just built a new computer, restarting by itself...NEED HELP

[kpxkirby]

I just built a new computer w/ the help of a friend. 3.0c w/ 1 gig of pc3200 corsair xms, gigabyte 8knxp. However, sometimes it'll restart whenever. What is wrong with it? Can anybody give me possible solutions on what might be wrong and how I would fix it?

 

[Boonesmi]

random reboots are usually cause either by memory errors or a powersupply thats not quite up to the task

to check for memory errors the best tool is memtest86 (just run a google search for it)

and what powersupply are you using?

 

[kpxkirby]

I'm previously was using a powmax 400 watts. My first intuition was that it might be the powersupply, so I went ahead and switched it to an antec trupower 430 watts. Its more stable now, but I still have random reboots frequently. I tried to dl memtest86, but it says I need to make a floppy diskette and I dont have a floppy drive. I only have a pen drive. Is there any other way to utilize this program? Thanks

 

[Boonesmi]

http://www.memtest86.com/#download0

you can download the bootable cd .iso file

 

[kpxkirby]

sorry, im a real newb at this...what do I do nxt? burn all the files unto a cd?

 

[bootoo]

Make a bootable floppy and then throw it on there. At least it worked for me

 

[kpxkirby]

i dont have a floppy drive. How do I make the bootable cd? suggestions

 

[kpxkirby]

ok, i just talked to one of my IT friends. He said RAM is usually hit or miss. But since its running fine sometimes, its most likely going to be a problem with my motherboard. What could possibly be wrong? Would I have to replace it or maybe update the drivers? Thanks

 

[Boonesmi]

its really by far more likely to be powersupply or memory related

what cd burning software do you use? it should have an option similar to "burn cd from image file" (the .iso is an image file)

 

[kpxkirby]

im using nero right now

 

[kpxkirby]

also, do i need to put any other files on their when i burn it? like all other files ur supposed to extract too, when you dl the files?

 

[Boonesmi]

nope, doesnt need any other files (the .iso will put all the files you need)
ive never used the bootable cd, i always just use a floppy drive... but once the disc is created its not readable in windows, so dont freak out and think it burned a coaster


and let it run at least 1 entire pass (depending on system speed and amount of ram it could easily take 30 or more min) and it shouldnt produce any errors at all

if it does show any errors then either the ram is bad, or its running to far out of spec... you can always try increasing the vdimm voltage or adjusting the memory settings to something less aggressive

 

[Aenslead]

It's 70% memory related, 20% powersupply related... or... 10% a bad motherboard instalation.

Perhaps a metalic part of the PCB is touching another metalic part on your case, making a short suddenly.

Perhaps memory options are off-set, and you should lower your timings. Try fail-safe 3-3-3-8 settings, if running in DDR400 mode. Also, check, if using two memory slots, that they are exactly the ones you need to fill in order to run at Dual Channel DDR mode.

 

[kpxkirby]

i ran memtest, and i stopped it after 2 hrs and 32 minutes, and it came up with 440 errors. Is this common?

 

[Boonesmi]

it shouldnt even have 1 error!!

looks like you found the problem


if that stick of ram is running within spec (meaning its not overclocked or running with very aggressive settings) then you should return it.
otherwise you need to turn down the memory timings, and/or lower the memory clock speed

you could also try increasing the dimm voltage


edited to add...
i just noticed in your original post you said you have 1gb... is that 2x512mb sticks? or a single stick of 1gb?
if its 2x512 then pull one of the sticks and rerun memtest. (its very unlikely that both sticks would be bad)

 

[Aenslead]

Timings, timings, timings.

You running DDR400 spec? Use SPD mode on your chipset advanced options.

 

[kpxkirby]

its 2x 512 sticks, and its running at SPD mode. No overclock, everything is at normal.

 

[render]

I think you need a metal ring(I forgot the name) for your power switch.

 

[pspada]

Be careful with those Powmax POS powersupplies. I've had 5 or 6 of the 400w ones die on my in the past 8 months, one shorting out several components!