Computer Help

R

RUBigDog05

New member
Hey I was wondering if anyone could help me diagnose my desktop computer problem. I'm on my laptop right now so I'm alright but I need to get my desktop working again. Here's the problem, lately my computer has been turning on and off at random times. It also has been making a really loud noise, it almost sounds like an airplane about to take off. When it shuts off, the computer screen like shuts down but a bunch of lines go across it and flash really fast. (next time it happens, I'm going to take a pic). I then have to manually turn off the CPU and wait 20 minutes before it will restart the right way. I took off the side panel to the CPU the other day and used air in a can to blow out all the dust. The noise is coming from the BIG fan which I'm thinking is on the power source box(?) The computer is a Gateway that is almost 4 years old and the warranty is run out anyways so calling Gateway would be a waste. Anyone have any idea what possibly could be the problem? Thanks
 
:yeah

The noise is definately a power supply issue, and that could reek all sorts of havoc with your system
 
I'll go with power supply as well, try not to turn it on again as you run the risk of frying the motherboard, ram etc :wait
 
It does sound like your main PSU is on it's last legs .... one thing you can do is take a vacuum cleaner to the inards of your computer .. if you have a hose attachement on your vacuum the better .... you may have a lot of dust in the PSU grill and CPU heat sink .. ram oan other components. You don't have to be real aggressive with the vacuum but get the grills in the back and the fan guard and fan ...
I take a small waterpaint brush and dust off some of the components inside and then suck it up with the vacuum. Dust is NOT the computers friend. If that doesn't help very much .. you can alwasy go to COMP USA and pick up another PSU .. just look and see what the raitng is on your old one. NewEgg is an excellent place to pick up computer suplies and very reliable.
 
You can get a new PSU pretty cheap...just get 300w or more - try to get a good brand, antec, or enermax. CompUSA or your other local computer store should carry one...but don't get a CompUSA PSU!!
 
I posted here a few days ago about my computer problem with it shutting off for no reason after the loud fan noise from the power supply. I haven't turned it on since then because I haven't had the time. From all the posts from here and other messageboards, the general consensus is that it is the power supply. My mom told me to take it to a computer place to have it fixed but i think I might be able to fix it myself. Can I just go to Best Buy or Circuit City and get a new power supply that will work with my computer? Is it something that I can do myself? I have installed new network cards and modems before without a problem. Here are the specs that I could find about my computer:

Gateway Select 1200Cs(got freshman year of college 4 years ago)
AMD Athlon
40 GB HD
1.2GHz
200 Watt Power Supply
64 MB ATT Radeon VE

I was told that the motherboard could fry if I try turning it on again so I dont want to do that. I have a lot of papers on my computer that I would like to still get to so if I install a new power supply, that wont have anything to do with my HD right? Thanks for the help
 
You should be able to find a decent power supply at best buy. You can probably find a good one from antec. 300 watt is probably the minimun they stock which is fine, look for an Antec Smartpower (about 40 bucks). The power supply is pretty much plug and play, just be sure to get everything clean before you turn it back on. Good Luck.
 
:yeah

Just be sure to discharge any static before you touch any components.

And even if something has happened to the Motherboard & Processor - sure hope not!! - you can still recover your documents from the Hard Drive - it should not be affected by this.
 
@ Chee :Or any combination of computer parts :D (yes, including mouse, keyboard and sometimes even monitor). Last time my power supply "died", it didn't want to die quietly and "killed" a HDD and a second PCI slot on motherboard :D (you see what I mean). That was one of the reasons why I didn't visit the board so long.

@RUBigDog05: If you're going to buy a new power supply, buy a good one. Others recommended brands like Antec & Enermax (I might even add Coolermaster). Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong. And yes, a 350Watt supply (either Ener or Antec) should provide more than enough power to your computer (and they are pretty quiet) - so unless you are planning to "heavily" upgrade your computer or you are overclocking it to the limits, you have found the right choice.
And if you choose to replace the PSU by yourself, it's not a big deal at all. In fact. it's a 20-30 minutes job (in worst case).

Just my 0.02 CSD
Bosko
 
Before you replace it .. make a note of where the red wires hook into your hard drive .. floppy CD rom .... make sure you look at how the CPU fan is wired up and the main motherboard powerplug
When you pull the little individual wires for the power switch and hD light etc ... amke sure you make a not which pins they go in on the motherboard .. write it down ..take a digital camera picture if you have any doubts.
unplug the main poiwer supply from the wall socket .. it's pretty easy to replace there will only be a few screws to do .. slap it back in .. wire it back up with the careful notes you've taken. Plug it in and start it up ... make sure that the little fan on the CPU is going ... if it is not quickly unplug or you might cook the CPU ... and there you go.
 
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