HSF For mATX System...AMD Stock Isn't Doing it For me

[Cerb]

If your motherboard supports it, you could also get a new ("Applebred") Duron. A 1.4GHz Duron will basically alleviate any cooling problems, and won't be too far behind in performance (though a TBredB 1700+ would still be better).

 

[Davegod]

I find it strange all these suggestions to buy new this and that when there's two free and relatively painless ways to troubleshoot for two of the most likely causes of the problem:

You could try running it "in the open" (out of the case, or with case doors open), perhaps even with a house fan pointed at it. If that makes it stable, its the heat, if it doesnt then heat is unlikely (barring a botched HSF install).

Likewise, temporarily you could try running it connected to a proven ATX PSU.

forgot a 3rd test, also try using a memory stick that you know works (i.e. swap out of your PC).

with a budget around $30, and it being a machine for someone else, I wouldnt be wanting to be buying anything until I was certain about what the problem was.

 

[tracerbullet]

I'd still try it out (as was mentioned) for a day with the case cover off, and maybe a fan (floor fan or something) pointed towards it. Just to make sure it's a heat build-up issue. If that works and it is, then better heatsink / fan would be best, or a bigger case, or even (very cheap) maybe just the addition of a case fan or two (Panaflo comes to mind for quiet).

If that test doesn't make any difference, then I'd go the power supply route, and perhaps still use an additional case fan.

* Also, I'd suspect a 1.33 Athlon is at 10x133, and the 1.0 is 10x100. Is there some issue here with a component - RAM perhaps, or PCI bus or... I dunno... being happier at 100 than being (possibly) forced into a 133 overclock somehow? Jumpers or BIOS setup all screwy? *

 

[optimistic]

If I recall correctly, the XP line of Athlon processors run cooler and doesn't use as much power. Maybe a $39 Athlon XP 1500 will fix your problems while at the same time giving your friend a performance boost?

But in my experience, my Ahtlon 1.2Ghz worked perfectly fine with a 200w PSU (in YY-A101) with a Gf4 ti4200, 2pci cards, 1odd, 1hdd, & fdd. I used a thermosonic type heatsink with one 60mm exaust fan for ventilation.

 

[Zap]

I have the same case (Aopen H340D) in black. Right now it's sitting unused. Had heat problems also. The power supply seemed okay, but the fan hardly moved any air. It isn't "standard" mATX, so I think you're outta luck for replacements. My power supply ran REALLY hot. I had a good HSF, but hot air wasn't being exhausted from the case. It would run fine and quiet when not overheated though...

I'd say definately try the suggestions first - RAM from other machine, case off with house fan pointed in, hooked up to known good power supply. No, wait, if you DON'T try the suggestions first, take up another hobby. Not doing these tests would be a disservice to whoever has to pay the $30 you say is the dollar limit. Unless you have a time constraint (which doesn't go with a money constraint), throwing new hardware at a problem without narrowing it down is just throwing money away. If it still isn't stable with case off, different RAM and different power supply, then likely culprits are motherboard (you didn't specify) and CPU (I've had a few tbirds needing better cooling over time, as if it deteriorated). If it IS stable, then narrow down by swapping back original RAM, then original power supply to narrow down the cause.

These forums are great for suggestions, but YOU have to do the real testing because all the suggestions are from only the limited information you've given us. Good luck on this endeavor and get back to us with the results of your testing.

 

[jorwex]

forgive me for not replying sooner...its just i never get email notifications on this board for some reason

before i posted here, i had already tried different ram and open case senarios. thats why i was asking bout a good hsf or psu replacement..but it sounds liek a new psu wont fit..or were you talking about somehting else that wasnt standard?

aight so ill see if i can borrow soemone else's cpu to try...hell maybe ill put my xp 2500+ in there for a day...tho the slk800u is a bitch to get off....herm...or ill buy a cpu and return it...i dunno....

arg....maybe i should just accept teh 50 degrees as a decent temp? its the cheapest and requires teh least amount of work

thanks for your help