Intermittent, seemingly random shut downs.

[watts300]

This computer is a home-made Windows 7 machine.  A few days ago it shut itself down for the first time; it has happened maybe four other times since then.  To be more specific, it doesn't go through the Windows shut-down process.  Instead, it just shuts off, then it turns back on again.   I think the powering back up is a BIOS setting, but I haven't looked.. mostly because that seems like the least of my concerns.  

 

It has happened when nothing special was going on with the computer.  No extreme usage like demanding video games.  In fact, the couple times I saw it happen, only YouTube was playing.  

 

There was no new software installed.  No Windows updates.   No new hardware either.   

 

In some one else's opinion, what would be the first component to suspect here?   Power supply?   

I don't really have any spare parts to use to try to isolate.   There is a 300 watt generic power supply in my closet, but I'm not sure using it for a few days (to give the computer an opportunity to exhibit its issue) would be such a great idea.  

 

I suppose I'm okay to buy a new part to troubleshoot, but if a consensus is formed as to what the typical fault might be, I'd start there. 

 

To that end (the implication of the above sentence) I'm not sure if giving model numbers/names of the components is relevant.  But if some one thinks it's necessary, I'll share.   I'll share any info that might help get me in the right direction.  

 

Thanks for the help and your time.  Fire away with more questions to fill in the blanks I inevitably missed. 

[beebskadoo]

It could be a PSU issue. Have you moved to a new wall outlet? just to rule that out.

[JoshM]

My guesses would be HDD or psu, 

[JoshM]

Ignore

[watts300]

It could be a PSU issue. Have you moved to a new wall outlet? just to rule that out.

 

I've changes sockets on the Belkin surge protector and then moved the surge protector's own plug to a different socket on the same outlet.   I haven't completely changed wall outlets yet.  

[Clyne]

bad ram? could try memtest to try if it's the ram fault that's causing the shut downs

[Aniallation]

@watts300

 

Welcome to Linus Tech Tips!

 

If you could list the specs that would make it a lot easier for us to see what's up.

 

My guess right now would either be RAM or PSU, or possibly just a bad Windows install

[watts300]

My guesses would be HDD or psu, 

Interesting.    The first two replies (including yours) say PSU.  

 

I would doubt it's the start up drive.  It's a less-than-a-month-old 1TB Samsung EVO.  

 

 

After my first post, I saw a sticky thread:

• Include your entire system specs, including the wattage of your PSU.

 

So.. I guess I'm obligated:

1 new SSD.  

3 HDDs

Gtx 650

MSI H55M-E33, with i5.

12GB ram (4x2, 2x2)

Corsair CX 600