MF'ing computer

[chesneyj]

So, I replaced the motherboard with an identical motherboard (I have OEM Windows 7 and it won't allow it to have too many things changed and a new mb is considered a new computer) at the end of November (3 whole weeks ago).  Everything seemed to be great.  The computer stopped shutting itself down and it felt like it was back to normal.  Then on

Comments

[elsaf]

Have you checked the CPU fan for dust? That's something I always put on my trouble shooting list. While that wouldn't make it turn itself on when you're away, that could make it shut down after running a while. Dust on the CPU cooler will make the CPU overheat.

[chesneyj]

When I replaced the motherboard, I cleaned everything. I even exchanged the power supply for a new one. When the problems first started in October, I cleaned everything. When the MB was replaced, I put new thermal compound on the CPU and video card.

Some ideas have been to get a new case because the power button can short out over time and cause this kind of issue. I built this myself so it that won't be hard just annoying. I can't shell out over $600 for a new machine (desktop or laptop). The cash just isn't there. So anything I can do to keep this desktop is good.

[elsaf]

You could have a bad memory stick. But shutdowns after a period of time point to temperature problems most often. You might look at whether there is air circulation around your case as well as in and out of the case. If your motherboard has a temperature sensing chip, you should look for a utility that will report what it's sensing.

Failing that, the unattractive next possible conclusion is a fault on the motherboard itself, or in the CPU.

Another "hail Mary" is to run a hard drive diagnostic.

I hope you can get it sorted. Good luck!