Hi all,

Here is a mind boggler for you:

A computer, working fine. Specs:
i5 760 (2.8Ghz)
12GB 1600MHz RAM (1.65V)
700W branded PSU
9600GT
Windows 7

Ok, so it's all working good. Then I have to pull the hard drive (1TB F3) and it is replaced with a temporary 160GB disk.

Now, when Windows 7 has reinstalled without a hitch the computer crashes after a while and wont switch back on. (it does this every hour or two now..)

The thing is, the only way to get the computer to power up again... is to unplug the 20 pin ATX power cable from the motherboard and reattach it. Even unplugging from the wall and replugging doesn't work!

All the core hardware (RAM, CPU and GPU are seated properly). The motherboard has lights for all of these to check they are working on boot- they all are, CPU is properly seated. The only possible issue is that the area around the GPU-> Power connector is very hot.

What can I say, except.. wtf Any ideas what is the issue here?

Run it with the case off and have a look at the fans inside.

Check that none of them are blocked.

I had a similar problem and it took me ages to find out that the GPU fan was knackered and the GPU was overheating and my computer was shutting down to protect it.

It could be the power to the fan has been knocked or a cable is blocking a fan etc...

HTH

I had a similar problem when I built a Sandy Bridge PC, it was a faulty motherboard in my case.

Ouchies - that could be lots of things...

If it does it with or without the case on, and there are no obvious problems, I'd be suspecting a Mobo problem.

Sorry.

I hope that it isnt Expensive motherboard.



I do have my worries about the GPU (its 2 years old and has had pretty intensive usage). But dont understand why it would need the ATX cable detaching from the motherboard in order to work again...

(On another note - nice going on the Project Euler stats - you were on 49 not so long ago! )

What's the condition/age of the PSU? Is it rated high enough to support all the components in the machine?

My money's on a motherboard problem though.

Sounds like the symptoms my PC had years ago when the PSU was on its last legs.
Of course that was a cheap nasty unbranded PSU, but I still wouldn't rule it out if I were you.

I found the longer I used it in one go, the quicker the crashes became. If I thin shut it down for a few hours, the periods between crashes increased again.

What brand is the PSU?

& why are you only using a 20 pin ATX plug?

How old is the PSU? If old enough, it could be a clean side capacitor drying out.

Thanks