Midtower - problems rebooting, reawakening

[Muse]

This machine used to boot fine, come out of suspend just fine. Usually it was an almost instant process to go to sleep or come out of sleep. Lately, progressively, it's been tough and now seemingly impossible.

The machine runs XP SP3 and there are 3 bootable partitions. The problem appears to happen in not just one partition.

I did some googling and saw some posts saying that a low CMOS battery can sometimes cause this. I replaced the ~3.17v (as measured with a multimeter) with a fresh one, but the problem persists.

In recent days even shutting down the system and starting from a dead state hasn't worked. I had to cut off power -- switch off the power strip that the system is plugged into, then switch it on and only then start the machine to get the machine to boot. Once booted, the machine appears to work OK until I try to either suspend it or restart it, which fails. It seems to suspend OK, but taking it out of suspend, the machine starts up but I get no video. It just sits there and the video never shows up. One time a couple days ago Windows seemed to almost awaken but it didn't get to the password check, it just sat at a sky-blue screen.

I'm thinking it's likely the PSU, but maybe the mobo. Am I right there?

Basic specs:
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Gigabyte GA-K8n Pro motherboard Specs: http://ee.gigabyte.com/products/page/mb/ga-k8n_pro/ PDF of manual: http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/motherboard_manual_k8npro_e.pdf
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (socket 754, FSB1600, E6, Venice, 90nm, L2-512KB, 2GHz)
BFG Tech GeForce 6600GT OC 128MB DDR3 AGP Dual DVI Video Card w/TV-Out
3 sticks Crucial 1GB PC3200 400MHz 184-pin DDR Memory - CT12864Z40B, 3 GB total
Corsair vx550w PSU
USR Model 2977 PCI hardware modem
Hercules GTXP soundcard PCI with breakout box
MyHD MDP-130 HDTV PCI
MyHD MDP-130 HDTV DVI daughterboard
Windows XP (word is that's the most advanced version of Windows the motherboard supports)
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I'm researching rebuilding the system, getting a different mobo, CPU, RAM, video card and maybe PSU too. Also Win7 32 bit (the HDTV cards require that and nothing better, so I'm held back on components/OS for that reason. Meantime, I'd like to be able to use the machine in the way I'm accustomed, I set up automatic recording of HDTV shows coming out of suspend. Right now, even when the machine isn't in suspend the automatic recording doesn't seem to happen (didn't yesterday). And if suspended, the machine will not reawaken, period.

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I am conquered by truth. - Desiderius Erasmus

 

[UsandThem]

This machine used to boot fine, come out of suspend just fine. Usually it was an almost instant process to go to sleep or come out of sleep. Lately, progressively, it's been tough and now seemingly impossible.

In recent days even shutting down the system and starting from a dead state hasn't worked. I had to cut off power -- switch off the power strip that the system is plugged into, then switch it on and only then start the machine to get the machine to boot. Once booted, the machine appears to work OK until I try to either suspend it or restart it, which fails. It seems to suspend OK, but taking it out of suspend, the machine starts up but I get no video. It just sits there and the video never shows up. One time a couple days ago Windows seemed to almost awaken but it didn't get to the password check, it just sat at a sky-blue screen.

I'm thinking it's likely the PSU, but maybe the mobo. Am I right there?

Your issues sound exactly like ones a PSU that is on it's way out would cause. That PSU was reviewed by JonnyGuru in 2007, so I'd imagine you've had it for a while. I'd try a different PSU before replacing any other parts.

 

[bigboxes]

I honestly believe you are in need of a new computer. Yes, I suspect that your power supply is the culprit.

However, your computer is ancient. I too had an Athlon 64 3200+ (albeit socket 939, Winchester). It was my first "official" 2.0 Ghz processor. But that was 12 years ago. Your rig is obsolete beyond recognition. I'm not going to insist you do things my way. If it were up to me I'd build a whole new rig. That would include your tuner card(s). That's what is obviously holding you back, as you don't want to do without them and/or change the way you do things.

I had a Pinnacle external USB tv tuner that was quite cool back in the day. I split my cable tv and ran it to the device. Worked great on Win98. Six months later I upgraded to WinXP and Pinnacle wouldn't write new drivers for the device. So, into the box it went. Decided not to buy any more Pinnacle products again for their lack of support. Ended up with some Hauppauge tuner card and was happy. When I replaced my monitor back in 2006 ,the new monitor had a built in tv tuner so into the box the Hauppague went.

Maybe I'm rambling, but technology changes. We adapt and we move on. I've kept old equipment for longer than I've wanted because I didn't want to replace everything. With your box, it's time. Just about everything screams obsolescence. My advice, replace your power supply to keep your rig going a little while longer. You can always use it as a spare for troubleshooting the new system that you are going to build. I wouldn't put any more money into that old machine. Save your money to buy the new parts, including new tv tuner card(s). Windows x64 has been mainstream for at least 8 years. Do the research and find new ways of doing what you want to do. You're long overdue for a new platform.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Your issues sound exactly like ones a PSU that is on it's way out would cause. That PSU was reviewed by JonnyGuru in 2007, so I'd imagine you've had it for a while. I'd try a different PSU before replacing any other parts.

