bad PS or memory or something else?

[todpod]

The hard drive in my mom's computer died and I replaced it with a new seagate. Now after the computer is on maybe 5-10 minutes the thing does a reboot. Apaarently unknown to me this has gone on for a while just not as frequent. I am am replacing her computer with a Sempron based computer but i get the old pieces. FYI Its a Compaq persario with a 2.5 gig celeron, and 512meg of ram. Thoughts.

 

[ValJP]

Reboots are usually heat/RAM/Power Supply related iirc.

Google a program called memtest to download and install on a floppy.

Try to run it if the computer has a floppy drive
This will eliminate any software issues(as memtest doesnt require an OS to boot).
If it freezes during memtest, it rules out anything to do with the drives or software at least.

Can try reseating the RAM and cleaning the case, see if that helps.
If not, pretty much have to do trial and error replacing parts.

Just my opinion on what I remember.

 

[Slugbait]

If the box has a videocard, and the card has a fan, check the fan. I saw two machines this year do the exact same thing, both had dead fans on the videocard. You couldn't even spin them with your finger, they were locked solid.

Second, check the PSU fan(s), and be sure the box isn't enclosed or whatever that would prevent air intake.