Computer Can't take the COLD?

[jhigh2000]

This is really weird! I wonder if there is any explanation for this before I start ripping things out/RMAing.

Built a new system and validated setup by running 24 hour loop of 3DMark 2001 and 24 hours of Prime95. System was 100% stable. After 24 hours, CPU was 54C (idle is 30C), case ambient was about 33C. Last night I wanted to air out the room and opened the window. The room was about 70F and the outside temp was about 45F. Within about 60 seconds, the room temperature dropped to about 58F. Suddenly, the computer (which was about 2-3 feet from the open window) just turned off all by itself. It was just like someone pulled the power from the wall. When I booted back up, the BIOS said the computer was shutdown due to a thermal event! The system was idle at the time. Is it possible that the motherboard sensors got confused due to the quick drop in temperatures? The CPU side of the case was very cold to the touch. Since this has happened, I have since run 12 more hours Prime95 with no problems. I would really like to chalk this up to some anomaly?hopefully somebody has some ideas. Thank you!

Here are the relevant specs:
Intel 2.8C (non-overclocked) 30C@idle/54C Load
Intel 875 Motherboard
1GB Mushkin Level I @ 2-3-3-6
Antec True 430 PSU (all rails look great)
Antec SLK2600AMB Case

 

[modedepe]

It sounds like something is wrong with the senor readings. Your cpu should not be cooler than the case temp.

 

[jhigh2000]

Ooops, Sorry I got that backwards...

CPU Idle is 33C, case is 30C.

 

Did you check for condensation inside the case ?

 

[jhigh2000]

There very well could have been condensation...the side of the case by the CPU felt like I just pulled it out of the fridge.

So could condensation cause a shutdown?

Btw, I can reproduce the "thermal event shutdown" message in the BIOS. If I turn the system off by flipping the switch on the PSU I get the bogus BIOS warning when I start it back up...that could be a bug in the BIOS.


I'm more concerned about why it shutdown.

 

[cow123]

Originally posted by: modedepe
It sounds like something is wrong with the senor readings. Your cpu should not be cooler than the case temp.

MBM reading

 

[Creig]

Check to see if your BIOS has a lower limit shutdown temp. Just a thought.

 

[tweeve2002]

try moving the case away from the window next time.
Sound maybe like the BIOS acting up, look for updates for it.
because it could be a sensor error.

 

[jhigh2000]

I checked the specs for the Antec True 430 PSU. The manual states that the operating temp for the unit is 10C - 50C. 10C is about 50F, so considering that my room thermometer read about 57F and the PSU was right by the window, it is very likely it would have received a good burst of outdoor air of about 45F. I emailed Antec tech support and asked them what the expected PSU behaivior would be if the temps dropped below 10C.