My AMD system is unstable, please help

[juanicus]

ok, let me start by telling you about my system and then i'll get into the meat of the problem.

WinsdowsME (also tried 98SE)
800 Thunderbird (not overclocked)
epox 8kta+ mobo with via chipset
SB awe 64
voodoo2000 pci
netgear net card
250 watt power supply
128 gen ram @ 100

the problem:
Ive been a pentium man for over 8 years now and recently crossed the barrier into AMD world. My system likes to freeze up about every 20 minutes anytime I do anything somewhat intensive (like rendering, simulating, even internet sometimes). I also get a lot of blue screens concerning VxD stuff. And sometimes the computer just restarts on its own. I have tried numerous things to fix this and nothing has worked (like new drivers for everything, flashing bios, clean OS installs, etc). I recently heard that AMDs need like a 400 watt power supply but this was mentioned in relation to overclocking. Please, if anyone has any ideas let me know. If anyone wants more info and details please do not hesitate to ask. I NEED MY COMPUTER TO WORK.

 

[vash]

<< ok, let me start by telling you about my system and then i'll get into the meat of the problem.

WinsdowsME (also tried 98SE)
800 Thunderbird (not overclocked)
epox 8kta+ mobo with via chipset
SB awe 64
voodoo2000 pci
netgear net card
250 watt power supply
128 gen ram @ 100

the problem:
Ive been a pentium man for over 8 years now and recently crossed the barrier into AMD world. My system likes to freeze up about every 20 minutes anytime I do anything somewhat intensive (like rendering, simulating, even internet sometimes). I also get a lot of blue screens concerning VxD stuff. And sometimes the computer just restarts on its own. I have tried numerous things to fix this and nothing has worked (like new drivers for everything, flashing bios, clean OS installs, etc). I recently heard that AMDs need like a 400 watt power supply but this was mentioned in relation to overclocking. Please, if anyone has any ideas let me know. If anyone wants more info and details please do not hesitate to ask. I NEED MY COMPUTER TO WORK. >>


Questions:

1. Did you install the VIA 4-in-1 service pack?

The VIA service pack (4.29 is latest released) is the real key to getting my AMD system stable under both Windows 2000 and Windows 98. You can find it from viatech.com.tw, or viahardware.com

vash

 

[BadThad]

Sounds to me like your power supply is not up to the task. As soon as you put the cpu to work, it dies. Most people are using 300+ watt PS's with Athlon. It may also be a good idea to use an AMD approved PS.

Good Luck!

 

[BlueTDimly]

Generic RAM may also tend to be a problem. Could also be processor overheating - what kind of cooling do you have?

BlueT.

 

[juanicus]

update:

I have the via 4in1 installed, my cooling is loud but my chip never gets over 42 degrees celsius. I think the power supply might be the problem. I called some places in town and one guy said all I needed was any 200 watt supply. I believe this guy has no idea whats going on.

 

[juanicus]

Ive been using the 250 watt ps for 4 months now. Do you think the processor could be damaged by using a ps that is not up for the job?

 

[Nullphader]

First of all, AMD doesn't approve anything less than a 300W power supply for T-bird processors. This is a very good place to start. If you replace the supply and still have problems you may check out the Video card compatibility (a friend of mine has had problems with that in the past.) Also, you could just have a bad MoBo.

 

[pudcox]

I have dealt with a very similar problem in the past that turned out to be the guys PS was not up to the task. Replaced it with AMD approved PS and it ran stable. Start there, if that does not fix it look at cooling, then peripherals, then memory is my suggestion...but I am betting a good 300W PS will cure what ails ya

 

[juanicus]

you guys are the best