Best programs to diagnose instant, random shutdowns?

Hey guys,

A friend of mine has a rig that i built at the end of 2007. Starting last week, he claims the computer shuts down without warning after an hour or so (when not gaming, so no underpowered psu issue) If he tries to power it on right after the shutdown it shuts off after a few seconds. If the computer is left off for 15 mins it will stay on for an hour again.

I'm guessing the problem is strictly a hardware issue, but I want to rule out any software/operating system bug as the problem.I would like to know which programs the experienced builders use to diagnose such problems (monitoring programs with logs).

Specs

xp home

q6600

gigabyte mobo (forgot model but it was the most reliable, well reviewed lga 775 board at the time)

2 x 1gb crucial ram

xfx 8800gt

550 watt corsair psu

Have you checked the temps in your rig? The result could be caused by overheating. My laptop does it all the time when it gets too hot XD

hey guys. im having the exact same problem with the tc. does a new mobo, casing, and psu solve this?

Taking care of the dust build-up every now and then is a good idea, especially if your case's intake fans doesn't have filters. It is likely to over time bring overheating problems to an otherwise healthy rig.

Update:

This afternoon I went down my friend's house to check out the issue, and found pretty much what I expected. As soon as i fired up a temperature monitoring program, my answer stared me in the face. The screen read: Cpu Temp 94 C. The heatsink that is on the processor is the stock Q6600 cooler w/ arctic silver. I'm guessing that somehow the cooler shifted or the springs lost their strength. In anycase, I'm going to reset it and hit it with come arctic silver to see if temps drop.

Heat sounds like the issuegmaster456

[QUOTE="gmaster456"]Heat sounds like the issueJigglyWiggly_