So, my computer has randomly been going dead, as if the power was suddenly unplugged, for no apparent reason. I can turn it right back on afterwards no problem. It usually shuts down when gaming but it does also turn off just when surfing, though it seems to take longer

This started right after my mother turned off power while I was editing my network settings, however I also (20 min before powerout) installed an additional 512 MB of RAM, and a DVDRW drive. Ive checked all connecters etc and nothing seems to be out of the ordinary

Current system setup:
AMD Athlon 1700+ (1.46 ghz. Was overclocked until my upgrade to around 1.6 ghz)
896 MB ram (DDR, one stick is one of those metalplated "overclocking" ram sticks, and the other two sticks are standard DDR)]
80 GB HD which could probably use a wipe. Running Windows XP + Service Pack 2
8 GB HD with some porn from my last HD wipe
Standared fare 52x CD Rom drive
brand new Toshiba DVDRW drive

Yea, I figure thats about it..


Oh, please remember that despite talking about hardware and random turnoffs, we are talking about my computer and not me.

I'm willing to bet it's the porn

Seriously, if you just installed a new stick of RAM, pull it and see if the powerdowns continue. If they do, test each stick individually with Memtest86.

check your ram , and also maybe take a lok at the temperatures things are running at, could be over heat now that there is some more cfomponents and less air space.

do you have other programs running while gaming or just the game? despite all the hardware possilbiites it could be it can also be good ol'windows.

I am still looking at a machine that reboots when it prints. only to one printer, and the print still comes out fine.

If you system is simply powering off rather than rebooting or blue screening, it generally won't be RAM or Video Cards related. It is most likely one of 4 possibilities:

1. Your CPU fan is either not working or not working correctly - this will cause your CPU to heat up to the point where it reaches the protection setting and shuts off the PC to prevent damage

2. Your PSU is on the way out. One of the rails may not be supplying enough voltage and therefore the machine will switch off when it attempts to draw additional current.

3. Check the capacitors on your mainboard - see if any have bulged (popped/blown) - the sides of each should be nice and straight .... if one or more has, you'll be up for a new mainboard unless you're handy with a soldering iron. Power spikes will often cause this issue.

4. Take a VERY close look at your Southbridge chip. I've had a board doing similar power-offs just before the Southbridge literally exploded in sparks.

Im not familier with the term PSU (Im assuming Power Supply but making assumptions can lead to trouble)


My temperature hasnt changed on my case temp, I'l check the CPU temp in my BIOS but I dont think that could be it simply as I overclocked before and am not overclocking now.

The bottom two entail replacing the motherboard correct?


Anyway, im going to test my ram now

CPU fan was turning off after around 20 min running. Replaced and fixed.

It was probably the same prob I had. CPU wasn't reporting the Fan speeds to the motherboard, which caused it to shutdown. Can happen while running and when off...