System Freezes (Windows XP Blue Screen) - Help or Advice.

[elfnumber1]

Hello there,

System recently fresh installed with copy of Windows XP Pro. Changed over to a new power supply, hard drive, video card, and HSF.

I had problems installing the OS to begin with. Now whenever I leave the computer for 10 minutes it just freezes. If I try to listen to mp3's or play back video files it freezes. Reboot, does the same thing.

System specs:

ASUS a7v266 (newest BIOS revision)
AMD XP 2000+ (tbred)
512 ddr 2100
seagate 60gb
32mb ATI Rage

I went from an Antec 300W PSU to an Enermax 300W PSU. Got a new low profile HSF which states up to XP 2000+. The motherboard monitor states CPU is at 174F and motherboard temp at 89F.

I'm not sure if it's temperature or if it's the PSU. But my assumptions are one of those two. Any suggestions?

ps: I've tested the: (meaning that i've tried other parts with the system to see if it were more stable, same results with different parts listed)

hard drive
ram
video card
CPU
motherboard

 

[TronX]

Motherboard monitor states CPU is at 174F and motherboard temp at 89F.
Holy SH!T 174F! = 78.8C TURN THAT SUCKER OFF!!! HURRY!!!

 

[snidy1]

Make sure your heat sink is seated properly and the fan is working

 

[TronX]

Originally posted by: snidy1
Make sure your heat sink is seated properly and the fan is working

He is lucky.. could be dead with that much heat.
I'd do the same thing.. check the heatsink/fan again.
Also make sure your computer Bios has the right amount
of CPU voltage.

 

[elfnumber1]

Ok, I think the voltage to the CPU is incorrect. I was stupid and didn't do any research on what it should be. Anyone point me to where I can find that info fast? Or just tell me what the break downs should be. Thanks.

elfnumber1

ps: what is a good temperature for CPU and motherboard?

 

[TronX]

For the speed grades where the A and B overlap, you might
be able to tell by looking at the voltage code (4th character
from the end of the part number):

---TBredA | TBredB---
1800+ L U
1900+ L *
2000+ U/K** U
2100+ U U
2200+ K U

Key: L = 1.50 volts; U = 1.60 volts; K = 1.65 volts

*AMD apparently didn't release a TBred B in 1900+ speed grade

**AMD apparently released 2 different versions of the TBred
A 2000+, operating at different core voltages

So you can use the part number to distinguish between the
TBredA and TBredB at 1800+ and 2200+ speed grades. At 2000+,
if you have a 1.65V part it is definitely a TBredA, but if
it is 1.60V it could be either. At 2100+ you can't tell
them apart based on the part number.

I'd say you should be around 45C to 55C with 62C+ being to warm!
You had it at 78C!!!

 

[elfnumber1]

Yeah, I'm not trusting the monitor that I have installed. It was from ASUS. I'm gonna try SpeedFan right now to see if the readings are correct.

I just booted it up to check out the core voltage and looks like it was running at the lowest 1.65V the motherboard would allow. I know for a fact that I have the tbredA not B.

What if temp is not the problem? Then what could it be? I have artic silver between the HSF and CPU. Maybe try reapplying it to make sure there's good contact. Any other suggestions?

elf

 

[elfnumber1]

Ok, just checked out the temp on the Motherboard. It seems like right when I boot it up it goes all the way up from 45-60 and then I shut it off for safety purposes. Well, looks like I'm going to the mother of all HSF...

Let you guys know in a jiffy!

elf

 

[elfnumber1]

Just installed a new HSF. The CPU temp had dropped a lot, but still feels sort of high in comparison to others' temps.

It's running idle-ly at 49C = 120F. If this is okay, just let me know. Thanks.

 

[TronX]

49C at Idle is about right for that chip.
You could get less, but then you would
need a Delta fan.. those are too much
noise for most people. Give her a spin
and see if she crashes again.😉

 

[arkmtech]

Originally posted by: elfnumber1
...Anyone point me to where I can find that info fast? Or just tell me what the break downs should be. Thanks...

I remember reading somewhere that AMD's official stance on CPU heat is that anything above 60.0C is "too hot," but 79.8C is just way too close for comfort, as the average death temperature of an Athlon is around 80.0C (or above!) :Q

You're a lucky lad to not have a dead CPU on your hands!

 

[elfnumber1]

Thanks guys. The new HSF worked fine. The system idle temp is 52C/125F which is a bit above normal temp, but at least it doesn't lock up anymore. If there are anymore suggestions as to how I can lower it more, please do tell.

I'm using an adjustable CoolerMaster HSF.

 

[zephyrprime]

Are you using heatsink grease?

 

[TronX]

Originally posted by: elfnumber1
Thanks guys. The new HSF worked fine. The system idle temp is 52C/125F which is a bit above normal temp, but at least it doesn't lock up anymore. If there are anymore suggestions as to how I can lower it more, please do tell.

I'm using an adjustable CoolerMaster HSF.

I don't think there is not much more you can do unless
you add more fans to the case maybe? If your
willing to spend more money on cooling, something
like the SubZero4G? Thermo-electric Cooling (Socket 462)
would get down to around 35C and not take longer than
15minutes to install.

 

[bocamojo]

I would suggest using a heatsink with an adapter for an 80mm fan. This would give you quieter cooling and higher CFM. Also, what OS are you running? I know my AMD system used to run a lot hotter in Windows ME than it does in Win XP.

 

[TheIndianMaxPain]

Hey do u remove the cellotape on the heatsink material.. Or is ur Cabinet a conjusted one??
Give the CPU some AIR to Breathe. Open the flap. It will surely take the temp down. As i can see that ur Mobo temp is also high. If the problem would have been the Heatsink then only the CPU temp should rise not the mobo temp. Not that much. Try it.

 

[elfnumber1]

Thanks for the help. I think I'm going to get another HSF that would better cool the CPU. I'm not sure what that last post was talking about.

I am running WindowsXP. This HSF is really huge and makes lots of noise.