Stability issues

[Shadow]

Okay, got my new rig up and running. I'm having a few stability issues...for example I start playing a game and it freezes/shuts down the computer....Any ideas on how to fix this?

[Sonome]

Easiest solution: Get a new computer. But I'm assumeing that'd be too much work
Other solution: Crowbar. Than new computer.

[Shadow]

Easiest solution: Get a new computer. But I'm assumeing that'd be too much work
Other solution: Crowbar. Than new computer.
It is a NEW computer!! :)

[Sonome]

then get another one ;) and give me the one that doesnt work well.

[Shadow]

then get another one ;) and give me the one that doesnt work well.
Dream on...This is a sweet rig once it's fully operational.

[phoenix_vii]

reinstall video drivers...

[Shadow]

reinstall video drivers...
I just updated them. But I'll try that.

[Excessive]

Tell us a bit about your hardware.

[SuperDude]

Check your CPU temperatures. If it gets too hot it should restart to prevent damage.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

You do realize that it's windy out right? Just wanted to make sure you know the difference between your computer restarting and the power going out. ;) My modem/router keeps kicking off.... stupid power...

[Shadow]

Temp is fine I think....40C?
Power is fine!
Here's the specs nothing is overclocked yet...All Bios in defualt mode
2.8Ghz P4 Prescott with HT
Abit IC7-G Mobo
512MB DDR PC 2700 RAM
120 GB 7200 RPM HD
256mb FX 5700 Video Card with updated Drivers

[SuperDude]

Does it crash as soon as you launch a game? or does it play for a bit?

[DiscoDave]

Temp is fine I think....40C?...
If that's your cpu temp, then you've got some massive cooling going on.

If that's your ambient temp, then your computer is roasting.

[ghrogels]

If that's your cpu temp, then you've got some massive cooling going on.

If that's your ambient temp, then your computer is roasting.
FeaR: Lapped and polished XP-120 with a 95 CFM fan.

Yes he has massive cooling.

I miss it :<

[Shadow]

Does it crash as soon as you launch a game? or does it play for a bit?
It crashes while playing a game....and it's crashed during install and even once while typing up this post. I might be using the wrong word though..It actually freezes the whole computer and I have to shut it down. The Temp is just my CPU temp from Fear's which is now mine great cooling. I'm downloading the latest Driect X. I think it might be the problem. But I don't know how to find out which one I have.

[SuperDude]

hmmmm

[phoenix_vii]

I'm downloading the latest Driect X. I think it might be the problem. But I don't know how to find out which one I have.

just go to the settings on your vid drivers...Geforce should have a icon in the bar next to the clock...otherwise display settings/advanced/Geforce tab and it will tell u the version...most recent is DirectX 9.0b i believe...

[M4LFUNCT10N]

If it's locking up while doing regular tasks, then I doubt it's your video drivers or direct X. The fact that it crashed during your install is another flag that something else is going on. Download a good HD testing utility and check for bad sectors. I'm guessing you've got other issues going on.

[Verbal]

just go to the settings on your vid drivers...Geforce should have a icon in the bar next to the clock...otherwise display settings/advanced/Geforce tab and it will tell u the version...most recent is DirectX 9.0b i believe...

Most recent version is DirectX 9.0c

[Shadow]

Direct X is installed about to test if it works.... I did a quick reformat of the HD when I first got the computer....would that not been enough to take care of bad sectors?

[DiscoDave]

Direct X is installed about to test if it works.... I did a quick reformat of the HD when I first got the computer....would that not been enough to take care of bad sectors?
If the hard drive has bad physical sectors, then no. Generally, those are pretty rare though.

[Shadow]

Well Direct X didn't do it. So now I'm using a windows Tool to check and correct errors on the HD.

[Shadow]

Nothing will fix it! GRRRRRR!! :mad:
So I'm doing a full reformat and praying the problem goes away.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Do what I told you BEFORE you spend your time reformatting. That tool will let you scan the HD with a more powerful scan than windows has. If it has bad sectors there's no point bothering to reinstall. Oh, and next time don't do a "quick" format. Spend the time doing a low level format.

