Solved Strange issue - please read

[ballerjones]

I have a homebuilt PC, Windows 7 Ultimate. I could give you specs but I don't know why that would be helpful.

Anyway, I'm having this issue where the computer won't turn on. It blinks on then off, fans start and stop, then flickers on again, then turns off completely.

This is after I got the Driver Power State Failure BSOD. Can't give you the minidump since it won't turn on.

This happened before. I had my university's clean room take a look at it. They thought, as I did, that it was the PSU. They swapped it out and tested the levels, everything was fine. In fact, after those few things they did, the computer turned on again and worked as usual with the original PSU. We concluded it must've been a faulty power strip.

Well clearly that wasn't the problem. I just don't understand what's going on here. The fact that it fixed itself before just adds to the confusion. I also don't know how that BSOD error fits into all of this.

Thanks

 

[linnemeyerhere]

It is a mystery but I think maybe a connection to the motherboard was not tight or had dirt or debris that was moved when all the connections were made then unmade and made again. Did you check these connections? As a builder of my first system and recently upgrading my PSU only to find a connection I would have sworn was made tight wasn't.
Oh and welcome to SF.

 

[ballerjones]

I will do that. However I think something else is more likely the issue here.

 

[richc46]

Welcome

Your code is probably 9f, which means a driver problem
Can you boot in safe mode? This mode uses a minimum of drivers.

If it happens during boot, if it is a driver, its one of the essential ones, graphics etc.

Try to boot in safe mode.

 

[ballerjones]

The computer won't turn on so I can't boot into safe mode. The BSOD happened randomly, I was watching a video the first time and on the internet the second time.

The main problem here is that the computer won't turn on. I would think it's totally a hardware issue except for the BSOD leads to me to think otherwise.

It's possible my CPU heat-sink is a little loose. Are these issues consistent with a CPU overheating?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

You may want to undo the build and reconnect and seat the CPU and all components. It sounds like a power to the board issue or a bad cable. Not to create a firestorm here but I've read some less than flattering things on more recent OCZ PSU's.

 

[ballerjones]

I don't know how you knew I have an OCZ but yeah, I definitely do. I did what you said: reseated everything and tried a different (factory) heat-sink. Same problem.

It's probably the PSU but that BSOD error and the fact that it fixed itself before still confuses me.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Once you start to get a good boot then the BSOD group here can tackle that and with luck find and answer. I have an similar and on going BSOD issue but I'm fine once I boot up properly. I've changed out everything but, ram, CPU & mobo the only three items left. I suspect the ram but it tests fine. I'd love to send the mobo and CPU off to be tested but I need my computer everyday. So I live with a less then ideal boot process but thats me. I feel for ya and hope someone here may have additional input. Can you find a PSU to try and see if it does the trick?

 

[polarbear]

Sure sounds like a power issue at this time. Bad connection or power supply. Then worry about the BOD, it may have been caused by low voltage. GL

 

[ballerjones]

How do I remedy low voltage?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

How do you mean low voltage. Oh as stated by polarbear: With a more balanced power PSU. If the card is demanding more power than the rail on the PSU can carry it will fail or show signs. It's an educated guess as to the PSU being an issue. It would be great if you can get your hands on a known working unit large enough to handle you system and test it. Use this link as a minimum guide.
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator
Wish you were close by as I have a working 600w we could try !

 

[ballerjones]

Mine is actually 700w and that calculator gave me well under 400. I don't think PSU capability is the issue. It should and has worked before and rather reliably.

Such a strange issue. I'm going to take it to the clean room again. Maybe they can magically fix it simply by trying another psu and putting the old one back in again. Frustrating.

Thanks for everyone's help, by the way. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Sounds like a plan, wish I had a clean room to take my computer into and have magically fixed. lol
All symptoms have me pointing the finger at the PSU.

 

[ballerjones]

Yeah, I think you're right. Any suggestions for a replacement? Cheap but capable.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Modular or Non ?

 

[ballerjones]

Don't care. Not looking to spend a lot of money though. So far, this one looks ok:

Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

I'm not comfortable with how it's actually less wattage than my current PSU. Also, my current PSU is under warranty but it will literally take a month to get the replacement.

 

[polarbear]

It's a little smaller than what you have and you say you are using no more than 400watts so it we do the job and if it does the job I would send the other in under warranty. Always better to go bigger or the same but for test purposes only it will do the job. GL

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Corsair PSU's also gets a lot of props here. Check out this Thermaltake as well: Thermaltake TRX-650M TR2 RX 650-Watt Modular Power Supply - 650W, 140mm Fan, ATX, Modular, 80 Plus at TigerDirect

 

[ballerjones]

Went with the corsair. Free shipping and $10 off coupon made it worthwhile. A total of $60 for that thing is a bargain.

I only hope the PSU is the only problem. You all know the feeling. It better be the only thing.

Thanks for your help guys, I'll report back when I find out for sure.

 

[Crazymike]

I had what seems to be a similar problem to you after I installed my new cpu cooler, would light up and the cut off within a second or 2. I thought something had blown up or caught some static, but in the end I pulled everything out of the case, even the motherboard and put it back in and it started right up.