PC crashed and wont start.

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-17-2006, 08:37 AM

Hi I bought a game called FEAR it is high in graphics.
I dont know if this is the start of my problem, but while playing this game it has crashed to desktop a couple of times, but today the whole computer shut down, and wont start up again.
I was playing for half and hour before it happened.

I have checked the fuse thats ok, I cleaned the fan and fins to the cpu, incase of over heating.
Cleaned all pc from dust.
When I switch button on at front the fans try to start for a fraction of a second but thats it, they dont continue. no power ?
My system has a 300watt power supply.
3000 cpu
256 radeon x800 graphics card
2gb ram.

I am wondering whether its the power pack, packed up ? I have checked the fuse in the power supply but it seems ok ?

Indoril Nerevar · 07-17-2006, 08:45 AM

I would expect to see that system running on a bigger power supply - 400W+. If you have another power supply on hand, try that.

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-17-2006, 09:20 AM

I have just orderd a 600watt power supply from ebay £24.99 .
I also think it could be this ?
Even if it isnt I think as you do my supply should be bigger.
Will I have to change any settings on the computer to except the new bigger supply ?
Or is it a straight swop ?
600watt dual fan.
I have noticed before the computer struggling when playing BF2 game.
I have had BF2 close to desktop after making a high pitch noise. not sure where it was coming from but could have been from power supply ?

~~whodat~~ · 07-17-2006, 09:31 AM

it could have been
what make power supply did you order?
tumble and crew has a nice info thread on this issue
open the side and inspect the fans and dust situation
good luck

Indoril Nerevar · 07-17-2006, 09:41 AM

There are no settings you'll need to change - it's just a clean swap.

About the BF2 crashing problem, I would think a PSU would be more likely to crash the entire system, not just the game. However, the struggling could have been due to the video card not receiving enough power.

To read the thread about power supplies which whosdat mentioned, click the "Important Power Supply Info" link in my sig.

**MunkyPhil** · 07-17-2006, 10:00 AM

Any problems with temperatures Terry?

It does look like a PSU issue but just checking.

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-17-2006, 02:10 PM

600W High Quality, Dual Fan ATX PSU With SATA, PCI-E..
that is the one i ordered.
600W High Quality, Dual Fan ATX PSU

Brand New With 12 Months Warranty

Comes with 20 and 24 pin, as well as 4 pin 12v connector, Ideal for Pentium or AMD computers.

Serial ATA and Standard IDE power connectors

This item also comes with a 6 Pin PCI-Express video connector

This is a standard ATX PSU and therefore is of standard size and will fit into any ATX PC Case.

(Dimensions: 14cm X 15cm X 8.5cm (Approx)

DC Output is as follows

600W Max output

+5V = 50A, +3.3V = 32A, +12V = 24A,

-5V =0.5A, -12V = 1.0A, +5VSB = 2.0A

High Quality PSU, For The Most Demanding Of PC's

Superb item at an unbeatable price!!

Thanks for looking, PCFX

**Bartender** · 07-18-2006, 01:16 AM

Terry -
Can you provide a link to the PSU? The more the ad copy says, "High Quality" the more I wonder if it's any good...

Indoril Nerevar · 07-18-2006, 02:37 AM

I agree with Bartender, although 24 amps should be plenty for your system. With that in mind, though, there are 400W power supplies which provide a lot more amps on the +12V rails...

For future reference, "High Quality" generally means they don't want to tell you the brand name, as it's actually low quality...

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-18-2006, 02:54 AM

Oh Help. I done it again.

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-18-2006, 03:03 AM

How many amps do you think I need ?

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-18-2006, 03:10 AM

I have contacted the seller for more info, the page showing the PSU on ebay doesnt show the make,brand, I probably have bought a cheap version, will it do for now or will i have the same problems, not enough power for the high end games . ?

Indoril Nerevar · 07-18-2006, 03:12 AM

24 amps should be plenty for your system... but from a 600W power supply, that's fairly low. I have a medium-high quality 680W PSU, and it has a total of 52 amps across three +12V rails. So a 600W with only 24 is a bit worrying... although, as I said, it should be fine for your system. I wouldn't want to put much more load on it, but your system should be fine.

I definitely recommend reading that power supply info (in my sig). It's a very good read, and has a lot of important information.

**Bartender** · 07-18-2006, 04:59 AM

Terry -
Most folks don't think twice about their PSU's. I've come around to the viewpoint that it may well be the most important single item inside the PC. It's not just the raw power ratings (although cheesy ones often spout ridiculously optimistic numbers) it's the quality of that power. How much ripple, how well it holds its own against fluctuations in your incoming AC voltage, how efficient it is (higher efficiency means less heat and lower utility bills), etc. etc.
It's tough when you're looking at an $80 Fortron or Seasonic or Antec and then you see the "High Quality" one for $30. But if there's any way you can scrounge together the cash you'll never regret it.

