Help! PC shuts down abruptly!

[Tejstar]

I wonder if someone can help me. I tried to turn on my PC yesterday evening and it would not respond at all. After checking all of the cables, I left it in frustration. After returning 30 minutes later, strangely I found the PC to be on!

Anyway, I was then using the PC for an hour or so when suddenly it switched off (like someone pulled the plug out).

I tried turning the PC on, when again it would not start. Then after about 10 mins it magically started again on its own. Anyway, after about 10 mins or it switched off again. I didn’t bother turning it back on again.

Does anyone know what the issue could be? When it did boot up, the PC worked fine. I’m thinking it maybe a fan/psu issue?

[kalniel]

Sounds like a bad contact in the PSU/lead to wall socket.

When it's off is it completely silent - ie no power from the PSU at all?

[Tejstar]

The second time, the led on the front panel was on and there was a very, very slight whir?

I did notice that the machines turned off both times when I had started a game. I put it on for 5 mins and then poof, off it wen! Could that be relevant?

[shaithis]

Possibly a PSU issue. I had one recently where the PC would not switch on (wasn't patient enough to leave it ).....next time it won't power up, pull the power cord, wait 10 secs and then plug back in and turn on.

If that works, then I would suggest a new PSU....

[Tejstar]

Thanks shaithis.

Which PSU do I buy - shall I look at the spec of my existing one and by the same?

The PC is four years old and therefore I shouldn't think I need anything too powerful. Any suggestions of good brands?

[shaithis]

If its 4 years old, then it won't be too fussy.

Still, I would err on the side of caution and get something half decent.....scan have fairly cheap FPS, Enermax and Tagan PSUs in the 300-400w bracket (guessing thats roughly the range being 4 years old)

[CrazyMonkey]

Sure its not heat related, since gaming is gonna push the temp up. Although from a cold boot this shouldnt been a problem.

300-400w should be more than needed.

[Tejstar]

Thanks guys - are these relatively easy to install?

[shaithis]

Swapping a PSU should be a 10min job max, open case, pull all the power cables, undo the 4 screws holding the PSU in place and then reverse the procedure using your new PSU.

[kalniel]

Yup. Longest part is getting the old connectors off the hard drives and motherboard

[Tejstar]

Ok this is my PC - could someone recommend a PSU please?

Preferrably not something too expensive, but a reliable brand would be good!

Thanks.

[this_is_gav]

The Seasonic 330W S12 should do it to be honest.

[Tejstar]

Cheers, I ended up going for the Seasonic S12-380 for £40 delivered!

[Tejstar]

I just realised that the Asus A7N8X motherboard has a 20-pin ATX power connector, whilst the Seasonic I ordered says it is 24 pin.

Will there be some kind of adaptor enclosed or do I need to choose a new PSU?

[this_is_gav]

The Seasonic's (as most PSUs) come with a 20+4 connector, which means the 4 pins can be unclipped so you're only using the 20 pin.

[scrandman]

Nope it's fine - the extra 4 pins can be disconnected from the big 24 pin block to make it a 20 pin.

A word of caution thought - if the motherboard has the additional 4-pin 12V connector for the CPU, do NOT use the 4 pins disconnected above - there is a seperate line for it.