Computer Shutting off at Random

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learnerofskills

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Aug 30, 2011
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I'm having an issue with my desktop, and would like to get another opinion.
What happens is it boots up, but several minutes after running (usually 2-10 minutes) it will shut off
I know its a hardware issue because it does the same thing when my hard drives are not plugged in (therefor, I am not booting into an OS)
I have already tried RMAing the motherboard (twice), the power supply, and the CPU.
It was working for about 2 years before this problem started, and the only upgrades I've made were adding several sata harddrives and changing the case.
It still does this even when my graphics card is unplugged, so I know I'm not exceeding my wattage or amperage on my PSU

Here are my specs:
Motherboard - Asus m3n-ht deluxe
CPU - AMD Phenom x4 9850
RAM - 4GB DDR2 1066mhz (running at 800mhz)
Graphics card - Nvidia Geforce GTX 260
Harddrives - 1x 7200 RPM IDE drive, 2x 7200RPM SATA drives, and 2x 5900rpm SATA drives
PSU - PC Power and Cooling S75CF 750W
CPU FAN - 120mm
CASE - Cooler Master HAF 932

Any idea what the problem could be?
 
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Ubrales: I could try a friend of mine's PSU this weekend... However, as I mentioned, I already had my PSU replaced. So I don't think that the PSU is the issue here (unless the manufacturer sent me back another bad PSU)

wooodoggies: I have windows 7 installed as my OS. However, as I have mentioned; It will still shut off by itself, even when I don't boot from the harddrive. So I'm sure its not a problem with my OS. You should try unplugging your hard drives or boot into a linux live cd to see if it still shuts off for you. If it does, then you know its a hardware issue.

Could it possibly be a problem with my RAM?
 
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41 degs C is fine. Anything over 70 degs C could indicate a potential problem usually associated with CPU/heatsink installation.
 
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It's either the PSU or a certain type of short. I have seen shorts where as metal heats it expands and causes a contact... of course that can also happen inside the PSU.

See if the PSU shuts down all by itself, without a load, using the paper clip method.

Since PC Power and Cooling are now owned by OCZ I have no idea what the support is like. I would not put it past them that they would ignore your input, test the PSU for two minutes, and ship it straight back.

See if a household fan pointing right into the case effects the time before shutdown. If it clearly prolongs the up-time, well, that doesn't tell you exactly what is wrong but at least it's a clue.

If it was a RAM problem, it would just be one stick and could be tested by running one module at a time.
 
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I tested the PSU with the paper clip method, it stayed on for about 12 hours without shutting off. I also used it to power my friend's computer which stayed on for 15 minutes until we decided it was good. So I don't think that the PSU is the issue here.

I'll try the fan thing and running with 1 stick of each RAM later this week when I get the chance.
 
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Proximon: Thank you for your suggestions! I tried testing my RAM, one module at a time, and it still shut off, However when I tried pointing my box fan at it, I've had it running for about 2 hours now and it hasn't shut off! So I guess it must be a cooling issue.

That is very strange though, considering my computer has been working for about 2 years before I had this issue. Also there is almost no dust inside my PC case... And that my case has 4 huge fans. Although to be honest, I was probably not plugging them in every time I tested my computer.

Any insight to why this possibly happened now after 2 years of working fine?

Thank you for all of your help!
 
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