random rebooting

[wviperw]

(crosspost from TechSupp since it might have to do w/ overheating)

I just setup a computer for my dad. Here are the specs:

Barton 2500+
Epox 8rga+
2x256mb KBYTE ram
Silver ATX case w/ 400w PS (from the Compgeeks deal)
WD 40gb HD
Windows XP

I've got WinXP installed and all the updates and stuff. But the computer just restarts with no warning when I'm doing stuff. It can be anything--browsing explorer, going through the start menu, loading programs, playing games,etc. But it seems to happen more frequently when playing games (pretty much instantly when I get into Q3 or 3DMARK). You would think it would freeze if it was a heating issue but instead it just reboots so I'm not entirely convinced it is the heat.

Plus, the temperatures for the system aren't THAT bad from what I've read on the internet.

CPU: 46 idle, 52 load
SYS: 40 idle, 43 load (ambient temp = 83F)


The system temp seems really high, but I figured that was b/c the thermistor is buried under the North Bridge (IIRC). Could it be that the North Bridge is overheating and that is why it seems to reboot more often when I get into games (IGP is on the NB right?) But that still doesn't explain why it reboots instead of freezes. Plus, I'm not OC'ing at all, so all the parts SHOULD work w/ stock cooling. Another thought that came to me is that the PS isn't giving enough juice--but it is 400w.

Any ideas?

 

[pspada]

What happens if you run the box without the case on?

 

[wviperw]

The side of the case is already off.

 

[lobadobadingdong]

try it with one stick of mem, if it's stable pull that stick and try the other, if it's still stable put both in. if it loses stability with both in, it may not work well with that mem (on that note, kbyte is el-cheapo mem) in more than one slot. if it's not stable with either stick alone, try using a different power supply and check that route, Power supply and memory are the two leading causes for random restarts. you might also try a different power cord, any small short can also cause the same problem, and it happens more than you would expect.

 

[bacillus]

also double check that the m/board isn't shorting on the case or a rogue standoff!

 

[wviperw]

thanks for the info, I'll try that stuff.

BTW, I'm going to feel newbish for asking this, but are you supposed to plug in 2 ATX plugs into the mobo (coming from PS) or just one? W/ my last computer that I built it was just the one long rectangular one, but with this one there is also a square four pin one that says it is for an extra 12v PS or something?? The mobo manual made it sound like I was supposed to plug it in however, so it currently is. That isn't the problem, is it?

 

[Overkiller]

if its not the memory try the powersupply.

or it can be something as simple as what i went through..a brown out corrupted part of win Xp so all it would do was a constant reboot....reinstall XP if nothing else works :0

 

[ponyo]

Sounds like memory problem. Try using 1 stick of memory. One of the sticks sounds bad.

 

[ReiAyanami]

suspects in following order:
1) memory
2) power supply
3) overheating

what's your graphics card? although if it were the g-card it'd probably just freeze. what thermal comound are u using, and is the heatsink oriented correctly?

the 1st two ur using generic parts so.... what are your mem clock settings at in BIOS? tune them down, cas3 ect...

 

[Overkiller]

when my graphics card blew i got post beep codes...are you gettinga ny of those?

 

[wviperw]

Graphics card is the onboard GF4-MX IGP--thats why I was suspecting the NB. I haven't done any extra stuff to the NB for cooling, it is just the heatsink (which SHOULD work stock since I'm not OC'ing).

For the CPU I'm using AS3 and the stock HSF.

The memory is KBYTE b/c it was FAR from OM. The timings are all default "Optimal" in the BIOS--meaning 2.5-3-3-7. Once again, I haven't turned anything up, so it doesn't make sense to turn things back down.

EDIT: Oh, and I'm not getting beep codes either (nor the hex codes on the 2-digit Epox display).

 

[rogue1979]

Try 2.5-3-3-8 first. Also a generic 400-watt could be barely powering the system.

 

[Cogtx]

wviperw....that case is a Powmax with a powmax PS I'm guessing. Powmax PS may not be pumping out the juice on the 3 and 5 rails to handle your system...should be around 180w total on the 3 and 5 rails IMHO. Also, had a Powmax PS last year for about one week...didn't play nicely with others in the rig so had to let 'em go...good luck...

 

[pspada]

Powmax powersupply = garbarge

 

[wviperw]

Ok, I messed around with the memory and I don't think that is the problem. I tried each stick separately and it didn't help. I also tried changing the timings and stuff and it didn't help.

So it is the PS I guess. With the HW monitor that came w/ the mobo, the only voltage that was having problems was the VBat one (battery??)--it sometimes dips below 3v and the alarm goes off. Although, I'm not even sure what it is supposed to be at. I also got MBM, and it lists -12v measurement (for some reason Epox's one doesn't). The -12v one is at about -7v!! I'm guessing that is bad. (unless MBM is screwed up)

So is there any other way to test the PS besides what I've done? Should I try my Antec 300w in it and see if it works?

And assuming it IS a bad PS, what do I do now? See if I can get it replaced by CompGeeks or just buy a new one?

 

[wviperw]

bump

 

[asadovsky]

Could be some kind of driver problem... make sure you have the latest drivers installed on your computer, esp for that video card