• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

PC locking up, format did not fix.. can you point me in the right direction?

W

wizdum

Senior member
Hi everyone,

The problems started a few months ago, with a svchost.exe process running at 99% CPU usage. I even posted about it here on AT. Well more problems started occurring, such as when I leave my computer on for a while(e.g. overnight) and then move the mouse to turn back on the monitor, the monitor just won't turn back on. I've tested the monitor with a different computer, no problems. Also, sometimes I won't get any video when windows tries to load. I have even tried booting into safe and VGA mode, with the same results. Some of the games that I play freeze(WoW, among others) completely lockup the computer as soon as I start them. Other times, the monitor just shuts off randomly, then I'm not able to boot back into windows. I formatted two days ago, and it was running perfectly fine until today; now the same problems are happening again. Strangely, if I take out some of the RAM I have, or even switch around which sticks are in at the time, I can stall the errors for a good 6 or 7 hours. I have 3 sticks of RAM, 2x256 and 1x512. The 256 sticks are crucial, and the 512 is a brand called Super Talent which I bought from a local store. I have tried taking just the super talent out, and just the crucial out at different times, with no progress except the 6 or 7 hours I can run flawlessly. My theory: Definitely a hardware based problem, either in the RAM or video card. ALL input is appreciated, thank you. - Jordan
 
A RAM issue is certainly a possibility. Run memtest86 for a good long while and see what it says.

Other things to check: If your CPU is overclocked, try cranking it down, see if that increases stability. Monitor Northbridge and Southbridge temperatures. Check voltages under load(don't just trust the motherboard's numbers, use a multimeter).

It could also be the video card. If you can, try it in another computer, watch its temps closely, etc.

I'd start by testing the RAM, see if you come up with anything. If not, try stressing the CPU and video card as individual units to the degree possible(e.g. Prime 95 run brutally with the video card set to a really unchallenging mode, or even replaced by a known good card, followed by a 3d heavy application of some kind, if the CPU survives the test.)

A good way to identify thermal faults is the fan test. If things work properly with the case open and a desk fan howling into the case; but not otherwise, it's probably a thermal issue. If that makes no difference, it either isn't a thermal issue, or it is the fault of a deteriorating thermal interface(probably thermal cycling has caused the GPU or CPU heatsink to come out of optimal contact).

Good luck, in any case.
 
wizdum, you have two problems. First is that you've got Hibernate/System Standby turned on in your power settings, or in your BIOS. Turn that off in both places, because Athlon XP's don't support it. And it sounds to me like you have both your processor and your video card overclocked slightly too high. Reduce them both about 10%, and see if the rest of your problems don't go away, also.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top