PC shut off unexpectedly, won't turn back on now. Not sure if it's a PSU issue or not.

ShotgunDiplom4t

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Jan 29, 2013
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Hey everyone, thanks in advance for any assistance that can be given.
This evening I was playing a game and my PC abruptly restarted on it's own. It had done this a few times a couple of weeks ago after I installed the windows creators update, and I thought I had fixed the issue (guess not).
As it restarted, it shut off again. I powered it down and let it sit for a bit, and then when I started it up again everything seemed fine. I checked event viewer to see if there was any indication as to why it randomly shut off and didn't see anything. Went to check temperatures (it was pretty hot in the room, so maybe it wasn't cooling effectively) and suddenly it shut off again. I let it sit for a while longer this time, and now here's where we're at.
When I try to power it up, I hear a single click from the power supply. The light on my disc drive comes on, and my touch screen fan controller powers up. Everything else remains totally lifeless. I didn't want to start poking around too much, and I'm not sure if it's my power supply or something else. I'd like to avoid taking it to a shop if I can, so any insight as to how I can trouble shoot this would be awesome.

My specs are as follows
Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z68A-D3-B3
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.7GHz
Memory: 20GB RAM
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Dedicated Memory: 1990 MB
Shared Memory: 2048 MB
Power supply: Corsair RM Series 750 Watt ATX/EPS 80PLUS Gold
 
Solution
Yes. there many different voltages at many different places that connect to MB and peripherals with each having own regulator so any of them can cause a problem for that part and/or whole system. One way to check for that is to use an accurate voltmeter and check on each contact if voltages match. 12, 5v and 3.3v are main ones. There are also negative values with same voltages + control signals from MB. It's actually very complicated piece of equipment.
Other way to check it is to use proper tester that can induce loads on every output but not even all computer services have it. So, the only viable option (if it's a suspect) is to replace it and see what happens.

ShotgunDiplom4t

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Jan 29, 2013
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18,510


I'm not asking for a miracle cure, so I'm not sure why you seem to think that. I'm asking for insight as to where I should start so I don't waste time/cause more problems than I need.
 
Well, I was under impression you don't want to start changing parts so....
I would suspect PSU first and changing to another known good and compatible one is only sure way to do it unless you have proper instruments to check it.
If a computer hard restarts or shuts down on it's own without a BSOD it's not OS's fault but somewhere in HW. Even overheating gives some warnings like slowdown before shutdown happens, so that leaves power as prime suspect.
 

ShotgunDiplom4t

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Jan 29, 2013
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My apologies if I wasn't clear. I'm totally okay with replacing parts if they need to be replaced. I just want to be sure that I'm on the right track first.
Thanks for the explanation regarding overheating, I think I can rule that out as there was no slowdown or any other abnormal performance issues.
As far as the PSU goes, do the few things that do power on when I attempt to start up have any significance regarding its health?
 
Yes. there many different voltages at many different places that connect to MB and peripherals with each having own regulator so any of them can cause a problem for that part and/or whole system. One way to check for that is to use an accurate voltmeter and check on each contact if voltages match. 12, 5v and 3.3v are main ones. There are also negative values with same voltages + control signals from MB. It's actually very complicated piece of equipment.
Other way to check it is to use proper tester that can induce loads on every output but not even all computer services have it. So, the only viable option (if it's a suspect) is to replace it and see what happens.
 
Solution

ShotgunDiplom4t

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Jan 29, 2013
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18,510
Ok, thanks again for the help. I believe my psu is still under warranty so I may be able to get a hold of a new one easily to determine/remedy the issue. I'll start looking into that and post back here when I know more.