help with random restarts

M

mandryd

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Aug 31, 2004
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Hey guys. I have a conroe e6600 on asus p5b MB 2gb crucial ram, arctic cooling 64 cooler and a passively cooled 7600gt, x-fi platinum, antec 430 trupower psu.

The problem:
The computer was running fine for a month or so but then a week ago this problem surfaced.

My computer randomly restarts. I could be doing anything or nothing at all. What happens is the computer will just restart instantly with no BSOD (even with auto restarts turned off). Then, while the computer is rebooting, it will often restart itself 3 or 4 times while at the POST screen, after which the computer will boot to windows and have no problems until the next restart. The reboots are completely random. Seomtimes the computer will go 1-2 days and sometimes it will happen every couple hours.

This problem is driving me crazy. As far as i know, temps are not an issue...CPU temps are at high 40s/mid 60s under orthos. northbridge running around 60-70c (on the p5b northbridge supposedly good till 100c), 7600gt is at around 40-50c. Memtest stable, orthos prime stable. I just reformatted in the computer in the hopes that it was that, but it still reboots.

any help would be great.
 
How old is the PSU? Are you sure theres nothing in the case that may be shorting something out? Is it on a surge protector/UPS?
 
the PSU is brand new with everything else and I have always had the computer on a UPS. I"ll check for shorts and report back. Anything in particular I should be looking for when I look for shorts?
 
anything metal, lol. j/k... uhm... unused mobo standoffs, bare wire, loose screws, etc

also, do you have another PSU you can test with? If so, try it. Also, try using a screwdriver instead of the power switch (might be a faulty switch).
 
I had a somewhat similar problem and it ended up being an overheating motherboard chipset that was passively cooled. I put a fan on it and it seems to be fixed.
 
No shorts that I can find.

It was weird. Today I turned the computer off (usually i leave it on 24/7) and I came back home and the computer had turned itself on. That, coupled with the fact the computer acts so ridiculously random, the idea of the faulty switch looks pretty attractive. Hopefully it's that easy. If it's not that, then i guess on to the PSU.
 
Thanks enginurd. Looks like you were right and it was a faulty switch. I just couldn't believe that it was a PSU problem because it didn't feel like a psu problem. Anyhow, the computer has run for a couple days now no problems. Now I just need to somehow replace the power switch. Thanks a lot!
 
Im having problem with mine and still cant find source.
Im not understanding use screwdriver instead of powerswitch. What does that mean?

I have a shuttle barebone system and past week my system restarts randomly. At least 4 times a day. With times where i cant get it powered up so i keep it off.
At first i though it was hardrive and something with my windwos. But after a clean install still got the problem. Then it came down to the powersupply or motherboard. I sure hope its not motherboard becuase i spend 400 dollers on this thing and i dont wanna throw case and motherboard in garabage.
I just hooked up a ATX powersupply i bought from bestbuy to see if it stays alive. Everything was going great till 10 min ago when it restarted on me.

Anyone have any ideas?
 
Mine had the same problem, and it was just due to a faulty CMOS battery.
 
That sounds possible
Where can i get replacement batteries?

Some odd times my bios is reseted. dont know it its that or just so many unhealthy shut downs and pulling the plug.

Really pissing me off though.. just crashed will playin a game online :)
 
the screwdriver thing is basically going on your motherboard, unplugging the connector for your power/reset switch then manually complete the circuit of the power switch with something metal.
 
Wow thats a wierd thing to cause the problem.
I build a new computer roughly every 2 years and this is my 3rd which i did my self (others were done mostly by brother) This is the first time i had any sort of problems. Even my installed games are crashing on me. Im freaking out. Maybe its a hardrive problem after all?
Just find it hard to believe.
Those WD raptors have 5 year warrenty dont they?
 
PSU... I billionth the notion.
A bad PSU can cause a whole world of problems

Think of it like this... Your computer is electrical, so bad electricity = bad times all around.

I'd replace that darn thing... Also check to see if it's the RAM, run with just one stick

NOTE: sorry if my stuff isn't relevant, I just browsed over the topic
 
mandryd said:
Thanks enginurd. Looks like you were right and it was a faulty switch. I just couldn't believe that it was a PSU problem because it didn't feel like a psu problem. Anyhow, the computer has run for a couple days now no problems. Now I just need to somehow replace the power switch. Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...

Glad you found the problem! Power switch for a P160? Antec support is usually pretty good about this sort of thing. Give them a call and see what they can do for you. They might also have the part for sale at their online store, if the case is no longer under warranty (though it should be).
 
Its 100% not the power supply. I bought a new one to try it out and still get the same problem. Im returning the thing becuase i paid 100 cdn dollers LOL damn best buy. Just wanted to buy it somewhere i can return it.

Anyway now im testing a new harddrive (dont worry its a 20 gig i found in my basement)
I just installed a fresh windown and using it right now... So far so good.

Really pissed and glad at same time. Pissed becuase i spent 350 dollers on this raptor hardrive and glad since all i need is a 60 gig harddrive and they are dirt cheap.

GOnna let this computer run all day and see if it holds up.
 
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