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-18-2006, 09:34 AM

The problem with me is, I will pay for the better quality things its just as you say "high quality hit me in the face" I always learn my lesson after i have bought these things.
I am a little confused with the watt and volts thing.
It must be better than what I had? well at least what I have now :)
I cant send it back.
I just hope its ok.
If the seller gives me more info I will get back to you.
Thanks

**Terrister** · 07-18-2006, 03:06 PM

Did you read the Hardware teams power supply post?
http://www.techsupportforum.com/showthread.php?t=107466

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-19-2006, 04:30 AM

Yes most of it : a lot to tak and get through, but found this quote concerning :An underpowered PSU may cause heat buildup, automatic shutdowns, BSOD’s, system overheating, and a lack of power that may cause expensive top shelf Cpu’s, motherboards, hard drives and ram to burn up.

I hope the power supply is the only problem .
I dont know if it is that yet, the thought is that the power supply fan isnt turning, I would have thought this would turn if it was working, or could it be a malefunction in the pc, motherboard, ram,cpu etc.
I will only find out when the psu arrives.
The seller wrote back, he didnt have much to say just : Hi

Why dont you try it and if it doesn't have enough power then you can return it???

Regards
PCFX

The problem is if it doesnt have enough power, How will I know?
It might be to late and damage components.
Thanks

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-19-2006, 04:33 AM

Oh he is a high seller on ebay with 100% feedback. I hope this is something to reasure me . probably not ?

Indoril Nerevar · 07-19-2006, 04:49 AM

Personally, what I would do is return the power supply anyway, and then buy a quality power supply, just to be on the safe side.

As for the PSU damaging components -> this usually happens over time, so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

As I said though, it's better to be safe than to be sorry, so I'd return the PSU and get a better one - look to pay around the $80+ mark (45+ pounds).

This would be a good choice for your system:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817194002

**Terry Seyforth** · 07-19-2006, 02:02 PM

Hi the psu has arrived today.
I have installed it and the computer is now working, so I suppose we guessed right.
I do live dangerously, although you tell me to be a little wiser and buy another psu, I respect your advise, but as usual I am going to give this a go, I am going to load Fear the pc game, and see what happens, DOH !!
Yes I know not a good idea,
Thank you for your advise, it hasnt been unheard, I will in future be looking for a better psu, untill then I will cross my fingers.
Thanks to all.

07-17-2006, 08:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	PC crashed and wont start. Hi I bought a game called FEAR it is high in graphics. I dont know if this is the start of my problem, but while playing this game it has crashed to desktop a couple of times, but today the whole computer shut down, and wont start up again. I was playing for half and hour before it happened. I have checked the fuse thats ok, I cleaned the fan and fins to the cpu, incase of over heating. Cleaned all pc from dust. When I switch button on at front the fans try to start for a fraction of a second but thats it, they dont continue. no power ? My system has a 300watt power supply. 3000 cpu 256 radeon x800 graphics card 2gb ram. I am wondering whether its the power pack, packed up ? I have checked the fuse in the power supply but it seems ok ?

07-17-2006, 08:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,008 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	I would expect to see that system running on a bigger power supply - 400W+. If you have another power supply on hand, try that. __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

07-17-2006, 09:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,008 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	There are no settings you'll need to change - it's just a clean swap. About the BF2 crashing problem, I would think a PSU would be more likely to crash the entire system, not just the game. However, the struggling could have been due to the video card not receiving enough power. To read the thread about power supplies which whosdat mentioned, click the "Important Power Supply Info" link in my sig. __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

07-17-2006, 10:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
MunkyPhil TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Liverpool, England Posts: 1,140 OS: Win XP Pro SP2 My System	Any problems with temperatures Terry? It does look like a PSU issue but just checking. __________________ "Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds." - J. Robert Oppenheimer, July 16th 1945. CPU-z -- Memtest -- Speedfan -- Prime95 -- SandraLite Important Power Supply Info -- Applying Thermal Paste -- Posting System Specs

07-18-2006, 02:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,008 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	I agree with Bartender, although 24 amps should be plenty for your system. With that in mind, though, there are 400W power supplies which provide a lot more amps on the +12V rails... For future reference, "High Quality" generally means they don't want to tell you the brand name, as it's actually low quality... __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

07-17-2006, 09:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	I have just orderd a 600watt power supply from ebay £24.99 . I also think it could be this ? Even if it isnt I think as you do my supply should be bigger. Will I have to change any settings on the computer to except the new bigger supply ? Or is it a straight swop ? 600watt dual fan. I have noticed before the computer struggling when playing BF2 game. I have had BF2 close to desktop after making a high pitch noise. not sure where it was coming from but could have been from power supply ?

