Freezing for no reason

[j2k]

Hi all,

I have a strange problem after upgrading my motherboard and chip from an AMD Athlon 1GHz (motherboard was an EliteGroup K7S5A) to an AMD Athlon XP 2600+ (motherboard is now an ASRock K7S8X), running Windows XP.

The system can run perfectly fine for a few days, then suddenly it will just start freezing. Sometimes it will freeze for a few seconds, sometimes minutes, sometimes hours. The only way out is by pressing Reset, and even then, as soon as it reloads Windows, it starts freezing again.

While it freezes, the CPU usage shoots up to 100% in Task Manager, even though in Processes, no application is using any CPU usage.

The temperature checker in the BIOS reports the CPU temp is around 50 degrees C, and the motherboard temp is around 40 degrees C, at all times.

I've checked for any conflicts in Device Manager, and none are found.

I've tried reformatting the hard drive, and the problem persists. I've not installed any new software, and the hardware configuration has not changed since the old motherboard and chip. The old motherboard and chip worked perfectly, but it was very slow as it was only 1GHz, so it was time to upgrade.

Is there anything I can do to remedy this, as I did call the supplier about the problem, as it appears to me that there is a hardware fault on either the motherboard and chip, and they are basically refusing to do anything about it.

[si_the_geek]

One thing that springs to mind is that you may have settings on the motherboard that are causing an issue (eg: possibly memory timings wrong, possibly bluetooth turned on - but don't have it connected to an aerial, ...)

Another issue is service packs for windows - do you have the latest? The new motherboard/processor may have features that weren't supported until after XP came out.

[j2k]

Originally posted by si_the_geek
One thing that springs to mind is that you may have settings on the motherboard that are causing an issue (eg: possibly memory timings wrong, possibly bluetooth turned on - but don't have it connected to an aerial, ...)

Another issue is service packs for windows - do you have the latest? The new motherboard/processor may have features that weren't supported until after XP came out.

Hi there,

Thanks for replying.

The motherboard doesn't have bluetooth onboard, so that isn't an issue. I'm running Windows XP Service Pack One, and I have installed the drivers on the motherboard CD which were designed for XP, so I doubt there are any problems there.

As far as I'm aware, the memory settings are correct too.

The system does sometimes unfreeze itself without the need to reset, but most times it does freeze and refuses to unfreeze and I must hit the Reset switch, only to find, minutes later, it starts freezing up again.

Thanks

[si_the_geek]

memory and bluetooth were just examples - there are literally hundreds of settings in most modern motherboards, and I wouldn't know which ones to suggest.


The next thing is to make sure you have the correct drivers for you hardware (graphics card, modem, network card, etc..). There have been lots of issues with drivers for XP, so make sure you have good ones (check the websites for microsoft & the manufacturer).

Also be wary of devices attached to the computer - printers/scanners etc.

[DiGiTaIErRoR]

What kind of heatsink do you have?

[j2k]

Hi,

The box reads: akasa Silver Mountain Super CPU Cooler.

Is 50 degrees C too hot or okay?

Thanks

[Xanith]

Originally posted by j2k
Hi,

The box reads: akasa Silver Mountain Super CPU Cooler.

Is 50 degrees C too hot or okay?

Thanks

50 degrees C is running hot if that is your idle temp. Under full load you can expect that number to shoot up to dangerous levels. This sounds like the very reason your computer is locking. I suggest checking to see if your heat sink and fan are correctly mounted on your Processor.

You might want to invest in some Artic Silver III and reattach your heatsink/fan to your processor. Also you might want to invest in some case fans to help keep your computer cool.

X

[j2k]

Originally posted by Xanith
50 degrees C is running hot if that is your idle temp. Under full load you can expect that number to shoot up to dangerous levels. This sounds like the very reason your computer is locking. I suggest checking to see if your heat sink and fan are correctly mounted on your Processor.

You might want to invest in some Artic Silver III and reattach your heatsink/fan to your processor. Also you might want to invest in some case fans to help keep your computer cool.

X

Hello there,

My initial reaction was that 50 degrees is hot too. I'll take a look at Arctic Silver III. Thanks.

As for fans - the system already has 5 fans, so therefore I have come to the conclusion that:

1) Either the CPU is faulty and running way too hot

or

2) The fans aren't working efficiently.

Cheers

[Xanith]

Originally posted by j2k
Hello there,

My initial reaction was that 50 degrees is hot too. I'll take a look at Arctic Silver III. Thanks.

As for fans - the system already has 5 fans, so therefore I have come to the conclusion that:

1) Either the CPU is faulty and running way too hot

or

2) The fans aren't working efficiently.

Cheers
It has to be the heat sink and fan for the CPU. Usually case fans will just dive the temp down a few C. Not sure if the AMD's come with a thermal pad like the Intel processors but if the connection is not right you will find temperatures like you are describing. Ive seen your problem happen before I think if you scrape off the thermal pad and get some ASIII and apply it correctly you should be gtg. Good luck.

X