• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Computer randomly freezes up... IT'S THE FVCKING CAPACITORS

O

Orsorum

Lifer
It started about a week ago, if I remember correctly. I installed Empires - Dawn of the Modern World two weeks ago, as well as Commandos 3. I think I had to install Direct X 9.0b with Empires, but I don't remember for sure. I do remember that when I did play it, it was stable for about an hour before it would crash. I stopped playing the game aftewards, and never actually played Commandos longer than for a few hours.

So, all this being said - the computer is still freezing, and randomly. Sometimes it'll crash after having been logged into windows a few seconds, sometimes a couple hours, and I seem to have had little trouble leaving it undisturbed for the evening (I leave it so that an alarm clock prog will wake me up).

I've tried switching out RAM so far, unplugged a few of my drives; I don't currently have the equipment here to swap out other components.

Any ideas? I'm sorry for the vague nature, I don't have any spare processors/motherboards/video cards to swap around at the moment, otherwise I could narrow it down.

Cheers!
Nate

<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=15502">Here're</a> my system specs.

UPDATE: Well, the POS isn't even booting into Windows anymore. I've removed the NIC, modem, IDE expansion card, etc. All that remain are the mobo, cpu, video card and the hdd/fdd. Now it's alternating between either POSTing and then hanging at the OS boot screen (e.g. after the hdd is detected, cuts to a blank screen and sits there), or hangs after Win2k goes through its first load screen (but before the splash screen).

So I'm guessing it's either the hard drive or the motherboard.

UPDATE II: I have an old Antec PSU, 400W, worked the last time I tried it (changed cases because this one was too noisy).

Computer still doesn't work, it doesn't even POST. So it's either the mobo or the CPU, once I find some ASII I can try my old Athlon 1.4Ghz in there.
 
My guess would be RAM, but you say you checked that, or your PSU. Those are often the first two things that can have problems resulting in random crashes. If possible try a new PSU. Good luck!

\Dan
 
Dangit, okay, so it didn't fix all those issues.

Something weird happened the last time it froze up - after it froze, I checked my mouse and my keyboard, neither were receiving power from the motherboard (at least that I can see, I have an intellimouse optical which lights up when its plugged in correctly, and my Logitech keyboard will usually display the "F lock" light regardless of it's ability to communicate with the computer, unless the power is cut).

Any idea what this could be??
 
Well seems like you need a new PSU or new RAm or Some fans. PSU could be why your not getting power when it freezes (Does the computer completely shut off when this happens?) You could have RAM/ IRQ conflicts (Which motherboard are you running with which RAM Video Card and Sound Card). Or your could simply be overheating (Check case and CPU temp if possible if not list processor #of case fans and case.
Good Luck
-Kevin
 
Originally posted by: Xplaya91
Well seems like you need a new PSU or new RAm or Some fans. PSU could be why your not getting power when it freezes (Does the computer completely shut off when this happens?) You could have RAM/ IRQ conflicts (Which motherboard are you running with which RAM Video Card and Sound Card). Or your could simply be overheating (Check case and CPU temp if possible if not list processor #of case fans and case.

Good Luck

-Kevin
Click to expand...

The computer freezes; sometimes it's immediately, the last few times it's been gradual (i.e. windows will freeze up first, then after a few seconds the mouse will). When I restart right after the Windows splash screen, and right before the Windows login process begins, there is a 2-second delay where the screen becomes pixelated (like 1/2cmx1/2cm pixels).

My current processor is an Athlon XP 2200+, 266FSB
My video card is a Radeon 9500, 128MB DDR RAM
My HSF is a Volcano 7, IIRC. I don't have any case fans, my case temp is usually around 50C.
 
I would changed your power supply out as you don't mention what brand or model it is. Just because it may be supplying power does not mean it is working correctly.
 
Originally posted by: amdskip
I would changed your power supply out as you don't mention what brand or model it is. Just because it may be supplying power does not mean it is working correctly.
Click to expand...

I think I've narrowed it down partly to either one stick of RAM or a faulty RAM slot on my mobo (I'm tempted to just buy a new mobo at the moment in addition to fixing the problem, the one that I bought originally has never functioned perfectly). The power supply on this guy actually works just fine, I've never had any problem with random shut downs ... My PSU.
 
I dunno.... still sounds like it might be any of the following except the PSU now... Are u using a creative sound card? Also did you mean 50C for your CPU or really for you case? 50C for case in insane.
-Kevin
 
Originally posted by: Xplaya91
I dunno.... still sounds like it might be any of the following except the PSU now... Are u using a creative sound card? Also did you mean 50C for your CPU or really for you case? 50C for case in insane.

-Kevin
Click to expand...

Nope, onboard sound, AC97 audio chipset IIRC. And 50C for my CPU, not sure about the case.
 
