Computer starts for 1 second then loses power

whorse · 11-05-2009, 01:29 AM

I'm having problems with a computer I built in 2007. Recently it has been prone to powering off when I play any graphically demanding game for more than an hour. When this happens, the computers motherboard light goes off and the unit doesnt respond when I push the power button. I can get the motherboard light to turn back on by turning the switch on my powersupply to "off" for about 10 seconds then flicking it back on. However, once my computer has turned off, about 19/20 times I try this and get the motherboard light on and push the power button, it will just begin to power on like normal for about a half second (all the fans spinning and everything) and then turn off; the mobo light goes out. Very occasionally I was able to start it up, after trying the process over and over, and once that happened if I didnt turn the computer off it would be able to run perfectly (until it crashed again while running a graphically intensive game). I dont even try this anymore, I figure I'll fry something if I do it too much.

When the power goes out on the computer, I can hear a distinct "squeak" sometimes. It reminds me of the sound my 2-outlet DC car converter makes when its trying to draw too much volts from the 12volt battery. This makes me think its the PSU thats causing my problem. However, I have tried unplugging various High-power-usage devices from my PSU the lower the stress on it and the same problem I've had before still persists. You'd think if the PSU was getting overstressed it would be able to start up a LITTLE more than it does now, when I unplug all those components.

I tried unplugging my RAM and resetting all my CMOS stuff, as well as trying the computer on different outlets and power cords. I'm not completely convinced about the "squeak" noise meaning its the PSU, could it just be a regular sound of the computer being forced to shut down because of some motherboard or cpu problem? I've also read another thread of a guy who had a very similar problem to me... he ended up buying a new PSU but it didnt even fix his problem.

I've checked for shorts and cleaned out all the dust. If it matters (and it probably does) I have left this computer on for days, sometimes weeks at a time. It has a 700w OCZ powersupply model OCZGXS700.

I just need to know if its actually my PSU thats causing my problem or if it could be something else. I dont want to waste my money on a new PSU when the old one isnt even broken. Thanks!

**Tyree** · 11-05-2009, 07:31 AM

PC Specs?
Brand & Model of Mobo-CPU-RAM-Graphics-PSU
Your problem sounds like a PSU issue.

whorse · 11-05-2009, 01:19 PM

My motherboard is an Abit IP35-e
CPU: Intel Core2Quad Q6600 G0 Stepping
RAM: G-SKILL PC26400 DDR2 2x2gb
VIDEO: PCIe 8800GTX by PNY

Tumbleweed36 · 11-05-2009, 04:05 PM

And, your power supply brand name and wattage are?

whorse · 11-09-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whorse

It has a 700w OCZ powersupply model OCZGXS700.

**Tyree** · 11-10-2009, 07:57 AM

Check your Voltages in the Bios.

Tumbleweed36 · 11-10-2009, 08:29 AM

And, while checking the voltages, also check the temperatures.

11-05-2009, 01:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
whorse Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 8 OS: Server 2003/XP Hybrid	Computer starts for 1 second then loses power I'm having problems with a computer I built in 2007. Recently it has been prone to powering off when I play any graphically demanding game for more than an hour. When this happens, the computers motherboard light goes off and the unit doesnt respond when I push the power button. I can get the motherboard light to turn back on by turning the switch on my powersupply to "off" for about 10 seconds then flicking it back on. However, once my computer has turned off, about 19/20 times I try this and get the motherboard light on and push the power button, it will just begin to power on like normal for about a half second (all the fans spinning and everything) and then turn off; the mobo light goes out. Very occasionally I was able to start it up, after trying the process over and over, and once that happened if I didnt turn the computer off it would be able to run perfectly (until it crashed again while running a graphically intensive game). I dont even try this anymore, I figure I'll fry something if I do it too much. When the power goes out on the computer, I can hear a distinct "squeak" sometimes. It reminds me of the sound my 2-outlet DC car converter makes when its trying to draw too much volts from the 12volt battery. This makes me think its the PSU thats causing my problem. However, I have tried unplugging various High-power-usage devices from my PSU the lower the stress on it and the same problem I've had before still persists. You'd think if the PSU was getting overstressed it would be able to start up a LITTLE more than it does now, when I unplug all those components. I tried unplugging my RAM and resetting all my CMOS stuff, as well as trying the computer on different outlets and power cords. I'm not completely convinced about the "squeak" noise meaning its the PSU, could it just be a regular sound of the computer being forced to shut down because of some motherboard or cpu problem? I've also read another thread of a guy who had a very similar problem to me... he ended up buying a new PSU but it didnt even fix his problem. I've checked for shorts and cleaned out all the dust. If it matters (and it probably does) I have left this computer on for days, sometimes weeks at a time. It has a 700w OCZ powersupply model OCZGXS700. I just need to know if its actually my PSU thats causing my problem or if it could be something else. I dont want to waste my money on a new PSU when the old one isnt even broken. Thanks!

11-05-2009, 07:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,540 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Computer starts for 1 second then loses power PC Specs? Brand & Model of Mobo-CPU-RAM-Graphics-PSU Your problem sounds like a PSU issue. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-05-2009, 01:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
whorse Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 8 OS: Server 2003/XP Hybrid	Re: Computer starts for 1 second then loses power My motherboard is an Abit IP35-e CPU: Intel Core2Quad Q6600 G0 Stepping RAM: G-SKILL PC26400 DDR2 2x2gb VIDEO: PCIe 8800GTX by PNY

11-05-2009, 04:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,652 OS: XP Professional	Re: Computer starts for 1 second then loses power And, your power supply brand name and wattage are? __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

11-10-2009, 07:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,540 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Computer starts for 1 second then loses power Check your Voltages in the Bios. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-10-2009, 08:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,652 OS: XP Professional	Re: Computer starts for 1 second then loses power And, while checking the voltages, also check the temperatures. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.