Re: [Hampshire] help needed to diagnose computer problem

john lewis <johnlewis@???> wrote:
> My main system suddenly powered itself off
> yesterday whilst I was attempting to browse a
> website. It restarted again but would not stay
> on. I'd hear a click somewhere in the box and it
> would power off and immediately try to restart.

Before you buy a new motherboard, John, I'd
suggest testing that power supply thoroughly.

The only things that can make an audible click in
a base unit are drives, fans, the PSU, or heating/
cooling components. The last is highly unlikely,
unless the system is getting very hot.

The click and restart strongly suggests a PSU
protection circuit to me. I've had switch-mode
PSUs in the past that would click at about 2Hz if
you drew too much - or too little - current. Each
click corresponded to an interruption of the
supply voltage.

The fault may still be with the motherboard, but
I'd want to check the power supply independently
first.

Nick.

--
Nick Chalk ................. once a Radio Designer
Confidence is failing to understand the problem.