PCTech Forums

ok, where to start, well my computer just freezes up completely at random (Sometimes I can go days with no probs, sometimes it happens every half hour).
When this occurs the hdd light will come on and stay lit and the signal to my monitor will go dead (as if in hybernation). I will then be forced to turn off my computer and it will not 'allow' me to reboot for half an hour or so. If i try to reboot straight away the hdd light will stay on, but power will be supplied to the devices.
Ok, so,
1) I have checked if this is an overheat prob - doesnt appear to be, although SYS fan 2 doesnt register rpms, but it is working fine.
2) I have tried using another display adapter - still probs.
3) I did have a tv card installed right about the same time this started happening (5 months ago!!!), so I removed that - still the same problem.
4) Checked for viruses and buggy software, but i dont think thats it to be honest.
5) I have just downloaded a memeory test program, and will be tring that, ill let you know the results.
6) Tried fanning my computer and speaking to it in hushed tones....

think its either a motherboard fault or a problem with my power supply, but it seems so random. any thoughts?
ok, i gotta send this now cos its gonna happen again, i can feel it in my bones, help!!!!

Cheers,
Cal

---------------------------------------
OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Professional
System Manufacturer Packard Bell NEC
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 6 Model 3 Stepping 1 AuthenticAMD ~801 Mhz (Duron)
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. V3.1, 12/02/2001
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Total Physical Memory 320.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 104.08 MB
Total Virtual Memory 1.04 GB
Available Virtual Memory 676.13 MB
Page File Space 757.46 MB
Modem Intel(R) 536EP V.92 Modem
Video 3dfx Voodoo3
S3 Graphics Inc. ProSavage (currently disabled for diagnostics, but doesnt appear to be the problem)

Conflicts/ Sharing
------------------------------------------------------------------
I/O Port 0x000003C0-0x000003DF VgaSave
I/O Port 0x000003C0-0x000003DF VIA Tech CPU to AGP Controller

IRQ 10 VIA AC'97 Audio Controller (WDM)
IRQ 10 3dfx Voodoo3

IRQ 11 S3 Graphics Inc. ProSavage
IRQ 11 Intel(R) 536EP V.92 Modem

IRQ 9 VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller
IRQ 9 VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller

Memory Address 0xA0000-0xBFFFF VgaSave
Memory Address 0xA0000-0xBFFFF VIA Tech CPU to AGP Controller

I/O Port 0x000003B0-0x000003BB VgaSave
I/O Port 0x000003B0-0x000003BB VIA Tech CPU to AGP Controller

problem devices??
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NT Apm/Legacy Interface Node ROOT\NTAPM\0000 This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.
S3 Graphics Inc. ProSavage PCI\VEN_5333&DEV_8A26&SUBSYS_10011631&REV_00\3&27043229&0&0008 This device is disabled.

Sounds like Power Supply. How many watts is it??
brad

cheers, I will try swapping the PSU with my old system. The max. power output of my current power supply is 145W. I have thought of another possible cause of the problem; I started using a TFT monitor about the same time this started happening (within a week or two), but could this cause such havoc!?

Cal

I'd say we're on the right track........145 watts?? Try 250 min. to 400. I think you're asking alot of 145. brad