Whats wrong here?

[Hamish]

I got my new rig today as follows:


Abit IP35 Mobo
Q6600 2.4Ghz C2D Processor
2Gb Corsair XMS 5400 RAM
3x WD SATA Hard drives (250,300,400Gb)
SATA DVD Burner
XFX GeForce 8500GT 256Mb Graphics Card
Front Panel USB display

I'm using my old Enermax Noisetaker 465W (I think) ATX2.0 PSU

When I boot up sometimes it cuts out just before it POSTs, after it reboots it is usually OK, now this is usally a classic pointer towards a PSU overload but although the system is quite high powered it doesn't have an immensly powerful graphics card but it does have a lot of hard drive, surly 465W is plenty though? Once in windows it works fairly well and the air coming out the back isn't too hot.

Also the motherboard has an 8pin power input similar in style to the main power connector. I have an old style 4pin connector and also a 6 pin one on my PSU, when I connect the old style one it works but on connecting the 6 pin one it will not power on and the BIOS needs resetting after changing the cables back, Isn't the 6 pin connector the new (correct) one?

Also when I'm in windows when i try to open USB hard drives they sometimes won't open, crashing explorer in the process, I have no idea why??!

Help!1
Hamish

 

[Monkeynut]

It really does sound like a PSU problem. The USB drives might not be receiving enough power and that's why the system crashes. As power supplies age they lose their wattage and it could be that yours has had it's day, or has gone faulty. Try the rig with another PSU.