PC Shuts down itself.

[programingnoob]

Hi,

I am using a Intel Pentium 1.80GHz cpu, and 128M ram computer. It uses Microsft Windows 2000 Service pack 4. Recently, (for about 3 months) the computer has a problem: it shuts down suddenly and without a warning. (The computer freezes for once second, then the monitor suddenly goes black, and the LCD lights of the computer just suddenly go off. The turn-off process happens in a blink.) I found out that this happens only when my CPU runs at 95%+ for more than 2 to 3 minutes.

I am not sure of what to do to solve the problem. So please help me.

Thanks

 

[mcall]

You've got a definite heat prob. Does MB have tools to monitor temps? Check if does. Might be able to correct prob by adding fans. Worst case is MB is bad but would try cooling sys before replacing MB

 

[programingnoob]

Oh, sorry. I just checked a minute ago. The Bios thing saids:

shut down temp: 60c/140f
cpu temp: 47c
system temp: 43c

Is this too hot?

Thanks.

 

[mcall]

the temps you listed are within specs. Question is what is temp when sys shuts down. You should have a temp monitor tool that came with board. If not, you prob can get one from mb manufacturer. Also third party ones on internet. Most will allow you to set reporting features. If temp reaching/exceeding shutdown temp, add fans or get better ones. Tom's Hardware site has good info on fans. If temp not reaching then you will need more advanced tool to test system, which means, more than likely, a trip to the shop.

 

[mcall]

meant to add, first fan I'd replace is processor fan.

 

[bygeek]

This can be caused by leaking capacitors on the mobo. I just had a client with an IBM NetVista that did the same thing. Look for bulges or residue on the tops or powdery residue near the base, particularly on the ones near the processor. IBM wanted $500 for a new mobo, but after talking to their warranty dept, this was a "known issue" and they sent out a technician and replaced it at n/c.

Check out this link:

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=195

 

[programingnoob]

I checked the temperature when my computer shuts down with a program called 'mother board monitor'. It updates every second. I purposely loaded a program that would make the computer shutdown. The results show that the CPU temperature was 55C and never changed.

I will open up my computer in a few hours when i find the tools

Also, I just recalled about playing around with the registry (and not knowing what I am doing) some time before these issues came up. I didn't 'fix' my registry because I didn't know how to, and maybe that might be related to this issue.

Thanks for the help~!

 

[programingnoob]

I got my fan out and found that there was a huge patch of dust taht made it unable to cool down the cpu. After i cleaned it, everything works fine again. Thanks everyone for your help