Power issues
OK I am getting ready to pull my hair out on this one. A few months ago I came home after a weekend of being away and my computer would not turn on. It would power up for about 3 seconds, not even long enough for the bios screen to show then power off again. I would have to unplug it wait and 30 seconds before it would let me try to turn it on again. A couple times being unplugged and it started working and was fine. Then about a week later it happened again this time unplugging did not do the trick. So I opened it up and started unplugging every thing from the power supply. It stayed on fine with just the motherboard plugged in. So then I tested each component 1 by 1, video card, HDs, CD etc expecting one of them to cause the issue. None of them did and when they where all plugged back in together the issue was gone.
The last 2 weeks or so I get the same issue all over again. Now it is happening every time I turn the computer off. The only way I have got it to work is to unplug everything from the power supply and back in. I think I might be over taxing the Power supply but not sure why it works at all then, and when ever I do get it running it stays running till I turn it off again. The power supply is 500w and I have 5 HDs, a geforce 8800, 1 dvd, 1 floppy drive, and 5 fans. Thing is I have had this same setup for over a year now without any issue.
Any ideas before I buy a bigger Power Supply?
If I have to I will prob pick up this 750w PSU but I would rather not spend the money.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817339002
Maybe the power supply is just plain on its way out? Not overloaded; simply dying and what you're seeing are its death throes.
Fedaykin98 wrote:
wordsmythe wrote:
Hmm. 5 hard drives and an 8800 plus whatever CPU you have can draw a ton of power (CPU and GPU are the biggest power suckers). Did you get the power supply with the case?
If so get rid of it as fast as you can. When I had one it died out and took my motherboard + videocard with it. If I were to make power supply suggestions go with OCZ or the little more expensive seasonic.
Thanks for standin' still Wanker!
-XBox Gamertag: Tempest Blaze (Without the Y)
Nope bought the power supply separately. Ultra Xconnect series. I liked it because the cabling was modular.
http://ultraproducts.com/product_details.php?cPath=37&pPath=157&productID=158
Next week is my birthday so I think I will ask for the new 750w one I posted above.
Okay I just have to chime in here. PSU is actually the most overlooked, and most important part of a PC. So getting a quality PSU is a must!
Your system will actually not even use more then 400W. So don't just go for the advertised power ratings.
I have heard bad things about some of the Ultra branded PSUs. Get something from Corsair, BFG, Antec or OCZ.
For modularity, future proof, high quality and relatively cheap I'd recommend
Corsair 620HX
$125 after rebate for this 620W is well worth it!
Unless you have a ABIT mobo. Actually what is your mobo?
Decisions are just decisions, there are neither "good" or "bad"
LobsterMobster wrote:
PC Power and Cooling makes the best supplies on the market. The new Corsairs are surprisingly close, though, and have modular cables, which PCPAC eschews with wrinkled nose.
Yeah PPC doesn't like modular supplies.
Here's their reasoning. (although I think it applies mostly to mission critical 24/7 applications.)
"3. DON'T LOSE POWER WITH MODULAR PLUGS
Due to their look, convenience, and cost savings for manufacturers, modular plugs have become a popular power supply feature. Unfortunately, there has been little or no discussion of the impact of this feature on overall performance and reliability. The fact is, modular plugs limit power by adding to electrical resistance. The voltage drop can be as much as would occur in 2 feet of standard wire. Worse yet, modular plugs utilize delicate pins that can easily loosen, corrode, and burn, creating the potential for a major system failure. That's why professional system builders specify uninterrupted wire!"
More Power Supply Myths.