Melvyn said:
Hi there
I wonder if anyone can offer me some ideas on my problem. Every now
and then my computer just dies. It does not shut down and it gives
me no message it literally just dies, no power. (unless i turn it
back on again. It does not do it to any kind of sequence.
It is not set to restart when an error occurs so i think it is not
that. It is almost as if it shuts down without me telling it to and
also without giving me the option to standby, restart or shut down.
Any info is helpful
Thank You
M
That's a classic symptom of a malfunctioning/dying PSU. There is a loose
connection somewhere within the unit and, when the unit becomes warm enough
the connection shorts and the system switches off. Purchase another supply
unit and swap over - it's a very simple job, on most systems it involves
unplugging each molex connector (the fat white connectors that power the
hard drive(s), optical drive(s) and floppy), and removing the main connector
from the motherboard (long rectangular white plug); you then need to unscrew
the four external screws fixing the supply into the case - it should come
out easy enough. Then insert the new supply (and I would just like to stress
at this juncture that it is NOT prudent to purchase a dime-store supply - it
is false economy. If a £10 PSU blows it's likely to take out one or more
components with it. If you shell out £50 or so for a name brand - Enermax,
Antec, Chieftec, for example - it's an insurance policy; they are designed
so that, if they fail, they do so 'gracefully' and will not damage other
components).
Unfortunately, if you have an 'off the peg' system in a slimline case, then
a standard PSU will *not* fit (too wide), and you will need to contact the
manufacturer for advice.
As with any operation that involves the opening the chassis, if you're not
confident (or if the system's still under warranty) take it to a proper
repair shop (if it's a name brand, one that's been sanctioned by the
manufacturer - especially if it's still under warranty. Failing to do so
could render it null and void).
