CPU/Mobo SMPS problem?

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singenaadam

singenaadam

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I have this problem. The computer stops suddenly. When I write stop - the monitor shows "no signal". Initially it was thought to be a MoBo issue (in TechEnclave form, I had posted this problem ~4 months back and got immediate replies/advice). However, on switching on & switching-off the power supply (switch on the wall outlet), the PC starts and continues to behave normally. There is no other issue with the PC.

This happens erratically - sometimes 3 times a day to three times a week.

My doubt is, if the MoBo is gone, then ideally (as per my limited knowledge) it should remain "dead" right? But, it does come back (pl. don't laugh!) live & kicking as if nothing happened.

Is the PSU/SMPS (power supply unit) the problem?

I dont want to buy a MoBo, SMPS etc etc if I can avoid it. The MoBo is an Intel 945GCNL, is on 24x7x365 (I live in a place with no power cuts!).

Pl. help. Thanks.
 
draglord said:
give us some more details, brand of ur PSU, any gfx card, in short the whole config
Click to expand...

SMPS: Frontech 450W; MoBo: Intel 945GCNL; Proccy: E4500; RAM: 2X1GB Transcend (667MHz), HDD: internal: all Seagate :80GB SATA, 500GB SATA; external: 250GB (internal IDE drive put in a casing, with separate power source), FreeAgentGo 160GB, FreeAgent Desktop 500GB and FreeAgent Desktop 1TB; DVD Writer: LG SATA (new, brought it less than a month back), Logitech Spill proof keyboard, BenQ USB laptop mouse; ViewSonic 1928 monitor, Cambridge FPS1000 speakers (oh yeah! I have them for ages now, but they still sparkle!).

*****

One more thing. Not sure if it is relevant. The Windows Explorer crashes once in a while (say once in a week) needing me to restart using the Windows Taskmanager. Could the problem relate to the OS also?

*****

I can't get another SMPS to test. That is the problem. I will have to buy it. Hence this query!
 
the issue might not be related to smps since u dont have a graphics card

did u check the temp of ur proccy and mobo and hdd?
 
Just check for loose cabling somewhere. A sudden shutoff, without any indication of shutdown would be that.

Also please note next time there is a shutdown - is there a LED on the mobo? Then check for colour after shutdown. See if any of the fans in the cabinet/ the cpu fan keeps running or goes off.

As a first step, just get another power cable to the SMPS and check with that.
 
check the cpu heat sink and its fan...see if its properly seated and fan is spinning and also the thrmal paste is applied or not. High temps of cpu also make system shut. And chances r that ur generic frontech PSU may also hav gone bad...so check this by putting another PSU frm any friend.
 
When the system stops, does the numlock LED toggle, if you hit the numlock on/off..?
 
Thank you for the quick responses. I have made a list of those. What I will do now, is that I will check against each of your suggestions & get back to you.

The observations are as listed:

1. Temperature of the proccy/MoBo - sorry no idea.
2. LED on MoBo after switch-off - Color: Green, no change in color.
3. Fans - CPU/Power supply - off or on? - Both are Off.
4. Loose cabling - checked. Does not seem to be the case.
5. Change the power cable - could not do it. Will need to search for alternate cable & try.
6. Cleanliness of CPU Heat sink & Fan - OK, I had just cleaned few days back.
7. After switch-off, does the NUMLOCK key LED toggle on/off or not - does not toggle. Stays stuck at ON (which is the default at startup).

PL. help.
 
Can you check if you are running the latest BIOS?

Also a simple BIOS Reset to Defaults. (Note any settings in case u need anything specific like AHCI etc).

Run a full memory test to eliminate this cause.
Jambumali said:
Thank you for the quick responses. I have made a list of those. What I will do now, is that I will check against each of your suggestions & get back to you.

The observations are as listed:

1. Temperature of the proccy/MoBo - sorry no idea.

2. LED on MoBo after switch-off - Color: Green, no change in color.

3. Fans - CPU/Power supply - off or on? - Both are Off.

4. Loose cabling - checked. Does not seem to be the case.

5. Change the power cable - could not do it. Will need to search for alternate cable & try.

6. Cleanliness of CPU Heat sink & Fan - OK, I had just cleaned few days back.

7. After switch-off, does the NUMLOCK key LED toggle on/off or not - does not toggle. Stays stuck at ON (which is the default at startup).

PL. help.
Click to expand...
 
BIOS updated today evening. Will see & get back.

Till such time, if it is OK to add in this thread (in this section, (instead of the PC Peripheral section)

I will change the PSU.

Will Zebronics Pro 500 do? That is the only company my (small town) dealer stocks. Or, is the FSP Saga 400W better. Current PSU is Frontech 450W - replaced the original PSU that came wit the casing as it went kaput ~ 2years back.

My config:
MoBo: Intel 945GCNL; Proccy: E4500; RAM: 2X1GB Transcend (667MHz), HDD: internal: all Seagate:80GB SATA, 500GB SATA; external: FreeAgentGo 160GB; DVD Writer: LG SATA, Logitech Spill proof keyboard, BenQ USB laptop mouse.

External HDDs also include - with their own separate poer supplies - 250GB (internal IDE drive put in a casing, with separate power source), FreeAgent Desktop 500GB and FreeAgent Desktop 1TB.

Intend to go for low-end gfx card (PCIe) for light games for the kids during summer holidays. Budget 2-3k - that is to give you idea about its power needs.
 
After the BIOS update, the PC has become comparatively more stable - does'nt stop by itself. I am also changing the power cable in a couple of days.

If the problem recurs, I will follow up on your advice on changing the PSU.

Thank you everbody for your patience & time!
 
Dude change the psu to a good branded psu asap if u luv ur rig...otherwise ur current psu will kill ur system by providing inadequate power supply to it components....
 
xXx R a H u L xXx said:
Dude change the psu to a good branded psu asap if u luv ur rig...otherwise ur current psu will kill ur system by providing inadequate power supply to it components....
Click to expand...

His current PSU is sufficient for his needs, there seems to be no real reason except a "brand thing", unless the BIOS update does not resolve the OP's original issue. Why waste money?
 
Pl. note that 3 OF THE 4 EXTERNAL HDDs have their own power supply. Rest of the hardware is standard config.

Anyway, I was quite surprised to see the power needs of even entry level graphic cards (300W is ~6 ceiling fans!). So will change the power supply depending on the gfx card I finalize.

Thanks you guys, once again!
 
Guys, I am forced to conclude it may ultimately be a PSU issue. The PC is conking-off has become irregularly regular again.

I will post a new query on the PSU advice in the PC Peripheral section.

Thanks one & all for your time & patience. Really appreciate it!
 
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