Random Reboots/Shutdowns - Help Needed!

[Jotho]

I built the computer seen in signature in fall 2004. Everyone has worked great since. A few weeks ago, I was playing Madden 06 when the monitor went blank as if the video card was receiving no signal. I rebooted and everything seemed ok. This happened a couple times over the next week.

Fast forward to today, in AOE3, sometimes I can only play for about 10 mins before the machine locks up. However, sometimes, I can play for hours and everything is OK. Unlike a few weeks ago though, I now am getting random shutdowns while on the internet or just using basic Windows apps. I originally thought the problem might be my video card, but I'm leaning more toward the power supply (Antec SmartPower v1.0 350w) now. Motherboard PSU readings: +12v=11.73, 3.3v=2.58, 5v=4.88. I've heard these readings can be inaccurate, but as is they fall way out of spec. Any ideas? suggestions? tips?

Any feedback/help would definitely be appreciated.

 

[biff 24 2000]

run memtest to check and make sure your ram is still good.

 

[Sentinel]

I'm guessing it's psu related, check your fittings on everything though. What's the cpu temperature?

 

[Jotho]

CPU temps have not changed since I got the system. My 3200 idles around 38 C and maxes out under load around 45 C. I suppose I could try running Memtest, but I didn't think that would cause a complete system shutdown.

 

[Jotho]

Any other ideas? I'd really appreciate some help.

 

[mechBgon]

I tend to think of the power supply as well. You're using the stock Antec SL350S from your case? Got any other quality units with suitable wattage that you could try, as a fact-finding step?

Alternately, do you have a low-end video card that you could test with, such as an old Radeon 7000 or GeForce2MX?

 

[Jotho]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I tend to think of the power supply as well. You're using the stock Antec SL350S from your case? Got any other quality units with suitable wattage that you could try, as a fact-finding step?

Alternately, do you have a low-end video card that you could test with, such as an old Radeon 7000 or GeForce2MX?

Thanks for the suggestions! Yes, I'm using the stock PSU. I don't know of any decent PSU's I could swap in. I might try contacting some local computer stores to see what my options are.

I do have a Voodoo3 3000 lying around and I would be able to get a Geforce3 Ti200 pretty easily. I could give them a try, but figured they wouldn't load the PSU so much and therefore would not cause problems.

Anyone else?

 

[mechBgon]

I do have a Voodoo3 3000 lying around and I would be able to get a Geforce3 Ti200 pretty easily. I could give them a try, but figured they wouldn't load the PSU so much and therefore would not cause problems.

But that is exactly the point of trying them. If a low-power video card results in a stable system, that tells you something.

Another thought: if you happen to have access to a digital multimeter, you can do a reality check on the gross voltages that the power supply is putting out during actual usage.

 

[Skeeedunt]

I know this sounds dumb, but... make sure your CPU is heatsink isn't full of dust (take some compressed air to it). I had the same symptoms and that took care of it.

 

[cbolt67]

Originally posted by: Jotho
I suppose I could try running Memtest, but I didn't think that would cause a complete system shutdown.

Why not give memtest a try???It's free. If you pass that then get a new PSU

 

[Jotho]

I ran test 8 in Memtest for a little over 3 hours with no errors being reported. Before I try looking into a new PSU, are there any other suggestions?

 

[hAxsYn]

My friend had a similar problem with his "Cyber-Power" PC. He was running a Sapphire 9600XT. He would play warcraft III for 10-20 mins and his comp would freeze, shut off, reboot, etc... Yet, sometimes he could play for hours. He thought it was his card, it was overheating, but that was fixed (thermal compound, a clean hsf, and another case fan, some wire plumbing etc...). Problem still persited... He then swapped his 2x 256MB memory sticks in and out and found out 1 was bad. Replaced it, and his problems stopped. Maybe you can relate to this story ( ) and find it helpful.

 

[Jotho]

Interesting idea on the memory. Even though Memtest ran OK for a few hours, I'll try pulling one stick of RAM for a few days. Anything else anyone can think of?

 

[Jotho]

Looking over things in my case again, I decided to pull the ATX motherboard connector and look at it. I would guess that this (refer to pics) is not normal. Would this cause the random shutdowns/reboots I'm experiencing? What would cause this? Time for new PSU?

Pic1
Pic2

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Jotho
Looking over things in my case again, I decided to pull the ATX motherboard connector and look at it. I would guess that this (refer to pics) is not normal. Would this cause the random shutdowns/reboots I'm experiencing? What would cause this? Time for new PSU?

Pic1
Pic2

That would explain your low 3.3V readings, all right :shocked: That's the 3.3V wires with the charring there.

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: Jotho
Looking over things in my case again, I decided to pull the ATX motherboard connector and look at it. I would guess that this (refer to pics) is not normal. Would this cause the random shutdowns/reboots I'm experiencing? What would cause this? Time for new PSU?

Pic1
Pic2

Ouch... I think that explains your low 3.3v numbers, hopefully it is only your PSU, and not a mobo problem that is trying to draw too much amperage on the 3.3v lines.

 

[Jotho]

Well, I guess means I'll be needing a new PSU. After doing some looking around, I've come up with Antec TruePower 2.0 480w (or 550w), OCZ Powerstream 420w, or Seasonic S-12 380w in my price range.

Any recommendations out of this group? I know the Antec and Seasonic have dual 12v rails. Would it be worth an extra $20 to go with the Seasonic 430w? Any opinions or comments are appreciated. Right now I'm leaning toward the Antec TP2 480w.

 

[raildogg]

Enermax Noisetaker 485W, its around $75. Or if you want a Seasonic 430W, its around $90 or so. I'd get the Noisetaker if that was my price range.

 

[TraumaRN]

I was going to say it might be an overclocking problem but nevermind! I've found out AOE3 is quite the litmus test for overclocking stability for some reason...I mean if in so far as go 1mhz too high which at this point is 271 in like 5 minutes AOE3 locks up hard. And I know mine isnt my PSU, my rails are all within spec....and by the way you can check out my PSU too, it's quite nice, got it for 96 bucks shipped.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817101516