System shuts down after 15 seconds

[sandwhich]

I had problems getting my monitor to work, and then I realized I had the wrong voltage switched on in the back. That got the monitor to work, but then another problem arose. After about 15 seconds of being on, the system shut down.

Anyone know what's wrong or what I could do?

[Rob]

I think you'll find similar posts on this message board. Perhaps the computer is overheating, or the power supply is insufficient.

[sandwhich]

How do I know for sure its the power supply? Im not going to try changing a part im not even sure is defective.

It works when I have the voltage set to 230, but the monitor doesnt work then.

[Rob]

My first guess is that's overheating. But what brand and wattage of power supply do you have? And what video card are you using?

[sandwhich]

its and Xion 450 watt power supply.

Im using an Nvidia 7300 I believe.

I believed it was overheating also, but the fan is working properly.

[Rob]

Probably the power supply is not the problem. Are you able to get any temperature readings from the BIOS before it shuts down? Are you using thermal compound with the CPU cooler? I suggest trying re-mounting the CPU cooler. When you take it off, see how the thermal compound looks.

[sandwhich]

The cooler had a sticky substance to keep it on the processor. Not sure if all of them do now, but just wanted to make sure you knew that. I took the cooler off the processor and applied the thermal compound I bought at best buy, and While I can't re-stick the cooler back onto the processor because the sticky substance is no longer sticky, I have the whole system still lying against the floor when I turn it on.

I can't see why it would definitely need to stick since its on top either way, but is it possible thats the cause?

[BigBrother]

Rob, I picked out the parts for sandwhich's computer, and the list will be at the end of this post. The fan I did not choose out, but as it happens, the fan was made for a P4 3.8Ghz processor, so I do not believe it supplied enough cooling power for his Intel Quad 2.4Ghz processor. I have picked him out a processor that is rated with the Quad processors, but I still do not think that is the problem. I had the exact same thing happen to my computer when I built it, and the computer repair shop said that I had mounted the mobo to the case wrong, and there was metal from the mobo touching the case, causing my processor to short out. The only things that came with the case were a bunch of screws, so there was nothing to space the mother board from the case. Do you believe this could be the problem, or do you think the fan is the culprit?


Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor - 2.40GHz, 8MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB, Kentsfield, Quad-Core, OEM, Socket 775, HH80562PH0568M, Processor
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2643933
$289.99

BFG nForce 650i Ultra NVIDIA Socket 775 ATX Motherboard / Audio / PCI Express / Gigabit LAN / USB 2.0 / Serial ATA / RAID
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3079380&CatId=1533
$89.99

HP 1024MB PC5400 DDR2 667MHz Memory
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3004915&CatId=1654
$29.99 x2

Western Digital / Caviar SE / 80GB / 7200 / 8MB / SATA-150 / Hard Drive
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1089592&CatId=2456
$49.99

Xion II Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Clear Side Front USB and Audio Ports and 450-Watt Power Supply
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1289171&Sku=A406-1028
$59.99

AOpen COM5232L-26 Retail DVD-ROM Combo Drive - 52x32x CD-R/RW, 16x DVD-ROM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2881703&CatId=87
$27.99

I-Inc iF191DPB 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 5ms, 700:1, WXGA+ 1440x900, DVI, VGA, Black, Built-In Speakers
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3231065&Sku=H94-1922
$139.99

Logitech MX Revolution Rechargeable Cordless Laser Mouse
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2340176&Sku=L23-7200
$44.99

Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 (Black)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1538134&CatId=142
$17.99


NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE / 256MB DDR2 / Supporting 512MB with Turbocache / PCI Express / DVI / VGA / TV Out / OEM / Video Card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3128199&CatId=1560
$54.99

[Jamie Nixx]

Take off the CPU cooler, clean everything up using nail varnish remover, if you have any, with tissue paper, even if it looks clean it won't be so use as much tissue as you can till it is clean, you cannot take off the CPU cooler once you have applied the Thermal paste, it has to be done in one motion, CPU on, and then clip it into place.

[The Wise Monkey]

I recommend using an old toothbrush and bank card to clean the cpu and cooler. :)

[Rob]

The Intel Quad's run hot - 4 cores, you know - so the CPU cooler is very likely the problem. The computer should definitely have a CPU cooler rated for the Quad processor.

I wouldn't guess that the motherboard is shorting through the screws for this sympton, but you never know. When it shorts, I thought it wouldn't boot at all. But if the problem turns out not to be the CPU cooler then you could try booting with the motherboard out of the computer case.

[sandwhich]

The new cooler should be he here monday(If not somehow tommorow), so we'll know then. Thanks :)

[Jamie Nixx]

Good luck i hope it cures the problem, what cooler did you get?

[sandwhich]

Got the cooler, and now the system stays on.

On to monitor trouble :confused:

Basically, no beeps and nothing comes up on monitor. The mobo isnt touching the metal on the case, the memory isnt the problem, and the video card isnt the problem.

[Jamie Nixx]

Try plugging your Sata HD into another socket on the motherboard and check all of your connections.

[sandwhich]

Checked all connections, and not at all close to sure what you're asking me to plug in a different spot.

[Jamie Nixx]

Harddrive, i am assuming you are using a sata harddrive.

[sandwhich]

The only plugs that go into my hard drive are the main chord from the motherboard and the one from the power supply.

Its obvioulsy something I changed while messing around trying to get things working, since I did have the monitor working at one point.