PC Power Problem

ChrisNewton

ChrisNewton

ChrisNewton

Associate
Joined
18 May 2009
Posts
14
Location
UK
Hi, I have a PC which I built myself and here are my specs:

CPU - Intel Core2 Duo CPU, E7200, @ 2.53GHz
RAM - Corsair 4GB Kit (2x2GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 XMS2 Memory Non-ECC Unbuffered CL5
M-Board - Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L P43 Socket 775 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard
HDD's - 80Gb IDE + 250Gb SATA + 1TB SATA (I have only just fitted this HDD and am running Windows 7 RC on it)

Problem:

The problem I am having is that when I turn on my PC, the power cut's out after a short amount of time. If I have left the PC for a while it lasts about a minute before the power cut's but then if I try to turn it on again straight away it cuts out more quickly each time. It cut's out regardless of whether or not it is booting into Windows, i.e. even if no HDD is connected.

What I've tried:

- Removing / reseating the RAM
- Using a known good PSU
- Unplugging all HDD's and my graphics card from the PSU (so only motherboard connections are connected
- Using a spare PCI-E graphics card that does not need the extra power plug from the PSU
- Using a spare CPU (this then caused the PC to start turning on and off repeatedly, so it probably wasn’t compatible with my motherboard I’m guessing)

I think it is probably the motherboard that has died on me but I’m not sure!

Can anyone help?:confused:

Thanks

Chris
 
Welcome to the forums.

I think you have done a great job eliminating all the possibilities.. and you have answered your own question really. Having the same problem yesterday with another PC, it does sound like the motherboard.

Can you remain in the BIOS without any crashes?
 
Was talking to this chap yesterday huddy and found out that this all happened after the machine was transported. He also has a stock Intel cooler that has dodgy clips. Is there any chance that the CPU has been fried if it was powered on without the cooler being seated correctly (even if it was only for a brief amount of time?)
 
Ditto, what Hubby said really. (How did you get on with your problem btw Hubby - any luck?)

The only thing i would suggest is setting the rig up outside of its case just in case there is a random shorting problem against the case. The part may come into contact when it's warming up, which would explain the cutting out after it's been on a while - unlikely, however, but maybe worth a try...
 
Admiral Huddy said:
Welcome to the forums.

I think you have done a great job eliminating all the possibilities.. and you have answered your own question really. Having the same problem yesterday with another PC, it does sound like the motherboard.

Can you remain in the BIOS without any crashes?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the speedy relpy!

It does still crash when in BIOS. I will also try taking the motherboard out of the case to check if that works - i guess it looks like i'm gunna need to buy a new motherboard
 
So now I am going to be looking to replace my motherboard - any suggestions!? I don't want to spend too much... no more that what my current one is worth. Should I just buy the exact same board again?
 
I would personally get the Asus P5QL Pro as they've dropped in price - it's what i would have gone for if they had been cheaper when i bought my setup.

Edit: especially as you clock your cpu.
 
Last edited:
Well, that cooler combined with that board or better (have you considered a different chipset?) you should get a healthy overclock.
 
I only mentioned it as you're getting a premium cooler and if you had it within your budget you could upgrade your chipset to the Asus P5Q Intel P45.

P43's are essentially downgraded P45 chipsets - so the Asus P5QL Pro is great board for the money. But if you get the P45 version your basically getting the full monty and you might - and i stress might - get better overclocking results with superiour memory timings.

But if money is an issue - stick with the Asus P5QL Pro as it's a great value board at the price it is now.
 
My motherboard is still under warranty so I sent it back to where I bought it from and they're gunna give me a nice brand new replacement :)

Thanks for all your help
 
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