Computer Shuts Off Randomly

[DkWebb516]

Yah my computer (desktop) likes to randomly shut off on its own. At first it would happen very rarely but now its every 10-30mins it might be a over heating problem, sense i took a door off the side and its been running smooth for the past 40 mins. But i am not sure so if any one out there has some advice or where to start please let me know something

Sincerely, Webb

[Prexaspes]

Sir,

What kind of computer, ie. make and model / processor installed? What OS do you have installed?

Does it look dusty in there?

[paul_doo]

Well you did not give enough info for anyone to give you decent help..all we can do is try..

Lots of dust around all the fans inside your computer is not good..use compressed air in short blasts to get rid of the dust bunnies..

It might also be that you have a nasty trojan or virus,,than you will need an updated antivirus program an do a bootscan..

[Cajunheat]

I think the OP answered his own question here. The fact that the problem stopped after taking the case's side off is a very good indicator that the problem is heat. This is not a virus or trojan, removing a case's side would not effect a software problem. To diagnose the problem, this info is needed:
1. make, model, or equipment used in build.
2. OS.
3. Basic history - problem (length, conditions, etc.), recent hardware /software changes.
Until we know more, we can't give definite directions but, the first thing to do and I think everyone would agree is clean your fans and heatsinks and blow out the rest of your system with compressed air.

[whip_cracker]

If the computer's shutting off completely, it's either heat or PSU.

I'd be running CPUID HW Monitor and checking the CPU core temps (might not be accurate, but works for most processors) and see if you're pulling over 60 degrees celcius. If it's that, you'd wanna check the CPU fan and check for any dust. The next thing after that would be checking the thermal paste between the fan and CPU as well.

The next thing it could be would most likely be the PSU. If your Power Supply's a heap of sh!t, then I'd suggest getting a new PSU... one with more power and enough amperage on each rail to run what you have. I'd recommend the Silverstone DA750 single rail @60A. A decent graphics card can pull 20A without even trying these days. The only real way to test this would be swapping the PSU temporarily and seeing if the PC runs ok... or disconnecting all other HDDs, CD ROMS etc that aren't required to boot and see how you go. To further test this, you'd change the power connector to your primary drive to another one to see if you have a fault with that particular cable.

Other than that, reseating the GPU, RAM or other PCI cards might fix your problem...

See how you go with that one mate

[cksboy15]

ense i took a door off the side and its been running smooth for the past 40 mins

Your having heat issues. How many fans do you have and have you tried dusting out the computer.