Newly built computer randomly reboots

[Nocturnal Programmer]

I just built my first computer, here's some specs:
Soltek MB with nForce2
AMD Athlon XP 3000+
two 512 MB PC2700 DDR RAM
Thermaltake Silent Boost cooling system
380 Watt Power supply
ATI RADEON 9600XT
Windows XP

My computer reboots automatically. Sometimes it'll last a good 10 minutes before the reboot, sometimes it occurs in under 30 seconds (before Windows finishes loading). After it does occur, it occurs more and more quickly until I let it sit for a bit.

It doesn't appear to be temperature related, at least it seems to stay low enough (40-50C) and doesn't have an effect on when the reboot occurs. I'm not sure how to read the power monitoring, but I heard 380 watts should be more than enough, especially since I'm not using many extra devices.

Anyone have any advice? I'm a newbie at this any advice at all is appreciated.

 

[amdskip]

380 Watt Power supply

What power supply is this (brand)?

Run memtest86 on your memory to check for errors.

 

[KB]

Random reboots are tough to diagnose. You are going to have to eliminate one piece of hardware at a time. My first thought was a bad PS. If you have a spare try that. My second guess would be your motherboard, but then I again I can only guess.

 

[Nocturnal Programmer]

I tried using both sticks of RAM one at a time and still get the problem, so I think I can eliminate that from the possibilities (unless they're both bad)

I did try running memtest, but couldn't get through it before a reboot. Since memtest ran off a bootdisk before anything really loaded, I think this narrows the problem down to either the power supply or the motherboard. Is this a safe assumption?

The PS is Antec, came with the case. I read good reviews on both Antec and Soltek (the MB), but nothing's flawless. I think I'll test another PS next, wish me luck with the setup.

 

[mechBgon]

Do you have up-to-date antivirus software and a hardware &/or software firewall? Strong passwords on your Administrator-class user accounts?

 

[Nocturnal Programmer]

I haven't gotten the thing to run for more than 15 minutes yet. Haven't bothered setting up an online connection yet, so we can rule out any kind of virus.

 

[ThatDumbGuy]

Does your motherboard have the additional 12v 4-pin plug on it?

If so, is it plugged in?

 

[Nocturnal Programmer]

Yes it does have the 4 pin plug, and it is plugged in.

I also tried updating my BIOS...thought it worked for a while because my computer didn't reboot for almost an hour. In the end though it went through the same old routine.

 

[bim27142]

Originally posted by: KB
Random reboots are tough to diagnose. You are going to have to eliminate one piece of hardware at a time. My first thought was a bad PS. If you have a spare try that. My second guess would be your motherboard, but then I again I can only guess.

yeah, i agree!....anyway, check every connections if they are properly connected, duoble check for loose connections and check connections pins also... if still persists, try to swap another PSU... if still persists, maybe its the mobo...

 

[amdskip]

Wow, I'm gonna say motherboard but it could be the power supply.

 

[imported_rhfactor]

Sounds like the card has integrateds nForce2 video. Have you tried disabling the integrated video? You might have a conflict.

 

[Nocturnal Programmer]

Hey guys thanks for all the advice. In my quest to try all the easiest solutions first, I downloaded a bunch of drivers, included an update to my temp monitoring device. Now I also can view the ABS II temperature, which I'm guessing is the PS?

Anyways, that's the problem. It's normally around 60, but sometimes it peaks really quickly, hits 85, and that's when the computer automatically reboots.

Is there a way to cool it, or should I just get a new PS? Thanks again for the help.

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

Oops ... disregard this please

 

[Nocturnal Programmer]

heh I really am a newbie at this. I did some research on the ABS II and now realize it stands for Anti Burn Shield, and doesn't have a thing to do with the power supply. I'm going to go with DetroitSportsFan advice and see if I didn't put enough thermal paste on or whatnot.

I have a question more out of curiousity though, what does the CPU Die temp and the RT 1 temps read? I assumed the CPU Die was the CPU and that RT 1 was the case, but why do they stay below 50C when the ABS II gets up to 85C (and probably beyond)?

And sorry I said temp wasn't the problem earlier, ABS II just wasn't something being monitored until I updated the monitoring utility.

I'll post again in a few hours and let you know if I managed to fix it.

 

[blindtothagame]

could be drivers you are using b4 i start buying parts i would re-install the O/S and load drivers 1 by 1 and see if thats whats causing the problem.
GL

 

[Nocturnal Programmer]

Don't know why you removed the post Detroit, you were right. My heatsink was off the "step". I reapplied the thermal paste, and put the heatsink on correctly. Now the ABS II stays about 25C lower than it did previously, and doesn't have those crazy spikes anymore. I haven't had an auto reboot yet since the change; I'm pretty sure my problem is fixed.

Once again thanks for the help everyone, this is a really nice forum.