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General discussion

bizarre spontaneous shut-down problem

May 21, 2005 12:35AM PDT

I have an Alienware desktop with 3.6 GHz P4, 1 GB RAM, Intel mobo, ATI Radeon X800 video card, WinXP Home, etc. It has DirectX 9c and a fairly recent video drivers. Whenever I try to run the benchmarking programs AquaMark3 or 3DMark05 the computer suddenly shuts itself off part way into the programs. The power light stays on and I have to push in the power button for about 5 seconds to get all lights off. I can then push the power button again to turn it back on and it boots normally. This also happens when running the game demo Still Life. I haven't had any other problems with the computer. Alienware hasn't been the greatest about solving this problem. No viruses or spyware detected. Anyone have any ideas about what the cause is? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Not uncommon with ...
May 21, 2005 12:46AM PDT

CPUs that are not cooled proper, or a case that is overheating or a power supply that needs more Watts.

The alienware stories continue and unless you are going to dive in and redesign your system, I'd say there is nothing I can offer.

Bob

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Yes, but...
May 21, 2005 7:05AM PDT

I would think that Alienware would deny any such thing as their systems, from a functional standpoint, are usually well designed with plenty of cooling fans and large power supplies. Also, if it was due to inadequate cooling or insufficient power you would think that it would happen when using other programs.

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It will happen with similar programs, not all.
May 21, 2005 7:14AM PDT

You have supplied a short list of programs that will tax the power and cooling of the machine.

You made the case and now have trouble accepting your own diagnosis. As such, there is little I can do until you come to terms with the problem.

Bob