computer turning itself off.

[Thrawn]

It could be a faulty PSU. Normally a computer will turn itself off if it isn't getting enough power... if the motherboard was completely borked, you wouldn't even be able to turn the computer on in most cases (and you'd also hear a series of bleeps).

 

[Bombermania]

Press ALT+F4

That's not nice SOR.

Funny though

That was very nice work from SonofReep

It depends on what sort of case you've got.

Most desktop cases will have screws that can be removed to allow you to take the side panel off, some the top and sides come off as one, although they're usually pretty old.

I've seen this problem heaps of times as most people never consider the dust issue as a regular maintenance item. The dust dries up the lubricant on the fans and they seize up causing overheating. If you vacuum the fan/s from outside the case regularly usually there is no problem. If it hasn't been done for a while the dust build-up really means you have to crack the case open and do it from the inside. Use a soft brush attachment and be careful.

I actually use a very fine brush similar to a make-up brush to stir up the dust and vacuum from above.

Do I have to mention that you should do this with the PC off?

I have successfully revived stuffed case fans but its easier to replace them. Power supply fans are different again because they're hard-wired.

Its always worth considering replacing the power supply anyway, especially if you have added/upgraded hardware, upgraded the monitor and it draws power from your pc supply, or generally just because sometimes manufacturers use rubbish components.

Thank you for that advice

 

[TigerCleavage]

Sounds like you need this bloke.