Computer experts is this possible?

[nx02nx02]

Please read this post here http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=32&threadid=848919

I posted that awhile ago and have since been sitting here thinking.
I am wondering if it is at all possible that my friends house has bad power and it's causing the computer to freeze over there.
Is it AT ALL POSSIBLE? Is there any possibility this could be occuring?
Because I have ruled out everything else.

 

[Keego]

easiest way to check is to go buy a line conditioner, if it doesn't freeze, bam there you go. If it keeps doing it, then something else is the problem.

 

[KF]

My house has bad power on at least one line.

I discovered this while torture testing a mobo in the basement. I usually do this before commiting to a new mobo. It generally goes smoothly, but I kept on getting random freezes this time about once a day. I couldn't find anything to fix it. I tried an older mobo that had always been reliable. It froze about at the same rate. I remembered I had switched where I plugged in the power supply, and ran an extension cord back to the socket I used to use. Lockups disappeared. I could make them come and go by switching sockets. I am not sure what is wrong with that one line. It doesn't have anything special on it, just lights and sockets, nothing like a motor or refrigerator. I use the usual surge-surpressor/rf-surpressor power strip.

 

[MWink]

I am not sure what is wrong with that one line. It doesn't have anything special on it, just lights and sockets, nothing like a motor or refrigerator. I use the usual surge-surpressor/rf-surpressor power strip.

Is it properly grounded?

 

[buleyb]

Possible yes, but in the world of computers, I've learned anything goes (voodoo curses are no exception).

Line Conditioner or a decent UPS would be a good idea, but pricey to see if power is your issue. Try having him bring the computer over to your place and see if the problem happens there too. If so, take action within his case, if not, then try getting a UPS (one that can account for low/high voltages) or a line conditioner. You might also want to call the power company. They can come out and test your line voltages for you (but usually not within your house).

And the comments about refrigerators on the line are right on (and I mean on the line, not nearby). I've even had a professor who's power was all screwed up because an electric fence on the nearby farm pulled voltage unevenly, and were effecting his power.

Good luck, and aim cheap first.