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Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 8:44 am
by Troy
Ok, here is the deal.
For the past couple of days my computer has had a problem that i've kind of been putting off.
When I try to turn it on, it will do the whirring, power on -up green lights a glowing thing, for about 3 seconds, and then shut back off.
I tried turning it off, and switching the power cord to another outlet, and that worked, but only for a couple days. Two days later, it doesn't power up when I switch outlets, so it's time to stop ignoring it!
The little power light is still on inside the computer, but it still shuts off after 3 seconds or so.
When I would switch outlets, it would say something about overclocking, which didn't make much since to me. I would then just tell it to load the defaults, and it would work fine.
Does this sound like I need a new power supply problem, or did something bad happen to my motherboard?
I will add that I noticed this problem immediatly after I installed my new vid card, so that has to be taken into consideration, too.
Edited By Troy on 1140529568
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:01 am
by Leisher
It sounds like the power supply.
It's possible that it's not a big enough power supply to run your PC with the new video card.
Try pulling the video card and see if the PC stays up without it installed. If it does, then you know you need a better power supply. If it doesn't then it's still most likely that your power supply is bad.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:16 am
by Troy
OK, I'll go find a bigger one. I have a 420W... the new manual says that you should need a 350 at least.
Maybe I have so much crap in there that it can't handle it all.
Pick up a 500? Or should I shoot for more?
BTW, just to give you a mental image. My computer is about two feet tall, with clear glass sides. It's front is shaped like a big Alien face. It has green LEDs, that can light up the entire study when I turn it on in the dark. And oh, it's bright motherfucking yellow! Just like my car.
Does this help? No, but it needed to be shared, anyway.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:37 am
by Leisher
Well, hang on to your receipts in case it doesn't fix the issue.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:57 am
by GORDON
I had a similar issue once with a short on the mobo. Remove the mobo from the case and put it on something non-conductive. Turn it on, see if the issue persists. If it does, put electrical tape everywhere the mobo touches the case.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:02 pm
by Troy
Ahh, that's a good idea too, i'd not considered it.
That would explain the "overclocking failed" problem
I may have moved something when I installed the vid card, I'll try that out when I get home.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:04 pm
by GORDON
Slightly time consuming, but at least it would eliminate 1 possibility before you spent more money.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:06 pm
by Troy
Well, since it didn't do it before, I was just plannning on checking to see If i had shifted anything into touching the MB.. like a screw, or some other little bit of metal.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:22 pm
by Paul
I'd also try removing any PCI device you can, and unhooking all the IDE devices.
See if it boots so you can access the BIOS (because the hard drive is unplugged).
If that works, add devices until it stops working. Then you know it's either that device, or the power supply. (I think it's the power supply)
If removing all that stuff doesn't work, it could be a bad power supply or bad video card (shorting it out). Again, my money would be on the power supply.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:08 pm
by Cakedaddy
Some of the newer video cards require minimum amps coming from the power supply. For instance, the 7800 GT requires 24 I think. Many older power supplies don't pump that much out. Also, with the 7800, it requires power from TWO seperate plugs that are not on the same cord. For instance, you know how you have power cords coming out of the PS that power harddrives and CD-Roms and stuff? You know how they have multiple plugs on each cord? You can't use two on the same cord. You have to use one from two seperate cords. So, maybe, even though your PS meets the minimum wattage requirement, maybe it's not meeting the min amp requirement.
Also, check the link in the other thread about a free 500 watt power supply.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:22 pm
by Troy
Update, so I went back inside and cleaned up some wires and mess I had apparently left accidently during video card install with zip cords and... duct tape. I also dusted it and checked for any loose pieces of metal.
First start was fine, so i'm holding my breath that I don't need to upgrade.
I checked the card, I made sure to just run it off the one power cord, and it does not specify that It needs more than the 12v it is getting, I think.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:41 pm
by Cakedaddy
You have glass sides and neon lights. . . and you tie up your cords with duct tape?
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:31 pm
by GORDON
Maybe it's... flourescent orange duct tape?
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:57 pm
by Leisher
You'll find out the next time you have to reboot.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:44 pm
by Troy
Started it a few more times, all is well.
I think the Duct tape adds a rugged manliness to it's already sexy look.
Kind of like a Stripper in a lumberjack outfit.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:50 pm
by GORDON
Kind of like a Stripper in a lumberjack outfit.
Or for some peeps here, a lumberjack in a stripper outfit.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:23 pm
by TheCatt
OK, it's official - we need more women.
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:36 pm
by GORDON
I think we scare women because we don't believe in sharing our toys, or something.
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 3:04 pm
by Paul
I think we scare women because we don't believe in sharing our toys, or something.
I for one enjoy sharing my toys with women.
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:07 pm
by GORDON
Commie.