07-17-2006, 09:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
~~whodat~~ Register user Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 5,931 OS: XP	it could have been what make power supply did you order? tumble and crew has a nice info thread on this issue open the side and inspect the fans and dust situation good luck

07-17-2006, 02:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	600W High Quality, Dual Fan ATX PSU With SATA, PCI-E.. that is the one i ordered. 600W High Quality, Dual Fan ATX PSU Brand New With 12 Months Warranty Comes with 20 and 24 pin, as well as 4 pin 12v connector, Ideal for Pentium or AMD computers. Serial ATA and Standard IDE power connectors This item also comes with a 6 Pin PCI-Express video connector This is a standard ATX PSU and therefore is of standard size and will fit into any ATX PC Case. (Dimensions: 14cm X 15cm X 8.5cm (Approx) DC Output is as follows 600W Max output +5V = 50A, +3.3V = 32A, +12V = 24A, -5V =0.5A, -12V = 1.0A, +5VSB = 2.0A High Quality PSU, For The Most Demanding Of PC's Superb item at an unbeatable price!! Thanks for looking, PCFX

07-18-2006, 01:16 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bartender Mentally divergent Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA, USA Posts: 1,285 OS: W2K, Ubuntu 8.04	Terry - Can you provide a link to the PSU? The more the ad copy says, "High Quality" the more I wonder if it's any good...

07-18-2006, 02:54 AM	#10 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	Oh Help. I done it again.

07-18-2006, 03:03 AM	#11 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	How many amps do you think I need ?

07-18-2006, 03:10 AM	#12 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	I have contacted the seller for more info, the page showing the PSU on ebay doesnt show the make,brand, I probably have bought a cheap version, will it do for now or will i have the same problems, not enough power for the high end games . ? Last edited by Terry Seyforth; 07-18-2006 at 03:11 AM. Reason: miss spell

07-18-2006, 03:12 AM	#13 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,008 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	24 amps should be plenty for your system... but from a 600W power supply, that's fairly low. I have a medium-high quality 680W PSU, and it has a total of 52 amps across three +12V rails. So a 600W with only 24 is a bit worrying... although, as I said, it should be fine for your system. I wouldn't want to put much more load on it, but your system should be fine. I definitely recommend reading that power supply info (in my sig). It's a very good read, and has a lot of important information. __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

07-18-2006, 04:59 AM	#14 (permalink)
Bartender Mentally divergent Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA, USA Posts: 1,285 OS: W2K, Ubuntu 8.04	Terry - Most folks don't think twice about their PSU's. I've come around to the viewpoint that it may well be the most important single item inside the PC. It's not just the raw power ratings (although cheesy ones often spout ridiculously optimistic numbers) it's the quality of that power. How much ripple, how well it holds its own against fluctuations in your incoming AC voltage, how efficient it is (higher efficiency means less heat and lower utility bills), etc. etc. It's tough when you're looking at an $80 Fortron or Seasonic or Antec and then you see the "High Quality" one for $30. But if there's any way you can scrounge together the cash you'll never regret it.

07-18-2006, 09:34 AM	#15 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	The problem with me is, I will pay for the better quality things its just as you say "high quality hit me in the face" I always learn my lesson after i have bought these things. I am a little confused with the watt and volts thing. It must be better than what I had? well at least what I have now :) I cant send it back. I just hope its ok. If the seller gives me more info I will get back to you. Thanks

07-18-2006, 03:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	Did you read the Hardware teams power supply post? http://www.techsupportforum.com/showthread.php?t=107466 __________________ Last edited by Terrister; 07-19-2006 at 09:27 AM.

07-19-2006, 04:30 AM	#17 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	Yes most of it : a lot to tak and get through, but found this quote concerning :An underpowered PSU may cause heat buildup, automatic shutdowns, BSOD’s, system overheating, and a lack of power that may cause expensive top shelf Cpu’s, motherboards, hard drives and ram to burn up. I hope the power supply is the only problem . I dont know if it is that yet, the thought is that the power supply fan isnt turning, I would have thought this would turn if it was working, or could it be a malefunction in the pc, motherboard, ram,cpu etc. I will only find out when the psu arrives. The seller wrote back, he didnt have much to say just : Hi Why dont you try it and if it doesn't have enough power then you can return it??? Regards PCFX The problem is if it doesnt have enough power, How will I know? It might be to late and damage components. Thanks

07-19-2006, 04:33 AM	#18 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	Oh he is a high seller on ebay with 100% feedback. I hope this is something to reasure me . probably not ?

07-19-2006, 04:49 AM	#19 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,008 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	Personally, what I would do is return the power supply anyway, and then buy a quality power supply, just to be on the safe side. As for the PSU damaging components -> this usually happens over time, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. As I said though, it's better to be safe than to be sorry, so I'd return the PSU and get a better one - look to pay around the $80+ mark (45+ pounds). This would be a good choice for your system: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817194002 __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

07-19-2006, 02:02 PM	#20 (permalink)
Terry Seyforth I helped the forums. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 418 OS: xp	Hi the psu has arrived today. I have installed it and the computer is now working, so I suppose we guessed right. I do live dangerously, although you tell me to be a little wiser and buy another psu, I respect your advise, but as usual I am going to give this a go, I am going to load Fear the pc game, and see what happens, DOH !! Yes I know not a good idea, Thank you for your advise, it hasnt been unheard, I will in future be looking for a better psu, untill then I will cross my fingers. Thanks to all.