PC randomly powers off

[Not Kuno]

Apparently when I was gone today they turned off my power for a moment when my PC was left on.

Now, my computer randomly powers off. The first time it did that, when I turned it back on it would only stay on for a second then turn off. I tried this 2 or so times, then left it alone. 10 minutes later it turned on, however it only stayed on for maybe an hour or so and then randomly shut off again.

It had no blue screen, no nothing. Just a random power off.

Any ideas on what I can do?

[Ratatapa]

Joke Answer : Throw a water bottle?

Real answer, probably Power Supply

[Not Kuno]

At this point I throw a water bottle at everything first before posting my questions on here.

I guess this is one of those things where the only way to test it is to swap the power supply and see if it stops turning off randomly? I'm just afraid too many random shutoffs will fuck shit up on my computer.

[xopher]

Run your computer with the case open. Keep an eye on your CPU fan. Is it spinning? Is it putting out a lot of hot air?

The fact that it's shutting down randomly and having to essentially cool off a bit before you can turn it back on sounds like thermal shutdown to me.

[Sonomaa]

when this happens on computers Im building or have built or are working on its almost always the power supply.

this is why everyone should run on a battery backup, its a relatively inexpensive solution you can use for 7-10 years (multiple computers) that will stop the power pop shits broke situations

[Not Kuno]

when this happens on computers Im building or have built or are working on its almost always the power supply.

this is why everyone should run on a battery backup, its a relatively inexpensive solution you can use for 7-10 years (multiple computers) that will stop the power pop shits broke situations

Thanks for the help. Regarding the battery backup, it happened when I wasn't even home so I don't know how much it would have helped. The battery probably would have went out before I got back home anyway.

Edit: Since I'm awful at PC parts, and afraid of getting the wrong power supply since it might explode my PC, what PSU do I get? The one I have right now is:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171013

[Arkanna]

There's nothing special about that PSU you have now. Just look for another ATX PSU that's rated for 600W and you should be golden.

*edit* If you are ordering today and want to stay low-cost, here's a decent replacement that currently has a $20-off promo code (ending 5/19), making it $59.99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139045

[Artemicon]

Thanks for the help. Regarding the battery backup, it happened when I wasn't even home so I don't know how much it would have helped. The battery probably would have went out before I got back home anyway.

Edit: Since I'm awful at PC parts, and afraid of getting the wrong power supply since it might explode my PC, what PSU do I get? The one I have right now is:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171013

Unless the power went off and stayed off you would have been fine as when the power did come back on the BBU that was keeping your system on would have started recharging itself.

Contrary to what most people say its not power surges that hurt most electrical equipment its power fluctuations both up and down, which can happen at any time but mainly only during power outages. Do you at least have your computer plugged into a surge protector?

Oh and dead horse. It sounds like a Power Supply, your issue.

[xopher]

I'm still leaning toward heat.

[Not Kuno]

The new PSU arrived today but the bit that plugs into the mobo has 6 pins and my mother board only has room for 4. It "plugged in" but it doesn't turn on.

Unless it's not turning on for some other reason.

[goinundercover]

Well, which PSU did you end up getting?

[Not Kuno]

The one linked here but in the end I fixed it. I made a dumb mistake because I am captain retard of the ss dumbass.

[goinundercover]

The one linked here but in the end I fixed it. I made a dumb mistake because I am captain retard of the ss dumbass.

XD

[Arkanna]

The one linked here but in the end I fixed it. I made a dumb mistake because I am captain retard of the ss dumbass.

Plugged in a PCIe power cable into the ATX12V spot, did you?!

Does it seem like the new PSU solved your issue?

[Deadgye]

Contrary to what most people say its not power surges that hurt most electrical equipment its power fluctuations both up and down, which can happen at any time but mainly only during power outages.

I logically cannot see how this can hold true. I can understand data being corrupted, but the electrical components and devices themselves being damaged from losing power doesn't make any sense. Unless you're talking about stuff involving negative voltages or brownouts, but if so you've worded it really weirdly.