PC Still won't work! Have I tried everything?!

[DragonQ0105]

**Note: This Post is long because I've tried to make it as detailed as possible.**

Before this all started happening, I couldn't play games without my Deskfan on because the PC would freeze after about 10 minutes.

OK. My Motherboard died on me and would not get past the "Verifying DMI Pool Data..." Stage. Fine. I got a new one. Fine.

Next step - install Windows 98 (I didn't want to try XP yet, as I wanted to just get it up and running first). Worked, until I got to the desktop. If I started opening My Computer etc., after a while I'd get a "User.exe" Error and the program would be closed. Happened in Internet Explorer too.

Also, I noticed that there was a high-pitched whining sound coming from the PC - it happened when I did anything (even if I held the mouse button down). I suspected a faulty PSU. It even happened after I unplugged everything except the basics. Hmm...

Replaced the 235W PSU with a 350W PSU. Yay. Go to install Windows 98 SE (I thought maybe it'd be more stable), and got about 5 different "Error Copying File" Errors. Each one worked afer I pressed "Retry" though. Hmm...weird...

When I get to the "Please type in your Name and Company" Screen (after the 1st reboot), the PC restarts randomly after about 5-20 seconds (whether I typed anything or not). Grrr...

Fine. Try Windows XP. Does its thing where it copies necessary files before the main installation. After this, the PC Reboots (it isn't meant to), and I have to start again. Happens every time. OK, it might be the Hard Drive.

Unplugged the HDD, tried a newer one. Same thing. (All through this, the whining noise is still there).

Now, rebooting is a common PSU error, or memory problem. Well, it can't be either of those. Here's a list of the things I've tried so far:

- Tried Windows 98, 98 SE, XP Pro.
- Tried all possible combinations of the following PC100 SDRAM Sticks: 64MB, 64MB, 256MB, 256MB.
- Tried 2 Hard Drives
- Replaced PSU
- New Motherboard
- Tried both GeForce2 MX400 and On-Board Graphics
- Tried both Optimised Defaults and Fail-Safe Defaults
- Tried taking out PSU to give much greater airflow around the CPU Fan, and tried Deskfan blowing.

Now, it seems to me that the only thing left is a Damaged CPU. Now, before I go and buy a new one (£40), I want to get opinions on whether a Damaged CPU can cause these problems - I don't want to spend more money for it still not to work!

Could this be down to a Damaged CPU?

 

[DragonQ0105]

I have a name brand CPU Heatsink/FAN! It's a Coolermaster CP5-8JD1F-0L (Rated for up to AMD Athlon 3200+)...and since I only have a 1.2GHz, that's not the problem.

The CPU I've ordered is an AthlonXP 2000+ Thoroughbred Core (266MHz FSB) Retail (with correctly rated Heatsink/Fan), and if it ends up working, I won't put the PSU back into place as it will again resuce airflow and perhaps cause overheating and damage again.


I'm just really hoping this works - if it doesn't, then I would've swapped out EVERYTHING in the system and I'll have nothing else to try....

 

[chriseubank]

I would say that if it doesn't work then there can only be one conclusion:

You're installing Windows instead of Linux, and you're using an unsupported CPU case.

 

[satrow]

.....and if it ends up working, I won't put the PSU back into place as it will again resuce airflow and perhaps cause overheating and damage again."

Not if you're using the right type of AMD approved PSU!

Andy.

 

[BitFuzzy]

You've given a case temp.

But what is the CPU and Case temp right after if freezes/reboots on you?

 

[DragonQ0105]

I said earlier....case temp is never above 22C (goes down to about 16 sometimes), and CPU Temp is shown as "N/A" in the BIOS.

No idea why - it used to report correctly, but then again the last time I checked the BIOS reading for the CPU Temp was months ago before these problems started and when I had my old motherboard...

 

[kjv1611]

Um, joking or not, don't listen to the post by ChrisEubank. Linux versus Windows has nothing to do with a stable system. If Windows weren't stable enough to run, then it would not be used by the vast majority of large enterprises world wide.

Stephen
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 KJV

 

[BitFuzzy]

Dragon,

Is the CPU over clocked? if so, try bringing it down to it's correct value and see if that clears it up.

If not, my suggestion would be to replace the cpu & fan

kjv611,

While I'd love to debate Linux vs Windows with you (or anyone) it's clear that this is a hardware issue so I'd have to agree with your statement (though on a limited level) heh

 

[BadBigBen]

Hi there, Dragon,

well first off - just because you tried 4 diff sticks of RAM doesn't necessarily mean that they are good!!! could be incompatibility issues here aswell, are they name brand? or are they OEM (Cheapo NO NAMERS)?

second - voltage in the US is between 110v to 120v depending on where one lives, except in the washrooms where they have two phase 220v to 240v for the dryers and washers... in Europe there is now a standard for 230v (since quite a long time) this was put into affect because you guys in the UK had a higher voltage than the rest of EUROPE (if I remember right 240v) so that older equipment rated at 240v would work also elsewhere... the +/- 10% rule...

so boiled down to your prob - replace RAM with a brand name and compatible to mobo, and replace CPU with a good working one if and only for testing... some PC shops will let you borrow one or like they said test yours for a small fine...

Ben



If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...

 

[DragonQ0105]

1) CPU is not and has never been Overclocked

2) My PSU is fine as it works in another system - and although 230V is the standard for the whole of Europe, there is a 10V leverage either way, so the rest of Europe sticks with 220V and we stick with 240V because we're all too lazy to change it.

3) I've ordered a new Retail Athlon 2000+ with an AMD Recommended Heatsink/Fan...hope it works

4) The two RAM sticks that are 64MB are Corsair...and the two 256MB Sticks are Kingston... AND all 4 sticks work in another system!


