Bump Boot

[haasd0g]

heres the specs:
p4 3.2e
gigabyte ga8knxp mobo
1gig @ dual channel
2 37gig sata in raid0
aspire x-superalien atxa6sw case
(with provided 500w power)

heres the prob:
sometimes when the computer runs hard it shuts down entirely and i have to completely disconnect power, push the power button, then repower before i can restart...
and any time i bump the desk or, god forbid, close the front of the case when the computer is running it reboots.

any ideas aside from getting a new comp?

 

[G0AOZ]

If you can make it reboot by just bumping against the case, then this suggests a flakey connection of some sort or a minute break in a pcb track on the motherboard. I have also experienced exactly the same problem which turned out to be the PSU.

First off, I would see if you can make the problem occur when booting off a floppy disk, with the hard drive completely disconnected. Since you don't know what sort of power glitch might be occurring when this happens, better to have your hard drive safely out of the equation.

Then go through and check the condition of all cable connections to the motherboard, both power and data, not forgetting the front case power and reset wiring/switches. If all seems ok with wiring, try substitution of the data (ribbon) cables.

Next start to remove add-in cards, disconnect CD-ROM drive etc., so you get down to a basic motherboard, video adaptor and PSU, with nothing else on or attached.

If the problem still persists, it may be worthwhile removing the motherboard and PSU from the case. You might find an unwanted screw lodged between motherboard and case, or perhaps a metal board mount where there is no corresponding hole in the motherboard. Put a piece of paper on the table, lay motherboard on it and connect up the PSU and monitor. Does jogging either motherboard or PSU cause it to reboot? Try a change of PSU, and look very carefully at the motherboard for signs of tiny cracks etc.

Let us know how you get on.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[haasd0g]

i wish just once i could have a stupid problem with an easy fix!
-thanks for the info goaoz, i will post again with the upshot.

 

[edfair]

Check your power cord also. They tend to back out under heat cycles and can get intermittent. Should be a firm fit.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.