[PC PROBLEM] pc keeps shorting out

airrunner · 8 Oct 2011 at 18:40

Hi everyone,
I wonder if someone could assist with my computer problem. This does not happen very frequent but nonetheless it's not right.When i go to turn my computer on sometimes, it fires up then cuts out completely. Then when i try again it won't turn on. If you wait 20 mins it is back to normal and runs fine.

What could be causing the shortening of power? Obviously not confirmed but i can only assume that is what it is.

Many thanks to all your responses with this query.

Tealc · 8 Oct 2011 at 19:19

Normally a short would continually shut the PC off but j suppose there are always exceptions. What you describe could be a short as the PSU sound like it's shutting down for safety reasons considering it prevents use for 20 minutes.

You've obviously checked all connections and made sure that nothing is where it isn't supposed to be right?

Could be a faulty power supply or one that is triggering over voltage or current incorrectly.

How often does it happen?

I wonder if we could get the PC spec and PSU make and model please.

scottmuir424 · 8 Oct 2011 at 19:20

sounds like a dodgy power supply not sustaining a constant power supply then cutting out, what kind and rating is it

scottmuir424 · 8 Oct 2011 at 19:22

have you got a spare psu to try and see if that fixes the problem

airrunner · 9 Oct 2011 at 02:37

to be fair i haven't tried a new power supply on it, but im surprised i didn't think it was a faulty power supply.

My spec is:
amd phenom 955 x4 overclocked 3.6
4gb ram ddr2
powersupply corsair 650w
ati radeon 4890

As we speak it had happened a few days ago, but before that it could have been a couple of months.

Thanks again for all your advice and suggestions

Doomie · 9 Oct 2011 at 13:09

Yep with out a doubt it s the psu i had this not so long ago.It took me a while to work out what it was but luckily i was at i43 lan when it did go, and the very nice man from Antec tested it and helped me out with a new one.No problems since the psu went in the bin.

Orcvader · 9 Oct 2011 at 13:14

I had this problem with my case. Solved it by taking everyone out of the case, then testing the system and all was stable again. Placed it back in and seems the problem disappeared. Try testing everything out of the case?

airrunner · 9 Oct 2011 at 14:00

Orcvader said:
I had this problem with my case. Solved it by taking everyone out of the case, then testing the system and all was stable again. Placed it back in and seems the problem disappeared. Try testing everything out of the case?

Great idea i think i will give that a try first before going down the route of buying a new power supply.Thank you very much, i will update this thread on how i get a long.