Need help with restarting comp

c_k_b_69

Hi all,

I'll skip the intro and get straight to the problem.
Ever since I first built my current computer its been having stability problems. More recently it resets itself seemingly at random. Sometimes while running a game and sometimes whilst idling. I suspected it might be overheating but the soltek HM seems to think everything is ok;
ABSII - 74ish
RT1 (external CPU temp) - 48ish
RT2 (GPU sensor) - 36ish

I now suspect it might be the PSU but it is difficult to determine. I've changed the memory, the HDD, the Graphics card, but it still has this problem. One thing I did notice is what looked like some damage to two of the capacitors next to the CPU, but once again it is difficult to determine.

I'm currently running:
Soltek SL-75DRV5 with an AMD 2000+ (1.67Ghz)
ATI Radeon 9200 (128MB)
768MB RAM
Win 2000
2 x HDD

This is running of a sh1tty PSU which came with my original case (about 2 years old).

I would really appriciate any advice people could offer,
Thanks in advance,
Colin

tonky

Just a thought, are those capacitors bulging (roundy on the top)?
I've had a few MB's in with wierd symptoms down to that.
They can be (carefully) replaced with better spec items if that's the case.
whats the rating on the psu you're using (Watts).

c_k_b_69

Yeah 2 of the capacitors are bulging at the top, one of them had some 'crud' on the top of it.

I probably should have mentioned before, the PSU is rated at 300W.

Cheers for the speedy reply.

tonky

no sweat. seems to be a problem with manufacturers using cheap and low spec items, I repaired a few Mboards and my airport base station (Same symptoms) - random resetting, shutdowns etc. If you're doing the repair, try and get replacements with a high temperature rating and/or a higher working voltage. It's usually constrained by physical size on a motherboard. One trick is to mount them slightly proud of the board and bend away from the heat source.
Capicators also fail for other reasons, but heat and drying out are usual.
If you need any more help, pm me.

mordeith

While I can offer no opinion on those capactitors I can say that I ws having the same symptoms with retsarts a while back. It too was happening during gameplay and while idle. I was planning on graphics card upgrade so I bought a new PSU as well. I went for a 450W unit and no more random restarts. I'm not saying it's the solution to your problem but it proabably has something to do with it.
Windows XP Home
768MB RAM
FX 5900XT
450W Be-Quiet PSU

stevenmu

That ABSII temp seems very high, I've no idea what it refers to, but I think AMD CPUs have a melting temp of roughly 75-80. If that temperature relates to your CPU it could be restarting to save itself.

tonky

fair comment from mordeith, a bigger psu would be a good move.
however, you'll have to get those capacitors sorted before they blow or leak onto the board. The blow is quite unmistakable - crack sound and a little plume of white smoke (magic smoke) & a pile of crud on the motherboard.

c_k_b_69

Thanks for the advice,

I have replaced a transistor on a motherboard before, but that was a long time ago when technology wasn't quite so small and precise.

I've heard two different stories about the ABS temp, some people get it confused with the external CPU temp I think. The CPU external temp is a stable 46ºC. The ABSII default cut out temp is 85ºC so I dont think its dangerously hot. But then again the weather in London isn't exactly at boiling point at the mo.

I actually went out to but a new PSU a few days ago, but was told it was more efficient/cheaper to buy a case with a built in PSU. Cut a long story short I bought a nice new case with NO PSU and kept the old one (but at least my new one has nice blue LEDs on it!) It would be tragically ironic if it did turn out to be the PSU.

Colin

mordeith

While it may be more effecient to buy a case with a built in PSU, the likelihood is that the PSU will be a no-name one. You're really better off going for a brand name PSU which are invariably quieter and more reliable.

c_k_b_69

"You're really better off going for a brand name PSU which are invariably quieter and more reliable."

I find a strange reassurance in hearing the whizz of the PSU fan. But I definately agree with the reliabilty. The soltek HM shows how much the voltage varies.

I will buy a brand name PSU soon.

Quick question: According the manual the correct voltage for an AMD is XP2000 is 1.65V but its currently at a steady 1.776V. I changed the bios settings from automatic voltage selection to a manual selection of 1.65V and it wouldn't start up. Can anyone tell me it 1.776 is too high? Just another possible cause. *sigh*

Colin

Ciaran500

The default is 1.65v but anything up to 1.8v is safe. People bump up the voltage to around 1.8v when overclocking.