Just wait until solid state harddrives become more common- I imagine that is 10-15years we'll look back and wonder why we ever messed around with these rotating magnetic disks. Nobody uses a barrel shaped hard drive anymore-

I stayed with ASUS mainly because I've had great luck with them in the past. The AMD machine I built 8 years ago is still working fine, and never gets shut off (except for when the power goes out or something). The one before that was a long hauler too. Perhaps they aren't so in tune with the quad machines yet? Anyway, it's been up all night, and still rock solid. I think I found the problem.

> Got an ASUS P5ND motherboard, stuffed into a new case that's about 3 years old. Was running fine for about a week, and then all of a sudden it just shuts down for no apparent reason. CPU temp is good, fans are running. Doesn't matter if Windows 7 is running, or if it's just sitting there after POST. I was moving connectors around, and think I may be loading down a rail. So, I ordered a PC Power and Cooling 750W PSU for it, since I suspect that's the problem. Get to install it tonight, and see what happens. Come on PSU..

If the computer is still having the problem, in separate instances try putting a fan on the top and bottom of the main board to see if the problem persists. Not a small computer fan, but one about 8” or bigger, set to it’s highest setting. Start with the main board cold, and try it on the underside first. If that doesn’t solve it, try it on the top.

Often what happens is that a slight warp gets imparted onto the system board due to the computer chassis not being flat. Over time this causes the circuit traces to lose contact when the system board warms up. I've seen scores of cases of this over the years. Moving enough air by use of the fan will keep the critical component(s) below the temperature that causes the failure.

Of course if this is the case the board is toast unless you can keep fans on it consistently or re-solder the faulty traces.

Also put a volt meter to the power supply to be sure the output voltages are in spec. In cases where the output is too high or low you can get the results you described

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Toyota is a leader only because their drivers block everyone behind them. Oh what a feeling.

PC Power and Cooling load tests all their power supplies before they leave the factory - the report is in the box when you get it. Pretty cool, huh? I still checked mine with a DMM, though. The software readings you get from motherboard sensors are usually quite inaccurate...

I had a 'came with a case' power supply that exploded (aspire / apevia junk) and I ended up buying a bunch of hardware so I could swap and verify what it took with it. It took a while to get it sorted out, and it was difficult to figure out if the problem was solved because of the erratic shutting off. At least removing and replacing components is simple with a computer when compared to a car

Hope it's all sorted out

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1982 240D, sold 9/17/2008
1987 300D TurboW124.133 - 603.960, 722.317 - Smoke Silver Metallic / Medium Red (702/177), acquired 8/15/2009
262,715 and counting

CPU has been up and operational rock steady. I love it when a plan comes together.