That's basically what I was thinking, when I read the OP too. Sounds like a plan.

 

[Ketchup]

If you don't have the money for a new computer, the power supply is a good place to start. "Sleep" can be a real pain when it doesn't work. Any one of those devices - the modem, sound card, tv tuner card, could cause similar behavior if they are on their way out. At least with a new PSU you won't be wasting your money when it is time for a new build (hopefully soon).

And don't discredit the usefulness of a good fresh install. Windows XP was a huge jump from its predecessors in the ability to run for years and years on the original install without issue, but not know what your install has been through, it might be a good idea, as I recall having sleep come back to life a few times with a fresh install of that OS.

 

[Muse]

The MyHD card comes with a remote control and an IR receiver on a cord. Having two MyHD cards, I have one IR receiver that plugs into a Com port, the other into a USB port.

My viewing position is sometimes right in front of my 23" desktop monitor and when that's the case I can control MyHD from the keyboard, although it's slightly better using the remote (I have that remote's commands saved on my universal remote, that's what I actually use).

My viewing position of choice, however, is 8 feet from the midtower + keyboard, and I have the video cast from a projector to a large white screen that hangs from the ceiling behind the desk. For that viewing position I use the universal remote. The projector gets it's signal from the DVI out from the MyHD card's daughter board. When I want to use the desktop monitor I divert that DVI signal to that monitor, this is accomplished with a simple switch I got from Monoprice.

Whatever next HDTV solution I get has to have remote control from a distance like what I have. I haven't taken a close look at the solutions out there now. But so far, I haven't heard of the solution I want. However, I figure it must exist. Yes, I should research this and right now before deciding what to do in terms of my midtower systems... which are, as you duly note, ancient! I figure the place to do that is AVS Forums, I think they have a dedicated HDTV Forum.

It would be really nice to have a satisfactory HDTV solution that would allow me to upgrade to modern equipment.

Pretty obviously, I could use a new PSU. The one in my 1st midtower is highly suspect, as noted. The one I have in my 2nd midtower is a cheapie, although it was highly reviewed none the less. In fact, it would make sense to get 3 new PSUs.That way I could have decent new ones in both systems and a backup. Having a backup PSU can be handy, I've found.

If you don't have the money for a new computer, the power supply is a good place to start.

I have the money. The hangup is just not knowing what to get, what parts will fit together to form a satisfactory solution. It will take some research. I'll get on that project this week. Meantime, I think a PSU (at least one) is still a good place to start. It could get my current system working while I make my mind up how I'm going to move forward in this.

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In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. - Desiderius Erasmus

 

[Ketchup]

OK, took me a minute. It's THAT one. So are you keeping that one? Or just building a new system you mentioned in General Hardware? Or are you undecided. If you are going to have two discussions going (and they are are different, so I'm not dissing too much for that), try to keep both current. People are giving their time to help you after all.

As to your last paragraph, you have the money, so don't be cheaping out. Build something good if you intent to keep it anywhere near as long as the one in the OP. Test TV parts after you build the system you want, then replace unusable parts as necessary.

Hint: Software and hardware standards have changed a good bit since you built that system (firewire and pci devices are just about bye-bye), so I would recommend not limiting yourself with things like that.

 

[Muse]

OK, took me a minute. It's THAT one. So are you keeping that one? Or just building a new system you mentioned in General Hardware? Or are you undecided. If you are going to have two discussions going (and they are are different, so I'm not dissing too much for that), try to keep both current. People are giving their time to help you after all.

As to your last paragraph, you have the money, so don't be cheaping out. Build something good if you intent to keep it anywhere near as long as the one in the OP. Test TV parts after you build the system you want, then replace unusable parts as necessary.

Hint: Software and hardware standards have changed a good bit since you built that system (firewire and pci devices are just about bye-bye), so I would recommend not limiting yourself with things like that.

OK, I am undecided, yes. Until I realize that I can get what I want with _modern_ equipment, I'll lean to the MyHD HDTV solution. But I don't know. I realize I owe it to people helping me to not leave either of the two threads hanging. I'll begin researching the HDTV computer scene TODAY.

As far as not cheaping out. Well, I have the money but I do hate buyer's regret, i.e. buying something that wasn't a good idea in the first place and wanting to either exchange it or eat it and buy something else. My first system build took me a long time before I made my decisions and ordered because I had zero confidence and I chose parts that were "certified" by other builders to work together for a DIY system build. That was in the 1990's. Worked out fine, IIRC.

Well, let me ask right here: Since I obviously need at least one PSU, is this one apt to be satisfactory for any scenario:

1. Replace the failing PSU in current system (described above)
2. Acceptable in a rebuilt system that's legacy in that it supports Win7 and 4GB RAM and 2-3 PCI slots
3. Acceptable in a modern system with, say, 16GB RAM and Win10, etc. and some new HDTV solution

EVGA 100-B1-0500-KR 500W Power Supply

If so, I'll order at least 1 today. Thanks!