Use this tool!!!

http://ebcd.pcministry.com/

[Shadow]

Do what I told you BEFORE you spend your time reformatting. That tool will let you scan the HD with a more powerful scan than windows has. If it has bad sectors there's no point bothering to reinstall. Oh, and next time don't do a "quick" format. Spend the time doing a low level format.

Use this tool!!!

http://ebcd.pcministry.com/
eh a little late..Oh well. I did the full reformatt and it actually failed while installing Windows....so I'm testing the RAM with a Memtest I found of the net.

[Expunge]

You're running a 230w powersupply? I think it's pretty obvious where the problem is there.

The hard drive was fine, I used it right up until the night I sold it to you, and formatted it before I gave it to you.

[Shadow]

You're running a 230w powersupply? I think it's pretty obvious where the problem is there.

The hard drive was fine, I used it right up until the night I sold it to you, and formatted it before I gave it to you.
I'm running a 420 watt power supply. Remember I got a new Case.

[SuperDude]

The plot THICKENS!!!


***EDIT***

A thought occured.

I think cody's motherboard is lesbian, so therefore It doesnt like mating with my manly videocard.

[Shadow]

The plot THICKENS!!!
You could at least help.
Edit: Anyone heard of RaidMax being a bad Power Supply?

[Shadow]

***EDIT***

A thought occured.

I think cody's motherboard is lesbian, so therefore It doesnt like mating with my manly videocard.
Speaking of...Did you have any probs with you VideoCard?

[SuperDude]

0 problems.

[hockeysnipermlg]

my 420w raidmax crapped with 2 opticals, 1 IDE drive, 6800GT(i know, but its supposed to only need a 300w), front power led, mobo, and 5 fans connected to it.

it started freaking with the 6800 and making it do like the TV signal test visuals. i disconnected the front power led, and it worked fine.

not sure if thats a lot of stuff, it sounds like more typing than it does talking

[SuperDude]

What games are you trying to play?

You applied thermal paste correctly?

Wiring good?

That funky 4pin thing attached to the mobo for the p4?

What can it be?

[SuperDude]

What are the amps on the voltage rails?


PS the 6800 GT is recommended to have a 480W psu.

[hockeysnipermlg]

was that to me or him? i cant remember what mine were, but i compared to my Enermax 400w that i have for the new system (too lazy to switch them), and it got its butt kicked by the enermax

and i cant check, cuz i sold it today. no hardcore gaming for moi until the newegg order arrives.

edit: the 6800 Ultra needs a 480. the 6800 GT needs a 300.

[SuperDude]

to shadow

[Sky]

I'm not running much on it. It's got one IDE one Optical and the Video Card...I don't think that is near stressing it. As for Thermal paste I haven't really applied it yet but the temp is fine as stated earlier. I just got a memory Dump screen when trying to install Windows. I'm really starting to think it's the RAM even though it tested out fine.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

AGAIN, I'm going to tell you to create an Emergency Boot CD. It has some of the best testing tools. It has an incredibly good memory tester too! Just burn the CD on another computer, then pop it in the borked computer. You are wasting your time.

[SuperDude]

As for Thermal paste I haven't really applied it yet.


Please tell me this isnt what I heard.

Sure, it is fine idle but as soon as u fire up a game that temp climbs fast.

YOU DIDNT PUT THERMAL GREASE ON IT????

[ghrogels]

YOU DIDNT PUT THERMAL GREASE ON IT????

dude, that has to be the most retarded thing -- ever.

[SuperDude]

I didnt even ask earlier because I thought thermal grease was common knowledge, like milk on cerial.

[SuperDude]

I'm not running much on it. It's got one IDE one Optical and the Video Card...I don't think that is near stressing it. As for Thermal paste I haven't really applied it yet but the temp is fine as stated earlier. I just got a memory Dump screen when trying to install Windows. I'm really starting to think it's the RAM even though it tested out fine.


And you didnt post the amps on each rail.

