Spontaneous shutdown

[hubmub]

Computer shuts down while burning a DVD-R. Burning with Nero 5.5.10.54, used two types of media - cheap CompUSA and Memorex 4X.

Athlon 1200
768 megs RAM
DVD-ROM
DVD+/-RW (NEC-1300A)
40 gig hd
80 gig hd
ATI All-in-Wonder 128
(home built system)

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

:::hubmub:::

[Mickwish]

Just turns off? No BSOD or anything? What OS?

Sounds like could be a power issue. How big a Power Supply is in there?

Cheers
Mick

[kranich]

Question: are you using a UPS?

[Bovon]

Yeah...me too, Mick.. I just answered this post in his other thread.

Sure would be nice if folks could confine the problems to one thread.

[hubmub]

Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry about having two threads, I realized I had not included system information shortly after the first one, and so I started a new thread, not realizing I could have easily edited my original.

I am running Windows XP Home.

It may well be a power supply issue, this is an old system that has been upgraded little bits at a time. I'll replace the P/S and try that. Yes, this Nero came with a CD burner originally and has been upgraded through downloads. I do not have a UPS.

Any other thoughts will be appreciated until I get a chance to upgrade the power supply.

[hubmub]

It took me a while to find time, but I finally ran the power test. I pulled everything that took power (old ISA scanner card, ethernet, modem, sound, second 7200 rpm hd, second dvd-rom drive) and just booted the system with video, main hard drive, and the burner.

I burned a test CD first ($0.05 media) and it completed. So, I drew a deep breath and filled a DVD-R to capacity (one of the cheap CompUSA discs). Started the burn, and it FINISHED.

I guess my 400W power supply just can't handle all of that other stuff during a burn with this drive. My old 52X CD-RW worked fine. I have a 550W supply on the way, and in the meantime I can burn if I want to with a little inconvenience.

:::Happy hubmub:::

[Bovon]

Glad we could help a little. Bummer that your 400 watt PSU failed the load test...normally, 400 watts will handle most anything other than the latest and greatest with all of the bells and whistles.

One thing many people are taking notice of in the recent year (or two) is the amperes per rail, (watts) and the name-brand of the PSU. The cheaper power supplies use cheaper internal components..in other words, you get what you pay for. Also, as a power supply ages, the filtering process will diminish because the capacitors are drying out from heat...as the filtering quality goes down, the system it supplies may reach a point to where it cannot work because of the unfiltered 'noise or hum' that is left behind, and shows up when power drain reaches certain levels.