Member Avatar for dthizz

I just built a computer for the first time and am having some problems. I believe everything is hooked up correctly. When I power on my computer, everything seems fine and the monitor shows the intel BIOS screen. Then after about 20 seconds, the whole thing just shuts off.

If I try turning it on again, it shuts off after a shorter and shorter period of time each time.

Hardware:
700W Power Supply
Intel Mobo, DG33BU (Supports my processor)
Intel Cord 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4 ghz, 8mb, 1066 mhz fsb, lga77a)
Geforce 8800GT graphics card
150GB harddrive SATA

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by techno t

Dani AI

Generated

Short, repeatable shutdown a few seconds after POST is usually a protection response — most often either inadequate CPU cooling/contact or a power/short fault. The original build details (Intel DG33BU, Q6600 LGA775, GeForce 8800GT, 700W PSU, SATA drive) help narrow the checks below.

As , and flagged, investigate cooling first but do a quick isolation to rule other causes out:

  1. Bench test on a nonconductive surface (cardboard). Remove the board from the case, disconnect HDD/optical and extra cards so only: motherboard + CPU + cooler + 1 RAM stick + PSU (+ GPU only if no onboard video). If it stays on longer, the case or a misplaced standoff/front-panel wiring is likely the culprit.

  2. Verify power connectors. Ensure the 4-pin (ATX12V) CPU power and the 24-pin main ATX plug are fully seated. A missing/loose CPU power lead can let the board POST briefly then shut down.

  3. Minimal memory test. Try one known-good DIMM in the recommended slot. Swap slots and sticks to exclude bad RAM or a bad slot.

  4. Cooling/contact diagnostics. While running on the bench, watch the CPU fan and carefully feel the heatsink after a cold power-up (brief touch). If it gets hot very quickly, reseat the cooler: clean both surfaces, apply a small, even amount of thermal interface, and secure the cooler so it sits flat and tight (even pressure). Stock Intel push-pins must click/lock fully.

  5. Rule out PSU or short. Look for bulging caps, smells, or scorch marks. If the board still shuts down with minimal hardware, try a different PSU or a PSU tester. Also inspect for bent socket pins and stray screws or standoffs under the board.

If the system runs fine on the bench with minimal parts, add components back one at a time to find the offender. If it still cuts out with minimal parts and a verified PSU, suspect motherboard or CPU failure and pursue RMA/parts swap. Avoid repeated short cycles while diagnosing and use basic ESD precautions.

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Member Avatar for 4th&3wood

It sounds like an overheating issue. Did you use thermal compound between the heat sink and the CPU? Is the fan on the heat sink running up to speed?

Member Avatar for BstrucT

I agree, double check that the heatsink sits snug on the processor, and that it's well seated and properly clamped down.

Member Avatar for techno t

yep sounds like poor thermal displacement on the old (well new) CPU

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