Desktop Randomly Powering Off

[hinkeytouheyk3]

So my computer seemed to cut off randomly, but I believe it has something to do with bumping the power cable. I'm scared it won't come back on if I test it though... Anyways, I am unable to power it back on unless I disconnect the power cable from PSU and wall outlet for about 20 to 30 minutes and then plug it back in. It powers on fine after that for some reason. I can't tell if this is an issue with the cord or my PSU.

Anyone have a clue on what is going on?

 

[VortexA1]

It could be an overcharging capacitor in psu or motherboard.. maybe try a different psu. I'd inspect the mobo to see if any bulging capacitors . Do you have another spare power lead? But don't go opening up the psu!

 

[EsaT]

It could be an overcharging capacitor

There is no such thing!
If voltage tolerance is exceeded, or polarity is wrong, capacitors straight blows up or at the least burst open spewing out smoke/vapours and insides.

And tantalum capacitors again ignite and burn...

 

[Tetras]

So my computer seemed to cut off randomly, but I believe it has something to do with bumping the power cable. I'm scared it won't come back on if I test it though... Anyways, I am unable to power it back on unless I disconnect the power cable from PSU and wall outlet for about 20 to 30 minutes and then plug it back in. It powers on fine after that for some reason. I can't tell if this is an issue with the cord or my PSU.

Anyone have a clue on what is going on?

The power cables are usually standard and really cheap so I'd just try another (I have had a power cable that came loose over time and made a poor connection, so it does happen).

 

[VortexA1]

There is no such thing!
If voltage tolerance is exceeded, or polarity is wrong, capacitors straight blows up or at the least burst open spewing out smoke/vapours and insides.

And tantalum capacitors again ignite and burn...

oh............well i read that some in certain cases.,probably small ones can get a small overcharge and not explode /and or have smoke /vaper.

 

[Mr Oxide]

It could be an overcharging capacitor in psu or motherboard.. maybe try a different psu. I'd inspect the mobo to see if any bulging capacitors . Do you have another spare power lead?

+1

But, I don't recommend anyone to go into a PSU unit that doesn't understand how to be safe when doing this. Unplugging isn't obvious to many that don't have experience.

When something goes wrong like this in any device needing components replaced. I replace those in the direct vicinity, too.

 

[VortexA1]

+1

But, I don't recommend anyone to go into a PSU unit that doesn't understand how to be safe when doing this. Unplugging isn't obvious to many that don't have experience.

When something goes wrong like this in any device needing components replaced. I replace those in the direct vicinity, too.

yeah thanks for that. I've updated my post, yeah definitely not.

 

[EsaT]

oh............well i read that some in certain cases.,probably small ones can get a small overcharge and not explode /and or have smoke /vaper.

You mean these ones?

Pretty much any electrical component burns and smokes or "splodes" when its specifications are exceeded grossly, or it has cascading failure. (instead of failing open fast)

In case of the smallest componts there just isn't much power involved at the moment of failure and neither there's much material to burn/spew out.

 

[EsaT]

Anyways, I am unable to power it back on unless I disconnect the power cable from PSU and wall outlet for about 20 to 30 minutes and then plug it back in.

Failing electrolytic capacitors work better when warm, so unlikely to be those.

That's more like there's possibly some error state which needs clearing.
Also PSUs have protections needing reset by power cycling if triggered.
Though that shouldn't need long time.
Unless that system is powered by something else than normal rails, because even 5V standby shuts down in handfull of seconds after power loss.

 

[VortexA1]

You mean these ones?

Pretty much any electrical component burns and smokes or "splodes" when its specifications are exceeded grossly, or it has cascading failure. (instead of failing open fast)

In case of the smallest componts there just isn't much power involved at the moment of failure and neither there's much material to burn/spew out.

I see.

Interesting.

 

[t31os]

Sounds like (symptomatic of) a failing PSU, kettle leads are easy enough to swap out around though, you've probably got one hooked into a monitor.

 

[boabs]

test new psu