Desktop Computer constantly shutting itself off
My daughter's computer which I built for her 2 years ago is deciding to turn itself off constantly. My first guess was there was a fan not functioning which was causing overheating and the sensors are just preserving the PC by shutting it down when it gets too hot.
It was off most of the day and as we turn it on, it will shut itself down before it even gets to start booting Windows. And repeatedly shut itself down at different points. Yesterday it was getting to the desktop sometimes and then turning off.
We have taken it apart and cleaned out the dust and things which we are pretty good at keeping up on, but could be better. all the fans are working just fine and it seems like there is not an airflow problem. also the case and PSU all feel pretty cool to the touch.
Looking for any ideas on how to remedy this or anything I can try. My options are limited as I cannot even get it to the desktop now.
I appreciate any help that can be offered.
Anthony
It was off most of the day and as we turn it on, it will shut itself down before it even gets to start booting Windows. And repeatedly shut itself down at different points. Yesterday it was getting to the desktop sometimes and then turning off.
We have taken it apart and cleaned out the dust and things which we are pretty good at keeping up on, but could be better. all the fans are working just fine and it seems like there is not an airflow problem. also the case and PSU all feel pretty cool to the touch.
Looking for any ideas on how to remedy this or anything I can try. My options are limited as I cannot even get it to the desktop now.
I appreciate any help that can be offered.
Anthony
Hmmm, that is a broad question, but it is usually related to hardware. Could be a powersupply problem, (dirty powersupply), RAM, Motherboard or Videocard.
I'd more than likely say, MB or Powersupply.
Hope this helps.
I'd more than likely say, MB or Powersupply.
Hope this helps.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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How is the cpu going tempreture wise? That would cause the kinds of shutdowns you are experiencing, If it does seem pretty hot you could take the heatsink off apply some arctic silver and put it back on again.
However like previously mentioned it could be anything bad powersupply, motherboard Ram or videocard. i would look at the powersupply first then the Mboard.
However like previously mentioned it could be anything bad powersupply, motherboard Ram or videocard. i would look at the powersupply first then the Mboard.
ASKER
Thank you for the quick responses and I apologize for the broad question also.
I wouldn't think it is the PSU as it isn't even warm when the PC shuts down. I was trying to get to the BIOS to check the temp but it wont even stay on that long to get there.
I believe myself that it is a heat problem and CPU related as well. (I've been down the road before). I didn't think that it might be the thermal paste hardening and that will be the first thing I check tomorrow. Simple and cheap as a first effort.
I will post the result once I get to it.
Much appreciated
Anthony
I wouldn't think it is the PSU as it isn't even warm when the PC shuts down. I was trying to get to the BIOS to check the temp but it wont even stay on that long to get there.
I believe myself that it is a heat problem and CPU related as well. (I've been down the road before). I didn't think that it might be the thermal paste hardening and that will be the first thing I check tomorrow. Simple and cheap as a first effort.
I will post the result once I get to it.
Much appreciated
Anthony
Not a problem.
Please note if the PC gets used often then the thermal compound supplied with CPU's is not sufficent.
As metioned by Christophermagee i would suggest getting a half decent compund such as "arctic Silver" it's usually between $10-20 as tube and will last you a long time. It also has a higher heat resilience which means it will not cake for usually between double to triple the time as reguler compound will.
Let me know how you go.
KAVO
Please note if the PC gets used often then the thermal compound supplied with CPU's is not sufficent.
As metioned by Christophermagee i would suggest getting a half decent compund such as "arctic Silver" it's usually between $10-20 as tube and will last you a long time. It also has a higher heat resilience which means it will not cake for usually between double to triple the time as reguler compound will.
Let me know how you go.
KAVO
ASKER
What is the best and safest way to clean the old compound off the CPU before applying the new compound if it is caked on?
If I remove the heatsink and it is not caked on but looks fine, should I remove it and try with the better compound?
Anthony
If I remove the heatsink and it is not caked on but looks fine, should I remove it and try with the better compound?
Anthony
Definately.
Regardless of whether it looks caked or not it is always good practise once you have removed a heatsink to add new compund.
just a tissue or a cotton tip should be fine. make sure you have removed the CPU from the mainboard first.
KAVO
Regardless of whether it looks caked or not it is always good practise once you have removed a heatsink to add new compund.
just a tissue or a cotton tip should be fine. make sure you have removed the CPU from the mainboard first.
KAVO
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Never use water. EVER EVER EVER...
I would always use either alcohol (preferably and ethanol based).
I would always use either alcohol (preferably and ethanol based).
ASKER
Thanks for all the tips and excellent guides Christophermagee.
Anthony
Anthony
I thought water only gave it issues if you left it on for awhile, I know its made from aluminum but it takes a little while to oxidize.
its not ozidization if you leave some form of condesation behind can cause cracks in the core once it heats up.
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ASKER
Thanks for all the assistance
You will usually find that the problem will be related to heat or power.