[Danjb]

Hey,

I was just browsing the web and transferring some photos from my camera when my computer suddenly turned off in an instant, and now it won't turn back on.

I have had to replace my PSU twice already so I suspect that that may be the problem, but how can I be sure? And what can I do to stop it happening again?

Thanks,

- Danjb

[joeten]

hi the psu would seem the most likely thing you need to purchase a good quality one with enough power to run all your hardware etc if you post what you have in your machine someone will be able to suggest a possible option

[win2kpro]

You've posted no information regarding the make and model of your power supply, or your system configuration. You may be pushing the power supply too hard with the
components installed in your system. Post some specifics about your system.

http://forums.techguy.org/hardware/7...e-posting.html

[Leungwk01]

If you have replaced your PSU twice already the problem may lie somewhere else. It could be your motherboard being fried however before you take any steps.
I suggest you minimum some possibilities and see if the cables are faulty. The power cable which powers the PSU is a known problem, try to find a spare one and see if it works.

Also as people have said, we need to know the specs of your system to know if your current/purchased PSU has enough watts to power your system efficiently.

[Danjb]

Thanks for all your replies, but win2kpro that link just took me back to the forum main page...?

I haven't yet had a chance to try out a spare power cable but I will do.

I don't know exactly what specs to give or necessarily where I might find them but I can tell you the PSU is an X-Fire ATX-400TD and it's connected to 2 CD drives, a floppy drive (which I don't think works anyway), a hard drive (I planned to install a second shortly), and to the motherboard in 2 places with a 4-pin plug and a 20-pin plug.

Let me know if you need any more information. Thanks again.

- Danjb

[win2kpro]

I apologize, this is the link I should have posted.

http://forums.techguy.org/hardware/7...e-posting.html

[joeten]

hi do you have a graphics card or have i missed that

[Danjb]

I do have a graphics card.

I'll try and get some more advanced specs later today but it's harder without the computer turning on...

[Danjb]

Ok, here's all the information I can find...

Motherboard: Micro-Star N1996

Ram: 512 MB DDR 333 CL2.5, there's a little "M" logo...

PSU: X-Power ATX-400TD Max 400 W

Video Card: Lancer - 210 - M03 (Nvidia Geforce FX 5200?)

Hard Drive: Don't know. I ran into a problem when I was trying to take it out... I've got a Compaq Presario and for some reason even when I've unscrewed the screws of the hard drive it wouldn't come out all the way.

[dustyjay]

What Model Presario is it. The model should be labeled on the front of the computer case.

[Danjb]

S3700UK

I haven't replaced the hard drive so if it always comes with the same one then it should be easy to find out.

Thanks for all your replies again.

[Danjb]

So I guess now that's two problems:

1. How to get the hard drive out - not essential, but it's making me worried about installing a second...

2. The actual problem... if it's the PSU, what shall I replace it with?

Thanks.

[Danjb]

Ok, another update, with some good and bad news...

1. I found out how to remove the hard drive, turns out it comes out the front.

2. I got a new PSU with an on/off light and put it in. The light on the PSU was on so I'm guessing that means the problem is NOT the PSU or the cable?

So what could it be? The motherboard?

[dlsayremn]

Danjb,
Check your computer's on/off switch, Could have gone bad or one of the clips may have popped loose, so front panel button is not making contact.

I have 3-1/2 year old Presario SR2180NX. Luckily bought 3 year extended warranty.
13 months - PSU and DVD-R/W replaced. Both bad. PSU replaced with 400W, not sure what make, but had beautiful blue LED's.
18 months - Computer's on/off switch not working. Tech replaced PSU with 600W PK, before checking switch, so don't know if PSU was bad.
30 months - Harddrive died. Sent $60 and rest of warranty cancelled. Little upset, but found better class, larger HD on sale..
Tuesday, this week, PSU died. Replaced it myself with 600W OCZ Stealth Stream with 3 year warranty. Know 600W is over-kill, but with discount and rebate will only cost about $30.

[Danjb]

Thanks for the reply!

Ouch...

Just checked the switch and as far as I can tell it's fine - but if it was the switch, that surely wouldn't explain why it randomly switched itself off?

Any other ideas?