Computer Crashing

[lyonsbrad]

Hi,

I have a Freeline ls2100 computer. It is 2years old this april, and it hasn’t caused me many problems since then.

However, I have always had a slight problem with cooling, because the case is very small, and only one fan is supplied, and there isn’t enough room in the case to fit another one.

Recently I installed an extra 1gb of ram, so now I have 4x 512mb of DDR PC3200 RAM installed.
Since ive installed it, my computer has been very unstable, and freezing regularly when the computer is under strain, like when playing full screen games for example.

Also, my computer has been cutting out, without warning, with the computer simply looking power, or so it seems. This made me suspicious of the PSU, but no strange noises have been coming from my computer, and I do not know how I can test my PSU / RAM.

I do have insurance on my computer, but I would first like to diagnose the possible problem, so that I do not have to arrange for an engineer to come round, which, last time look around 1 month, and when he arrived he said my computer was not overheating, even though HD temperatures were reported at over 65c, and CPU temps of 60-65c.

My PC specs are posted below:

- Intel Pentium 4 550 (3.4ghz)
- 4 x 512mb DDR PC3200 Samsung RAM
- 300gb Maxtor Diamond Max
- ati radeon x600 pci-e

I plan to build a new computer in august / September time, although, for now, I would like to find out any possible problems with my PC, so that I can claim on my insurance, and make sure everything is working correctly if I wanted to transfer anything to my new computer, such as the sony dvdrw drive etc.

Thankyou in advance

Bradley

 

[Kirth Gersen]

First thing that comes to mind is whether your new RAM matches your old RAM. These budget off-the shelf PCs can come with some generic RAM which sometimes don't work well with other sticks. Do you hear a high pitched squealing sound coming from the board? That can be a sign of badly matched RAM.

Second, heat is a major factor regarding instability. As an experiment, why don't you open the side panel, and turn a fan on next to it. If your PC is more stable with it on, then you need to work on the case cooling. If this is the case, you may wish to consider an interim upgrade of a new case. They don't cost much, but a good case can help with cooling dramatically. Visit the Case Central forum for ideas.

Third - and this is a longshot, but it may be your PSU. What is the wattage? It should have it on the side of the unit. I can't believe that your set up can tax a generic PSU, but maybe...

Hope this helps for starters.

 

[GSDog]

Hi Brad, it's Chris here.

Don't forget to run memtest86 if you can, it should help diagnose any problems with your new RAM.

 

[g00dsh0t]

hi m8 ,i purchased LS2100 (media center) for another room when they first came out! they are very well built but difficult to work in due to size inside case.i upgraded the memory ,like you, matched it with some samsung ddr3200 and later some geil ultrax
in the bios did you put the memmory to 400, it allways switched to 333. set the timmings manual(3-3-3-6...i think,on side of mem chip) also give them a bit of a volt increase(0.1)
as posted above , leave side off until you have got it stable, hope this helps

 

[LeeG]

If you have been getting this problem since installing the new RAM, then it doesn't take much to put the blame on this. Try removing the old RAM sticks and check the stability. Have a look on the stickers on the RAM to see if all the numbers match. As Kirth says, non matching RAM modules to not run very well together.

Would be an amazing coincidence if your problem lies with either a faulty PSU or heat related. The extra RAM will not cause a huge increase in heat or power usage.

I'm pretty certain it is the new RAM.

 

[lyonsbrad]

hi m8 ,i purchased LS2100 (media center) for another room when they first came out! they are very well built but difficult to work in due to size inside case.i upgraded the memory ,like you, matched it with some samsung ddr3200 and later some geil ultrax
in the bios did you put the memmory to 400, it allways switched to 333. set the timmings manual(3-3-3-6...i think,on side of mem chip) also give them a bit of a volt increase(0.1)
as posted above , leave side off until you have got it stable, hope this helps

Ok thanks for your replies everyone, I will try this now ^^^ Because i really want to leave taking the new / old RAM out untill last, because, as you may know g00dsh0t, its very hard getting the RAM in, seeing as the DVD drive is right over the top of the slot, and is very difficult to get the RAM in

I will post back soon when i have tried this step