Desktop shuts off after a few seconds. HELP!

[Nicolas_Porras]

Hi guys, I am having a problem with my desktop shutting off randomly. The specifications are below, along with more information to give you insight as to the overall problem.

Originally built desktop with these components:
MOBO: MSI NF750-G55 AM3 NVIDIA nForce 750a ATX AMD
Video Card: HIS H679F1GD Radeon HD 6790 1GB GDDR5
CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 260 3.2 GHz AM3
RAM: Patriot G Series "Sector 5" 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3
PSU: Cooler Master GX Series RS650 80 PLUS BRONZE
HDD: WD 500GB 7200RPM
DVD: LITE-ON DVD Burner

After about a year of using the desktop for everyday home use (email, internet, iTunes, etc..) it shut off one day in midst of being used. When turned back on, it would shut off immediately after a few seconds, only to turn itself back on and repeat the cycle. I had to turn off the main PSU switch in order to make it stop. I called MSI to get a new motherboard, thinking it was the problem, and while waiting for the RMA to process, I bought another MOBO:

ECS A885GM-A2 AM3 AMD ATX

When using that board with all of the other original components, my desktop turns on fine, but there is no audio/video on any monitors/televisions I plug into it. I have tried DVI, VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-HDMI, etc.. but nothing will get any picture or sound out of the desktop.

I finally received the replacement MSI motherboard that I was waiting for, but as soon as I set everything all up, it started doing the same thing as the original MSI board (turning off after a few seconds). I am not sure if they resent me the same board or not, but everything was brand new in the box when I got it in the mail. I had to open the seal and everything.

I'm not super knowledgable about computers, but I know enough to the point where I know that everything is plugged in correctly and so on so forth. I have taken the whole setup and put it on top of a box to see if this was all caused by contact with the case, and came up with nothing. The thermal paste on the processor has been replaced twice to near perfection (I am very, very meticulous not to mess things up when it comes to delicate parts) and yet that was not the problem either.

I have no idea what the problem could be. I know the motherboards that I have bought are not of the highest quality, but when I purchased them from NewEgg, I made sure to read reviews and check compatibility.

I would prefer to stick to a lower end budget for his desktop, but am starting to miss the days of PC gaming.

Does anyone have any speculation as to what the problem may be?
Would it be worth it to just upgrade to a better, and more expensive CPU and MOBO combination?

I haven't spent much time trying to resolve this situation even though it's been "broken" for almost 6 months. I have remained very busy, and every month or so I spend around 20min fiddling around with it. I've probably spent like 3 hours max on this, but since I want to start playing PC games again, I figured this little "side-project" should be focused on.

I don't post on many forums, so sorry if this is too long or I rant a little, but I figured the more information the better.

Thank you for reading and any responses will be greatly appreciated.

 

[alexoiu]

Hi, The first thing to suspect is the power supply, especially when the shutdowns occur under load. If possible, try borrowing one and test.

 

[Nicolas_Porras]

Hi, The first thing to suspect is the power supply, especially when the shutdowns occur under load. If possible, try borrowing one and test.

I don't have access to another one unless I buy it (which I don't have a problem doing if I have to).

With the MSI board, when everything is plugged in and connected it does the shut off thing. However, once I unplug JPWR2, it seems to run fine, just doesn't work obviously. Everything turns on and stays on though.

With the ECS board, it turns on and stays on when everything is connected, but there is no video or audio, no matter what I do.

I have breadboarded both motherboards last night, all of the gold pins are in the right place in the case, and there was absolutely no static electricity present while I was putting the desktop together.

Do you still recommend me trying a different power supply?

 

[alexoiu]

I don't recommend buying parts until being sure they're faulty.
I suggest testing the components at a local shop. It's cheaper than buying parts and then realizing that the issue is elswhere.
Or, if it's possible to return the power supply after buying it...

 

[Nicolas_Porras]

I don't recommend buying parts until being sure they're faulty.
I suggest testing the components at a local shop. It's cheaper than buying parts and then realizing that the issue is elswhere.
Or, if it's possible to return the power supply after buying it...

After a few days, I just got approved to RMA both the PSU and CPU back to the manufacturer. I live in CA so it does not cost much or take long to have them send a replacement. I'm just going to wait (I should have new parts around Wednesday) and then see if it works with the new PSU and CPU. If not, then it must be the motherboard? I swear I have the worst luck with things haha. I even tried that long "Tom's Hardware Troubleshooting" list and everything is set up correctly. Thank you for replying! I'll let you know if it works or not when I get the RMA replacements!

 

[alexoiu]

Fingers crossed.

 

[Nicolas_Porras]

Fingers crossed.

So, I received the new Athlon X2 and PSU from the manufacturers and since I had already decided I was going to upgrade, I put the two RMA'd components into my new motherboard and then used my new 7850. Needless to say, it works 100% fine now. I have no idea what the problem may have been and I never tried connecting back to either of the two old mobos, but I have a working computer now, so I am happy. Now I just need to buy my FX8350, and I'll be set! Thanks for the help.