random lockups all of a sudden

[gplracer]

My system is below in my signature. For some reason i now get a lockup after transcoding video for 10+ minutes or more. I also get a lockup after playing call of duty 4 for an extended amount of time. I noticed when I back down the system to 2.25mhz the transcoding of video in Nero is fine. Obviously something is causing the overclock to be unstable. Before it has run 24/7 for 3 years without an issue. I suspect the ram or the power supply but i am not sure. Suggestions?

 

[Idontcare]

Originally posted by: gplracer
My system is below in my signature. For some reason i now get a lockup after transcoding video for 10+ minutes or more. I also get a lockup after playing call of duty 4 for an extended amount of time. I noticed when I back down the system to 2.25mhz the transcoding of video in Nero is fine. Obviously something is causing the overclock to be unstable. Before it has run 24/7 for 3 years without an issue. I suspect the ram or the power supply but i am not sure. Suggestions?

Can't offer system specific advice for you, but in general if you have something going unstable after 3 years then it is usually heat-death related assuming you aren't massively over-volted.

Look for dust and cobwebs. The PSU may need to be opened up (be SAFE) and have the dust vacuumed out. Your mobo may be covered in just enough of a thin film of dust that the VRM's are now pushed outside their comfort range. The HSF itself may need a good cleaning.

I would eliminate the possibility that it is dust accumulation making things ever so slightly hotter before assuming you have true hardware failure issues. But hardware failure issues are possible too, so that would be the next thing to check if dust isn't the root-cause.