computer symptoms... cause?

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

I just installed new hardware on my gf's computer and she is experiencing the following problem: sometimes the power button wont turn on the computer and other times it will, but the monitor won't detect anything so it doesn't turn on. Other times the computer turns on and works fine. The case and motherboard are both new, so I don't know which is the problem (assuming its one or the other). Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Biggie.

 

[Bleed]

what hardware did you install?

 

[gevorg]

Maybe the power supply is faulty. Try to unplug and reconnect all power connections.

 

[gshan]

Hi Biggie,

What brand and Wattage is the PSU?

A faulty psu is one of the most common sources of issues with new systems.

-g

 

[Imyourzero]

Sounds like the power supply to me. Could be something else, but I'd start there.

 

[mysticaldodo]

I had that problem too, the power switch was loose. It was a Thermal Take case.

 

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

Its a cheap 450w powersupply. Motherboard, cpu, ram and case (w/ powersupply included) are all new. There is no switch on the powersupply. All the connections appear to be tight.

Biggie.

 

[Jasper994]

If the cpu fan has speed control try turning it up a bit, there's a possibility that you're right on the boarderline where sometimes it won't spin up on its own from a dead stop which would activate the fan off control on some motherboards.

Double check that you have a good connection from the power and reset buttons to the motherboard.

Make sure the wires for the power switch and reset button are well connected on the switch side. I've had them pull loose. I had to resolder them.

Unplug and reseat the main power connector between the psu and the mobo.

Try a different power supply and see if you still have the problem.

 

[Oink1]

You have done a reinstall of Winblows if the mobo chipset is different?.Check any AGP/PCI cards are seated correctly... If this gets you no joy - remove/disconnect everything non-essential (leave psu, cpu&fan, 1 stick of ram and VCard) and see if you can get into the BIOS - If that works start adding things one at a time untill it goes pair-shaped and you find the culprit. Hope this helps...

 

[Oink1]

Any joy with this?

 

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

Nope, she went away to a camp, and I'm an hour drive away from the computer. As a temporary solution, she has just not been turning it off hehe.

Biggie.

 

[XxATOLxX]

First I would test the power supply, if its not that, reset your bios using the jumper, then check if your CPU/HSF is seated correctly. I almost fried my old cpu trying to figure out why that kept happening.

 

[radrd]

The first thing you should do is update your BIOS, unless you are having random shutdowns.

 

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

It was indeed the power supply that was the problem.

THanks for the help everyone,

Biggie.