System switching off randomly

SiD-P

SiD-P

SiD-P

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Joined
8 Nov 2006
Posts
104
This problem started with my system a couple of days ago where the system will just cut out. I then have to power it up a few times for it to boot into windows. A few of the times I have had to reset the BIOS.

No BSOD, just cuts out as if the power has been cut off.

System is currently not overclocked, everything is running @ stock.
What can this problem possibly be?

system specs bellow.

i7 920 (watercooled)
Asus Rampage II Extreme (latest BIOS)
Corsair Dominator RAM (3x2GB & 3x1GB)
GTX 480
Corsair HX1000 PSU
5 assorted HDDs.
 
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What are your idle and load temps like?

Run prime 95 and real temp if you're not sure (if temps are 'very' high before the prime run - don't run the test).
 
Then there's a chance that it may be shorting.

I would have a good look inside the case and check all the connections - unplug and reseat ideally.

Also, check that the MB is secured fully and isn't moving about on the risers.
 
Don't think it's anything like that, it was running fine OCed up to 3.8GHz for 3 years until now.

But I will double check
 
Unfortunately, the PSU is always a possibilty - do you know how to do the paperclip test with a voltmeter?

It's only a basic test but it will start to help eliminate the PSU - if it passes.
 
You imagine that if the PSU were shutting off for shorting or safety then the PSU would need to be switched off at the wall and maybe even require a wait to restart. If it's just cutting out then it could very well be a failing PSU.
 
SiD-P said:
Could the mobo be @ fault?
Click to expand...

It certainly a possibilty.

You could try flashing the BIOS - there's may be a slim chance it's become corrupt (odd symptom though).

You may have to consider a skeleton set up outside of the case (a pain when under water) - but without spare parts you will still have to make an educated guess if the problem still persists with only core components installed.
 
I would certainly strip the system down to bare essentials - reduce the memory to 1 stick, one bootable HDD, remove the optical unit, etc etc .

If that boots then perform a stress test.. If that works fine.. add one device back at a time and retest.. As soon as the problem reppears then you could either suspect that item or it's just too much (which it shouldn't for that PSU)

If that doesn't find the issue, then try swapping with another memory stick.. restest.. then try another HDD.. so forth.

Time consuming stuff but it's all part of the elimination process.

If after that it still doesn't work or you've not found the culprit, then try swapping out for a known working PSU, or test the PSU using my guides which Plec has posted above. Make sure it's supplying stable voltages and the correct ampage.
 
Thanks for all the help guys.

The funny thing is sometimes the system will run for hours without any problems.

Will have to wait until Sunday to start testing each part separately.
 
I had a rig doing exactly that, baffled me for quite a while. Turned out to be the mobo MOSFETs heating way up and forcing a shutdown, that particular board had proper rubbish heatsinks on those and I couldn't get a reading off the senor so I never noticed. Obviously disregard depending on your loop, I only mention it knowing how unpopular putting MOSFETs under water is. Doubt you have the same problem on that mobo (unless they -really- skimped on the thermal compound) but it doesn't hurt to check.
 
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