P4 Overheating?

[Aldaris2002]

I've been having a problem with my computer turning off randomly while playing games so I ran WinZip and WinRAR only to rule out a GPU problem. I have a Pentium 4 2.4B C1 (not overclocked). With Winzip and WinRAR, I had the CPU running at 100% for about 5-10 mins and it slowly increased from its normal idle temperature of 40 Degrees Celcius to 55 Degrees Celcius where the computer again suddenly shut off leaving only the green power light on forcing me to hold down the switch for about 5 seconds to get it off and then I have to wait 10-15 minutes before the computer will come back on again... Each time it has crashed, the final temp of the CPU has been about 55 Degrees Celcius and the motherboard has been about 41 or 42. Are these temperatures too high? Is the Thermal Monitor kicking in or something and shutting the computer off?

Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions?

System Specifications:

Intel Pentium 4 2.4Ghz (Not Overclocked)
ASUS P4G8X Deluxe w/BIOS v1005
4x Crucial 256MB PC2700 DDR Memory
Visiontek Xtasy GeForce 4 Ti4400 128MB Video Card
Western Digital 60GB Hard Drive
Generic 300W Power Supply
LG 8161B 16x DVD-ROM (IDE)
LG 5520 52x24x52 CD-RW (IDE)
Factory Intel CPU Cooling Fan & Heatsink
Windows XP Professional w/SP1

 

[Aldaris2002]

I just noticed that the problem I am having is VERY similar to what happens to GooGooCluster in this thread http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=28&threadid=1062017

However, our system specs are quite different and unlike his problem, my computer has never shutoff when idle or doing small tasks, only when I push the proc a little (i.e. games, big Winzip operation).

Could the 300W power supply I have be causing the whole problem?

 

[BG4533]

P4s tend to throttle down when they are overheating. This saves the processor and prevents lockups. I am willing to bet it is your PSU. Do you possibly have another one you can test it with? For the sake of trying to eliminate your CPU as the problem, open up the case and stick a box fan or another large fan at the opening. This should drop temps considerably. If you don't have a fan, just taking off the side panel should help a bit. If your computer still crashes, go buy a new PSU.

Brian

 

[Aldaris2002]

Thanks for the reply. When 3Dmark03 crashed on the 5th or 6th test, I took the side panel off my case, waited 15 minutes before the computer would come back on and then it was able to complete all 3Dmark03 tests twice. Could it still be the PSU or is it definately a heating issue with the CPU?

 

[BG4533]

I am an AMD person, so I dont know at what temp the P4s have problems. PSUs output abilities are based on heat. One way manufactures overrate their PSU is by rating it at a low temperature. Example, your generic PSU may be rated for 300W at 20c and only 150W at 40c, a name brand PSU might give the same 300W rating, but it is at 40c. Everyone knows the indside of your PSU will never be at 20c in normal room conditions. With that said, the problem could still be your PSU, it can only run at certain temps just like the processor.

The next test for you is to download a program like Motherboard Monitor 5. Watch the voltages on the 3.3V, 5V, and 12V rails when your computer is heavily loaded. If these are fluctuating more than 5% than your PSU is likely the reason for your crashes.

 

[4x4expy]

I agree that your PS is weak for this system. But also check in your BIOS for a thermal shutdown option. Most BIOS has an option (I'm sure that the ASUS has it) that once a preset temp is reached the computer will automatically power down to prevent damage. It just seems odd that it keeps shutting down at the exact same temp. It seems odd though that you are even hitting 55c at default speed, so there still could be a problem elsewhere.

 

[Aldaris2002]

I didn't see an option in the BIOS for temperatures at which the computer will shut down. Only the hardware monitor that lets you monitor the temperatures, fan speeds and voltages. ASUS technical support thinks my PSU is insufficient so I'm gonna buy an Enermax 365W PSU and a Thermaltake Chasis Fan and return it if it doesn't solve the problem. Thanks for your help and I'll let you know if the new PSU does anything...

 

[orion7144]

I would spend the extra $20-$50 and get a new Antec 550 "True Control" for around $100 shipped. It was the best money (trade) I ever spent. Voltages are rock stable, I am able to adjust the +12,+3.3,+5 from the front of the computer, and my OC results are much better.

Originally posted by: Aldaris2002
I didn't see an option in the BIOS for temperatures at which the computer will shut down. Only the hardware monitor that lets you monitor the temperatures, fan speeds and voltages. ASUS technical support thinks my PSU is insufficient so I'm gonna buy an Enermax 365W PSU and a Thermaltake Chasis Fan and return it if it doesn't solve the problem. Thanks for your help and I'll let you know if the new PSU does anything...