Oddball problem

[onlyCOpunk]

Hello,

I've been having this ongoing problem with my PC ever since I built it a couple years ago. Whenever I play a game that "pushed" my system a little it will restart itself randomly while playing. At first I thought it was due to overheating and temperatures and stuff. Tonight I've finally had enough of it, when it restarts and posts right after restarting the temps for my CPU and motherboard are nothing more then they normally are.

My system contains AthlonXP 2600, 1 gig of crucial ram, ATI x1950gt and an Epox 8RDA+ mobo. I was previously using a GeForce 6800 and it was doing the same problem. THe temps on reboot are 57 C and 28 C for the CPU and Mobo respectively. I know they are quite high as is, but I also know that CPU has a heat threshold of 80 C.

Like I said I thought the problem was due to overheating, but now I'm not so sure about that. And it also gets really obnoxious having to save my games every 5 minutes to minimalise loss if it does restart. Funny thing is it only does it with certain games. I can play Tomb Raider Anniversary for a couple of hours no sweat, but the minute I start play Black and White 2, it's like a ticking timebomb!

 

[Drexl]

Could it be an inadequate power supply?

 

[onlyCOpunk]

I was also thinking that, but if my memory serves me correctly I remember putting in at least a 450 watt PSU. I will have to double check tomorrow when I feel like opening her up.

 

[jkresh]

the wattage number is irrelevant if the psu is not from a solid manufacturer, also checking the temps after restarting wont tell you anything (once load gets to 0 assuming your fans are working temps drop quickly). What you can do is run 3dmark or something for a while (but hopefully stop it before it would restart) and check the temps the second you close the app. You could also try testing the cpu with prime95 (or orthos) and keep track of temps while it runs (also if it restarts using just a cpu test that provides additional information then if it only restarts during games).

 

[oynaz]

You should definitely run Memtest86

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Boy is my face red. My PSU is only 420 watts. I forgot to copy down the rest of the numbers. I know you said the wattage is irrelevant, but the x1950gt box says at least 450 watts. I'd hate to imagine the PSU has been weak from the beginning. It's a Thermaltake so it's a decent brand I'm also assuming. But I will also try the programs you mention as to see if I can actually narrow the problem down because I'd hate to put more money into this dieing machine as I only have to hold out for 3 more months until I get my student loans with my new computer allowance allowance 🙂

EDIT:

Also I'd hate to bother anyone with the "Is my PSU enough" question, but this is everything that it is powering:

Aside from said hardware above, two PATA HD running at 7200rpm, 2 dvd burners, a wireless network card, an ATA/100 PCI card, wireless keyboard and mouse dongle, game controller, and I think that's it.

Another question, is it possible to have PSU's powering one machine, I have a couple older ones lying around and was curious if that would work. Probably not, but would save me some $$$.