PC random freezes. Need help please

gbdtil1

gbdtil1

gbdtil1

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24 Mar 2006
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219
Morning all,

2 nights ago my pc suddenly locked up (cursor wouldn't move and no response even via task manager) and a faint whining sound came through my speakers. I've been swapping my cpu out a fair bit recently, changing back and fore between a C2D 1.86 and a C2D 2.66 and I'm not sure whether this has caused the pc to become totally unstable.

I also recently removed the stock cooler from my XFX 8800 GTX and replaced it with the Thermalright HR 03 cooler, taking great care to ensure everything was seated as it should be.

Since then, I'm getting random freezes (lock ups) and the only way to access the system is to switch off and go back in.

I have since changed out my graphics card and ram (not that I was convinced these were the problems) under a process of elimination. I believe both my CPU's are ok and temps are certainly not a problem (40 degrees under load in Orthos for the 1.86cpu and 50 for the 2.66 chip).

Grateful for some views from anybody who's experienced similar problems. By swapping out the CPU as often as I have done recently (probably 5 times in total), have I corrupted the system (or bios) in any way or is this more likely a different hardware related problem, ie MOBO, PSU or HDD. Also for info, the PC occasionally locks up on posting but I can tolerate this as it always posts 2nd time of asking - but may be symptomatic of the wider problem.

As you can tell by my many theories on this, I basically don't have a clue and I therefore throw myself at your mercy and wisdom ;)

Any help / views greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance :)
 
If your are swapping out the CPU make sure the CPU settings are set to Auto otherwise one set on manaul settings will work for one and not the other. This will apply to the RAM too as the different chips may have a different frequency. Best thing is to clear the CMOS each time.

I take it also you took ESD precautions each time ;)
 
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Huddy - many thanks for taking the time out to look at this.

ESD? By this do you mean static discharge? If so, I'm always fairly disciplined in this regard.

In terms of bios, I have F5'd my bios to return to default values. I haven't however tried clearing the CMOS - will need to consult manual for my P5N32 sli se deluxe board to see where battery and pins are for this.

I take it F5'ing the values might not be sufficient then?

Thanks again for your input ;)
 
As stated previously I have reset the bios to stock settings so voltages are on auto. I have tried inputting manual values for ram timings and voltage but left cpu at auto (which defaults to approx 1.33 vcore). I don't think the problem lies here as the cpu is at stock frequency and Ram (when at auto) ran timings a little looser than they are capable of. In any event regarding the ram, I have also tried setting the timings and voltage according to manufacturers spec and the problem persists.

Again though, thanks for input :)
 
Drill your CPU and RAM settings in manually, rule them out. I had no end of instability which everything set to auto. Bet you a nut it's that, especially if you're getting lock ups on post. What RAM is it out of interest?
 
Can't recall which PSU is fitted but defo not high end - more of a mid range effort from memory, but certainly beefy enough (600 watt) to support the requirements of my 8800GTX which it has for over a year now. It might be on its way out so will replace that as my next process of elimination.

I've used 2 different sets of ram: OCZ Platinum Revision 6400 and Corsair XMS 6400. I'm pretty sure both sets of ram are in good health.

I will clear the CMOS tonight when I get home and reinput manual values for vcore and ram and see how it goes. I would point out however, that the system was previously stable for several months on end with auto settings and the same components.

Thanks for the continued input all ;)
 
Still no further forward with guys. Gone through all previous recommendations (for which I'm grateful) including manually setting VCORE AND VDIMM and clearing CMOS and removing battery etc and still no joy. :confused:

Problem seems to be getting more frequent and quite often now the PC can't even complete a POST and get to Windows loading.

I seem to have ruled out RAM and GFX as the culpits. I'm thinking more along the lines now of PSU, failing MOBO, corrupt bios, or failing hard drive or need for Windows reinstal (but not sure about the latter as often can't even complete a POST) - think I've edged my bets with the aforementioned suspects :D

Anyways, grateful if someone could offer a more supported theory as to the problem rather than my outrageous stabs in the dark.

Cheers all
 
Bought new PSU (Enermax Infiniti 650 Watt modular) and PC was stable for about 2 weeks - in fact, up until I moved house over the weekend!

Plumbed in pc yesterday and lo and behold we're back to the same problem. Sometimes won't POST (well often now as it happens) and when it does, random freezes.

Oddly, I managed to get in briefly last night and ran Orthos for 40 minutes without problems!

Assuming I have a perfectly working new PSU, I don't know where to turn next. I have swapped out ram, GFX, CPU and more recently PSU. Anybody have any other advise or means of testing some of the hardware?

Cheers all
 
Guess: Sounds like a borderline short/bad contact somewhere, possibly. Suggestion: Strip down to mobo+cpu+psu+powerswitch+speaker only (outside of case) and confirm it reliably posts (beeps at you) in this state. If so, then reassemble bit by bit, checking after each step it still posts. Wit a bit of luck, the rebuild might cure whatever's ailing it. (Asides: Make sure you've not got motherboard risers on the motherboard backplane where there are no holes on the motherboard. If you've not used washers under the screws screwing into the risers, do so now when rebuilding. Force a CMOS reset clear as well at some point using the motherboard jumper.)
 
ByteJuggler - you may be on to something with your short / bad connection theory. I still haven't nailed this down yet and the problem persisted all through last night. I took out the mobo and reinstalled everything ensuring there were no bad contacts etc but still no joy. I will next up try your suggestion of running the parts outside of the case and see how that goes.

An interesting point however is that after a freeze (when I do eventually get into Windows), I power off the system by depressing the power on button for a couple of seconds. Naturally, the pc shuts down but curiously, the number lock light on the keyboard stays on!!!! When I then switch the pc off at the back of the unit (at the PSU) the light goes off - as you might expect - lol. However, when I switch the power back on (at PSU) the pc starts up on its own accord without me having to 'push the on button'.

I'm fairly sure this is not the norm and shouldn't happen and also could be a symptom of the problem.

Any ideas on this?
 
Still knocking about this problem but now with a strange twist!

I have removed the mobo and all components except for the hard drive from the case and am running the pc outside of the case (if you know what I mean). And would you Adam and Eve it, the PC runs absolutely fine and dandy.

When running all components from inside the case and checking thoroughly to ensure everything is seated nicely and nothing snagged, the random freezes occur. There is obviously a short or bad connection somewhere!

Anyone had a similar problem? Shouls I try use rubber / plastic washers for each of the mobo siting holes? The unit (pre built from Mesh) didn't come with washers and run stably for 18 months or so, so not convinced this is a potential fix.

Would welcome any more ideas as the room looks a bit untidy with all the gubbings outside of the case :D
 
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