HELLO ALL, I'M HOPING SOMEBODY HERE CAN HELP SHED SOME LIGHT ON A PROBLEM I OCASIONALY HAVE.
AROUND ONCE OUT OF EVERY FOUR TIMES, ROUGHLY 15 MINNUTES AFTER BOOT UP, MY COMPUTER WILL SUDDENLY TURN OFF ON IT'S OWN,THERE IS A OBVIOUS SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING COMING FROM THE TOWER WHEN THIS HAPENS.
I'VE LOOKED INSIDE AND CLEANED OUT MY FANS REAL GOOD.
I BELIEVE IT IS MY POWER BOX CAUSING THE PROBLEM. (IT IS VERY WARM ONLY WHEN THE PROBLEM OCURS.
COULD IT BE POSSIBLE THAT OCASIONALY MY POWER BOX COOLING FAN FAILS TO TURN ON AT BOOT UP?
I HAVE ALSO CHECKED MY BIOS SET UP AND MONITORED MY FAN SPEED AND CPU TEMP FOR SEVERAL MINNUTES AND THAT SEEMED TO LOOK OK.
CPU NEVER GOT HOTTER THAN 118f AND BOTH FANS ARE RUNNING CONSISTANTLY AT 2000rpm.
HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE?
ANY INSITE OR SUGGESTIONS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
-KREBBY

First, please don't post in all caps...it is considered shouting.

Second, yes, it is possible that the power supply fan is intermitently starting.

And if your computer has been shutting off on its own while smelling like a campfire, you probably need to start shopping for a new power supply. This SITE (http://members.shaw.ca/need4speed/Power%20Supply%20Choices.htm) has some really good tips about what to look for and this ARTICLE (http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20021021/index.html) can give you good info about brands...

And it really does work better to whisper around here, especially at this time of night (at least where I am)...:)

My apoligies for the caps (or shouting),I work in a shipping dept. and that's all we use.It has become habit I guess.
I do apreciate the info though and will be getting a new power box in the near future.
-krebby:)

Not so fast.

It is possible, even probable, that some device or the motherboard itself is shorting. The power supply would then heat up while trying to supply the extra current.

I would first open the case and examine all of the components carefully for signs of damage - a burst capacitor would be high on the list.

If you can't find signs of burning, make sure all of your fans come on everytime you cold boot the computer.

It is possible to open up the power supply to check for signs of damage there. It's not a difficult job. Just a few screws.

There are some components that you can't check - CD-Roms and burners are particularly prone to develop shorts. Try disconnecting all drives except your boot hard disk to check for that possibility.

:D :D MUST BE FROM HAVING TO WEAR *excuse me I need ot take these earplugs out*......:D