Computer "randomly" restarts

[wviperw]

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?

 

[DoubleUhat]

random reboot = PSU problem (most likely) or poor contact on AC socket/plug.
even your psu is labelled 400W, but how certain you are on the 12V and 5V regulation. Try ur system with another PSU?

 

[JRez]

Double is correct, but there's one additional thing that could cause a reboot - The Infinite Loop error with the video card driver. I only started experiencing it with my newest computer. Found a workaround, but try getting the temps down and a better regulated PS first.

 

[wviperw]

Arghh, I was hoping it wouldn't be the PS... I don't get why it would be having problems though. The computer says the 12v voltage is actually around 11.85 and the +5v is 4.99v. Isn't that close enough?

The only other PS I have is a 300w in my Antec case--do you think this might work for testing the 2500+ system?

 

[IsmaelRamos]

Did you have both motherboard power supply cables connected? The big ATX one, and the small square P4 one? Your motherboard can use both to eliminate this problem if your power supply is P4 capable.


If you are planning on buying another power supply, I will reccomend you the Antec True-Power series. Antec True-power 380w is very good and very silent.


I use an Antec True-power 550w in my system, but I am overclocking and running 5 big 120mm fans on my system. When I first installed I was expecting it to be loud, but I was surprised as how quiet it is. In fact, it is much quieter than my old Antec 300w, which was way louder.