exolstice

I built a computer about two weeks ago, and I haven't been able to get it running for more than 30 minutes (usually a lot less) without a random restart.

Here's my configuration:

Windows XP Professional SP2
INTEL CORE 2 DUO E8400 3.00G/1333/6M/S775
S775 ASUS P5K GREEN P35 PCIE
CRUCIAL 800MHZ DDR2 2048MB BALLISTIX KIT
SAPPHIRE PCIE RAD HD2600XT DDR3 512M
CASE ATX ANTEC NSK4480B BLK 380W
320.0 SEAGATE 7200.10 16M ST3320620A
DVD+/-RW LG GSAH55N DL 20/20/+10
Floppy Drive

Peripherals:

USB Mouse
USB Keyboard
Front/Rear Speakers plugged into onboard Sound
Internet cable plugged into onboard Ethernet.

When I first built the system, it ran long enough to install windows, install drivers, etc. I turned it off at the end of the day. The next morning it kept restarting without ever reaching windows.

I tried combinations of the following:
- Reset CMOS
- Unplug all but necessary components
- RAM sticks one at a time in all different slots
- Swapped PSU for a no-name 500W

None of this had any effect whatsoever, so I assumed the board was defective. Exchanged the board for a new one of the same model, and the same situation as above repeated. The computer ran once without problems, but once I turned it off, it wouldn't post anymore the next time I tried turning it on.

Brought the whole thing back to the store for testing. They swapped out the motherboard again and ran some stress tests. I took it back home. Within ten minutes of turning it on, restart. At this point, it always posted, but it would randomly restart. Sometimes in windows, sometimes during bootup, sometimes while looking at settings in the BIOS. It even restarted while running Memtest. So I took the computer back to the store the same day (last Sunday).

Yesterday, I get a call explaining that the computer has been running since I brought it in. They ran many stress tests over a period of 24 hours. When I picked up the computer yesterday, it was running 3DMark without any problems. Satisfied, I brought it back home, plugged it in and it worked for maybe 30 minutes before the random restarts started occurring again. After that, the computer wouldn't run stably for more than 10 minutes at a time, sometimes less.

I've since tried plugging the computer in with or without the power bar, in various outlets in my apartment, with or without the monitor, with or without the USB keyboard. Invariably the computer always restarts no matter what I try.

I disabled the System Failure > Automatic restart checkbox, but I never get a message when the computer restarts. According to the Asus Probe software the CPU and MB never get above 35C before restarting, which should rule out overheating. Fans seem to be operating normally as well.

I'm out of ideas and I need help!

Thanks!

Snoopdogie187

It seems as if the computer is fine since it can run at the store so I would look for things that is different from the store. Maybe you want to look at the power cable as it may be bad or damaged and if you have another one try to switch it. Also do not have anything conected to it that wasnt conected at the store since some dvices can cause a computer to have some problems.

Also it may be an extrem but how is the electric in your house? Just asking since computes can be very sensitive to that and if it has older electice inside the house then it may not be able to support a computer.

I am not too sure what to think of this, but maybe if you can try it at a friends place too just to see if it will run and try to eleminate any chance that the computer itself is bad.

exolstice

I tried 3 different power cables, and in 4 different outlets throughout the house. I tried with and without an APC power bar. I always get the same result. I tried with different keyboards/mice. I tried with different monitors. I tried with no USB devices plugged in, with some, with all. I also tried different combinations of those things using different outlets in my appartment. I also have one other computer that runs fine using the same outlets. I've got a home theater system, consoles, etc. plugged in other rooms, they all work fine.

As I said the computer works fine in the store, but it will systematically restart at home.

I'm wondering if maybe the PSU that I have is just barely enough so that if there are ever any small power fluctuations in the electrical system, then it no longer supplies enough power and the computer restarts...

exolstice

Keep in mind that I don't know much about PSUs, but when I check Newegg.com's PSU calculator, it says I need at least ~310W for my setup, not counting fans, USB devices, etc. Now my PSU gives ~380W and according to the specs it runs at 80% efficiency. Which would mean I'm actually getting ~304W. Could this be the problem? Even though I saw the system work at the store, and the sale's guy told me 380W was plenty. Thanks!

speedster123

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371002

get this

exolstice

Thanks! One of my friends sent me the exact same link, and two recommendations are better than one.

Can you confirm that my current PSU is insufficient? I'll be trying that one tonight, regardless.

exolstice

Bought the PSU suggested in the link above. Installed it. I guess the good news is the system now stays on for at least an hour before restarting randomly.

dai

return it for the 650w this is the min i would run on a p5k

exolstice

Okay, and for the sake of argument, let's say that isn't the problem, because it would be the 4th PSU that I try. What else could be wrong? Memory compatibility issue maybe? It's been memtested, so I know it works.

speedster123

http://www.memtest86.com/
test 1 stick at a time

check the drive
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287

what antivirus/malware/firewall protection is installed

also what bios version do you have

dai is right, you really should have the 650 trio regardless of the outcome of this issue.

exolstice

Well I haven't tested the memory myself, but the store claims they did and it passed 100%. Also the computer likes to restart during memtest so I can't perform the check myself. It also restarts on the BIOS screen, and without any drives connected.

I don't currently have any antivirus/malware/firewall protection is installed, but if the was stable I'd have spybot and ZoneAlarm installed.

mattlock

Since the PC runs fine at the store, I would think the problem is caused by voltage fluctuations in the apartment building. Can you take the PC to a friends house (not in the same apartment building) to see if you you experience the same problem?

If the system runs fine at your friends house as well as the store, then voltage fluctuation at you place is very likely the cause. In which case you would need to invest in an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR). I use this UPS with built in AVR http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/st...&cmArea=SEARCH. I caught it on sale a Best Buy awhile back for like $60 after rebate.

exolstice

I'll try that. Thanks.

speedster123

you might and probably need the 650trio.
but the store testing your memory 1 stick at a time, i doubt they did...

exolstice

I doubt they did. In any case, I'll trade it in as well.

Bought one, no changes, no reported problems from the monitoring software included. No wiring faults in the appartment either. Computer still restarts at random, even while in the BIOS. Thanks for all the help though. I think I'm just going to return everything.

exolstice

The best I could figure was that the specific combination of parts I had was unstable for the specific electrical system in my appartment.

I literally changed all the parts, one by one, and the computer still wouldn't stay on for any extend amount of time, and yet it worked perfectly in the store. Everytime I brought it in, they left it on overnight with 3DMark running, no problems.

Eventually, I just changed everything at once, including the case, and I haven't had any problems since. Maybe the case was somehow causing a short? I don't know. It was the only thing I hadn't swapped out before going for a complete change.

exolstice

I bought a $200 UPS with voltage regulation and it didn't solve my problem. It does seem to be doing something good though.

mattlock

Amada,

Your issue does sound like it's heat related. Remove the cover from the side of the PC and setup a house fan blowing directly into the case. If the time it takes to reboot gets longer or goes away then you problem heat related.

Exolstice,

I'm glad to hear you got your issues sorted out.