How Can I Fix My PC That Randomly Shuts Down Due to a Loose 24-Pin Cable?

June 22, 2025 4 answers
Asked by GamerGirl42
I've got a 7-year-old PC that has been shutting down intermittently for as long as I can remember. The only temporary fix I've found is to mess around with the 24-pin cable. When I built my PC back in 2018, I noticed that the cable didn't seem to click in securely, which worried me a bit. Now, about every couple of months, it will shut down and stay in a 'semi-on' state. This means I can still hear fans and the RAM lights are on, but nothing shows up on the screen, and I can only fully turn it off by holding the power button. I've tried disconnecting and reconnecting the 24-pin cable, but that's just a short-term measure. Has anyone else experienced this, and how did you manage to fix it permanently?

Answers

MightyMouse
Sounds like an annoying issue! If it's not the overheating, it might be a faulty cable or you just need to get a new PSU. Considering how old your system is, it might be a good time to give it an overhaul.
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CableNinja
Have you thought about just trying a new 24-pin cable? Sometimes a worn or damaged cable can create connectivity issues. Itโ€™s a pretty easy and inexpensive place to start.
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TechyMcTechface
It sounds like you might need to check the power supply unit (PSU) or the motherboard. If you haven't replaced those in 7 years, it could be time for an upgrade. Also, make sure the 24-pin cable clicks in properly. Sometimes, if itโ€™s not seated right, it can cause these issues. Have you looked closely at the pins? If theyโ€™re bent or damaged, that could be your problem.
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FixItFelix
It could just be a loose connection either with your PSU or the cables. Check if everything is properly connected. But if it keeps shutting down, it might be worth replacing the PSU altogether to see if that solves the problem. Better safe than sorry!
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