Good amps are key, it doesnt matter if you have a 500 watt PSU if your amps are shit.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

No freakin wonder! It's a P4. It's going to shut down when it get's too hot. Definately put some Arctic Silver 5 compound on there. But at the same time if he's getting memory dumps then that isn't a cooling issue.

[Shadow]

AGAIN, I'm going to tell you to create an Emergency Boot CD. It has some of the best testing tools. It has an incredibly good memory tester too! Just burn the CD on another computer, then pop it in the borked computer. You are wasting your time.
Okay Okay. I'm downloading it now.
Don't worry about the thermal grease. It has it on already.
Edit: FOR THE LAST TIME!! IT'S NOT THE TEMP!!!! I keep checking it and it's staying at 40 - 42C!

[SuperDude]

How bout once you go into a game?



If the memtest passes run prime95

[Shadow]

I got to get Windows to install first to play games. I formttedt he drive and now it won't install.

[Shadow]

Oh great The Boot CD download site is having server probs....WHEN WILL IT END!!

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Give me a sec. I'll upload the file to my ftp.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Actually, gonna take a couple minutes. It's 17MB's.

[Shadow]

Give me a sec. I'll upload the file to my ftp.
Okay

[Shadow]

Actually, gonna take a couple minutes. It's 17MB's.
Shit that'll take an hour to download

[SuperDude]

ROFLOPOLIS


sux

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Actually, download from here: http://www.simtel.net/product.download.php?id=80024&url=http://wcarchive.cdrom.com/pub/simtelnet/msdos/business/ebcd-0_6_1-pro-sfx.exe&mirrorsite=US,%20Minnesota%20(HTTP)&x=0

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Well, Pro has Aida16. And that's a tool you are going to want to run. It will scan all your other hardware and give you diagnostics for what is working and what isn't. You're going to want it if the memory test and HD test check out. Do you live in B'ham or out in the county? If you aren't too far.... I could help you out tonight. My gf is staying home tonight so I've got very little to do.

[Shadow]

Well, Pro has Aida16. And that's a tool you are going to want to run. It will scan all your other hardware and give you diagnostics for what is working and what isn't. You're going to want it if the memory test and HD test check out. Do you live in B'ham or out in the county? If you aren't too far.... I could help you out tonight. My gf is staying home tonight so I've got very little to do.
I wish you could come help. But I live waaay out from B-ham. I live near Blaine.
Downloads going....thanks

[M4LFUNCT10N]

After you download it, you'll have to extract the files. Once they are extracted, run the "Make CD" file. Anyway, after that it creates an .iso. Burn the .iso and you're good to go.

[Shadow]

After you download it, you'll have to extract the files. Once they are extracted, run the "Make CD" file. Anyway, after that it creates an .iso. Burn the .iso and you're good to go.
OKay, I'm gonna have to update Bios too now. I some hoe mucked them up so I now have a NTLDR error. :(

[M4LFUNCT10N]

OKay, I'm gonna have to update Bios too now. I some hoe mucked them up so I now have a NTLDR error. :(


NTLDR error is not an issue with your bios. I believe it's an issue with your MBR(Master Boot Record). That's something that EBCD can fix.

[Verbal]

NTLDR error is not an issue with your bios. I believe it's an issue with your MBR(Master Boot Record). That's something that EBCD can fix.

NTLDR is usually easy to fix. If it's missing, do the following:

Pop your XP CD into the drive. Then hop on into command prompt. Type "copy d:\i386\ntldr c:" and hit enter. Then type "copy ntdetect.com c:" and hit enter again. Try that, and see if it fixed your problem.

[Shadow]

Well I guessed bios since I was booting off the XP disc.

[Verbal]

Well I guessed bios since I was booting off the XP disc.

Nah, BIOS is pretty much not used once it gets past the boot process. NTLDR stands for NT Loader, and it basically is the first step in looking at your Master Boot Record which in turn points you to where the OS is gets you up and running, and gives the OS control of your hardware rather than just BIOS.

[Shadow]

Nah, BIOS is pretty much not used once it gets past the boot process. NTLDR stands for NT Loader, and it basically is the first step in looking at your Master Boot Record which in turn points you to where the OS is gets you up and running, and gives the OS control of your hardware rather than just BIOS.
Oh, okay. But how do I fix it without anything installed?

