PC powers up for half a second then switches off. Then repeats the process over and over.

Ben_27

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Nov 1, 2015
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After pushing the power button, the motherboard lights up, the front led flashes and all fans begin working, but only for about a second before switching off and repeating the cycle again. I've reset the CMOS, removed the battery, removed the RAM, checked all the cables/everything is slotted securely and nothing changes it.

From what I've read it could be in need of a new PSU, but I thought I'd check before purchasing one. Any advice would be helpful, here's the main components:


Intel i5 2500k 3.3GHz
MSI P67A-GD53 (B3)
G7 Power Extreme 580w


Cheers,
Ben

 


I do and there are no beeps made at all.
 


First of all, could you work through this checklist please: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems

It's made by the Moderators here and covers most bases so it's important to carry out every step.

I also ask you to take a look through this post (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/302360-31-computer-turns-split-shuts) and follow the steps given to see whether these can help you.

Let me know how it goes.
 


Ok so I've worked through the checklist and nothing has fixed it. I then worked through jsc's suggestion on the second post you linked, which so far has not helped.

I have swapped the PSU into another computer and it worked fine. I also swapped the PSU from the other computer into this system but the same problem occurs. This makes me think the issue is not the PSU, but I will still try the paperclip method jsc suggested to check anyway.

I also tried raising the motherboard height from the case which had no effect. I'm thinking it is perhaps the mobo that's causing the problem here, or maybe even the CPU? The CPU fan's screws are broken on one side which means it does not sit as tightly as it should - could this be the cause?

Thanks so much for the help!
 


A cooling issue would cause the cycling you are experiencing but I do not believe this is the case as it would take a few minutes to reach a high enough temperature to cause this. I'd also say the PSU has been ruled out as you have tried another PSU which is the usual test for PSU issues. At the moment I'm suspecting it's either the RAM, CPU or Motherboard all of which would prevent the BIOS from POSTing. Also, do you have a graphics card installed or do you use the onboard motherboard video?
 


I agree with your thinking - I've removed the gpu and tried it with just onboard graphics which had no effect either. If it makes any difference, the motherboard lights up and the buttons on it (power - reset - oc genie) all activate when pressed.