Random Crash-Suspect RAM or PSU

FenrirXIII · 10-08-2009, 11:13 PM

Greetings forumites! I come humbly seeking assistance and a chance to learn. Just as a quick aside, I am currently studying for my compTia A+ (2 weeks in) and really want to learn as much as I can here.

The Issue:
Seemingly 'random' system crashes, only happen when the PC is under heavy load.

The system:
AMD Athlon 2400+ thoroughbred CPU (@2.0ghz)
Mobo: MK77 mII by AOpen
512MB pc2100 Ram (256x2)
60gb HDD
Integrated graphics (rage pro something, 32mb shared vram)
Windows XP home w/ SP3
210w PSU

More Details of issue:
I can leave the PC on for 20 hrs + idle and it won't shut down. However, certain HD videos, or opening multiple tabs or opening multiple programs with decent CPU demand will cause the PC to turn off completely. No restart, no BSOD.
-Sometimes, off a cold start and with the quick POST setting enabled for a fast boot(skip extensive memory test), windows will only recognize 256~mb of system memory instead of the 480/490 it should see (minus the 32 shared vram of course)

Steps I've taken:
-Used a multimeter but wasn't to comfortable with this, so I just poked around at a few unused molex connectors.
-Used Memtest86+ v.4, once with both RAM sticks in, once with one in and the other removed, then vice-versa. used anti-static wrist-strap and double checked physical snugness!

Please help and I hope I can help answer questions correctly to give more detailed information. Luckily I have access to a working laptop!

Phædrus2401 · 10-08-2009, 11:37 PM

What is the brand and model of the 210W PSU?

210W is low even for a system like yours... I'd want a 250-350W PSU from SeaSonic if that was my computer.

10-08-2009, 11:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
FenrirXIII Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1 OS: windows vista	Random Crash-Suspect RAM or PSU Greetings forumites! I come humbly seeking assistance and a chance to learn. Just as a quick aside, I am currently studying for my compTia A+ (2 weeks in) and really want to learn as much as I can here. The Issue: Seemingly 'random' system crashes, only happen when the PC is under heavy load. The system: AMD Athlon 2400+ thoroughbred CPU (@2.0ghz) Mobo: MK77 mII by AOpen 512MB pc2100 Ram (256x2) 60gb HDD Integrated graphics (rage pro something, 32mb shared vram) Windows XP home w/ SP3 210w PSU More Details of issue: I can leave the PC on for 20 hrs + idle and it won't shut down. However, certain HD videos, or opening multiple tabs or opening multiple programs with decent CPU demand will cause the PC to turn off completely. No restart, no BSOD. -Sometimes, off a cold start and with the quick POST setting enabled for a fast boot(skip extensive memory test), windows will only recognize 256~mb of system memory instead of the 480/490 it should see (minus the 32 shared vram of course) Steps I've taken: -Used a multimeter but wasn't to comfortable with this, so I just poked around at a few unused molex connectors. -Used Memtest86+ v.4, once with both RAM sticks in, once with one in and the other removed, then vice-versa. used anti-static wrist-strap and double checked physical snugness! Please help and I hope I can help answer questions correctly to give more detailed information. Luckily I have access to a working laptop!

10-08-2009, 11:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,828 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Random Crash-Suspect RAM or PSU What is the brand and model of the 210W PSU? 210W is low even for a system like yours... I'd want a 250-350W PSU from SeaSonic if that was my computer. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.