Computer keeps turning on and off repeatedly

[Gump919]

I recently bought a new MOBO for an older computer, which I have had some issues with before. It's been a while since I've fiddled with it, but now I thought I would try a new MOBO. (MSI G41M-P33)

My issues is that the computer keeps turning off and on. I've managed to get to the Windows loading screen, but it only just shows, then it restarts again. I even managed to open Windows Repair, but it told me it couldn't resolve the issue. When everything is plugged in, it will usually only boot for 4-5 seconds before powering off, then powering on by itself again after a couple of seconds.

Anyway. I've stripped the computer, so that only the CPU and the PSU is connected to the motherboard, and it seems to boot without restarting. However. Whenever I add a block of RAM (I have four blocks of the same type Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5D) it will return to the original restarting issue. It doesn't matter which block I insert, or which slot I put it in.

I feel like ordering new RAMs. Preferably something a bit more powerful, maybe DDR3, but I want to be sure that the RAMs absolutely are the problem before I start investing more money.

My question is: How can I be sure that the RAMs are broke, and I didn't get a faulty MOBO or maybe I have a faulty PSU or CPU? Is it possible that either MOBO, PSU or CPU could be the cause of the issue, even though it boots fine when those are the only components attached?

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad
MOBO: MSI G41M-P33
RAM: 4x1GB CM2X1024-8500C5D (The MOBO only takes two DDR2 or two DDR3 at a time)
PSU: OCZ500SXS 500W
GPU: Asus EAH4870

 

[Gump919]

Alright. Still not working. I'm pretty sure the MOBO is faulty. I installed the new PSU (Cooler Master B500, 500W) (Only on the mobo), with my old RAM (CM2X1024-8500C5D DDR2) it will keep rebooting a few times untill it gives me the POST beep, then followed by two short beeps. Same problem as before, except the two extra beeps. (This in on a clean board) If I plug in my new RAM (Kingston ValueRAM 4GB DDR3 1333MHz PC3), it doesn't keep rebooting as it did before, however, instead of POST beep, I get three continues beeps. I have tried clearing cmos, replugging the RAM etc etc. Please help, this is getting very frustrating...

 

[amd4lif3]

time for a new mobo

 

[amd4lif3]

but according to my brain and this site it does suggest ram failure 3 beeps if this is 1 stick try it in other motherboard slots

 

[amd4lif3]

http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

 

[Gump919]

I realize that. However. I have 4 different blocks of the same type of RAM which gives me a certain failure, then I have a completely new, different type of RAM, which gives me a whole other failure. I have of course tried different slots a bunch of times. Thanks for your help!

 

[amd4lif3]

np make sure with your next type of mobo you have 1 type ddr3 im sure that having two types made debugging worse

 

[itorres008]

Hello all,

I'm having the same situation with the same MOBO. However, it starts doing it after several hours in use. (I'm also testing drive/cable/SATA Port problems that cause drives to not be recognized or boot failure). It happened once before, left it alone and the following day it worked ok. The problem is it could be RAM, MOBO, perhaps power supply... and we often don't have parts and systems to use for swapping and testing.

To begin with, Gump919 shouldn't have worried about the Hard disk and Windows installation. The mobo is rebooting even before getting to BIOS screen and identifying connected drives, so it's not even attempting to load Windows.

Anyway, I initially had this MOBOs sister, an MSI G41M-P26 and had similar intermittent boot problems. RAM compatibility was suspected. Troubleshooting, changed CPU (for compatibility with RAM), tried different RAM...long story. Sent MOBO for warranty. It was bad, they didn't have one of same model for replacement and that's how I got this G41M-P33 in substitution. (so I could at least use the CPU and RAM)

A friend of mine told me MSI mobos weren't that good and that he avoids them. Given the amount of problems I see people are having when I do a search, he may be right.

Well, I'll see what happens with mine later.

 

[cdrkf]

Hello all,

I'm having the same situation with the same MOBO. However, it starts doing it after several hours in use. (I'm also testing drive/cable/SATA Port problems that cause drives to not be recognized or boot failure). It happened once before, left it alone and the following day it worked ok. The problem is it could be RAM, MOBO, perhaps power supply... and we often don't have parts and systems to use for swapping and testing.

To begin with, Gump919 shouldn't have worried about the Hard disk and Windows installation. The mobo is rebooting even before getting to BIOS screen and identifying connected drives, so it's not even attempting to load Windows.

Anyway, I initially had this MOBOs sister, an MSI G41M-P26 and had similar intermittent boot problems. RAM compatibility was suspected. Troubleshooting, changed CPU (for compatibility with RAM), tried different RAM...long story. Sent MOBO for warranty. It was bad, they didn't have one of same model for replacement and that's how I got this G41M-P33 in substitution. (so I could at least use the CPU and RAM)

A friend of mine told me MSI mobos weren't that good and that he avoids them. Given the amount of problems I see people are having when I do a search, he may be right.

Well, I'll see what happens with mine later.

Ouch! Yeah sounds like motherboard issues. I've had other MSI stuff (currently have an 'MSI Gaming' graphics board) that is ok, but not used their motherboards much.

I build a fair few machines, I usually stick with ASUS for motherboards, or AsRock if building on a tight budget (I've had a few superb AsRock boards that cost very little).