computer has random errors

[bdog]

We have a custom made computer with a Abit VP6 mobo, dual 1 gig P3's, 1 gig ram, etc. and it has just recently started hanging up. It has been 100% stable for over a year and now all of a sudden it freezes a lot and sometimes it won't even post when you start it up. Sometimes it will run fine for hours.

I have removed everything but 1 stick of ram, 1 hd, and the video card and it still does the same thing. I have tried other ram, other video cards, other hds. Still the same result. I have tried reinstalling the OS and it has froze during the installation at different places about 6 times.

I am at a loss here on the prob. I guess it is either the mobo, the processors, or the power supply. Any ideas on what to try? Funds are limited so we don't want to replace any more than is necessary.

[Micro Bean]

hmmm have you tried different a ram? What the temps look like? This is a tough call. We just have to do a rule out. Because there can be many causes for a comp to freeze. Not enough power, Memory issues, not enough cooling etc etc.

[[Neo770]]

One thing to check on the older Abit motherboards is the caps around the CPU, if they have brownish looking stuff on top of them then there bad. I only mention this because my older Abit BX board recently died from this after about 2 years.

[muno]

Have you cleaned the dust out of the computer?
(mostly from fans)
-M

[tarek]

yeh that brown stuff caused my power supply to blow it actualy came from a leaking capacitor and the explosion was a blown up capacitor. so watch it.

[bdog]

I have not checks the capacitors. The machine is clean. It is in a huge full tower case with good ventilation. CPU temps are around 80 degrees. I have not tried completely fifferent ram but it has 4 256 mb sticks and I have tried three different sticks of the four just by themselves.

[batmeat]

check your ram with a ram test. Also, your hard drive could be starting to fail.

[bdog]

I just installed a new power supply and the problem is still there. I have tried different Ram. I have also tried different hard drives. I guess all that leaves is mobo or processors.

[Micro Bean]

80 degrees C or F? If its C then that just too High!

[bdog]

F