Homemade computer is unstable

[JD the member]

Motherboard: ASROCK 4CoreDual-SATA2 R2.0
CPU: Intel E4500 2.4GHZ
RAM: 1GB DDRII G.Skill 667
Video card: AGP 7600GT XFX
PSU: 430W Apevia
Case: CoolerMaster Centurion
HD: Western Digital 250GB

I was wondering if anyone here can give me some tips on this.

I have been experiencing problems installing my OS or even leaving the computer on in BIOS for any amount of time. I have worked extensively to narrow down the problem and through my trial and error, have discovered the the motherboard is probably at fault due to malfunction, incompatibility, or bad settings. To be more specific, I turned on the computer with multiple video cards, PSUs, RAM. And also tried leaving on without the hard drive connected to see if it will crash. I have checked all connections over three times.

One behavior that is notable is this... When I first turned on the computer, it behaved normally and was capable of starting the Windows installation process, but during the installation, the computer will shut off at random moments (windows installation does not have to be started to experience a crash). When I try to start the computer after such a crash, it will start for only a short time, the monitor will not turn on, and a crash will occur almost immediatly. I can only fix this by ***resetting the power supply unit***. Perhaps this could help lead to the problem?

This is my first attempt at building a computer so possibly there is something that I could have overlooked that is easy to miss that you might suggest?

Help will be greatly appreciated!

 

[CoachB]

What kind of CPU cooling are you using? Are you sure the CPU isn't overheating?
You might also try running Memtest from a floppy. Usually, the BIOS and POST activity are not affected by memory issues but it won't hurt to check.
Good Luck!

 

[JD the member]

I am using stock Intel cooling. There is one more thing I can say about the CPU though. When I physically installed it, excessive pressure seemed to be required, and the gate that closed over it, did not appear to surround it perfectly. And where can one get a floppy with Memtest?
BTW; I sent info about my problem to the ASROCK technical team.

 

[cprince]

Re-seat the CPU again. The CPU only seat in one direction with respect to the socket. Everything should be flat so that the heatsink can have full contact over the CPU surface.

 

[JD the member]

I have acknowledged that the processor fits into its seat only in on way, through matching the cut out area of the CPU with the nubs along the seat. Do you think I could have managed to still misplace it? Going to reseat it in a little while.

 

[CoachB]

You will need to make a Memtest floppy on another computer. Google Memtest, download the program, copy it to a floppy.
Put the memtest floppy into the A: drive and turn the computer on. The system will boot from the floppy and memtest will be ready to run.
Let it run through a couple of full test routines which should take 30 minutes or so.

I really think you are looking at a CPU seating/cooling issue. The only time I've had to apply any pressure to seat a CPU was due to a few slightly bent pins and even then it only required moderate, careful pressure. You might want to research a little on the proper care and feeding of a CPU.

 

[fachmannn]

These are the only things I can suggest... Since it's failing in BIOS that's a great inclination that it's your motherboard. It could also be your heat, run SpeedFan (if you're using Windows XP.) If not try various other tools. If this shows to be fine, then I would flash your BIOS and update them OR try a different OS for installing purposes. If all else fails I would concider this to be:

Motherboard
Power Supply

It could be your power supply reaching higher wattages for some reason and the rails being missused, this could cause a simple BIOS idle to freeze. Run memtest and prime95 if possible over-night or for a few hours.

Also, your CPU should fit snug, but never would you need that kind of force to seat it... Possibly could be a cooling problem if your HSF is not seated correctly, or you could have bent or broken some pins.

 

[JD the member]

Can someone give me an idea of how quickly a system can crash with an inadequetly cooled CPU? Also, how come after a crash, I can only turn the computer back on after I reset the PSU?

I have tried reseating the CPU and there seems to be only one way it could possibly fit and thats how I have it. Would sending a picture help?

 

[CoachB]

A heat related crash can happen within seconds of pressing the power button or may take minutes as the heatsink becomes saturated. The CPU/heatsink may then need several minutes to cool before allowing a restart.
You did say that you had tried other PSUs but the PSU could be overheating also.
If you can get to the point where you are loading Windows, I don't think it is a motherboard problem.

 

[cozumel]

I would advise you to remove the motherboard from the case and tray.
Lay it flat on the cardboard Asrock box that it came within.
Plug in your one stick RAM, CPU, cooler/fan and graphics card only.
Do not plug in any hard drives, floppy, DVDs, keyboard, mouse or anything else.
Make sure the cooler is securely mounted on top of the CPU.
Plug the PSU into mobo and cpu connectors.
Try and boot.
It should complete POST and remain at the point where it syas it cannot find an OS and to insert a disk.
You could leave it on for a little while to see if it crashes.

Report back on what happens please.

 

[JD the member]

Cozumel, I am going to try this soon. This really does seem like it could be a CPU/HSF problem.

 

[JD the member]

PROBLEM SOLVED!
Thanks everyone for helping me out!

The issue was this, the CPU HSF was not installed correctly, it had insufficient contact with the CPU. Next time I see anyone with a problem where the computer works, but crashes over time, is that they should monitor their temperature and voltage through the bios. Just hope I do not run into another problem heh.