Sudden Failrure!

[Spermy]

After purchasing all the bits i needed for a new computer, and setting it all up, I got it running. Perfect all sorted.



Item: IBM / Hitachi 180GXP 120Gb 7200rpm ATA100 2mb Cache Hard Drive - Item: PC2700 512MB 333MHz DDR DIMM
Item: LG 16x48 IDE Internal DVD Drive - OEM
Item: Alps Floppy Disk Drive 1.44MB 3.5 inch internal - OEM
Item: Memorex MX5200 EN 121Key MM PS2 Matt Chrome
Item: JNC 4JA H7650 Blue Type 5 ATX Midi Tower Case 300w PSU Front USB
Item: AMD ATHLON XP2600+ 333MHz FSB - Thoroughbred - OEM
Item: Coolermaster HAC-V81 XDream Heatsink & Fan SKT A Upto Xp2800 Speed Adjustment
Item: CTX VL700 17ins Monitor FST 0.27 Dpi with 3year Onsite Warranty
Item: MSI KT4V-L SKT A 8X AGP DDR/Sound/lan/USB2.0 Motherboard
Item: Leadtek WinFast A280 LE TD MyVIVO 128MB Ti4200 8xAGP


A few days later.... and after what must have been about 4 hours of running the thing... It turns off.
Several quick swear words later.... i noticed a *SLIGHT* burning smell, pressed the power button, and the power light lit, the cpu fan turned a quarter of a turn. and all died again.


I belive that it either overheated and shut itself down:eek: , or blew the CPU!:mad:


Any feasable suggestions?

[drewbob]

Your CPU might have possible died, but I would first check the power supply. I wouldn't be suprised that a 300W PSU would burn up with all the hardware you are running.

[Budfred]

Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

I wouldn't be surprised if the PS was burned out, but any number of other things could be too. I would check the mobo to see if you have an burst or bulging capacitors, there has been a problem with that on some boards. I would sniff around the motherboard and see if you can figure out where the burning smell is coming from. Someone here a couple of weeks ago suggested a nice trick. If you determine a likely suspect, like the CPU, put it in a plastic bag and let it sit for a while. Open the bag and stick your nose in to see if you smell that burnt smell.

If it does turn out to be the CPU is is probably because of the thermal compound between the heatsink and CPU, what did you use for that? Did you do any overclocking???

[Spermy]

I suppose It could be the PSU. shall have to borrow a mate's case to find out... the thermal compound i used was "DOW Corning 340 heatsink compound" a "silicone compound for improved heat transfer from semi-conductors to their chasis, and for effetive coupling of heatsink devices. (We use it at work for high voltage power supplies for Allen & Heath mixers). Have not done any overclocking, as have only just set it up, and got 3 of my games on it.... which btw ran flaming lovely.:)

Cheers for the help, shall see to it tomorrow.

[Budfred]

Also check and make sure the CPU fan isn't dead, that could cause a CPU to burn up quite nicely...:eek:

[Spermy]

After taking this PC down for 10 Mins, i took use of it's PSU.... no probs with it! Big fat hairy PSU, gonna have to buy a decent one then!
:mad:
flaming case could have come with a half decent PSU!

[Budfred]

Count yourself lucky that it was just the power supply...:)

The power supplies that they throw in with a case are often not worthwhile. When you add to that the wattage on this one is small as well, you have a recipe for problems. Check out this article (http://www6.tomshardware.com/howto/20021021/index.html) and this webpage (http://members.shaw.ca/need4speed/Power%20Supply%20Choices.htm) for info about what to look for in power supplies.