Processor Problems?

[Middy493]

Ok, I am at my witt's end. I have been trying to build a stablesystem for almost 5 months, my main problems are random freezes when an OS is installed and total lock ups when trying to install the OS. It freezes when copying the files during install and also when detecting the hardware after it is done copying the files. It should be noted that recently it freezes most often when copying files during setup. I have tried EVERYTHING to try to get it to stableize. I have tried updating to all the bios, all the video drivers, have tried a Geforce2 MX, TNT2, an A7V(original rev 1.02), and an MSI K7T Pro2A, two different Power Supplies, all different ram (all tested as stable in other systems). The only thing that has stayed constant is the IBM 30gig hd, the 900 tbird, chrome orb, philips cdrw, generic cdrom, and floppy. I am thinking that it must be processor somehow, is this possible?

Here is what my system currently consists of:
MSI K7T Pro2a
64 megs of stable, tested ram
AMD TBird Processor
30 gig IBM Deskstar HDD
AMD approved antec powersupply
chromeorb
Philips CDRW
generic floppy and cdrom drive
MSI 817 geforce 2mx
NO OS, havent been able to get one on without having the system lock up!

I think that about does it, If you guys could help me, i would appriciate it, i am about to liquidate my comp stuff and go buy a, god forbid, namebrand system!!! Any bumps are welcome.

 

[XRaider]

Sounds like a mommyboard prob to me.. you flashed the bios .. If it still freezes.. well did you try this HD out on a diff system? was it fine?

 

[cpufast]

Is the core chipped? This can cause some quirkiness like you described. I had this problem with a 900 Slot A Tbird I bought. Do you have a friend that will let you check it out with their chip?

 

[Nohr]

It could be a heat problem. Chrome Orbs aren't known to be very good coolers, though I would think it'd be able to cool a Tbird 900 satisfactorily. Are you using thermal paste or anything? Does the heatsink feel excessively hot?

I wouldn't think it's a motherboard problem because you've tried two different boards, the Asus and the MSI.

As a cheap test to see if it's the CPU, you could pick up a cheap Duron 700 for around $40. Not practical perhaps, but it's a thought if no one else will let you borrow a chip.

 

[XRaider]

Good thinking Nohr! I must been picking my nose or something there.. oh oops!
It could be a number of things Middy MB, since it was your second one, aught to be fine.
Could be that your cpu is too hot- poor contact cpu/HSF, chipped cpu, funked up cd rom drive or cable, did you try diff cdroms? hey ya never know. or it's your HD.:frown:

 

[Middy493]

I'll try the HD in another computer I have, also, I have a buddy who could help me out with a CPU exchange, his in mine and mine in his. Thanks guys, keep em coming!

 

[Nohr]

It could be something as simple as a bad IDE cable. It's happened before...

 

[WarCon]

Have you tried running every motherboard adjustment at the lowest possible settings? Ram timings, mobo optimizations....etc. And then load your system. Also try only having one CD in your system when you load. Add the cd burner later. Some cd burners don't like DMA enabled, and I haven't been able to figure out why, but some programs seem to auto enabled those. Never tried to figure out what, I just solved the issue by removing the offending drive and put it in later after all the software is in.

Are you using heatsink compound on your heatsink? It is more or less a requirement. Do you have access to a different heatsink?

One test for CPU temp is does it run underclocked and undervolted. Like unlock the multipliers (L1 bridges) and run it at 600 @ 1.6vcore. Then heat can be ruled out if its still unstable.

Good luck......

 

[Middy493]

Top Floor Please.

 

[Big Lar]

Have you tried using a different cdrom yet? Beleive it or not, I had a cdrom that wouldn't read the whole windows setup to save my life, drove me nuts til I finally swapped cdroms, and wallah!

 

[Middy493]

Ok, heres the deal, I tried installing W2K on my DeskStar 30gig, and it installed fine. I couldnt finish it cause i lost my w2k product key. Any who, I have come to the beliefe that it must be either my Tbird 900, the chrome orb, or the ram. Ill see if i can narrow it down, thanks for your help.