computer just turns off

OpenToSuggestions · 11 Dec 2008 at 23:20

Very very rarely, my rig turns itself off, due to some major error I cannot pinpoint.

I had a thread on a hard drive issue but it is not that.

The problem only happens when overclocked (only a small OC), and the pc just turns off completely, in the past overclocks have been lost and once the motherboard date went back to 1st jan 2002.

I am thinking it I may require a better psu??
450w that came with the sonata2 case with 5 hard drives and rig in sig - The problem has only ever happened on the desktop though.

Maybe I am just the worlds crappyest overclocker??

J.B · 12 Dec 2008 at 00:42

Looking at your spec in your sig, I say a PSU is most likeyly it. I was going to say a better CPU cooler but most likely that 400w just isnt enough.

I think 8800 recommend and 500w minimum come to think of it.

errata · 12 Dec 2008 at 12:50

Either the psu or the memory hates being oc'ed at the current timings without maybe enough voltage.

Check the bios for the current memory timings and voltages. Are they right for the OCZ you have ?.

doudle check you have all the right power plugs inserted from the psu to the board

Maybe be worth double checking the cooler pins are all locked down as well, occasionally one can pop.

Faffer · 12 Dec 2008 at 13:09

Id say your PSU too. I used to get random shutdowns on an old PC too, which turned out to be PSU. I'd go for at least a good quality 600w+ PSU, judging by your sig, overclock and drives.

OpenToSuggestions · 12 Dec 2008 at 21:34

It is a very very rare shutdown issue, and I have only ever had it on the desktop and when overclocked. I always keep the ram at 800mhz, s that is all it is rated to do and cba messing about with overclocking it. The ram timings are always stock with 2.1 volts.

mjd · 12 Dec 2008 at 22:09

Perhaps your load temps exceed the shutdown treshold in the bios?
I have had boards that will indeed shutdown and revert to default settings if the temp exceeds the threshold defined in the bios.
Checking your PC health settings in the bios would be my first port of call.

OpenToSuggestions · 14 Dec 2008 at 16:58

Having a check on this
http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

It looks like I am cutting it very close to max on the psu without an overclock. With cap aging and an overclock I am likely to be causing issues.

1. Is this site known to be accurate at all?
2. Looking for a new psu, the corsair 750w is the same price as the 650w this week, they generally ok?

moomoomoo · 14 Dec 2008 at 17:33

I'm having a simlair issue with my pc shuting its self off which i have posted about it in another thread. I have the same ram as you and a asus mobo. I too assumed its the psu, but now i'm not too sure.

OpenToSuggestions · 14 Dec 2008 at 17:38

moomoomoo said:
I'm having a simlair issue with my pc shuting its self off which i have posted about it in another thread. I have the same ram as you and a asus mobo. I too assumed its the psu, but now i'm not too sure.

only ever happens when overclocked.