]

I've had repeated problems with IDE devices failing over the last couple of years. Now my new WD250 and pioreer DVD a06 are acting up. the WD making clicks, and now I just got that windows message that i had unplugged them both (which I had not). They are both currently getting power, but system doesn't see them (I haven't rebooted yet - I will probably disconnect them before I turn it back on).

They are both on IDE 2

I have an asus p4pe with a p4 2.4, and power supply is channel well 350 atx

does this sound like maybe ide channel is bad on the motherboard? or could it be unsteady power (old building)? or maybe just crappy power supply?

 

[John P]

I would put my vote in for the motherboard or a driver problem. With the power supply I would think it would either work or not work, not have intermittant problems.

 

[tm37]

Originally posted by: John P.
I would put my vote in for the motherboard or a driver problem. With the power supply I would think it would either work or not work, not have intermittant problems.

Power supplies can have intermitten problems as heat/humity and other factors can effect the performance. Also as your PS get "worn" it can start to show it's age especially if it is a cheepie

Random lock ups are can be attributed to a faulty power suppy. However usually a click is an indication the drive is dieing BUT it could be an indication that the drive is also not getting enough power.

My mom has a WD that has had the click of death for over four years and that thing is still being used as secondary drive to this day.

 

[BZ]

I keep thinking the fact that both devices on secondary ide failed at the same time is significant - but I'm not sure what that clue says. (They are also on the same power lines coming out of the PS, if that matters.)

One other thing - In this old building there are occasional times where the power goes dim -- there were a few of those the other day and while the lights went off I didn't notice any effects in my computer - no sounds changed, the monitor stayed bright and nothing malfunctioned. This couldn't be a delayed effect of something like that could it?

 

[BZ]

bump for more opinions before I go buy a new motherboard...