HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

[pwrBY]

Started happening 3 or 4 days ago where my PC would not recognize my PC screen(after a few hits on the restart button would work) and now it just randomly shuts off. I built this computer so I've taken it apart and checked each part individually but I can't find anything. My initial thought was CPU overheat so I cleaned the fans + pump for my water-cooling(super dusty!). When this didn't resolve the issue I checked the PSU's fan which worked so it's fine. I checked RAM, GPU and all the power-cords and everything was in working condition. The last thing I did was change the CMOS battery, which seemed to work and my computer ran for over 6 hours straight with no hiccups or shut-offs.

What happens is I'll be doing anything on the PC say I'm writing this and my PC will just shut off.

I've Virus-scanned updated and literally done everything I know to try and fix the problem to no avail.

Something I want to note is that the PC will shut-off anytime, Start-up, log-in screen, Desktop. Also when the PC had shut-off yesterday I spammed the Power-button as soon as it had shut off and it start-up and shut off immediately for several times before it started working.

Desperately looking for help with this issue as its becomingly increasingly frustrating and really worries me.

Something else is that I haven't been able to install the Important windows update:

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2616676)

Installation date: 10/30/2011 6:43 PM

Installation status: Failed

Error details: Code 800B0100

Update type: Important

Install this update to resolve an issue which requires an update to the certificate revocation list on Windows systems and to keep your systems certificate list up to date. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.

More information:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=227571

Help and Support:

http://support.microsoft.com

I've installed a said hotfix from windows for this but the update will still not install, related? I don't know but just thought I'd mention it

PC Specs:

Manufacturer: System manufacturer
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 950 @ 3.07GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.7GHz (currently 3.07GHz, will re-OC to see if that changes anything)
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Hard Drive: 2.12 TB Total
Video Card: MSI N580GTX Twin Frozr II/OC GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video ...
Monitor: LG W2453 24" 60hz
Sound Card: SupremeFX X-Fi 2
Speakers/Headphones: steelseries Siberia v2 - White
Keyboard: Logitech G15 Refresh
Mouse: RAZER DeathAdder
Mouse Surface: steelseries 63003SS QCK+ Mouse Pad - OEM
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Motherboard: ASUS Rampage III Gene LGA 1366 Intel X58
Computer Case: NZXT Phantom - White

Thanks for any responses!

[SgtMattBaker]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

What's your PSU model? I'm not a huge techie, but I had a PC doing the same thing a while ago and I found out the PSU was not giving me the supposed wattage.

[pwrBY]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139010

I've had this computer for just short of 11months and had not a single problem, played thousands of hours of games on it since then and I don't understand why it would start to do this now.

On a side note: The computer randomly shut off earlier and when I turned it back on the monitor would not recognize it, this is the earlier problem I was having just before the shut offs. To fix it I unplugged the PC and changed the CMOS battery again, note that these two batteries are from old PC's so I'm not sure on how well they are, going to the store tomorrow to pick-up brand new ones to see if that helps.

Thanks!

[CptainCrunch]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

Hmmmmm, the update failing is strange. That update has nothing to do with your system running. Since you went through everything with a fine tooth comb hardware wise, have you tried doing a virus/spyware scan? Use Malwarebytes and Kaperskys free removal tool and see if it comes up clean.

With the shutoff at any time though, I really suspect you have a bad capacitor somewhere. Do you have another video card you could temporarily use to see if it stops?

[pwrBY]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

Well as I was reading this my computer shut-off and I haven't been able to get it working since (on the spare computer). I'm extremely upset because I've spent the last 5 hours taking it apart and checking everything again. Cptain Crunch I did replace my GTX580 with a GTX260 and had no affect. The problem is that the monitor simply won't recognize that the computer is on and running and thus I am unable to do anything.

Again on the last shut-off I spammed the Power button and it would turn on for a nano-second and turn off again for everyime I pushed the button. To be honest I think me spamming the Power button is what finally killed it. I opened it up immediatly after this happened and checked the hardwares temperature by hand, everything was completely normal EXCEPT that the 4 2GB RAM sticks were really really hot, not just warm but hotter than they should be.

Honestly I think its either the RAM or a bad capacitor as you said CptainCrunch, just hoping neither because the Mobo cost me a couple hundred dollars and I'm really not prepared to spend that much again if this is what happens after 10 1/2 months.

EDIT: heres a better description of the problem "http://www.computing.net/answers/hardware/computer-shuts-down-overheating/41872.html"

Note: I haven't messed with the Voltage at all as this person describes.

"Hey. Ok my computer has been suddenly shutting down recently. it happens mostly when running i guess "intense" processes for a little while, like playing games for a while, or using pro audio production software, etc..

When it happens you cant start it back up right away. you have to wait a while and even mess with the voltage switch and stuff on the PSU (after you wait a while i can switch it to the wrong voltage and turn it on for just a moment, then i cut the power and start it up again on the right voltage and it works)."

Going to do some intense Googling to figure this out.

[CptainCrunch]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

RAM can be hot though by nature. Usually it all doesnt go bad. You can take it all out and replace two to see if it comes back. Otherwise, I suspect the power supply myself. You ruled out the video card and you can rule out the RAM by taking it out.

Also, any of your parts except the hard drive should have a year warranty and new egg, if you purchased it from there, keeps a Proof-of-Purchase on record for you to print off.

I wouldnt dismiss a warranty claim.

Try this as well: Unplug the computer and hold the power button in for about 10 seconds after you do that. Let it sit for 15 minutes then plug it back in and see if it comes on. If it does and then dies again in a minute or so, then I think its your power supply.

[pwrBY]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

Try this as well: Unplug the computer and hold the power button in for about 10 seconds after you do that. Let it sit for 15 minutes then plug it back in and see if it comes on. If it does and then dies again in a minute or so, then I think its your power supply.

Ok I unplugged it and then held the power button for 10 seconds, waited 15 minutes and plugged it back in. It didn't turn on automaticly and I had to press the power button once again to get it running. It's still running right now just that the computer or monitor don't recognize each-other.

I really can't afford to wait 2 weeks for Newegg to send me an RMA(played that game before with them), but if it really comes down to it I guess I'll have to

I just don't understand this problem at all because everything is working fine, nothing has changed at all! For some reason I've got it stuck in my head now that its the RAM thats broken(hopeful look) because thats quicker and easier to replace.

I really really don't understand this at all.

[CptainCrunch]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

Parts go bad. Thats how it is.

All your RAM cant be bad, so switch it out and try different ports.

If its back on, but your monitor isnt working then I dont know, because thats a video card issue and you replaced that, so that makes me think its motherboard since you seem to having different problems throughout the system. The motherboard tells your power supply to turn on. Unless you have a bad switch on the case. Ive seen that on some HP servers and desktops, but not custom built rigs. I guess you can check your switch on your case and make sure its seated securly. Sometimes they pop out of place and you are barely hitting the on button.

[pwrBY]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

Well I tried both Graphics slots on the Mobo and I really don't see the chances of them both being fried unless they both use the same converging connection(doesn't make sense). I'm taking this thing apart and checking every inch of every compenent. I have already tried the RAM idea Cpt.

Edit: I just remembered all I've been doing since it started this is booting it from the Mobo(fancy ASUS comes with Start, Reset and assorted buttons on the Mobo).

[pwrBY]

Re: HELP! Computer randomly shutting down.

Took out the Mobo, cleaned it as best as I could, checked all of the wires, pretty much checked every connection. Still doesn't respond to the monitor, turns on fine just not picture.