HDD and general computer problems

720 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Tumbleweed36, Dec 8, 2006

MaverickUK

Discussion Starter · Dec 7, 2006 (Edited)

Well, i've came into a rut. A few weeks back whilst on the computer all of a sudden my PC randomly crashed with a sound play-back loop from the music i was playing at that time. The first thing i thought to do was to remove all connections/drives/hardware and re-connect it - i did this and whilst putting my CPU back in i managed to break a few pins (#care tbh, it was only an AMD Athlon 64 3000+). The thing is, i'm finding it hard coming to a definative conclusion about what the problem is and how it's being caused - obviousley the CPU is the primary concern, i know this is broke and i pretty much can't do any problem solving until i have atleast a CPU, RAM, Motherboard and PSU.

I know that my RAM is in perfect order and that my graphics card is, not too sure about the rest and don't have the hardware to do tests on the computer. Chances are, i can fix it myself; i definately don't want to pay a technician £40 (that's the local rates atm) though just to look at my computer - with the chances being he knows just as much as i do. I think i have more chance of fixing this when i buy a new CPU, but i'd still like to get atleast half way there to knowing the exact problem(s).

Recently i have also had problems with my HDD, with it making a sort of hissing or "tssss" type sound every now and then - sometimes intermittent or sometimes rarely; whatever it is it sounds like the drive is going down a long lonesome road of corruption. I've formatted this around 5 or 6 so times and had it for approximately a year - why i have done a full format each time, i don't know - seeing as all the tracks and sectors and boot sector were in good nick.

I've had my K8N Neo2 Platinum for a while now and fancy upgrading, however i don't particulary follow the motherboard market and don't know what is best for the best prices at the moment and i dont have enough time or resources to research into what is where in the current market - i also look to invest into a AMD Athlon 64 5000+ or an E6600.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Nick.

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Tumbleweed36

· #2 · Dec 7, 2006

Hi,

While there are many motherboard choices out there for the E6600, I would like to suggest something else if money is a problem at this time. The E6300 (presently $181.00 at NewEgg) chips are real cheap now in comparison to the others and while the E6600 (presently $359.00 at NewEgg) will outperform it quite a bit, this is one solid chip that would permit you to move in to the Conroe market quicker since you would have some bucks left over ($178.00) to spend on other items like DDR2 that you would need to have for this CPU. You might even take a look at the e6400 (presently $269.00 at NewEgg), because that is also a great chip and you again would have an extra $99.00 to invest in another component.

Just throwing some things out your way for you to consider. Since these chips are presently heads and shoulders above the Athlon chips, that is the way I would go if I were in your position.

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dai

· #3 · Dec 7, 2006

hard drive noise is usually clicking,would rather think it is a fan noise

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MaverickUK

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 7, 2006 (Edited)

Cheers for the opinions Tumbleweed, much appreciated. Is there any planned new AMD Athlon chips at the moment that would equal or out-perform the Intels? I'm kind of an AMD-goer and wouldn't mind sticking with AMD, but if Intel actually are that much ahead of AMD competition, maybe i'm better off considering Intel.

Hi Dai, the clicking is (i'm sure) not a fan issue, i'm pretty sure it's a problem with the drive itself - the noise is very, very perculiar and not something i've ever came across until recently - if it is a fan noise, i'm guessing it is not a good noise? ;o)

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Tumbleweed36

· #5 · Dec 7, 2006

Hi,

Well, quad chips are on the way for the average consumer, but that doesn't mean that the Athlon chips will be any better or faster than the Intel, because they aren't standing still in that area either. Quad chips will be the rage of the very near future for both companies, but some of that is hype and some is practicality. For your money, the Intel Conroe is the best chip for your bucks if you want to stay on top of the technology curve at this time. We both know technology changes very quickly, so who knows what is next and how soon.

Just to set the record straight, I own both and Intel and an Athlon and build a new personal computer about two times a year. I alternate between Intel and Athlon so I have relevant experience with both.

In my shop, the Athlon chips are quite popular for users, because of the cost ratio of speed vs. cost. Athlon chips are dirt cheap right now, but their technology is a little behind. To be quite honest IMHO, except for the performance of the Conroe which is King of the Hill right now in most areas, there isn't much difference for the everyday user between the two. I like them both very much and would not hesitate to use either.

Again, you have to choose, but wanted you to expand your horizons and take a look at the Conroe offerings before you made a jump. You can't lose with either chip you mentioned.

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MaverickUK

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 8, 2006

Hi Tumbleweed,

Cheers yet again for an in-depth view, after giving your personal opinions and seeing as you use the two different processor manufacturers and the fact i'm an AMD Athlon enthusiast, i think i will go with an AMD Athlon 64 Dual Core - i want the best, but at the same time i want value for money (Conroe are great from the reviews i have read, but as you said, other than that it's a pretty even market).

Also does anyone else have any more clues as to what is going on with my HDD?

Thanks again Tumble,
Nick.

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Tumbleweed36

· #7 · Dec 8, 2006

Hi,

Have you tested that drive with the drive manufacturer's utility. I might have missed where you said that, but if I were you, I would do that and see what it tells you.

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