Newly Built Computer Turning off Within 10 Seconds of Boot

[exchequer]

First off, here are the specs. Everything listed is brand new out of the box:

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055Q88EO/ref=oh_o00_s00_i03_details

CPU - AMD FX 4100 4-Core Processor, 3.6 4 Socket AM3+ FD4100WMGUSBX
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UBNL0A/ref=oh_o00_s00_i04_details

GPU - XFX ATI Radeon HD6670 1 GB DDR3 VGA/DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card HD667XZHF3
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z5GRW6/ref=oh_o00_s00_i02_details

Memory - Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and AMD Platforms SDRAM CMZ8GX3M2A1600
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CRSM4I/ref=oh_o00_s00_i01_details

PSU - Thermaltake TR2 500W Continuous-Delivery Power Supply ATX12V W0379RU
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RWJGHC/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

I put all the parts together outside of the case to make sure everything was working and found no problems. After putting together everything in the case I turned it on and still had no problems, everything was running and I was able to access the Bios and change the boot order. As I was getting ready to install the OS I noticed my disc was too scratched to work. As I'm re-burning the DVD on my other computer I leave the new computer on for about 30 minutes. When I come back the monitor is turned off and nothing happens when I tap buttons on the keyboard. So, I reset the computer and within 3-6 seconds it shuts off. It does pull up the BIOS screen and moves forward as normal before powering off.

I read up and thought that it could be the CPU overheating, so I disassemble the heat sink and notice that the thermal paste on it has melted. Figuring that this might have been the problem I waited a day and started up the computer cold. Still the same problem, although this time it may have stayed on for about 10 seconds.

I'm stumped as to what the problem could be. I was thinking it could be the CPU overheating, but could it really overheat in 10 seconds with the CPU fan working? Another possibility was the PSU, but I wasn't sure seeing as it does turn on for the short amount of time.

Any ideas?

 

[bookwormsy]

I'm thinking the power supply's too weak. I just built one, and I had the same problem. I took out the graphics card and unplugged all the fans (except the CPU) and it booted fine. I'd take out the graphics, unplug unnecessary fans and see if it works. If it does, you need a stronger PSU. If not, it might be the RAM or mobo.

 

[aviconus]

You would be right at, or possibly alittle below the max output of that power supply. Below is the power consumption of your GPU and CPU to show you where you stand PSU-wise:

AMD 6670:
Idle - 85w
Load - 125w

FX-4100:
Idle - 85w
Load - 225w

This does not include the power that your Hard Drives, MB, Optical Drives, Memory are going to draw. I imagine you are really close to the limit of that PSU and recommend getting something close to 700-850 Range. Hope that helps. Good Luck!

 

[HugoStiglitz]

Does definatly sound like an overheating issue.

Tried removing the CPU all together? reinsert and reapply thermal compound and heatsinc + Fan?

PSU could also be an issue, do you have a more powerfull one to try?

 

[jimmysmitty]

I'm thinking the power supply's too weak. I just built one, and I had the same problem. I took out the graphics card and unplugged all the fans (except the CPU) and it booted fine. I'd take out the graphics, unplug unnecessary fans and see if it works. If it does, you need a stronger PSU. If not, it might be the RAM or mobo.

The thermalpaste will "melt" per say. The pressure between the CPU and heatsink will spread it out evenly and then when its running and warm, it will be liquidy. If you left it off overnight and pulled the HSF off, it would be solid. Thats how it works.

I also think it may be the PSU. Thermaltake is one of the top PSU brands but 500W is a little low end for that. I would push for 650W or better. Do Thermaltake, Corsair or Seasonic. They have the best.

 

[amuffin]

Thermaltake=crap, packing etc. looks nice, but components =cheap crap.

 

[exchequer]

I took out the graphics card and the computer stayed on without a problem, although I couldn't see anything as there is no onboard graphics card. I'm guessing that's what was draining all the power. I'm going to step up to a 750w corsair PSU tomorrow and see if it fixes the problem.

 

[exchequer]

Best answer selected by exchequer.

 

[aviconus]

You don't need a 750w PSU, your current PSU is probably just faulty... I would look at a quality 550w. This is what happens when people give advice who have no idea what they are talking about...

It is not healthy for a PSU to run at or near capacity. So, it would be in his best interest to get a power supply that offers a little head room. Feel free to offer your oppinion, but insults on Tom's are not taken kindly sir. You can take those back to the less reputable sites.

