Every so often, my computer will start to have a strange smell to it (kind of like the smell a store-bought computer right out of the box has), and then it will shut down. and it won't turn back on for some time. it won't power up in the least, as if it wasn't plugged in. then after i wait a while, it will turn back on. would this be a power supply problem? motherboard issue? i have a Gigabyte motherboard and an AGI 300 wtt power supply. any suggestions?

Do you know what your CPU temps are running?

Make sure all your case/cpu fans are working. High operating temperature will automatically trigger the system to shut down (besides you will eventually loose some component (most prob cpu)). HOPEITHELPS. Bobby

Bobby's advice above is good. Also if you have had the pc for a while, there could be a build up of muck in the psu, causing overheating and then it shuts down. To overcome, with the pc *DISCONNECTED* from the mains, open up the psu. Blow out the muck, especially on the fan, with a hairdryer set to cold and maximum blow. Use a long narrow brush to assist. Good luck - keep us posted.

Yeah, that was helpful. The problem turned out to be a little little different than that, but it helped me diagnose it. It turns out that my fan on my PS was only working when it wanted to! That's why it was overheating. So I ripped the PS apart and cleaned it out well, started it up, and watched the fan. It just jerked a little bit. I had to take a screwdriver and give the fan a little "push" to get it going. I figure either the motor is getting burnt out (ouch) or there is just a build of up grime in the bearings or something. Could I use WD-40 on it or would that be a very bad idea?? Thanks for all of your help. I hope I don't have to throw money down for another power supply . . .

Glad to have pointed you in the right direction. The fan in the psu is a throw away item and really it is best not to attempt repair. You can by a new fan quite cheaply as they are standard items. Take the old one with you. Alternatively have you access to any old psu's that might be canaballised. As a matter of interest, where are you located? I am in Hammersmith, West London. Good luck - keep us posted.