New system build help

So I ordered some new computer parts from Newegg so I could build my girlfriend a cheapo computer.

This is my second computer build, the first a couple years ago and that went fine. This time I'm not so lucky.

I bought a new heatsink http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150087, this case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164089, this RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141166, and this mobo +CPU combo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135082. I am reusing a CD and HDD from an older comp.

I build it all up and try to install Xubuntu but shortly after I go thru the language and keyboard menus the computer completely shuts off. Tried another copy of Xubuntu, same deal. I booted up into DSL. It was able to completely load and was on for awhile, but after about 5 minutes it too shut off. I tried DSL without a HDD attached it seemed ok but after about 15 minutes it shut off too.

Then I tried installing XP Pro. I can completely install the OS and begin to load drivers. My hopes were high as I finished loading drivers and started to install stuff but unfortunately I couldn't even update Windows before the same issue happened.

I ran memtest and that came back fine, no errors. I left the computer just booted into the BIOS menu over night and it stayed on fine with the temperature reading about 25 degrees Celsius.

I'm running out of ideas on how to troubleshoot this and I'm under pressure to get this done soon, so if any of you guys could shed some light onto my situation that would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

Run a diagnostic on the hard drive, and check the temps while you put some type of load on the PC. Just idling in the BIOS isn't going to cause anything to overheat....

BTW- I'm just curious.... what do you mean by "I booted up into DSL."?? In my book, DSL is a type of high speed internet connection like broadband or cable, and you can't really 'boot' into it... you can boot into a network, but that's a whole different thing....

 

Also, what PSU are you using?

E

 

DSL is Damn Small Linux. A distro that I believe is under 50mb in size.

How can I put load on it and get a reading if it won't stay on very long?

I'm using the PSU that came with the case.

 

Well, this may or may not be your problem, but you should always use a good PSU. A bad/weak/cheap PSU can cause all kinds of weird problems when you build a PC and down the road. A bad PSU can also fry other components.

You should get a decent PSU and start over. Something like: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

or maybe: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817116008

Would be the least I would use in a new system. Don't go cheap on the PSU. It just does not lead to good things.

E

 

Are there any one that should suffice without spending that much money? I am really trying to keep the price down.

 

In my personal opinion, there might be one that is a few dollars less, but I would not recommend a cheap one. They just are not worth it. And I say this from experience. I used to spec the PSU last after I had bought everything else. EVERY TIME I got an el'cheapo, I regreted it and had to replace it with a better one. Which wasted more money. I learned quickly.

Someone else might know of a good bargain for you. Good luck!

E