Bought a custom built computer.

I purchased a custom built computer from a member here on Sythe, and I really want to trust him. I have the computer now, he has the money, and the computer has a fault. It turns on, but it will not stay on for more then a minute before shutting off. I know better then to continually turn it on and off, but what is wrong with it? The power supply is plugged in, and the graphics card is plugged in. Can post whatever pictures are necessary. To me it looks like he used to big of cords, and the motherboard can't handle them, but then again I know squat about computers.

Edit: He is not responding to me anymore, so really want this solved before I get my money back, via Ebay.

 

It just seems that he scammed you, report him and get him banned. Get your money back and ship the crap computer back to him.

 

Thank you Killswitch. He seemed so sincere with wanting to help. Anyways I will contact Ebay tomorrow morning/afternoon.

 

tell me what it does.
Does the monitor show anything? Like does it boot to the BIOS? does it even try to boot the OS? Does the computer make any sounds inside the case? Details, details, my friend. Perhaps it's something small that can be easily solved. My first thought is just a simple hard drive, and if that's the case, I've got a few sitting around that i'd be happy to send you for free.

 

Couple steps to take-

1st. Take off the video card, and then take off all memory sticks but one. Does it start up and run now? If so could be one of those parts, or an underpowered power supply.

2nd. Is the fans running? Possibly the processor is hitting the thermal shut off temperature from insufficient air flow. If those are running, then it shouldn't be that.

3rd. Check the BIOS settings, if the CPU is overclocked, undo that. If you don't know how go to set settings to default should work.

4th. Download a linux version like Damn small Linux, follow the instructions and install on a USB flash drive. Boot from that. If it runs for ever, the problem could be a hard drive.

Honestly though, I think it sounds like a faulty power supply.

 

If the guy doesn't respond to you at all he most likely sold you a piece of shit and he knew it. Ship it back before you try to touch it and break something, because then you'll be the one losing money.

 

Get your money back, maybe even try to learn how to build a custom Pc yourself (maybe it'll help you out in the future). Gl

 

I go to college is why I have not been online. Sorry I can't attend to my computer 24/7 for the person who thinks I scammed. Anyways I'm trying to figure out what I can do to solve the issue, I thought I just unplugged the graphics card but it does sound, according to his skype message, that it is the motherboard that is not plugged in.

 

Also for your information, because I showed him the condition of the PC, I unplugged I thought was just the graphics card, but I might have unplugged more when I cleaned it, I did test it before it went out and was running, then unplugged some stuff. I'm still debating to see what will happen with the PC. Last I checked it ran. If it does run when I get here though I will post screen shots of it running. It may just be another item unplugged.

 

Going to plug whatever I can up, and if it does not run shipping back today. Next time I will know to make the seller boot the computer up in front of me rather then taking their word for it.

 

Someone good with computers please webcam with me, so I can show what the computer looks like?

 

Pm me, ill skype with you to help you out and make sure everything is correct.

 

Before the fingers get pointed, lets check on a couple of settings. When it powers on, does it POST? Do you see a bios screen?

Send me replies in a PM and I'll get you up and running (hopefully). If it powers on, it's a good start. Computers are like cars, when they don't start it's generally one or two parts that don't work. I'm betting there is probably a ATX cable unplugged in your case or the power supply is under powering the video card(s). What are the specs of your PC?