[Verbal]

Oh, okay. But how do I fix it without anything installed?

Oh, nothing is installed? I would just format. Low level format though, not quick. I know you probably already did, but it sounds like it got corrupted somehow.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

But don't bother until you've used the CD to check both your HD and ram. I'd do the HD check first since it's faster. Then the ram. After that run Aida 16. If all of that checks out, then reinstall XP. However I think you'll find an error somewhere along the way.

[Shadow]

But don't bother until you've used the CD to check both your HD and ram. I'd do the HD check first since it's faster. Then the ram. After that run Aida 16. If all of that checks out, then reinstall XP. However I think you'll find an error somewhere along the way.
I hope I do or I don't know what to do.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Getting anywhere? Where are you in the process?

[Shadow]

Getting anywhere? Where are you in the process?
I went to bed...I'll start working later....

[Shadow]

I can't run the BootCD till I repair this NTLDR error.

[Excessive]

I can't run the BootCD till I repair this NTLDR error.

Make sure you have the CD set as the first boot device.

[Shadow]

It is. I fixed the NTLDR error. Now I'm getting a program to Burn the ISO.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Actually the EBCD could have fixed the NTLDR error for you...

[Shadow]

Still downloading........Anyone want to visit my house? I need help!

[Expunge]

What the hell is all this crap about bootable CD's? The one I gave you is bootable.

Go into windows setup by putting in the CD, and format the hard drive during the install.

[Shadow]

What the hell is all this crap about bootable CD's? The one I gave you is bootable.

Go into windows setup by putting in the CD, and format the hard drive during the install.
It's failing to install Windows. It freezes. So I'm trying a bootcd that runs a bunch of test.

[Shadow]

Man I don't know what to do. I've done everything short of replacing parts which I don't have parts to do that. I can't get the Diagnostics CD to work ethier.
SAVE ME GOD!!
Btw: I am now consistently getting Memory Dumps while trying install Windows.

[M4LFUNCT10N]

Man I don't know what to do. I've done everything short of replacing parts which I don't have parts to do that. I can't get the Diagnostics CD to work ethier.

Replace your ide cables first. Check the jumpers on your ide devices. Check that your Bios is set to auto detect ide devices. On the boot menu, set your CD to boot before you HD. During bootup hit C repeatedly(sometimes the comp won't boot unless you hit C, at least mine doesn't). If this doesn't work, switch CD-ROM's. If that doesn't work then your issue is your mobo/ide controller.

[Shadow]

FINALLY IT'S FIXED!
Turns out it was the RAM. The memtest didn't even pick it up. But I switched out the ram for someother stuff I borrowed and it all works and is now rock solid stable. :)

[Verbal]

sweet, gj dude =)

[Expunge]

Told you that ram might not work :p

Oh well np's. So you're dad is gonna help get you some real ram eh? ;)

Shadow, your rig will be utter ownage. HAR :>

[scm007]

Yeah some funky stuff happens a lot with the ram and Windows XP. Have you tried putting it back in after you installed? Worked for me. Especially seems to happen when you mix brands.

[Shadow]

Eh, I'm gonna hopefully be getting some REAL RAM as Fear put it. So I'm not bothering to mess with it. Anyways with a little tinkering it's at 3.25Ghz and quiet and cool with fans only at 60% and the temp only at 44C. :)

[scm007]

Nice, if FeaR sells me his low latency ram (doubt it) I'll sell you my 512mb pc3200?

[Shadow]

Nice, if FeaR sells me his low latency ram (doubt it) I'll sell you my 512mb pc3200?
Hehehe.......uh well.......

[SuperDude]

Yeah SCM are you tryin to bum him in the butt? I was under the assumption that Shadow wanted to buy it.....

[scm007]

Oh? Sorry. It seemed like he was trying to build a budget PC originally..

[Shadow]

Well, we came into a lot of free money quick....a $90 broken Laptop turned into $800 fixed for free.