PC restarts ...

[MrJC]

Hi all,

Hoping somebody suggest what I should be looking at with a problem that I've got with my machine. It's an E6300, 2 Gb, GA-956P-DS3 mobo, 7600GS gpu and a 400w Fortron PSU.

What is happening is that sometimes (normally after I've had the unit on for a couple of hours, then switch off for an hour or two) when switching on, the LEDS flash - then nothing. Or the PC boots (either fully and is usable for a little while or partially just past POST), then goes into a reboot cycle.

When it does start playing up, leaving it off for a few hours or overnight and it's ok. Also when the machine does load up - it's stable, memtest is ok, I can push the unit with games etc.. No problems.

I thought dodgy PSU. So last night I used a paper clip in the middle of one of these episodes to start the PSU up - the fan started running and did so for five minutes or so.

Does this rule the PSU out completely ? Unfortunately I don't have a spare to test, so I'm just trying to work out if it's worth buying a replacement or if this could be mobo issues ?

Thanks for any help, appreciated.

 

[G0AOZ]

More likely to be either motherboard or PSU, but you should try and rule out hard drive and peripherals. When it starts its reboot cycle after POST, disconnect hard drive, CD/DVD, unplug any external USB devices, and remove any additional plug-in adaptor cards from the motherboard. See if it's stable just booting up on a floppy drive.

Try reseating memory modules, undo and reseat all connectors to the motherboard, and all power (and molex) connectors coming from the PSU. Remove, reseat and apply new heatsink compound to the CPU, after having cleaned off the mating surfaces. Make sure there is not a heat issue - ensure all fans turn ok and are not blocked with dust etc.

I think this mobo is probably too young to be afflicted by the bad caps problem, but give a careful checked nevertheless.

http://www.badcaps.net

Next stage would be to remove the mobo from the case and connect it up breadboard style on the bench or tabletop, suitably insulating the underside of the board, as necessary.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[goombawaho]

With weird behavior like that, I would first suspect the power supply and it's the easiest thing to test rather than taking the motherboard out or disconnecting everything. But if you don't have one/can't borrow one, the above is a good way to start.

 

[MrJC]

Thanks for the responses both - I've stripped everything back, used some compressed air, and reseated everything. It's stable at the moment, although I do have my suspicions (glances at case). If it starts playing up again, I think I'll go for a PSU and see ...

(Any good recommendations for a motherboard that's fairly cheapish and compatible with my chip BTW, haven't been keeping my eye on the market re components).

 

[paparazi]

Well I don't think it will come to a motherboard replacement but if it does the Intel P45 chipset is the mainstream replacement for your 965 based motherboard so:
Gigabyte GA-P45-DS3 (there are about 8 motherboards in this range so select the features you need) OR MSI Neo3-P45-FR.
Having said all of this I suspect the PSU.
Also make sure ALL connections are good including the wall socket, plug, power cable etc.

Martin

On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep

 

[MrJC]

Well, thanks again to everybody for the replies, yep turned out to be the power supply - swapped the old one out and no more problems.

Thought I'd update the thread with the resolution, in case anybody else has a similar prob in future.