Question Random restarts lately ?

[johnny_chronic]

I have a Dell Precision T5500.

The specs are 2x 6core 3.0Ghz processors.
48GB RAM.
K2000 quadro video card (somewhat new).
875 watt PSU.
Added in 1 gig network card.
Added HBA (for tape drive).
Soundblaster 7.1 soundcard.
15 HDs (3 are SSD).

I was on a video site (this isn't the first time this has happened) and the computer randomly restarted.
The other day it happened twice.

This happened long ago as well (but it's not always a problem).

I have some PC tech knowledge. I am thinking it's either the PSU, RAM, mobo, or video card.

Does anyone have any other explanation or ideas?

Thank you!

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

PSU make, model & approximate age ?

 

[John Chesterfield]

875 watts sounds sketchy, as above, brand and model required.

 

[johnny_chronic]

Thanks for your replies.
The PSU is a Dell H875EF-00.

Thanks!

 

[rolli59]

875 watts sounds sketchy, as above, brand and model required.

Standard size for Dell Probably made by Delta like most of their server PSU's!

 

[John Chesterfield]

Standard size for Dell Probably made by Delta like most of their server PSU's!

Ah true, good catch! I reckon you're likely spot on.

 

[johnny_chronic]

I'm going to run a memtest86. It's been pretty stable the last two days.
If that fails I'll just buy a new PSU.
I think they are like $20-$30 on ebay.
The PSU is as old as this 2011 machine.

 

[johnny_chronic]

I changed the psu and the vidcard.

I ran a memtest86 with out error.

The restarts are still happening on windows load, login, and in windows.

They do not happen in safe mode, bios, or pre windows.

Please help.

 

[PsychoPsyops]

Have you tried a full system virus scan?
It may also be best to completely reinstall Windows, and move away from Win8.

 

[johnny_chronic]

Thanks.
It turns out it's a bad mobo.

I had a power surge from turning my 6 plug off too slowly before unplugging the computer.

I fried a bunch of components.

One thing I cannot be sure of though (that bothers me) is that while working on transitioning to my new computer, I put the RAM on the new computer's metal case.

When I booted the new machine, the BIOS showed a RAM stick failure in DIMM slot 1.

I removed the RAM stick and eventually replaced it.

Either 1) the RAM stick was bad and assisting in causing restarts
or 2) I shorted the RAM stick out when it touched the new computer's metal casing.

I might not ever know.

The original T5500 could have more damage than what I previously thought.

A shorted out mobo can lead to other components failing.

I tried complete new RAM in the machine and it still automatically restarted.

I'll replace the motherboard.

The one thing I am hoping is that my processors and riser card are not damaged.

Thanks!

PS IMO, Invest in Dell.