Computer/Power problem

[sr71blackbird]

<p>On my old computer, I would be online, or watching a movie or whatever and suddenly the screen would go dark and the computer would restart, and it was very annoying.&nbsp; Other things I that had plugged into the same power strip did not have this symptom (a lamp, for example would not flicker or anything).<br />So I got a new computer and its been working fine, but yesterday the new one did the exact same thing the old one did!&nbsp; <br />Im wondering if it is related to the power.&nbsp; But Im pretty sure if it was, the lamp would flicker or something, right?<br />Anyone have any ideas?</p>

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[HBox]

<p>The lamp needs much less power then the computer does. And it would take only a slight power shortage to cause a reboot. It's very likely the power strip.</p>

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[JPMNICK]

<p>One of the biggest ways comp manufacturers save money is to cheapen the power supply. This is very dangerous becuase it can really shorten the life span of all the components. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Anyway watching a video requires a lot of processing power. it may that the power supply is flaking out on you. It is not uncommon to think that it can happen on 2 computers. You can try to buy a better quality power supply. You can also try to put it on its own circuit with not much else on it. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also that can be a symptom of a virus. make sure you have an updated virus protection and all your windows updates were done. </p>


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[Mike Teacher]

<p>Might wanna try a power conditioner/voltage regulator. Best $50 spent; I have four of these for music stuff:&nbsp;lights, A/C and heating systems going on,&nbsp;dimmer switches, fluorescent lights, all add nasty buzzes and spikes to systems. </p><p>Furman makes some excellent cheap regulators:</p><p><a href="http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/181115/">http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/181115/</a></p>

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[mendyweiss]

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[PaulF]

<p>No, the lamp will not always flicker. If the strip has a lighted switch or some type of indicator light on it, make sure that it is not dim or flickering. If it is, then replace it immediately. Surge suppressors can only take so many hits before they are no longer effective. The cost of a new strip does not always mean it is better. You have to go by the Joule rating (how much power it can absorb) and Reaction Time (how fast it detects and clamps down on the surge). This info is on the package. Better yet, get a UPS (Uninteruptible Power Supply) if you can swing it. This will buffer the incoming power, extending the life of the computer, and give you blackout protection. The computer shutting down suddenly like you have been experiencing can ultimately cause components to fail sooner rather than later. Newer computers are much more sensitive to power issues than older computers.</p><p>Assuming it is not obviously the strip, here are the steps you need to take to make narrow down the cause:</p><p>1. If for some reason, you are using your old power cords (between the strip and the case) with the new computer, try swapping the power cord.</p><p>2. Plug the computer (not necessarily the monitor) directly into the wall.</p><p>3. Make sure that you do not have any virus or spyware (I recommend&nbsp;Spybot Search&nbsp;&amp; Destroy, Ad-Aware and AVG Free Antivirus). Yes, an infection can cause your computer to shutdown. McAfee sucks, Norton gets shutdown by some viruses.</p><p>4. Use a different wall outlet. Move the computer temporarily if needed to test.</p><p>If the computer fails any of the above (except for the virus/spyware) than it is the computer, or at least the power supply in the computer. If it passes, than replace the strip. If you do go for the UPS solution, than make sure you get one with 500VA capacity or higher.</p><p>There are some other possibilties, considering you have now experienced this on two computers. PM me if the above doesn't work.</p>