System shuts down unexpectedly PC malfunctions abruptly
System shuts down unexpectedly PC malfunctions abruptly
Hi, over the last couple of days my pre-built PC has been having startup issues. Lights turn on, fans spin but freeze right after, and it never reaches a boot attempt. This cycle happens 3 to 4 times. The mouse and keyboard don’t light up, so USB ports aren’t getting power when it fails. After several attempts, the PC starts working properly—just run it for a few hours at a time without problems. I’ve tried reseating RAM, inspecting the board for damaged parts or loose connections, but nothing was found. Anyone else experienced this? Thanks ahead!
sounds possibly like a motherboard issue to me. how old is it? does it have a warranty of any kind left?
This project has been running for more than two years, so no warranty remains. I began it recently and the process feels the same each time (it’s oddly steady). Right now, I’m logging this from the same computer as if everything is normal.
I noticed a build from a few years ago that had similar issues. It would power on and off every 2-3 seconds before turning fully on, then work until shutdown. In my case, it was likely due to a faulty motherboard. A BIOS update might help, but I’m cautious about trying it now since it could worsen boot problems. Could you share the full specifications of your PC? Have there been any recent hardware changes? Also, have you reached out to the manufacturer? They might not be able to assist under warranty, but they could offer useful advice.
Hello, welcome! I see the setup isn’t very impressive—just an Intel Core i7-8700 GTX1060 with SSD and HDD, a 80 Bronze PSU, and a MEDION B360H4-EM motherboard. No changes have been made, and it’s only working if it wasn’t powered on for at least an hour. It seems to match your problem quite closely.
I tend to favor AMD systems. In terms of performance, the 8700 sits right in the middle compared to the Ryzen 1700 and 5800X. Whether it’s worth maintaining depends on how you use it. If you’re not diving into heavy gaming, it’s fine. However, if you’re just using a generic board and everything else can be swapped out easily, newer boards are definitely affordable. On the other hand, power supplies come along with their own issues—prices vary, but quality isn’t uniform. A prebuilt unit often carries hidden risks since it’s locked into proprietary specs, which is why I chose a fresh build instead of upgrading. If the machine needs to boot within an hour for stability, that hints at weak capacitors in the motherboard or PSU. Capacitors store energy for quick startup; if they can’t hold enough, the system might struggle to power on properly. This usually means either slow charging while trying to run or complete failure. Motherboard capacitors are common culprits when starting issues arise. If fixing it isn’t feasible, it’s probably best to keep it running as is. Sure, it uses power and that can wear down a new rig quickly, but reliability matters more than short-term savings.
By the way, the ATX connector isn’t always essential, but if you need someone to see your comment, it helps.
P.S. I’m not a tech guru, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Edit: May 14, 2022 – An0maly_76