 

[popatim]

Aviconus, I'm curious, where did you see that an Fx-4100 uses 225w?
Its a 95w part and at full load it will probably not even hit 95w since they always leave some headroom in the spec. Overclocking is where you'd use more power but the OP didn't mention any attempts.

 

[aviconus]

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1766/15/

Granted, it achieved a higher power draw while playing Hawx2, then Prime95.

Tests were done at stock clocks.

 

[-Fran-]

Aviconus, that's "total power consumption" not "CPU power consumption"...

That's PSU must be faulty. That system won't get near 350W at full load ever.

Cheers!

 

[jimmysmitty]

Bad advice is not helpful to people who are depending on those who are supposed to know more than them to help them out. You seem to have little real world experience with PC power consumption and power supplies. The parts this guy has won't break 300 watts while running furmark and intel burn test at the same time while overclocked.

In your own link you posted, total power consumption for the FX4100 system with an HD6950 was 226 watts while playing Hawx 2. The HD6670 won't even come close to that. You posted the link, NOT me. If you don't know what you are doing, ASK questions, don't answer them... Now the OP has likely purchased a PSU that costs significantly more than what he actually needed.

I will call out people who give bad advice every time I see it. I expect the same in return. But, I try not to give advice on subjects that I am not as familiar in.

Yea its a bad idea to have a better than needed PSU just in case he decides to go with a higher end GPU that needs more power or a CFX setup.

I always recommend two things with a PSU:

1. get a quality brand. This guy could have gotten a West Tech 480W PSU, according to your estimations, and been fine when in reality those PSUs suck horribly in terms of reliabilty. I suggest Corsair or Seasonic the most.

2. Its never a bad idea to have more than you currently need in case of future upgrades. Plus it does have the added effect of putting less stress on the PSU making it run more efficiently and last longer.

For his setup, a 650W would have been perfect in case he decided to overclock and upgrade to a higher end GPU or did a CFX setup as it would give him the room to upgrade without worrying about having to upgrade the PSU again if the PSU couldn't handle the extra load.

 

[popatim]

Maybe you should mention that with your recommendations when otherwise they would seem a bit 'off'

 

[jimmysmitty]

Maybe you should mention that with your recommendations when otherwise they would seem a bit 'off'

Not sure why I would have to put so much in a recommendation. Thats all it is, the OP can take it or leave it.

At no point did I suggest that your brand recommendations were in question. But, since you insist on throwing your weight around, as a mod, I'll bite. I find it hard to believe that you actually think that there is a possibility of the OP installing, not one, but two, high performance/high power consumption video card(s) that would require a 650 watt or larger power supply considering his current configuration. The cheapest Corsair 650 watt power supply, on Newegg, is $60 after rebate and coupon. The cheapest Seasonic 650 watt is $85. The OP could have gotten an Antec Earthwatts 500w unit for about $32 after rebate and coupon, half the price.

So, since this configuration consumes around 200 watts, at full load on the CPU and GPU, you are trying to say that if he got another 6670 and put it in crossfire (a card with a TDP of <70 watts), that he would require 650 watt or greater PSU to do so?! Please.....

He could run dual HD7850s on that Antec with no issue; not that he would see a full benefit from that considering his current CPU.

Don't worry I won't make the mistake of recommending a West Tech PSU again...
Perhaps you would be better informed if you read some of my prior PSU recommendations before suggesting that I would recommend a less than satisfactory PSU, such as a West Tech.

First, I wasn't "throwing" my weight around as a mod. I was just stating how I felt on the issue. I would do the same mod or not.

Second, I never said you recommended it. Just tha the OP could get a low end PSU or low wattage PSU going by your estiamte.

Honestly if the OP wanted a 750w PSU, thats his decision. Had another thread where someone was telling the OP that the CPU he wanted was too much, but the OP wanted it therefore its their decision to make.

I think having a good higher wattage PSU wont hurt and most 750W PSUs are not that expensive anyways.

As for the CFX, I did not say a CFX6670. He could upgrade to a higher end GPU and CFX there. Its always better to have a bit of room to grow than to stay at the right fit and have to upgrade more than one part.

 

[aviconus]

Thinks that Iknowhowtofixit needs to get off his high horse and chill the f out. Tom's member for all of 3 weeks and he thinks he has the right to speak that way to anyone let alone a mod. Relax man, seriously.