Smorgan102

This issue is driving me nuts, and though I still have a few things to maybe try, I wanted to see if I could get insight from those with more experience.

So one day I blew a fuse and the computer went down. The hard drive (which was quite old) bit the dust, but that's not the big problem. The real issue is that, no matter how I tried booting the computer after that (live cd, different drive with linux installed, or no drive at all...just bios), it would lock up after maybe 10-20 minutes. I decided it was time for an upgrade so here is what I picked up:


GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Pentium E6300 Wolfdale 2.8GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core
Crucial 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

It all went together fine, but when I tried getting it to run (had not setup a new hard drive yet, so still using live cds and a hard drive with linux), I had the same problem. So I swapped out the power supply..same problem. Just for kicks I tried plugging it into a different outlet incase the power coming in on that line was the issue...same problem. Got a new video card (XFX Radeon HD 4350)..same problem. So I decided just to try setting up a new hard drive and see how it went. Installed a fresh new SATA drive, put a fresh install of XP on it and it actually ran great for the first few days. Then it would run for most the day and lock up, then for 20 minutes at a time. So at this point it randomly locks up still, sometimes after 20 minutes, sometimes after many hours. It doesn't matter if I'm running anything or letting it sit there.. I have replaced everything except the case. I do have an old hard drive and cd rom in there, but it locks up with or without them. So...at this point I've pulled out most my hair. I have two things that I still need to tinker with:

1. When I get time, I know I need to run it outside of the case, though I don't have high hopes that the case is the cause.
2. Though this would not have any relation to why the computer locked up before replacing the parts, I have noticed that my motherboard wants to run my ram at a voltage of 2.0v instead of 1.8v (which is the actual voltage of the ram). If i set it to 1.8v in the bios, the computer locks up as soon as windows loads, so that still has me scratching my head.

So, pretty much at the end of my rope on this one, any ideas?

dai

what

video card

power supply
brand
model
wattage

Smorgan102

Current video card is XFX Radeon HD4350 1GB, I also have a Gforce 7600GT(the one I pulled out in case video card was the issue), both PCI-E.

I have two PSUs that I've tried, though I havn't seen that changing them makes a difference. I'll be back at my house in a few hours and I'll be able to post the stats for those. All I remember about them off hand is that one is 500W and the other is 480W.

dai

if it is auto detecting the ram at 2.0v i would think that is what the ram is telling it is
it will cause lockups if it is under volted
recheck it at crucial they put out three different sets with the numbers you posted
1.8
2.0
2.1

Smorgan102

Ok, PSU #1:

Aspire ATX-AS520W (520 watts)

PSU #2: Powmax 480 watt (I couldn't get the model number at the moment because this is the one I have in the computer at the moment and my wife is trying to use the thing)


PSU #1 is the one I normally use, but I have swapped them both in multiple times at this point.

dai

they are both low quality units you need to be up here for pcie


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...corsair%2b550w

Smorgan102

I checked the model numbers for them ram on Crucial's site, they should be 1.8v. I tried forcing it to 1.8v using gigabyte's easytune software and i think it may have taken, but I don't know yet if it has helped anything.

Unfortunately, I'll probably have to limp along for a while if a new PSU is needed. We already didn't expect this expense and spending even more for a PSU probably won't happen soon. Maybe in a month.

Checking the PSU you suggested against the 520W I have, since the increase in wattage is minimal, I'm guessing its the jump from 35A to 41A on the 12v line is the real push for this one (other than it being well made and more efficient).

In theory, if the issue is the PSU being too weak, if I stripped it down to 1 stick of ram and 1 drive, it should do better correct? The video card in there is not a high power gaming card. The 512 version of the 4350 only draws 25w at max load(http://www.gpureview.com/Radeon-HD-4350-card-585.html), I doubt the 1gb version is breaking the bank on power consumption. Possibly I could dig up an old PCI video card and give that a try.

At any rate, thanks for the input. I'll work on a new PSU, but it'll be a while. In the meantime I'll try to find an old video card and keep trying other random tweaks :)

dai

it's the lower efficiency of the lower quality psu's that drop the available amps below the min required

Smorgan102

I had an idea to let me quickly try a new PSU. The new video card I picked up (the HD4350) I just picked up at best buy with a gift card I had because I thought my old card might be the problem. Well, since the card doesn't seem to be the issue, tomorrow I will return the card and pick up a PSU. I know best buy isn't exactly the best place to pickup quality computer gear, but do you think this psu would suffice?: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1204331807576

I know they have one there so I could quickly pick it up. I'm not familiar with multi-12v rail power supplies though, so I'm not sure if that one will fit the bill.

Thanks!

HD_Monkey

I recommend picking up the one Dai linked to. It is better and much cheaper than the Antec after MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...corsair%2b550w

Depending on your location. You would receive in 3-4 days with free shipping!

dai

we do not recommend antec at the present time

Smorgan102

Well, I seem to have resolved the issue. I guess, when I got the new parts, it did fix whatever was wrong with the old system...and gave me a new problem at the same time. I was relaying my situation to someone else and he was disturbed by the odd RAM voltage, so he suggested memtest. It turns out I have two perfectly good sticks of RAM....that hate each other. So for now I'm running it on just the 2GB stick and it is running fine.

Thanks!

dai

if each stick runs at a different voltage
either buy a matching pair and sell off your old ones
or buy another 2g stick the same as you have
the first option is the best