[SOLVED] PC shutting down suddenly

[Klinux]

Hi people, I have a question for you technical guys, it has nothing to do with PClinuxOS, but with my desktop PC.

This computer has got both Windows XP SP2 and PClinuxOS XFCE 2010.
It has happened already 3 times yet, when I turn the computer on, suddenly, in around 10 minutes it shuts down.
No alerts, nothing, it does not seem to be a software related problem.
I think the power adapter is broken, but maybe you have any other idea of what it can be.
Thanks already

[uncleV]

... in around 10 minutes it shuts down.

What about CPU overheating?

[bicol_willem]

It shuts down (properly) or just ..... POOF (I am gone)?

[AS]

This computer has got both Windows XP SP2 and PClinuxOS XFCE 2010.
It has happened already 3 times yet, when I turn the computer on, suddenly, in around 10 minutes it shuts down.

at time of shutdown, what OS were running your system ? Win or PCLOS ?

AS

[Ramchu]

When was the last time that you or someone opened the case and
used compressed air to remove the dust/cobwebs, ect .

Sounds like an over heating problem, if in fact it just suddenly shuts down
with no warning.
__________________________________________________________

Edit: If you have never done this before then I would recommend
       that you use no more than 15psi air pressure.

       To much air pressure can blow some of the components out
       of the computer .

[Klinux]

So the computer just POOF shuts down, like if i take the power cord out.
Happens on both Win and Linux, so not a software issue.
The case is almost always open (to lazy to close it since last time) ;-)
I also thuogh CPU overheating, but I have:
- 1 fan in the power supply
- 1 fan on the CPU
- 1 fan on front of the PC
And it makes always much nice, like it has done since the first day, so the fan's seem to be working. But in case how could I check if its the CPU?

[bicol_willem]

So the computer just POOF shuts down, like if i take the power cord out.
Happens on both Win and Linux, so not a software issue.
The case is almost always open (to lazy to close it since last time) ;-)
I also thuogh CPU overheating, but I have:
- 1 fan in the power supply
- 1 fan on the CPU
- 1 fan on front of the PC
And it makes always much nice, like it has done since the first day, so the fan's seem to be working. But in case how could I check if its the CPU?

That noise proves only that your fan's are running .... But .. how much dust did they blow in your heatsinks so far? (Think before all the heatsink of your CPU).

Then, remove ALL power connections and reset them after checking the connectors for "burn signs". If you don't see the last just put them back. During first time you start up again, check the bios (PC health) to check if the voltages are still OK. You know the 3.3.V thing, the 5 V thing and ... the 12V thing. Should not be out too much. (Not exactly is OK but it should be close....).

Try it!  Good luck.

[JNibski]

..........could be POWER SUPPLY........{just a guess.}

If its an older OEM then you need to get a decent one...most are older ones are under 300 watts total output...one of the v{voltage} legs is probably weak, and supply is (temp) sensitive - thus auto-shutting off....
-What is the EXACT make/model/specs of the unit? so we could recommend a proper one?
We need particulars, bud. 

Also LOOK very closely at ALL the Capacitors on the motherboard - if any have a "POPPED TOP" - and not FLAT- then this too can be a problem...
..........

JN.

[derekf]

I had the same trouble with my computer, it just turned itself off. like switching the power off at the wall.

What it turned out to be was the power supply was buggered. Maybe it is the same with you BPsoftware.

 Derek.

[bicol_willem]

I had the same trouble with my computer, it just turned itself off. like switching the power off at the wall.

What it turned out to be was the power supply was buggered. Maybe it is the same with you BPsoftware.

 Derek.

Yes Derek, that could well be. I came across such behaving PC and it turned out to be a "sparky" connection at the main connector of the main board. The power supply turned out OK but it was just this connection (inspecting it visually showed that connection, just one pin, black burned).
Maybe something to check as well for our friend here.

[uncleV]

And it makes always much nice, like it has done since the first day, so the fan's seem to be working. But in case how could I check if its the CPU?

There might be a section in BIOS showing the actual temperature and the switch-off threshold temperature settings.
If the threshold is reached CPU is simply turned off.

There are also applications for this for PCLOS but I don't know their names.

[ElCuervo]

And it makes always much nice, like it has done since the first day, so the fan's seem to be working. But in case how could I check if its the CPU?

There might be a section in BIOS showing the actual temperature and the switch-off threshold temperature settings.
If the threshold is reached CPU is simply turned off.

There are also applications for this for PCLOS but I don't know their names.

There are also voltage readings and specs in some BIOS that can give you info about your power supply. If your 5V rail is reading 3V, for instance, you can be pretty sure your PS is dying. You can also use a voltmeter to determine the same thing, but it's a lot more difficult.

Also, I'd run memtest from the live CD just because I can.

[menotu]

The case is almost always open (to lazy to close it since last time) ;-)

Not a good idea - your system will get hotter by not having the case on as it minimizes the flow(s) from the fans (especially the flow direction)

I know it seems odd but it's been proven.

[Was_Just19]

The case is almost always open (to lazy to close it since last time) ;-)

Not a good idea - your system will get hotter by not having the case on as it minimizes the flow(s) from the fans (especially the flow direction)

I know it seems odd but it's been proven.

+1

Clean out the PC paying particular attention to the heatsinks and PSU with a can of compressed air -----  making sure that all fans are physically stopped before blowing air at them.
Replace any fans that are not working properly.

It would also be a very good idea to (either you or someone competent) take off the CPU heatsink and reseat it with fresh thermal paste.

Reassemble the PC completely .....  including all covers.

Test.

[uncleV]

The case is almost always open (to lazy to close it since last time) ;-)

Not a good idea - your system will get hotter by not having the case on as it minimizes the flow(s) from the fans (especially the flow direction)

I know it seems odd but it's been proven.

I am with open case - this lowers the temperatures as the convection is on its way.
But together with convection dust comes.