Computer shuts down unexpectedly

[karlosfandango]

Over the last couple of weeks or so I have found that sometimes when I have decrypted a dvd into vob format to my hard drive, and I then try to record to dvd the computer clicks off leaving just the light on on the front panel of the tower. Today useing dvd shrink I got some way into a dvd-9 decrypt and this happened yet again. Also when I have downloaded a film from newz sites and then unzip, it can also happen then!. I am useing a xphome with sp2 and an athlon 2000+. I use dvdshrink and vso copytodvd. I have also done a full virus check but this only happens when I am working on films

[Headbanger's Ball]

Check to make sure the cpu fan is running and cooling the processor...the power supply could also be going out, have that checked out too.

[Headbanger's Ball]

This should be in Computers too, btw.

[mats.hogberg]

Moved this thread to Computer forum. My guess is overheating too. Make sure your heat sink isn't clogged up with dust.

/Mats

[CobraPilot]

I had a similar problem, which turned out to be a power supply going bad.

Full disclosure: It probably "went bad" faster than normal because I've now figured out I was probably using too small a P/S in this homebuilt PC.

[disturbed1]

Besides the PSU, also check for heat problems, and RAM issues.

The PSU and heat maybe easiest to check inside the BIOS. Look for wildly changing readings from your PSU that a bit higher or lower than it should be (like the 12v reading 10.5v).

The heat can also be read in the bios.

For RAM, http://www.memtest86.com/

[kush]

More up to date - Memtest+ (10/05--v1.65 by the same people that do CPU-Z): updated version of Memtest v3.x which hasn't seen an update since Nov. '04.

Either will likely work for your purposes, but Memtest+ has added features like support/detection for newer CPUs, ie: 90nm A64s/Opteron Single/Dual core on the AMD side; Conroe, Smithfield, Yonah, Presler, Woodcrest, Merom (also dual cores too) on the Intel side...Also, support for newer chipsets than the older code base, like ATIs newest RS482, and the ULI chipsets used in such boards as the AsRock 939-Dual-SATA2.

http://www.memtest.org

[edit] Also, BIOS (and in Windows progs) are pretty useless for checking temps/volts - they're hardly ever accurate. For example in BIOS/Jetway's util for my eVGA board (JW is the OEM), I get appx. 12.34v or so on my 12v rail (not sure if it reads 12v1 or 12v2 [ATX 2.01 PSU]) - when read externally (DMM), I'm pretty much spot on @ 11.92-11.94v.

Also, my eVGA board for example shows 51c @ IDLE on my system in BIOS..Admittedly it's an oc/d dual-core Opteron, but no way in hell it's that hot from a cold start - I've got my CPU watercooled ffs (and live about 2 blocks from the beach so high ambient air temp's *not* an issue) - in other words my board is known to report anywhere from 10-15c off the actual temp for some CPUs. Via Windows (SpeedFan to be precise since Jetway's util SUCKS http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php), I get anywhere from 47-51c (100% load), but that's with a *-10c OFFSET*, so in-Win would be 57-61c **I dont think so**!

So long story short(er), I'd suggest spending the $7-20 (US) and getting a digital multi-meter @ your local RadioShack, WallyMart, or some other big box/electronics retailer so you can get an *accurate* voltage reading (google "psu rail test" or something to find where to stick the prods). Temp wise, you could get an external temp monitor that you'd stick in a free 3 1/2 / 5 1/4 bay, or spend a bit extra and get a DMM that has temp probe capability.

[edit]
ps - What's the brand/model # of the power supply in question? Please don't say some no-name $20 pos - those (like I think has been mentioned) can cause the issues you're describing. For example brands like Raidmax & LC/Deer are known to have PSUs rated @ ~500w that really should be labeled @ ~350w. If you do end up going for a new PSU, may I suggest a Fortron unit? Good bang for the buck - they make some nice PSUs in the 300-400w range that would be plenty for your AXP system - anywhere from about $35-50.
NewEgg (US shipping only) link for example: the AX-400PN - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953 - $36 atm.

Also, the XClio 450BL - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003 - $40. I have the 480BL version running my system just great - also it's OEM'd by Channel-Well Tech - the same people who make (some) Antec PSUs [eg: 480BL is the kissing cousin to the Antec True 2.0 480w], and they have 3% line regulation, vs industry standard of 5%.

[SingSing]

I had a similar problem, which turned out to be a power supply going bad.

This is the most common cause that a PC shutdown early or by itself.

[JerryB]

Over the last couple of weeks or so I have found that sometimes when I have decrypted a dvd into vob format to my hard drive, and I then try to record to dvd the computer clicks off leaving just the light on on the front panel of the tower. Today useing dvd shrink I got some way into a dvd-9 decrypt and this happened yet again. Also when I have downloaded a film from newz sites and then unzip, it can also happen then!. I am useing a xphome with sp2 and an athlon 2000+. I use dvdshrink and vso copytodvd. I have also done a full virus check but this only happens when I am working on films

Very common issue of system suddenly freezes or shutsdown.... is generally program conflicting with each other...... a couplle of things is would do....
1. do a good defrag....... it helps in so many ways in improving performance and stability... I do this especially if i am going to do any large projects...
2. go to your msconfig.ex>startup tab... and disable all needless startup programs... the very least system runs a little faster more stable....
3. when I do projects.... especially large, I always turn off what ever other programs I have running... that i don't need... the anti virus/spyware programs, various office bars , etc...... it really makes a difference.....

[zzyzzx]

One more thing to try is see if the problem still happens with the cover off. If that makes the problem go away, then it's heat related.

[classfour]

Ditto - what SingSing recommended.