Ive got an old PC which id really like to try and get working again. Its not the worst of PC's and im sure theres not much wrong with it, so any help would really be appreciated. I can turn it on, it loads up and can work for about 1hr but then will turn itself off. Not shutdown, but simple turn off as if youve pulled the plug. If i try and play a game or watch a film on it, it lasts for about 5 mins before turning off. I used to think it was the fan because i cleaned it out and everything worked much better but now its just the same. The fans do still work though and are going round, so im not sure. Is there any programs available which will tell you if your PC is overheating? Anyway, i may be totaly worng and it isnt the fan, but like i say, any help is really appreciated.
I would think it might be your PSU (Power Supply). If you aren't too short on money, buy a 450W PSU or higher and I'm sure you'll have no problems.
you checked the cpu heatsink & fan?? are any of the can shaped objects that are capacitors have domed tops instead of flat tops. try this program to see what the temp is & also check in the bios for pc health monitor that will show cpu fan speed & temperature. http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
How do i know what power supply i will need? If i put on in that wasnt good enough, could it wreck my PC?
run this program & add 30% to the total. http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/Power_Supply_Calculator.php?cmd=INTEL
Ive got an even older computer than the old one im trying to fix. If i tried the power supply from that in the other one to see if it works, could it wreck my computer by putting a power supply in thats not compatible/to powerful/not powerful enough?
it will probably be alright. on the psu is a label with the total wattage marked on it, what does it say??
