Random Freezing...

[rhysduck]

Evening all..

A Pc is randomly freezing for no apparent reason. Pc is not used for anything intensive, just your average tasks like emails, internet, puzzles and music.
I've recently taken the pc apart and given it a thorough cleaning. So overheating doesn't seem to be the cause.

Have ran Real Temp and Prime95 and CPU temps hit 50degrees (Sensor Test). (47 recorded by main RealTemp screen)

I'm thinking it's a motherboard issue?
Have no way of testing the power supply.

Spec:
Celeron E1200 @ 1600Mhz (Socket 775)
Acer MCP73VE
1GB DDR2

What's the verdict guys? I can replace the motherboard if needs be - don't what to replace it with?

 

[Plec]

Try reseting the CMOS and loading optimised defaults (or similar) first.

If that fails run memtest for a few hours before you start down the long labourious road of troubleshooting for real.

It could be the motherboard but it could equally be the PSU, memory, HDD, cable...

EDIT: can you get your hands on a volt meter or spare PSU?

 

[rhysduck]

Try reseting the CMOS and loading optimised defaults (or similar) first.
If that fails run memtest for a few hours before you start down the long labourious road of troubleshooting for real.
It could be the motherboard but it could equally be the PSU, memory, HDD, cable...
EDIT: can you get your hands on a volt meter or spare PSU?

Have a multimeter - so yes. Have a spare PSU also that I will try next.
Shall have a look at these two options (PSU & CMOS) and report back
Thanks.

 

[Plec]

Have a multimeter - so yes. Have a spare PSU also that I will try next.

If it's a known working PSU that's a quick definitive test to rule out the PSU as the culprit.

But if you fancy having a play with a multimeter here are some links to Huddy's site which has a step by step guide on how to test your PSU using a volt/multimeter:

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

But, hopefully, it will be prove to be a relatively straight forward problem to diagnose - good luck.

 

[rhysduck]

Thanks for the links Plec
Have swapped out the PSU and it's still occuring! PC randomly freezes no matter what task the user is performing.

Will try the RAM next and see if thats the cause...
Have a feeling its the motherboard mind...

 

[Plec]

Will try the RAM next and see if thats the cause...
Have a feeling its the motherboard mind...

It could turn out to be the MB but you're doing the right thing ruling out the easier components first.

If you haven't got a spare known working stick try testing the memory in different slots (if you haven't done so already).

Also, download and run memtest -Pre-Compiled Bootable ISO - and let it do a few passes.

If memtest doesn't give up any errors then the MB is obviously still a contender but there are still other components and even software to consider.

Did you try the CMOS reset?