I have an intermittent problem and am hoping to get some guidance from you all.

My PC does not always start. Here's what happens:
- hit power button on cold PC
- PC fans come on (including CPU).
- PC on (red) light comes on, orange (HD access) light comes on
- PC shuts down, red light stays on.
- hold switch for a few seconds to turn off the red light.
- try again (usually the same result.

I tried disconnecting all devices including power to the HD. This sometimes changes the state and allows the PC to enter POST. However, I can't isolate to a single device. Once the PC starts working again, it will often continue to boot, even with all devices connected.

I checked the voltages on the 20 pin PS connector, and all seem OK. I tried to test the POwer_OK line, but the PC started working when I ran that test.

Once the PC is up and running it appears to work normally.

Any ideas? Thanks.

I would suggest a barebones boot (i.e. all devices removed except for RAM, video, keyboard) and doing so with the motherboard removed from the case and placed on a non-conductive surface.

If no problems making through POST, I would add the floppy if your system has one and run a RAM checker:

http://www.memtest86.com/

Bruder, I am having the same problem. I've replaced the psu and mobo and it still persists. However, I discovered that when I unplugged power to the video card, the problem went away. Does your video card require its own connection to the psu? If so, unplug it and see if your pc will power on.

My video card does not require power. Here's some more information on my system:

AMD 2800+ Barton
Gigabyte 7N400-L
2 x 512 Geil PC3200
Turbolink 420W PS
WD 80GB 7200 HD (JB version)
WD 160 GB 7200 HD (JB version)
inexpensive AGP analog video card
inexpensive DVD/RW


Same thing happened this morning. PC would not start. I disconnected the extra HD, same result.

Then I removed both memory sticks, and reinstalled one in a different slot -- bingo! It started. Then I installed the other stick and it didn't start. Then I tried again, and it started! I'm running memtest86 now.

Once the computer is warmed up it appears to restart much more reliably. The problem (that it doesn't start) typically happens 1st thing in the morning. Once I get it running, it usually runs OK for the day. I haven't experienced any crashes or shutdowns once its up and running.

memtest passed with no errors.

Thanks.

I replaced the Power Supply with a 430W Cooler Master Extreme.
http://www.svc.com/rs-430-pmsr-19.html
All appears to be working well now.

It took me awhile to find a company with a decent price who would ship USPS Priority Mail to Hawaii (anything else is rediculous).

Thanks for your help.

My video card does not require power.All video cards require power. They just don't all need a direct plug from the PSU. ;) You can't run a chip without electricity!