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Thread ID: 42627 2004-02-17 06:07:00 Random Crashes [but are not what they seem]... revspecies116 (3916) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
216162 2004-02-17 06:07:00 Hi Guys

A few queries to bounce off a few people.

I have a 1300Mhz NON/Overclocked Duron,
with a heatsink made to comply with that
CPU. I have run temperature sensing software,
and the temps are up quite high - leading to
believe that it is a heat dissipation problem.

My problem is this: Running graphic intensive
programmes causes the computer to freeze in
a perculiar way. For example, I'm watching a
DVD in Media Player, and it stalls out with the
last second of audio looped in a loop [:)]. A
crash. Funny thing is my mouse cursor still can
be moved, and I go for the start button. The
taskbar comes up from autohide, and then that
freezes too. The mouse still works. I then press
Ctrl-Alt-Del and the task manager comes up. It
also then freezes, but you guessed it, the mouse
is still able to move. My only option is to reset the
computer. I do, and things go back to normal until
I use another intensive programme, like
Noteworthy Composer, or Morrowind, or Trainz -
last second of audio loops, and mouse is still
working, until I have to reset.

Does this sound as if this problem is something to
worry about?

I did a mem test with memtest86, and passed all
11 tests with no errors, so I have ruled out RAM
probs at this time. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance


Rev Species 116
revspecies116 (3916)
216163 2004-02-17 07:08:00 Well we're going to want to know what these "high temperatures" are aren't we? Don't forget to give the case and room temps. ;-)

What temperature sensing software are you using? And while we are at it you might as well say how long the problem has been going on too. :-)
Fire-and-Ice (3910)
216164 2004-02-17 09:03:00 AMD CPU's typically run hot but this is weird because usually a computer will fully freeze up, no questions asked, but this leads me to think it may be something to do with windows. Perhaps 1) if its during movies/dvd's the video codecs may not be updated (google ''nemo's codec pack" for the best compilation of codecs)

2) if its graphics intensive there may be a problem in graphics card department (by graphics intensive i mean 3D games etc) so make sure you update them too...

3) finally it sounds if it occurs with sound then it could be a conflict with another device (under control panel, system, check to see if any (!)'s are being displayed) And again update drivers for your soundcard...

Drivers tend to be the root of many problems so get graphics/sound/motherboard drivers and if you use windows get windowsupdate.microsoft.com to update even more drivers...


Post your system/CPU temps as well just in case!

- David
DangerousDave (697)
216165 2004-02-17 09:17:00 and what about the specs for the pc? its a bit late to be mindreading. tweak'e (174)
216166 2004-02-17 10:40:00 Specs:

1300MHz Duron
DVD Drive
CD-R Drive
512MB RAM
Windows XP

Case temp ~35 - 39
CPU temp ~55 - 60

nVidia GF4MX440 64MB 53.03 WHQL
Onboard audio AC'97

Started happening after getting back
from the UK (2nd Jan). Attributing it main
due to heat. Cooling my tower with a
Chilly Bin lid (see my other post: Cooling
my Tower...), has failed, as DSE doesn't
provide a good enough Cigerette adapter
to mains (only 1A, when 5A is needed).

Hope the info helps


Rev Species 116
revspecies116 (3916)
216167 2004-02-17 10:42:00 PS has crashed several times tonight while only using IE6. Same deal, mouse works, XP doesn't. revspecies116 (3916)
216168 2004-02-17 10:59:00 Is the HSF running properly? whiskeytangofoxtrot (438)
216169 2004-02-17 11:11:00 Hi WTF

If you mean the HeatSink/CPU fan,
yep, rotating at over 5000 RPM :), well
from what vcool tells me.


Rev Species 116
revspecies116 (3916)
216170 2004-02-17 11:21:00 Yup, HSF= Heat Sink Fan

Have you manually checked it, made sure it is spinning properly, moving plenty of air?

Reversing it's direction can make a difference as well - blowing down rather than sucking air up - just unscrew, flip over and screw down again (on most kits anyway).
whiskeytangofoxtrot (438)
216171 2004-02-18 09:32:00 Hi Guys

BUMP

(Still need help)


Rev Species 116
revspecies116 (3916)
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