Computer freezes for no apparent reason

[Marvels]

I have recently built myself a new PC, spec listed below. After running the machine for approx 30 mins the computer freezes and requires to be shutdown by holding down the power button for 10 secs. After repowering the system it will be fine for a couple of hours and then freeze. There is no pattern to this as I have spent many hours trying to figure it out and it can happen at random times.

I originally thought that it was the motherboard so I went out and brought a gigabyte GA7zxe and this did not resolve the issue. The bios has been updated to the latest version, this was to accomdate the processor.

I also thought that it might just be the OS so I formatted the HDD and reinstalled win98 SE, this did not resolve the issue either!! I have also tried updating the drivers for all of the components in the system.

After looking through some FAQ's I was advised that it might be my processor or power supply over heating so I upgraded my case, power supply and included an exhaust fan and also upgarded the heatsink and fan, still no joy!! (getting frustrated at this point on the amount of money I have spent!!)

I have now got to a point where I have no idea what to do.

There are no devices attached to my computer, there were but I removed them to see if they were causing the issue and I had no joy!!

Below is my PC spec:

40gb IBM HDD (not sure of the model)
AMD Athlon 2ghz Processor
ATI Radeon 7500 graphics card
Creative 128bit 4.1 sound card
256mb 133mhz SDRAM
Gigabyte Triton GA7ZXE Motherboard (Latest bios version)

If anyone has any sugestions please help as I think I am getting to the point where I might just start from the beggining and buy a new prebuilt system.

[Thud]

Could be heat....what kind of heatsink/fan did you upgrade to? Did you apply a thin layer of thermal "goo" between it and the processor?

Could be a power issue.....what brand, model, and power rating is the one you're using?

Welcome to TechIMO.....hopefully we'll get you sorted out.

[Marvels]

I have upgraded the processor to a Coolermaster CP5-6J31c, recommended for upto 3ghz.

I used Silver Thermal compund between the processor and the heatsink.

The power supply came with the case so I dont know the make and model but the power rating is 300watts.

Thanks.

[Thud]

300W is probably too little power for that system, especially if it's an off-brand unit.

Power supplies are tricky things......the overall power rating doesn't always tell the full story. I'd recommend you start here:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/..._2252_869_1039^4038,00.html

That's a good guide as to what power supply units (PSU's) should work. In the meantime, you should open up your case and give us some specs on your PSU, so we might offer more help.

[Thud]

The link above got hosed up, and the $%^#@ forum won't let me go back and edit it......so let's see if this works:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/...9^4038,00.html

[Bill in SD, CA]

Welcome to TechIMO!

I agree with the power isssue. Another possibility is your memory may have gone or is going south. Can you swap out with good known?

Bill

[Marvels]

Is there any way that I can check my memory to see if it is badgered?

I will open my case later on and get the details off of the psu and will update as soon as I know.

[Bill in SD, CA]

While your power up time may be a hinderance, you can try:

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp or

http://hcidesign.com/memtest/

Bill

[Marvels]

I have now run the memory tests and they have not reported an errors.

I ran the memtest for over an hour and it managed 412% coverage with no errors, shortly after finishing the test the machine froze.

When pulling the machine apart I noted that I had my USB printer plugged in and powered up. Not too sure if this would have made any difference!

This is a list of the specs printed on the side of the PSU:

AC - I/P 115/230~ 8/4A 60/50Hz
DC +3.3v - 28A
+5v - 30A
+12V - 15A
-12V - 0.8A
-5V - 0.3A
+5VSB - 2A

+5V & +3.3V Combined load 180w
+5V & +3.3V & +12V Combined load 280w
Total output is 300w Max

Hope this helps.

[Omardeth]

you say 2ghz amd . is that an xp2400 ?
the power supply is right on the edge . i think you need like 14a min on the 12v rail for an amd system and yours has 15 so it is close . if you have a program that will tell you what your voltage lvl's are check the 12v if it over 3% over or under 12v it might be your problem .