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Does my i3 540 have a problem ?

Moonpie2

Moonpie2

Moonpie2

Soldato
Joined
23 Dec 2002
Posts
2,870
Location
Shiny Shanghai
I dunno whether this is anything to do with anything, but occasionally when I turn my PC on, it either gets stuck on the post screen, or takes litterally minutes to get through it.

And if it IS one of the times that I just sit patiently and wait then my PC seems sluggish and unresponsive when I'm in windows7

I decided to have a look at CPUZ to see if anything untoward was going on and I'm not sure if this is right.

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Should the multiplier and MHZ be fluctuating like that ?? :confused:
 
Moonpie2 said:
Should the multiplier and MHZ be fluctuating like that ?? :confused:
Click to expand...

That's speedstep kicking in - it's designed to drop the multiplier and Core Speed to save energy when the computer is idle.

As for your random problem how is the BIOS set up did you set it up manually or is everything on auto?

Have you always had the problem or has it developed over time?
 
Its been coming on slowly.
Happened like once every 4 or 5 boot-ups a couple of months ago.
Now it seems to be 2/3 of the time on a bad day :(

Haven't put any new hardware in in about 4 months either.
And I'm guessing it's nothing to do with windows since it's the POST screen.

Did a quick google and someone mentioned disabling the USB Legacy (whatever that is) but I'll give it a try.

My BIOS has basically been on default from day 1.
Witha few tewaks here and there (eg.. boot up sequence) but no major tweakage !!
 
What's your complete spec and how old (and make) is the PSU?

For an opening salvo i would update the BIOS to the latest release and then manually input the settings.

I would also test the PSU - using the paperclip test.

In addition to the above it would be wise to check all hardware and cables are securely fitted - in and outside of the case - including gfx, memory etc...
 
The frequency changing is due to SpeedStep and is normal. Your POST issue is likely due to dodgy hardware or a dodgy connection somewhere. I get the same issue every now and then where POST takes 30 seconds longer than it should and to fix it, I need to unplug my card reader (plugged into a USB header on the motherboard) and plug it back in.
 
This was a new build like 6 months ago.
Latest drivers and everything now.

PSU is 400w possibly 450w (Just about right for the i3 and the HD5670 I should think)
Not sure what the paperclip test is tho..... I'll give it a google.
And I think I'll also open the case, and give everything a good wiggle and clean to make sure nothing's come loose.

I shall return !! :)
 
Well, I just gave everything a wiggle and cleared some dust out.
My boot-up was fast.......... so fingers crossed.
 
Moonpie2 said:
I dunno whether this is anything to do with anything, but occasionally when I turn my PC on, it either gets stuck on the post screen, or takes litterally minutes to get through it.

And if it IS one of the times that I just sit patiently and wait then my PC seems sluggish and unresponsive when I'm in windows7
Click to expand...
I don't think it's problem with you CPU...it sounds more like issue with the HDD...though I'm not 100% sure on this.

Try connecting the HDD to a different sata port may be?
 
Moonpie2 said:
PSU is 400w possibly 450w (Just about right for the i3 and the HD5670 I should think)
Click to expand...

What's the brand/make?

If it's a cheap generic PSU it may be the route of your problems

Moonpie2 said:
Not sure what the paperclip test is tho..... I'll give it a google.
Click to expand...

Below are links to Huddy's site which has a step by step guide on how to test your PSU using a volt/multimeter (paperclip test):

'Use a multimeter to check your PSU' and one to 'How to check if your PSU is faulty'

The process is easier than it sounds and although it's not a definitive test it can rule out fundemental issues.


Moonpie2 said:
Well, I just gave everything a wiggle and cleared some dust out.
My boot-up was fast.......... so fingers crossed.
Click to expand...

Here's hoping.
 
It's a 400W Cooler Master PSU, so I think I'm ok and haven't damaged anything with an underpowered box of crap :)

I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed about my 'wiggle' fix and keep an eye on that POST screen !!
 
Well I've done an optimized defrag, but I've set it to check for errors on the next reboot.
Other than that, I think I might need to test my memory with the ole memtest86+
 
And the winner is..................... spleenharvester !!

It was indeed an external HDD. Unplugged them (both) and haven't had a single slow POST screen since.
Gonna try them in different USB slots to see if has any effect as having unplugged HDD's kinda defeats the point of having them !!
 
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