Is my power supply pooched?

[Hackstall]

I am having problems with my computer turning off but it only happens when my computer is running some more strenuous programs such as games or converting .AVI's with Procoder. After it shuts off, I cannot restart the computer unless I turn off the switch on the back of the power supply and let it sit for about 10 minutes. If I try to restart the computer before that it will power up for a second and then shut down.

Does it sound like my power supply needs to be replaced or is it something else? I am guessing it is but I want to rule out another problem first...since for example the fan on my power supply seems to be working fine.

[Dell_Axim]

What brand? How many watts? What hardware?

[dicecca112]

the problem you described seems to be due to the fact that the powersupply is being overloaded. Meaning you are using all the available power it can produce, and then at some point it can no longer give you any more power so to avoid dying it shuts down. I think upon further examination we will determine it to be that, but like mentioned above we need your system specs

[Hackstall]

The power supply is a cheap one...made by some company called MJ and it is only 350 watts. I have a Athlon 2600, 2 40 gig HDs, Radeon 9600 Pro video, 512 ram, LD DVD burner and LG CD burner.

Although the power supply is cheap, I stress that I have used it for well over a year (possibly 2) without incident. I think I am just going to go out and buy a decent power supply this afternoon.

[dicecca112]

then that's your problem, that is not enough power for that rig. 350 is the bear minimum I would put in that, its underpowering everything, which can leave to damage. Look at at least a 430-500W psu, Antec, Fortron, OCZ are good names.

[Dell_Axim]

I think I am just going to go out and buy a decent power supply this afternoon.
Good idea! I really recommend the Antecs. The only problem with those is that the fans are weak, but that's easily fixable with a simple mod. (Just connect the fans to 12v.)
Be aware, though, that the high inrush current caused by high quality PSUs (due to large capacitors) may damage certain UPSes. My machine blew a 200w Energizer UPS at the first test. (It is currently connected to a 350w APC.)