Pc problems

[ViolentJ]

This past week or 2 my pc has been powering down when idle.

It doesn't turn off as the power light remains on - kind of like hibernate, only this feature is turned off. Power settings are set to always on.

Any ideas?

using XP Pro + SP2.

Last night/today has been the worst, it's done it at least 4 times.

I don't think it's the PSU as it doesn't do it when in use.

 

[Woodentop]

check the BIOS for any power save options aswell. Double check the "Power Options" in the control panel make sure system standby is not activated.

Hibernate is slightly different and usually only activated from the shutdown window.

 

[Mole]

could be going into standby/suspend mode, where the computer remains on, but it only runs at something like 20% of what it should, saving on power.

Best off checking all the power options, making sure it isn't going into standby after so many minutes

 

[ViolentJ]

i've not touched the BIOS for months so nothing should have changed there.

system standby is set to never, enable hibernation is off in there as well.

Checking BIOS now anyway....

 

[ViolentJ]

nope all power save options are off in BIOS.

Thinking about it this started around the same time i put my old PCTV card in, although I can't see what this would have to do with it - taken it out now anyway to see if it still happens.

 

[ViolentJ]

Grrr it just shut down whilst I was using it

No error messages or warnings.

Swapped the extension over and used a different wall socket in case it's related to that.

 

[Daz]

BSOD with XP's automatic restart on error?

If the TV card's drivers are crap, it'll happen.

 

[ViolentJ]

ordered a 500watt PSU to arrive on thursday. Only way to rule the PSU out really

 

[Daz]

500watt, what make tho?

A cheap one will produce less amps on the 12v rail for example, than a good 380w one..

Unless your PSU is dodgy.. (and not overloading) it might not help..

 

[ViolentJ]

BSOD with XP's automatic restart on error?

If the TV card's drivers are crap, it'll happen.

TV drivers are gone now.

The PC doesn't restart, it turns off, only the power light remains on and i have to either turn it off at the wall or hold the power button in for 5 seconds and then it turns off properly. (reset does nothing when this happens)

 

[ViolentJ]

500watt, what make tho?

A cheap one will produce less amps on the 12v rail for example, than a good 380w one..

Unless your PSU is dodgy.. (and not overloading) it might not help..

Does 20amp on the 12v rail mean anything to you?

The reviews for the PSU were all good.

 

[Sami]

Not over-heating is it?

 

[Daz]

Does 20amp on the 12v rail mean anything to you?

The reviews for the PSU were all good.

Depends on other rails etc.. what make is it?

Could be a heat problem as said above also!

Get some sort of monitoring app on if your mobo has the sensors.

 

[Woodentop]

could be a lack of power then but i guess we will see when your new PSU arrives

 

[ViolentJ]

Depends on other rails etc.. what make is it?

Could be a heat problem as said above also!

Get some sort of monitoring app on if your mobo has the sensors.

Can't see it being an overheating issue.

I've got 7 case fans (thermaltake Xaser III)

PSU:

+3.3v rail 30a
+5v rail 40a
+12v rail 20a

It's ebuyers own brand. I know this could mean it's shite but i need just enough power to run the pc and i hope this psu will have!

 

[Woodentop]

the ebuyers ones are not too bad for the price should be fine m8.

 

[ViolentJ]

the ebuyers ones are not too bad for the price should be fine m8.

I checked the reviews before ordering and they were all good, so kinda hoped it was half decent. (extremely decent price lol)

 

[Daz]

I have one of those in a server I run. Just a basic Duron with a single SCSI HDD.
Wouldn't use it to power a powerful PC..

It wouldn't power my PC (Athlon64, SCSI HDD 15k, DVD, Two Graphics cards).. just not enough juice! Wouldn't power at all with everything plugged in)

 

[ViolentJ]

Being an impatient b*****d I've just been out and got the highest wattage PSU that pc world sold (nowhere else appears to be open) which was a Jeantech 450watt with the biggest fan i have seen in a psu (120mm!)

Fingers crossed now!

 

[ViolentJ]

looks promising, been up 1 hour 40 ish now since swapping the psu. Longer than it's been managing

Been back and got a new MS Pro keyboard and F.E.A.R. as well. Getting an Audigy 4 on pay day (wednesday)