Alienware Random Shutdown and No Startup 2

[tattoo410]

Hi,
I am new here and have a unusual problem with this machine. I am hopeing that someone here could shed some light on this.

It is an Alienware long out of warranty. It has a Intel D850mv M/B Running a intel P4 2.0 It has 128meg. pc800 rdram. seagate 60gig hd. A sony dvd rw and samsung sd-616 dvd-rom. The video card is a pny geforce 2. It has a 250watt chiefmax p/s. The sound card is a creative labs 5.1 live! IBM usb mose and wireless ketboard.

The issue with the system is that it will randomly shutdown as if the power cord was pulled from the system. It will at times reboot on its own but mostly it needs to sit before you can restart it. When and if it restarts it will almost immediatly. shut back down. When it does start up no beeps are presant. It may run for 2 days or never make it past post. The issue as well is when it does try to power on the hd and dvd rom light up as well as the hdd light will flash like it is trying to read. But the system will shut back almost Immediatly back down. Only a few times will the green system light ever illuminate. Often times even trying to start up the power button has to be pressed several times or the system need to be left for a few days before it will attempt to start up. When the power is on the fans will also run as well as the cpu fan. The video signal is also lost.I was going to condem the P/S but am thinking a little different possible M/B. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. And thank you to all who have taken the time to read and reply to this posting.

 

[ski]

Make sure the PS fan is also running.

If it is, then shut down the system, and clean any dust from the fans, heatsinks, and vents.

If no luck, then check the MB for any leaking, bulging, or ruptured capacitors.

If none are found, then do a barebones by disconnecting/uninstalling everything except the PS, MB, CPU, RAM, video card, KB, and monitor, and restart it.
If it restarts ok, then reconnect the other devices one at a time until the problem resurfaces. The last item installed is the cause.

If the problem still happens with the barebones, then reseat the video card making sure it's fully seated.
If no luck, then reseat the RAM.
If no luck, then install one RAM module at a time in each slot if multiple modules are installed. If the problem happens with one specific module in any slot, then that module is bad. If the problem happens with all modules in one slot, then that slot is bad.

If no luck, then remove the CPU's heatsink, clean the thermal compound from it and the CPU with a credit card, followed by 91% pure alcohol and a soft cloth, and reapply new compound(Arctic Silver is recommended).

If no luck, then either swap out the barebones components, or have them shop tested.

 

[tattoo410]

I have performed the barebones. I have reseated the cpu and all of the memory. The board looks good as far as capacitors did the visual with everything out of it. The system light illuminated for the first 3 times then it stopped. It will only power up for a few seconds then shut right back down. All the fans are going including the cpu and p/s. I re seated the vid card. Same result.

 

[ski]

Time to swap out components, or have them tested.
My guess -> PS
Here's how to test it:

http://www.ochardware.com/articles/psuvolt/psuvolt2.html

 

[shudrod740]

tatto 410, I think you have a shortage in your mainboard or power supply. Like ski stated, you will need to perform a diagnostic test with advance equipment. All the warning signs are there, you electrical power is not staying current with supplying all your components from the power supply. Frustration will continue to set in, there is nothing else that can be done.

 

[tattoo410]

Thank You for the replies. I will swap out the p/s as this is the easiest component to swap. If no luck with the p/s I will go with a barebone and swap everything into the new one. Thanks Again for all your help and suggestions.

 

[ski]

You're welcome, and good luck.

 

[tattoo410]

Final Update.

I installed a Antec true power 2.0 430 watt into the system. It came up then shut right back down. Failed boot came up on the screen before it died. Tried restart it came up to windows xp tried to restart and went dead. Now the system will not come alive again. Can press power button no go. I will look at putting in a new m/b proc. combo Or look at putting in a AsusA8n32-sli deluxe with a AMD 64 dual core. Atleast I can take advantage of this new p/s.

Take Care...