PC resetting sporadically

[spittledip]

Hi

wasn't sure if this is a mobo problem, RAM or CPU issue, and am pretty sure it isn't a power supply problem. I have only noticed it happening after closing Firefox or Prime95 (after a stress test). Upon closing these apps, the screen goes black and the computer reboots. I have tried to duplicate the problem using Aquamark and 3dmark, but no problems occured although I tried a few times. I have gotten a fatal error message a couple of times after reboot- after doing the report to Microsoft option, the resulting information from Microsoft (via IE) is that there is some unknown driver problem. Thisis a brand new build, so I am not sure which part it could be.. or if it is just a driver issue like Microsoft says. I have updated all my drivers but no cheese. I am wondering if it is a compatibility issue with the x1050 GPU I have as I have noticed some people have complaints with it being unstable with XP (seems that these budget cards are marketed as Vista compatible )

Here is the build:
Biostar NF520-A2
X2 4400 (AM2)
2 gigs Corsair XMS
200 gig Western Dig WD2000js
Antec Basiq 500 watt
Radeon x1050

thanks

edit: for \got to mention: upon any reboot or start, after the POST it states "k8 npt data change. update new data to DMI"

 

[spittledip]

Found that I am only able to consistanly duplicate the problem after using Prime95 and stopping it. No other app produces the problem consistently.. if at all.

 

[spittledip]

UPDATE: just happened again while installing Open Office. Was able to install Open Office on the 2nd try.

 

[JustaGeek]

Do the XP repair install.

If the problem persists, re-install your chipset and IDE drivers - but do it separately, even if the Install Program comes as 1 file. Just pick chipset - reboot, then IDE - reboot etc.

Perhaps (maybe first) also check if your memory timings are set properly in BIOS. They should be all set manually, e.g. 800MHz, 2.1V, 4-4-4-12-2T.

Good luck!

 

[spittledip]

thanks. I actually already set the timings manually and that didnt work, but I will try to reinstall XP and then do the chipset drivers ,etc. Do you think it could be a corrupt CMOS? I reset that and it didnt work.. I was going to flash the BIOS but it is a type I have never done before and there are no instructions- there is an option in BIOS to update the BIOS. I am guessing I need the BIOS update on a floppy but I was not sure if that was all I needed..

edit: The Biostar USA site was up again (it was down yesterday or was heavily trafficked) and I found the instructions for updating BIOS.

 

[JustaGeek]

Update the BIOS, then enter it and load the setup defaults, save and exit, and then re-enter to setup everything manually.

It is also a good idea to reset the CMOS after the BIOS update.

Use the link below for the best procedure:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...y&keyword1=AWARD+flash

 

[spittledip]

OK, updating BIOS took care of the updating DMI issue at boot up, but the computer continues to restart when i terminate a torture test (prime95). Actually, this last time i got a bsod that said the pfd list was corrupt. I tried all the sugestions including repair install and updating chipset drivers, but still got the same problems as you see. any more ideas?

thanks

 

[JustaGeek]

I would try a different Hard Drive.

AND try to boot with a single stick, and check if it happens again - if it does, try the other stick.

 

[spittledip]

Funny thing now I cant do windows updates.. tried switching out RAM but to no avail. Just re-installed windows. hopefully that will help.. will try hard drive next. Never had so many problems before...

thanks

 

[gardener27]

i would stop using prime95

 

[spittledip]

lol, if it only happened with Prime95 then I would agree.. of course if it reset during testing that would also be different, but it was resetting right when I stopped the testing. At any rate, after doing a fresh install of XP and getting all the drivers set, the PC is not giving any more trouble and is running smoothly. thanks for the help. I am not sure if it needed a fresh install with the BIOS update, or what. The only thing I can think of that I did diferently is install the CPU driver that came on the motherboard CD. Thanksf or the help