[CoolioCam]

So I'm building my first computer, and it was going well minus a few minor snags, but now I've been brought to a halt by a problem I can't seem to figure out. All the hardware components have been assembled, and it is a problem while trying to run the computer (and install windows, but that isn't causing the problem; it happens regardless if I try to run windows or not).

When I turn on the computer, everything seems to be working fine (all the LED indicators on the motherboard are lit green, which is supposed to indicate that everything is working properly), but after about a minute of letting it run, the computer shuts off without any warning. This will happen regardless of what I do once it has been turned on (if I'm in BIOS, trying to install windows, waiting, etc.). If I turn the computer on a second time, it will only run about 30 seconds before shutting itself down. At first I thought this could have something to do with overheating, but I have 3 fans running not including the CPU fan, and everything seems to be running cool.

I'll list the hardware I'm using:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Processor
Motherboard: MSI P35 Platinum
3D Card: XFX GeForce 7900GS
RAM: Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB 2X1GB
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5IN 500GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 32MB Cache
DVD: Pioneer DVR-212D
Case: Raidmax Smilodon
Power Supply: Seasonic S12 ENERGY+ 650W ATX12V

If anybody has any idea of how I can fix this problem, It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks A Lot,
Cam

[philthomas]

Re-check your heatsink .... make sure it is seated correctly. Did you use the correct amount of thermal paste ?

[dice14u]

Go into the BIOS with the system monitor and check the CPU temp after running a while.

[CoolioCam]

Originally Posted by dice14u Go into the BIOS with the system monitor and check the CPU temp after running a while.

I can't run it for a while since it shuts off within 30 to 60 seconds :). I figured it might be the CPU heatsink, so I removed it, checked the thermal paste (which seemed to be distributed adequately), and locked it back on the motherboad.

Is there anything else I should be doing to check out what you guys were saying? Any other suggestions?

[dice14u]

can you at least get into the bios settings and view the system monitor for like a second?

[dice14u]

and as a while i ment like 4 seconds and watch if the numbers are increasing

[alex]

This ram is voltage hungry. Can you confirm if you've the 6400 or 8500 please.

Your mobo needs to be pushing around 2.2v through the dimms, regardless of stock speed, I'm unsure if the msi can provide this much.

Also, did you set the ram values in the bios if you're running the 8500?

If the ram isn't getting enough juice it could be causing your problem.

[CoolioCam]

Thanks for the suggestions. I figured out the problem; it was overheating due to the heatsink (thanks guys). What actually happened is one of the CPU heatsink locks turned out to be broken, and was causing the lock opposite it to not lock properly, thus leaving the heatsink with bad contact. The processor was running at 98 degrees celsius when I checked it under BIOS (and then shut it off) but still seemed to be working properly. Do you think I should try returning it (since the problem originated with their faulty heatsink locks), or see if I can get it working once I get these heatsink problems sorted out?

Thanks,
Cam