Strange Problem - PLEASE HELP

[Tenshibr]

Hi,

This is my config:
C2D e8400 @ 3 ghz
ATi 4870
4 gb DDR2 800
Gigabite GA-EP43-DS3L


Excuse my english not a native speaker.
The computer had been working fine for over 6 months now.
Today however when I turned it on, the computer started (all lights and fans were on as normal) but before the POST or any beep it goes off, like 5 seconds on then off...
after 3 seconds it goes on again and does the same thing over and over until I kill the power.

I though it was a problem with the power button, which isnt very good sometimes it gets stuck, so I changed the "POWER SW" connector in the MB for the "RESET SW" and started using the reset button to turn on... did a CMOS clear, no change.

I removed the battery waited 5 mins, put it back in... no change

removed HDs connector and unplugged the main Power Cord of the MB and the ATX 12V and plugged back... the computer started working again...

So, any ideas as to why it happened? The climate here is colder than normal, maybe that has same relation?

Also, is there a program that checks is the ATX12v connector is working or even connected? I tried Everest and the normal gigabite info program, didnt see any mention to it. Google didnt help.

 

[rasczak]

welcome to Anandtech! Sounds like a power supply issue from the description. Do you have a spare to test with?

 

[Pantlegz]

aside from psu you might want to try to reseat the RAM. if it still fails, try one stick in each slot. but I'm with razczak it sounds like the psu

 

[impudence]

I am having the exact same problem. I assumed it was the power supply and went and got a new one. But the problem persists. I have checked the power button, I have reseated the ram, i have pulled every component and reseated it. My next step is to pull the motherboard and make sure it is not shorting. I am stumped as to why the power is pulsing on and off over and over again.

 

[Swampster]

Another common reason for this complaint is that the CPU fan is either dead or not spinning up to meet or exceed the minimum allowed by the BIOS settings.

With the case open and sitting in its normal position (upright, if it is a standard tower), push the power button and observe what this fan is doing. It has speed and temperature sensors on it because excessive heat to the CPU, caused by insufficient cooling will destroy the CPU in a matter of seconds.

Keep us informed via further posts to this question as to your results so that we may offer additional suggestions if necessary.

No need to appologize for your command of the English language . . . you are doing just fine!

 

[pcgeek11]

nother vote for the PSU which is a common cause for this type of symptom. Although the MB could also be the problem as it is what sends the start signal to the PSU.

pcgeek11