Well, the POS isn't even booting into Windows anymore. I've removed the NIC, modem, IDE expansion card, etc. All that remain are the mobo, cpu, video card and the hdd/fdd. Now it's alternating between either POSTing and then hanging at the OS boot screen (e.g. after the hdd is detected, cuts to a blank screen and sits there), or hangs after Win2k goes through its first load screen (but before the splash screen).

So I'm guessing it's either the hard drive or the motherboard.
 
The hard drive does not supply any power to your computer so it is not the
problem. the power supply you have is the same one i use and is very reliable.
I dont think ram is the issue. if your mouse and key board dont get power than i'd
look to the mother board. try a new power supply anyway. if thats not the
problem it's always good to have a spare on hand anyway.
Ive had a ram stick go south but i still had power to the computer
key board and usb mouse. windows just wouldn't post.
Hope this is helps you out.
 
Originally posted by: JK949
The hard drive does not supply any power to your computer so it is not the

problem. the power supply you have is the same one i use and is very reliable.

I dont think ram is the issue. if your mouse and key board dont get power than i'd

look to the mother board. try a new power supply anyway. if thats not the

problem it's always good to have a spare on hand anyway.

Ive had a ram stick go south but i still had power to the computer

key board and usb mouse. windows just wouldn't post.

Hope this is helps you out.
Click to expand...

It's now alternating between not POSTing at all or hanging at some point during the Windows load sequence. It's actually frozen right now and the keyboard is getting power.

I actually had a PSU burn out last year, and I specifically chose the one I did because it came highly recommended from people with whom I spoke. So I'll be a bit pissed if that's the problem. I think I do have a spare one around from a previous rig (fvcker's loud, but it was reliable).

If it's not the PSU I'm betting it's the motherboard.

Thanks so much for your help.
 
Your on track now. make sure the old power supply is at least 300w.
The one good thing is if it is your mother board it will be pretty cheap to replace.
You can get a better board and an xp cpu for as little as $120.00
 
Originally posted by: JK949
Your on track now. make sure the old power supply is at least 300w.
The one good thing is if it is your mother board it will be pretty cheap to replace.
You can get a better board and an xp cpu for as little as $120.00
Click to expand...

I have an old Antec PSU, 400W, worked the last time I tried it (changed cases because this one was too noisy).

And, yeah, it doesn't work, it doesn't even POST. So it's either the mobo or the CPU, once I find some ASII I can try my old Athlon 1.4Ghz in there.
 
Originally posted by: Orsorum
Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
is this your mobo..Epox 8K7A ..? and more info ..check'em and report back..<edit>buggy forum scripts 🙁
Click to expand...

That is indeed my motherboard; I'll check for leaks right now.
Click to expand...

DANGIT! There are indeed five different capacitors with differing levels of leakage. I wonder if Epox will pony up a new mobo.
 
Originally posted by: Orsorum
Originally posted by: Orsorum
Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
is this your mobo..Epox 8K7A ..? and more info ..check'em and report back..<edit>buggy forum scripts 🙁
Click to expand...

That is indeed my motherboard; I'll check for leaks right now.
Click to expand...

DANGIT! There are indeed five different capacitors with differing levels of leakage. I wonder if Epox will pony up a new mobo.
Click to expand...
not sure of or if you are original purchaser and within the 3 y replacement..but head over to Epox' site and give it a try..but..s&amp;h might not be worth the $ ..which could be used towards an nf2 mobo..or even that Soyo KM mobo @ mwave that's free after MIR..gl 🙂
 
Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
Originally posted by: Orsorum
Originally posted by: Orsorum
Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
is this your mobo..Epox 8K7A ..? and more info ..check'em and report back..<edit>buggy forum scripts 🙁
Click to expand...

That is indeed my motherboard; I'll check for leaks right now.
Click to expand...

DANGIT! There are indeed five different capacitors with differing levels of leakage. I wonder if Epox will pony up a new mobo.
Click to expand...
not sure of or if you are original purchaser and within the 3 y replacement..but head over to Epox' site and give it a try..but..s&amp;h might not be worth the $ ..which could be used towards an nf2 mobo..or even that Soyo KM mobo @ mwave that's free after MIR..gl 🙂
Click to expand...

I'm indeed the original purchaser, but I looked on Epox's website and they only have a two-year replacement policy. I'm still going to email them and ask, though.

And, yeah, I don't think it's worth it to try and get it repaired, I think I'll be much better off buying an upgraded version from Newegg, hopefully I can get one for less than $100.
 
the 8k7a is based on the old AMD 761/Via arrangement..I had the Biostar M7MIA-R(same basic setup just had the Highpoint Raid chip onboard)..I was running XPPro even then..when I sold that setup I backed my stuff up on to CDs and dropped the hd(after updating files that were going to be needed for things like the different onboard devices..) onto a KT333(Epox 8k5a2+) and had no troubles on the drop-in..as always ..ymmv..the KT series would ..if you aren't willing to nf2..be the best path at the moment for you. once again..gl 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top