Weird Power-Off Problem

Solauren · Post by **Solauren** » 2007-03-18 10:36am

Hello

My wife's computer recently started shutting down on it's own accord.

The interval varies, but it appears to be about 20 minutes when she's using the computer 'intensely'. i.e Playing a Video Game.

Afterwards, she can have trouble restarting it. i.e part way through boot up, the power cuts out again.

Am I right in assuming it's either her power supply or her mother board? Or is there another possibility I'm over looking?

Luke Starkiller · Post by **Luke Starkiller** » 2007-03-18 11:03am

It could be a heat issue, have you made sure the fans run and heatsinks are clean?

Post by **Edi** » 2007-03-18 11:53am

Power supply and heat issues, probably. Clean the machine out immediately, a lot of dust will cause it to geat up too quickly and also poses a fire hazard.

Solauren · Post by **Solauren** » 2007-03-18 01:29pm

We dusted the machine (and used up an air can in the process)

So far, so good

Dargos · Post by **Dargos** » 2007-03-19 09:29am

sounds def. like a heat problem to me. there are several downloads out there that will monitor your processor temp. get one of those and watch to see if your temps are riseing while useing the computer.

Braedley · Post by **Braedley** » 2007-03-19 04:19pm

Since the OP said video games, I'm gonna have to lean towards a heat related issue with the video card. Have you started getting weird artifacts yet, 'cause that's a dead give away. The fan quit on one of my old cards, and after crashing, my computer would sometimes not start up.

Solauren · Post by **Solauren** » 2007-03-19 04:43pm

Still no more problems.

Probably was a heat issue, as clearing out something like 2 pounds of dust made it run better