Possible HD/Mobo/PSU failure...Please help

[Guest]

Here are the symptoms:

The computer will power off during these situations
randomly.
1. During POST Screen
2. While Windows is loading
3. Just after windows has loaded to the desktop
4. If I launch a computer game (w/ 3D graphics) shortly
after windows loading and the comp. had been turned off
for a while.

Once the "power offs or shutdowns" occur I'll have to try
and restart my comp. 5-10 times before it will fully load
to the desktop without crashing and powering down.

This problem occurs randomly and has exsisted for over 6
months.

The second problem relates to the harddrive:

When the HD starts to boot right after BIOS it will make
a "whooSHHHHH...TOCK!.....whooSHHHH....TOCK!" over and
over again with a varying rythm. Needless to say windows
won't load and it usually just sits dead at the POST
screen. Also If I reboot and F2 into BIOS the HD isn't
detected.
This same "whooSHHHHH....TOCK!" sound also randomly
occurs when I play certain games (Call of Duty, Far Cry)
the computer locks up and the HD continues to make that
noise until I power down. Then it usually does the same
thing when I reboot.

Both of these symptoms seem to occur at random but
usually follow one right after the other.

After speaking with a few people they have pointed to my
PSU as being the source. Its a generic 400W that I picked
up cheap ($40) and have been using for over a year and a
half.
BIOS Hardware monitoring reports:
+1.5V in 1.467
Vccp 1.435 - 1.447
+3.3V in 3.275
+5V in 5.078
+12V in 11.875

My system specs:
P4 2.53 533FSB
Intel D845PEBT2
512MB PC2100 (266Mhz)
ATi 9700 Pro
SB Audigy Gamer
WD 800 (80GB, 7200RPM, 8MB cache)
Generic 52x CD-Rom
Philips CDRW4000
1.44 Floppy
4x 80mm case fans
WinXP Pro (fully updated)

Does anyone know the root of these symptoms? And is it
infact my crappy PSU.

EDIT: I've checked the HD many times with Western
Digital's DataLifeguard Diagnostic tools on many
occasions and the drive reports no errors. Plus it has
the correct jumper setting, cable, and snug connection.

 

[KevinK]

Despite checking the HD as you did, I'd figure out how to
replace it.
I had a machine act like that, years ago.

On the phone with GW to resolve several times, finally
the HD just starting doing this Tick Clunk, tick
Clunk ... and nothing would happen.

Although if could be the controller on the MB, but I
would put tha second.

Any chance you can plug the HD into another machine, just
to see if it sounds better. Set it up as the secondary
drive, and see what it looks like then.

 

[Guest]

I had a similar problem and it was my power supply. It was a heat related
issue. I replaced it with a $40 dollar 300 watt PS.

All voltages that I was able to check with a volt meter were good but that
doesn't always mean the PS is good.

If you have good air flow though I would say the hard drive is going.
Backup now and buy a new drive.