Almost replaced the entire PC but still got problem!!

[Barkerd]

Initial problem:

After running a Prescott at 4.5GHz for nearly 9 months without a glitch I starting gettting a problem where Windows would hang. After powering off the PSU the system would not boot normally for 30 mins or so? Within 5 minutes of restart the same would happen again

To try and id the problem I have replaced the following:

Graphics card

RAM

Mobo

CPU

and none of these has sorted it

In the current config I managed to get about 80% thru an XP install before the PC just turned itself off? Now once the evap reading reaches -50 as normal the PC starts up and shuts down immediately without even getting to the BIOS screen

Any ideas guys - I can only think the PSU or something to do with the Mach II GT or I have done something stupid?

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

nope its nothing stupid mate you've replaced almost every part of your rig.

Ok first things first, remove the mobo from the case and place it outside, resting on some foam. Remove all the pci cards, run it on air and see if it boots. Add pci cards one by one, add drives one by one until you have the full rig running. Make sure its stable, then add the Mach II. See if it boots and is stable. If it is, then its a short on the mobo, which is common and very frustrating. If it doesnt then we need to look at the GT.

 

[Barkerd]

Thanks Phil - I don't have any PCI cards in, just the video card and a couple of Raptors so should not take too long to pull apart again. Need to get hold of a CPU heatsink first ...

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

ok, just reading through again - what psu are you using? It's highly unusual for the system just to stop working just like that, so are you sure you dont have any condensation?

 

[Barkerd]

Ok more info ...

PSU is the OCZ Powerstream 520W

Original P4C800E Deluxe in front of me and does not seem to have anything unusual on it although I am not sure what condensation damage looks like? The conformal coating on the back of the mobo still looks pretty shiny and intact the dielectric grease was still on the CPU side of the mobo.

The new mobo an Abit Max3 only went in last night and has the same conformal coating on the back and dielectric grease on the front inside the head kit. All the screws at the back were sealed and the front too ... looks ok to me!!

Does that help any?

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

Powerstream - replace. I had the same psu. It did EXACTLY the same thing, except it took out my VGA as well. I dont know what's going on there but its defo the powersupply mate, I'm 90% certain.

 

[Barkerd]

Powerstream - replace. I had the same psu. It did EXACTLY the same thing, except it took out my VGA as well. I dont know what's going on there but its defo the powersupply mate, I'm 90% certain.

Phil,

Will try swap it out and confirm the Powerstream is at fault and then maybe get one of your PCP&C PSUs ...

Thanks for your help

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

You will find it inconsistant if its anything like the problems I experienced. From one day to the next it was stable and then it would become totally unreliable. It was definitely the powerstream causing my problems.

 

[Barkerd]

You will find it inconsistant if its anything like the problems I experienced. From one day to the next it was stable and then it would become totally unreliable. It was definitely the powerstream causing my problems.

Phil,

Swapped in another PSU just to check but the PC still turns off within two seconds If the Powerstream PSU is the problem then it looks like my brand new mobo might have been damaged by it. Before I send the PSU back to OCZ is there any way of checking the Mach II GT? For example is it possible that when the Evap head reaches -50 that the signal to start the PC is sent and then another signal to cut the power? Maybe if I am pulling everything apart I could send the unit off to you to check? What do you think?

Thanks in advance ...

 

[Phil Stanbridge]

of course mate, I'll check the GT for you, I believe its still under warranty so if its at fault I'll either replace it for you or fix it.

 

[Barkerd]

Thanks Phil, will let you know when I have boxed and sent it

 

[Barkerd]

Thanks Phil, will let you know when I have boxed and sent it

Will not need to send the prommie off for checking after all as the mobo is shutting down on air. So it looks like you were right Phil and the Powerstream must be the faulty part and has destroyed two two motherboards!! It would be nice if all the major PC components complied with some sort of self diagnosis standard that could help id problem parts like SNMP traps ... thanks for your expert help!!