Ok here's whats i've got:

-Asus mobo
-amd athlon 1800+
-512mb ram (1 stick)
-ati 9600xt
-7.1 surround sound dynex sound card
-dvd writer
-cd writer
-80gb ata harddrive
-harddrive fan
-floppy drive
-case fan
-pci fan (not sure if thats hooked up)

thanks again!

Hi Qertw,

I calculated 225w, so if your using a 230w power supply your borderline. Also check the section on "Capacitor Aging". The power consumption increases the older the PSU. To be sure, you could always remove your sound card to see if your problem returns. If it doesn't then a new power supply is what you'll need!

thanks a lot man, any idea what other stuff may be causing it, in case its not the psu?

Hi Qertw, the next most likely cause to your problems could be your motherboard. You said your onboard sound is no longer working? This may be an indication that there maybe a short onboard. If this is the case, it would explain the failure of your sound card and why your power supply is switching itself off.

If you are finding that you have to reset the power supply, by unplugging the power cable, this is a clear indication of a hardware problem.

hey, thanks for your help again, and sorrry for the seriously delayed post. i finally got home from university, and checked the power supply. my dad had his friend replace it....with a 465W supply. so my guess, not the psu. must be the mobo right?

Yep motherboard!

I only just spotted that post then. I deleted your subscription cos I thought you hated me or somefink! lol

lol sorry man, it was cuz i couldn't even get at the PC. Any chance it could just be the processor over heating?