 

[Ketchup]

PSU is fine. You shouldn't have a hard time finding something good in the $40 to $50 price range. Probably cheaper if you have time to kill. It's a great time of year to be shopping for new computer parts, but also bad because it's almost over. But computer building parts don't care too much about holidays, so the difference is probably minimal.

 

[VirtualLarry]

EVGA 100-B1-0500-KR 500W Power Supply

If so, I'll order at least 1 today. Thanks!

Those are decent. I had one of those in my G4400 @ 4.455Ghz rig. I only removed it, because I decided to try moving both of my 7950 3GB cards into the same rig, and I needed four PCI-E power plugs, rather than two. I put in a RaidMax modular PSU. (Yeah. RaidMax.)

 

[Muse]

PSU is fine. You shouldn't have a hard time finding something good in the $40 to $50 price range. Probably cheaper if you have time to kill. It's a great time of year to be shopping for new computer parts, but also bad because it's almost over. But computer building parts don't care too much about holidays, so the difference is probably minimal.

I decided to get one of these instead, just ordered it:

EVGA 500 BQ 500W 80 Plus Bronze Semi-Modular Power Supply

It's a little more money but is semi-modular, has a FDB fan and all Japanese capacitors. I think it just came out, doesn't have reviews.

Those are decent. I had one of those in my G4400 @ 4.455Ghz rig. I only removed it, because I decided to try moving both of my 7950 3GB cards into the same rig, and I needed four PCI-E power plugs, rather than two. I put in a RaidMax modular PSU. (Yeah. RaidMax.)

Just saw this. The 500 BQ also has just 2 PCI-E plugs, IIRC. I have never used any. I'm really behind the curve on systems these days.

I posted at AVS Forums and hope to get some good guidance on newer HDTV solutions. I could stick with what I know and have, but it might be a far better idea to move on, get another HDTV recording/playback solution. Anyway, with this PSU I figure what I have will probably work for me for a while. I've been meaning to upgrade for years, I am intent on researching it NOW. My midtower systems' OS's aren't even supported anymore. By changing motherboards in them, I could move them to Win7 32bit, but that would be the end of the line with those PCI HDTV cards.

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Man's mind is so formed that it is far more susceptible to falsehood than to truth. - Desiderius Erasmus

 

[UsandThem]

I decided to get one of these instead, just ordered it:

EVGA 500 BQ 500W 80 Plus Bronze Semi-Modular Power Supply

It's a little more money but is semi-modular, has a FDB fan and all Japanese capacitors. I think it just came out, doesn't have reviews.

Brave person. I never ever buy a PSU until they test it, and tear it down to see what's inside / how well it's built.

Anyways, it looks like it just launched and is built by HEC (nope, new skus actually made by Andyson), and it will be interesting to see how it does once reviews start coming out:

http://www.hardwareinsights.com/wp/evga-adds-new-bq-series-models-made-andyson/

 

[Muse]

Brave person. I never ever buy a PSU until they test it, and tear it down to see what's inside / how well it's built.

Anyways, it looks like it just launched and is built by HEC (nope, new skus actually made by Andyson), and it will be interesting to see how it does once reviews start coming out:

http://www.hardwareinsights.com/wp/evga-adds-new-bq-series-models-made-andyson/

Well, I'm glad I ordered just one and not the three I was thinking about getting! I was aware that it is made by Andyson (although I only heard of Andyson today), by virtue of reading a bunch of posts at Johnny Guru forums. People were speculating what that might suggest. There was no firm conclusion. Anyway, it's pretty clear that it's not just a 500B with different fan and capacitors and semi-modular cabling.

 

[UsandThem]

Well, I'm glad I ordered just one and not the three I was thinking about getting!

Andyson has sort of a mixed reputation. They were the OEM of some not so good units a while back, but in the last couple of years they have started releasing some very well reviewed high-end units under their own name.

I personally can't wait to see a review on one. If it turns out to be a good unit, it will be another win for EVGA in the value segment.

 

[Muse]

Brave person. I never ever buy a PSU until they test it, and tear it down to see what's inside / how well it's built.

Anyways, it looks like it just launched and is built by HEC (nope, new skus actually made by Andyson), and it will be interesting to see how it does once reviews start coming out:

http://www.hardwareinsights.com/wp/evga-adds-new-bq-series-models-made-andyson/

I ordered the EVGA 500 BQ from one vendor and when it appeared that delivery was uncertain, I cancelled and ordered it from Amazon. They said they would ship by yesterday. Looking today, they hadn't shipped. I saw in a thread a post by a guy who seemed to know his PSUs that the BQ serious are "not decent." I cancelled my order for it at Amazon!

So, I have a PSU in the box right now that's getting weaker and weaker, seems to be on its last legs. I'm leaving the box on 24/7 because getting it to boot is a PITA.

I'm thinking I'll just splurge some and get a really good PSU:

This is rated 10/10 by Johhnyguru. Maybe $20 or so more than the EVGA 500W B1, but I am tired of the issues I've been getting that I think may be tied to PSU problems.

EVGA SuperNOVA 550 G2 550W 80 Plus Gold Modular Power Supply