computer shuts down randomly

[RYuReady]

Hi All,

I am having major problems with my computer.

It is shutting down randomly.

Setup:
Antec 380W TruePower (I also tried Antec 350W, so this is not a PSU problem)
250GB Western Digital HD (It actually shuts down without the HD plugged in so this is not the problem)
512MB PC3200 Crucial memory (I have tried different memory timings, 3-3-3-8 (default), 3-4-4-10, etc., not sure if this is the problem)
ABit NF7 Series mobo
AMD XP 3200+ (Stability issues running at 200MHz CPU Freq., this is my main problem)

The system seems to run fine at 3200+ until it does something intensive like playing a game. I ran Memtest without a HD and it just shuts down. It seems to be more stable at lower CPU Freqs. I don't want to run this at lower than 3200+ since that is what I bought. I have run out of ideas. I've read through so many articles and discussions on this and nothing works.

I have built many computers before, and I have never seen this problem.

 

[intogamer]

If it is not that psu problem than it is probably caused by overheating.

 

[RYuReady]

My CPU gets to 52 degrees. Is this really that high? I thought I read that the CPU can run into the 70s. I am already using some thermal paste from my Vantec heatsink. Any other ideas?

 

[madthumbs]

I had problems running the last memory timing above 7 on my system. . I'd say try 3-3-3-7. You may wanna try cl 2.5 also.

 

[fishmonger12]

so you say memtest won't even run? have you tried prime95? could you download one of the programs frequently mentioned here that records temps so you will know if it's a temperature issue?

 

[DWk]

I have experience on this problem.....and 90% of the times it's been a faulty PSU (I've had about 5 or 6 times in my own computer, not to mention in other computers).

 

[mechBgon]

A few questions:

1) what memory voltage are you giving your RAM

2) what video card do you have in this computer (asking for power-consumption reasons)

3) could you double-check the third & fourth photos on this page real quick

 

[RYuReady]

Hi All,

I just want to thank everyone for their questions/comments to help me solve this problem. I am almost at the point of giving up with the CPU. I am going to probably get a P4 3.2 GHz. I am building this for my cousin so I have no choice to buy something or figure this thing out. If anyone wants to buy this AMD XP 3200+ from me let me know. I just want to get rid of it.

But I would definately prefer to fix this issue over spending more money. I have never had such a horrible experience building a computer until this happened.

Thanks again.

madthumbs:
My Crucial RAM says CL 3. Should I try 2.5? Is there any harm?

fishmonger12:
Memtest runs fine if I have the CPU Freq set to 166 MHz or lower (which means AMD XP 2500+ or lower). When I put it to 200 MHz for 3200+ my computer shuts down when the Memtest gets to about 25%. I can try prime95. I read the temperature from the BIOS isn't this accurate enough?

DWk:
I have tried 2 PSUs. I have an Antec 380W TruePower and I have tried an Antec 350W. The problem occurs with both PSUs.

mechBgon:
1) My memory voltage is at the default 2.6 V. This is what my RAM specs say to have it at. Should I try something else?
2) I have a ATi RADEON 9800XT. It may be a power consumption problem. Do you really think 380W isn't enough? What should I get then 450W?
3) I have built many computers before. I am 100 % sure I have installed my CPU+heatsink properly.

 

[mechBgon]

A 380W Antec ought to handle that load. Here's a question: if you immediately try to restart the system after a shutdown, does it do it, or does it just sit there and need a cooling-off period?

Also, what front-port wiring (if any) is plugged into the mobo headers? Like USB or Firewire, for example. If something's not wired correctly and is causing a short-circuit condition, that could cause a PSU to say "the heck with it " and shut down. That condition might only occur when the system really fires everything up and all the stuff together breaks the camel's back.

 

[RYuReady]

mechBgon:
After the system shuts off, the LED on the mobo is still on. This indicates power is still supplied to the mobo. If I try to press the power button, it does nothing. I have to pull the plug out of the wall or turn the main switch on the PSU to off, then turn it back on then press the power button.

I do not have to let it cool down, I can switch it off, then on, then press power and it'll start up.

I have USB ports and sound ports which I do not have connected. I do not want to complicate anything else. I kept only what was necessary plugged in. Do you think there is a problem if I do not have USB/sound plugs plugged in?

 

[mechBgon]

Ok, lemme look at the Abit manual to refresh my feeble memory here...

Well, one thing I notice is that Abit does have "Shutdown When CPUFAN Fail" in the PC Health Status part of the BIOS. If you're setting this rig up with a rather deluxe low-RPM CPU fan, maybe it's verging on what the mobo thinks is "too slow?" You could disable that feature and then hammer it for a while if you think that could be the culprit.

 

[RYuReady]

mechBgon:
Ok. I never noticed that option. I will have to check it when I get home from work. I will let you know how it goes. I already turned off other options I saw in the BIOS that may cause the mobo to shut down. Thanks, again.

 

[mechBgon]

Sure thing Also remember that if that's the board's default setting (fan-failure detection activated), then it would revert to that any time the CMOS were cleared or the BIOS updated. So your friend would just stick a mid-speed fan on that header as a decoy for the first POST, go into the BIOS, and disable it again.

 

[RYuReady]

Nope, I already had all the settings in the PC Health disabled. There are only settings based on temperatures not the CPU fan failing. Any other ideas?

 

[madthumbs]

madthumbs:
My Crucial RAM says CL 3. Should I try 2.5? Is there any harm?

-Since it's rated for cl3, it should probably be kept there. I found on mine that it was more stable at 2.5, but my ram is rated for it. I believe the harm would be in data corruption to hdd which you're probably getting already.

 

[RYuReady]

I'm not worried about data corruption. I don't have anything on the HDD. I just don't want any components to physically stop working.

Any ideas? I really don't want to leave this thread without solving this problem. I've read so many threads out there with similar problems and no solution. I want other people that have this problem to have a solution to save them the headache.

 

[RYuReady]

Ok, I tried holding a fan on top of different components. When I place the fan over the CPU, it makes the computer run 5-10 min longer before shutting down. Is this a heat issue? The CPU temp is at 51 degrees. That is reasonable, and I've seen some run in the 60s or even 70s.

Running at 100 MHz CPU Freq and 133 MHz CPU Freq, the computer does not shut down. Running at 166 MHz and 200 MHz makes it shut down.

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[RYuReady]

Hi All,

FIXED MY COMPUTER!!

Thanks mechBgon!!. When I finally was about to replace this thing with my P4, I realized that the 3rd picture in that link you posted was the problem. I don't believe I was able to clamp the heatsink on my PSU so easily with the heatsink not aligned properly. I just don't understand because my mobo was detecting 51 degrees for my CPU, which is not that hot. But anyways, thanks everyone for all your help. Hope this topic helps a lot of people in the future.

 

[RYuReady]

Hi All,

FIXED MY COMPUTER!!

Thanks mechBgon!!. When I finally was about to replace this thing with my P4, I realized that the 3rd picture in that link you posted was the problem. I don't believe I was able to clamp the heatsink on my PSU so easily with the heatsink not aligned properly. I just don't understand because my mobo was detecting 51 degrees for my CPU, which is not that hot. But anyways, thanks everyone for all your help. Hope this topic helps a lot of people in the future.