I am very grateful for all your help guys in fixing this older PC...If this new CPU doesn't work, then I'm prepared to take my anger out using a sledgehammer...lol...

 

[satrow]

Have you tried DDR?

Andy.

 

[TekTippy4U]

I don't see one post stating the CPU you are using and have been using...(I may have overlooked as I scanned)..I gather it's an AMD, and I understand you're ordering a new one.
Going back to your first post...you say you needed a DeskTOP FAN to cool the beast, just to get it to run longer than 10Minutes, and you've been using that CPU ever since??
The OS installs never finishing (be it 98 or XP), cause of Heat .....or possibly BIOS AV software (though unlikely, with no specific errors generated, like "Insert System Disk" - or - "operating system not found")

What About Thermal Paste (ala ArcticSilver)....did you apply any before all this occured?....did you clean properly and re-apply when putting in New MoBo?

The Mobo/CPU thermal sensors can burn out as well as give "faulty" readings...especially with AMDs...also Once the CPU is damaged, which happens in a microsecond with AMDs, that's it..it'll never work correctly again.

TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs

 

[TekTippy4U]

after rereading a bit;
I guess the amd may have been mentioned and you even suggested some of the things I thought could've caused this mess..(helped contribute to)
the statement though"The CPU Temp thing, as weird as it is, is not a top priority. My main priority is finding out what is causing the reboots during Windows Installation" from 7/12, seems to be the one thing that was "mandatory" to do, and a "priority" -- finding out the Operating CPU temperature.

I do hope sincerely though, that your new components all play nicely together, and work properly

All I can say is
[1] Get good themal paste and apply correctly (I believe arctic silver's site says to put a pea size amount in the center and smush the heatsink unit down onto it)...check out their site.
[2] Check over your Mobo and RAM carefully for any damage that may have occured from using a bad CPU in there. Make sure the standoffs are correct and no ground faults/shorts...and be very careful installing the new CPU, don't get paste on anything else.

TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs

 

[DragonQ0105]

AMD Athlon 1.2GHz (200MHz FSB)

New one arriving on Friday: Athlon 2000+ (1.67GHz, 266MHz FSB)


I had to use the Deskfan to play games etc. I'm almost certain that it was because the PSU was sitting almost next to the CPU Fan (it's a beast of a Fan, Rated up to 3200+).

If this new CPU does work, I will not put the PSU back in the case as it'll just cause increased heat again. I'll either have to leave it out of the case and hope my cats aren't dumb enough to go inside and kill themsleves....or get a larger ATX Case....

 

[chriseubank]

...don't forget to vacuum out the cat hair before you install the new chip!!!!!!!!!

lol

Good luck, let us know how it does

 

[DragonQ0105]

I'll definately let you know as soon as the chip and new Heatsink/Fan arrive and are installed if it works or not. Expect either a:

"At last, after 2-2.5 months, my PC is up and running and I can use a sledgehammer on this Pentium 60MHz sh*te-bag I'm using right now! Thanks everyone!"

or...

"I can't believe it! I've replaced EVERYTHING and it still won't work? What the hell have I done to upset the Computer God?! I think I may jump off a clip....sigh..."


lol

 

[BadBigBen]

Hi there,

@Dragon - I can't speak for the Rest of Europe, as I live in Germany (Fritz Kraut etc.) but we do have 230V!!!! Well from the sounds of it, the RAM you are using is a good name brand, and should be correct, what about the timing?

take a look at your CPU DIE for cracks and or chipping (common prob with lots of AMD CPU's) due to mistakes by installing the HS-Fan... if this is the case, then only replacement will fix it... I for one have a mini-atx case
with PSU sitting appr. 1" (INCH) 2.54CM above my CPU, the Temp on the CPU is at a constant 48 degree Celsius (about 112 degree Fahrenheit) and case temp at around 32 degree Celsius (98 degree F) with two case fans (non operating at present)... and no TEMP probs even playing heavy GFX hungry games, albeit I use a Celly!!!

and btw, jumpering off a clip is like terminating a scsi cable, no?

Ben


If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...

 

[marcdoyle]

i had a pretty similar problem with an old athlon 800mhz cpu and some pc100 ram. I could never pinpoint the problem and ended up getting a new cpu, motherboard and ram to fix it. Worked fine after that.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are 10 kinds of people in the world; those who understand binary and those who don't.

 

[DragonQ0105]

I for one have a mini-atx case
with PSU sitting appr. 1" (INCH) 2.54CM above my CPU, the Temp on the CPU is at a constant 48 degree Celsius "

In my Micro-ATX Case, my PSU was literraly ON TOP (when the case was on it's side) of the Heatsink/Fan, resting on it. That's why it got so hot in the first place and caused freezes...If the new CPU works, I'll buy a cheap Full ATX Tower Case and have 2 Case Fans (the PSU is well away from anything else in ATX Towers too) to stop it happening again...


My new PC (AthlonXP 3200+) has an Idle Temp of 46-48C and a Full Load Temp of 50-52C...but then again Mini-ATX PCs obviously get a lot hotter than Full ATX Towers lol...

 

[BadBigBen]

Too True!... Had one of these with two exhaust fans at the top, below that the PSU with two Fans (one on top and one on the back), beneath that came the MoBo (about 5 or 6 inches away)... MoBo temp was around 22 Celsius then...

unfortunately sold that case cuz of space probs... small apartment...

Ben

PS - hope your new system bangs without a hitch...


If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer...

 

[chriseubank]

So Dragon, did the new CPU cure the problems?