PLEASE HELP, I Think My System Is Dying?

sd

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2000
1,968
0
0
Problem: I'm getting Lock-ups and spontaneous re-boots. Mostly my system will lock-up. I'll hit reset switch and sometimes it re-boots and sometimes it won't. When it doesn't, the monitor will stay in suspend mode, but the hard drive light is active(no beep like during a typical POST). Sometimes it'll lock-up during the POST. It might run fine for a week straight, and then, like now, it'll flake out for a few days and lock-up several times a day.

heres my system specs

What I've Tried/Think: CPU Temp 42C max. Doesn't seem like OS or other SW problem, b/c of lock-ups during POST. Sometimes reset of BIOS is needed to get it out of that "monitor suspend mode." I've tried default BIOS settings. I tried each 256MB stick by itself in each of the DIMMs. PS is about 1.5 years old. Tried Fail-safe BIOS settings. I've cleaned the case from as much dust as I can see. I've installed latest Via 4 in 1 and nvidia drivers.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. I really don't wanna bring it to a shop, but I will if thats what I gotta do :(
 

thunderhorse

Member
Oct 23, 2003
156
0
0
sd. I know this might sound strange but it's a starting point. Try hooking another PSU to your rig and see what that will do. If that isn't it, pull all the cards from the rig. Unplug the power and ribbon wire from the HD. If you need to have a video card installed then put it in. Now turn the computer on and see if it posts. If it does then plug the HD back up. What you are trying to do is load the system until it fails. If it's the PSU it will probably be when you get it past the point it can't support the components that are installed. If a PSU hickups the system seems to want to reboot. I noticed you said some times it will boot and sometimes it would not. I think it's your PSU. I hope this has been helpful.
 

brentkiosk

Member
Oct 25, 2002
157
0
0
I would agree that the PS is the place to worry about first. Your problem is somwhat similar to one that I fixed by a power supply transplant. Too bad it works so long in between failures sometimes. That will make it hard to pinpoint. If you can just replace with a borrowed PS for a week or so, that would tell you if you have to look farther.
 

sd

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2000
1,968
0
0
Thanks guys! After doing some research, it does sound like it can be the PS. I have an Enermax EG465P-VE FCA thats about a year and a half old. That doesn't seem old for a PS, or is it?
 

sd

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2000
1,968
0
0
I just popped a spare 300W PS in. I hope this solves the puzzle.

Can someone recommend a Quality 450+W PS. I'd like to stay away from Enermax, b/c I haven't had good luck with the 2 I've had.
 

sd

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2000
1,968
0
0
The different PS seems to have solved the issue. I bought an Antec True430W, in case anyone gives a rats ars :D
 

Mem

Lifer
Apr 23, 2000
21,476
13
81
The different PS seems to have solved the issue. I bought an Antec True430W, in case anyone gives a rats ars



Sounds like your Enermax went faulty,anyway it should be under warranty still,I would RMA it for a replacement.
 

Mem

Lifer
Apr 23, 2000
21,476
13
81
Looks like Enermax have gone to a 12 month warranty now,my Enermax PSUs both have a 2 year warranty,don`t make them like they use too ;).
 

sd

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2000
1,968
0
0
I know they're supposed to be good, but IMHO, I think they suck! Well, not really, but I've gone through 2 in 2.5 years