Computer randomly freezing.-Help needed PLEASE.

spiruel

spiruel

spiruel

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Joined
20 Feb 2011
Posts
51
Update: Why can my computer run with integrated graphics, but when I put an graphics card into the computer, it crashes?



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~Eventlog.zip mega upload link here.

~~I'm new to overclockers forums, and I am a complete noob at computers. I am posting here due to my computer problems.

Around the 1st of February, my computer monitor begun to flash black on and off. After reconnecting the monitor cables, and restarting my computer etc- I thought the computer was fixed.
But then it got worse. A few days afterwards, my computer screen flashed to black, and then the screen switched on again to show a frozen screen. Even my teamspeak voicechat sound had been cut off.
The only way to turn off the computer was to hold down the power button.

I had recently installed new graphics drivers, so I rolled them back- and the problem fixed itself for *2 weeks*.

And then, taa da. Now, randomly- from computer startup, to switching the computer on for a few hours to even on my Asus boot screen- the computer freezes randomly. Completely unpredictable.

I asked my friends for help, who examined my 'event logs' for me. I believe the 'kernel power' critical errors I get is when I turn off my computer by holding down the power button. However, they said the 'AMD northbridge' warning was a problem.

I searched the internet in desperation, and I have a found a few threads saying that my Ram needs more voltage. I have put the ram voltage from 1.5v-1.65vapprox in my 'BIOS settings?'.
I have also found this windows update, which I have not installed. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2265716/en-us

Is it ram? Is it motherboard hardware damage? Is it overheating? Is it northbridge? Is it virus? Is is malfunction?

I apologise in advance for my lack of computer knowledge, and I will be remaking this thread when I have more time, if you need more info just ask.

Thankyou for any possible advice you can provide, and I appreciate all replies.


TL;DR version:

I have had my computer since May 2010.
My computer is custom built.
The problem started about 1st Feb.
 
Last edited:
paradisiac said:
run memtest for 12hours + to check ram
run prime95 with some form of temp monitoring app to check cpu
run 3dmark to test graphics card

if all those pass without errors then fresh install of windows to eliminate software.
Click to expand...

I wouldnt be allowed to run memtest for that long, but my friend has read this forum, and is getting me these programs. I am going to try all of them- running memtest for about 2 hours.
I will have to go soon, but hopefully I will be able to post the results of the tests tomorrow.
 
I just used prime95, with hw monitor to monitor temperatures. My processors temperatures soared to 63C, so I had to exit the test pronto.
 
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~My computer froze three time when attempting to switch it on today. It froze on the desktop, then when firefox began to load up, and then on the 'starting windows 7' screen. All 3 different reboots.

paradisiac said:
did you get a chance to check which cpu you have?

how many cycles of memtest completed in your 2hour stint?

have you had chance to run 3d mark at all?

has anything been changed in bios, ie any overclocking or voltage bumps?
Click to expand...

Cpu- AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 955 processor (4 CPUs), -3.2GHz
Memtest- I think I got 1 and a half cycles, but im unsure- I closed it when it said it had completed with no errors.

I will run 3d mark now, once I get it onto my computer.

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@DavieJG From memory I believe the psu I was going to get, was out of stock- so my father bought something different.

Could anyone please have a look at my event logs? (Dl link first post). It keeps reporting AMD northbridge 'corrected hardware' warnings.
 
I have a lack of knowledge regarding computers, but can the cpu overheating cause this problem? The problem occurs randomly, from switching on to leaving it while I go for dinner. It freezes when the cpu is potentially under strain, and even when it is just idling.
 
I fear the worst if I take the side of my computer, so Ill ask for help with that tomorrow. The big fan on the side of my case never worked- so I use the 2 little fans at the back of the case for cooling. I will try and fix the big case fan tomorrow.
 
paradisiac said:
yes if it is over heating you will get freezing and lockups.
it would be my first port of call, check the fan is clean and dust free, repaste it and then see how it goes from there.
Click to expand...

Ok, thanks for that. I will do that tomorrow as early as possible. However, I don't understand how the cpu can overheat when the computer is switching on, or if the computer has been doing nothing for about half an hour on the screensaver.
-Remember, when my computer freezes, the monitor can sometimes flash black then freeze. No noise comes from my computer when it freezes, not even the fan speed.

Can someone please look at my event logs? It makes sense for something regarding the issue to be logged in there.
 
When my brother built my computer for me, I think he put the fans in the wrong way. However my computer has lasted a year without any overheating problems, and my room is relatively cold anyway.
I am fixing all computer fans tomorrow, and will try and dust the fans now with my brothers help.

-Downloading 3dmark, and my friends have agreed to repaste my fan/s tomorrow.

Many thanks for your help so far, paradisiac. ;D
 
I am using Window 7 Home Premium 64bit (6.1, Build 7600)

I don't think its my OS, as it can crash before Windows even begins to start.
 
I was only running prime95 for a few minutes, before people on teamspeak told me to quit it.

I am downloading the latest *free* version of 3dmark from 3dmark.com website.

I am completely unsure how many cycles my computer ran through on memtest, but my brother says approx 1 1/2. I just closed memtest once it said it had completed, because It was late and I had to shut down quickly.
 
It is sitting in the low 30's at the moment, as all I am doing is internet browsing.

I'm going to test out 3d mark now, and then run a few games and monitor temperatures.
 
By the way- is Amd Northbridge warning anything to worry about? I am still on warranty for my computer parts till May (I hope), but I am solely depending on others to help me with this. I hate turning my machine off with the power button, and its very worrying for a person like me that doesn't know a thing about hardware.
 
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