Problem solving advice : Please!

magunn

magunn

magunn

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Joined
2 Sep 2009
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30
I am pleading for some help here as this is driving me mad.

My son and I have built a PC (his first build, my third). We have been beset by problems the last of which is beyond me. Most of our components are 2nd hand but were sold as fully functional.

Mobo (new) Gigabyte M52L
CPU Phenom 9600 quad
Memory generic PC800
Graphics card Radeon 5750

Ok the problem is that the PC often fails to start, no post, no beeps but all fans and mobo light come on. At other times it boots fine and can run ok for hours running hi demand games and working fine then it simply stops (no shutdown justs dies). It then will not reboot.

We have already replaced the power supply 650W the mobo for a new one, reseated the heat sink and checked cpu temp which is below 50C under load. Updated all the drivers we can find.

What could be causing this effect?

Initially with the original mobo we were experiencing the same problem so I feel we can rule the mobo out. If its the cpu why does it sometimes work for 3-4 hours then stop.

Any advice on pinning this down. We don't have access to spare memory or cpu's to swap for elimination and little cash to speculate.

I hope the overclocking community expertise can help us, and appreciate your time.

Martin
 
Try downloading and running mem test to check your ram out, make sure you don't have a faulty module.
 
OK the brand of power supply is SWEEX (made in China) I'm guessing this is a cheap 'generic' brand. Is this the likely problem?

I'll try mem test IF I can get the machine to POST. If the memory was faulty would this stop the machine from starting?
 
magunn said:
OK the brand of power supply is SWEEX (made in China) I'm guessing this is a cheap 'generic' brand.
Click to expand...
More like crap brand.

And that graphic cards needs very little so maximum peak draw of components would be something like 250W.

Also make sure that memory voltage is correct.
If sticker in DIMMs says higher than 1.8V then try booting with only one connected and set correct voltage in BIOS before trying with two.
 
As this is a new problem for me can anyone list the most likely culprits for complete failure to POST. Especially when sometimes it works fine for a few hours then fails.
 
It could be a number of things but throwing a cheap PSU at it clearly hasn't helped you to eliminate that from the suspicious components.

Could be the RAM tripping over itself. A fault on the graphics card. PSU providing crappy voltage, by this I mean a fluctuating 12v, 5v or 3.3v which the PC cannot compensate for.
 
I would seriously suggest you lose that psu. The one RJC suggested would be a wise choice and it's a very reasonable price. Many people are drawn to buying high wattage psus for "budget" prices and this causes no end of problems, it really is false economy.

It's not a name you are buying. The money you spend really does make a difference, some will have solid state capactitors (last longer) but it's usually safe guards that you are paying for.

I do this troubleshooting on a day to day basis and it is very frustrating. Even if that cheap psu you have is "good" when it does go pop! there is a very good chance it will take components with it.....the mobo especially.

There is no easy fix just simply finding what's good and what's not....this takes time and money if you dont have spares.

Start with the psu it may well reolve the problem. If not i would be looking at the RAM. If you have more than one stick just try using the one for now (swap them over to test, atleast one should be good...we hope). You can also clean them using a rubber/pencil eraser, rub it over the "gold bits" that sit in the slots. As suggested if you can get into the bios alter the timings and or voltages this may help.

I can't see it being the gfx but it cant be ruled out. Although logic dictates that you would have seen some gfx artifacts or tearing whilst gaming. There is also a chance that it is still the mobo the replacement could be faulty (you'd have to be very unlucky though).

Does your son or yourself have a friend who's pc is a similar spec? If you could test your ram, gfx etc in their working rig this can help you determine what's good and what's not.

Hope this helps, try what's been suggested post back what you find we will try and help further. I wish you and your boy luck ;p
 
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