Random Powerdown

[ragabash13]

I have:
P4 HT 3.0 CPU
945P NEO3-F MSI Motherboard
Antec 430w Earthpower PSU
512mb Kingston Valueram
e-GeForce 7100 GS 128MB PCI-E x16
Seagate HD

The problem I have is that after 30 secs to 3 or 4 minutes the system shuts off. This is a mostly newly built computer with only the HD used in a previous system ( I am attempting to bring it over from the old system). I am pretty certain that the HD is not the problem as this problem occurs whether or not a HD is attached, (I've been 'successfully' booting from a CD, with the exception of it powering down)

I have no idea of what could be wrong at this point, after trying a variety of options.

I've tried replacing the memory and PSU, but have had no luck. I've tried both installing everything, to only the bare minimum.

This is the third attempt of getting this system off the ground only to have this problem continue to pop up regardless of what parts I use and am about ready to just return everything and go with a pre-fab.

[LeftyAce]

Next time it dies, boot it up and go into the BIOS and check the temperatures. It's possible it's overheating.

Not sure if you want to get into this, but if returning stuff is an option (And isn't too much of a pain) you might consider a different set of parts. What is/was your budget?

[ragabash13]

I've actually swapped out parts at the store a couple of times, so either I've been pretty unlucky or I'm missing something.

As far as budget goes, I'm trying to keep it around $300. It's mainly to replace my girlfriends computer which is a 400mhz P3.

[maxnik]

it does sound like a heat issue - those P4s run rather hot, are you using stock cooler with that chewing gum looking paste? What kind of case do you have?

[ragabash13]

I'm using the fan that came with the CPU and the grey paste that was pre-applied.

As far as case, it's a
Power Up Silver Extreme ATX Mid-Tower Case
( http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...791&CatId=1842 )

So far, though I haven't even attempted to power up with the case closed, due to all of the problems that I keep having.

[glc]

Have you checked for overheating yet? There's a thread in the Tips and Tricks forum on how to install a Socket 775 heatsink - I'm betting it's a 50/50 chance yours is not snapped down completely.