Problem with boot up, and intermintent lock up

[cdlvj]

Anyone concur. This is XP AThlon Duran processer 750.

1st thing in the morning, power comes on, and nothing.
Pull cord and and put back in, to boot, so I know the switch is bad.

Sometimes it goes to boot routine, and then reboots. I suspect the power supply.

Sometimes it runs good for days. But time to time, locks up. The two hard disks are real close together, and I supect this could be a problem.

My thinking is just replace the case, with a more robust power supply, better hard disk carriers, and fan output.

Any ideas.

 

[stduc]

It does sound like the power supply. It could be as simple as a faulty kettle lead though. ButI would also suspect the CPU is not fully seated, or the CPU is overheating. I would run a CPU temperature program to see what the CPU is running at. It would do no harm and be a lot cheaper to remove the heatsink/fan assemply, remove, clean and re-seat the CPU and re-fit the heatsink/fan with either new silver grease or a new heatpad.

 

[cdlvj]

I did reseat the cpu, because when I got the machine it would not boot at all. But did not re-grease. I can get the ps tested, and would have to get a new switch.

The disks are touching so I may just remove the 2nd one, as the 1st is a 40 gig and the other 4 gig.

 

[stduc]

The 4 gig doesn't sound like much use, does it!

Not having a good thermal contact between the CPU and the heatsink is a very good technique if you have a disaster planned.

Always thoroughly clean the CPU & the heatsink with alcohol (Isopropyl is best) then apply a new pad - or 2 grains of rice worth of something good like arctic silver. if using grease smooth it over the CPU evenly using a credit card or similar.

 

[garebo]

Also, you can keep the case but remove the power on\off and build a new one for a dollar. Take the jumper end off the old power\on and attach some wire to it, as long as you want, then go to radio shack and get an appropriate switch, its usually the black and red one they have, round or square. You can install that into your case if you like or do what i do. I run a longer wire and have it sitting on my desk. I took the original jumper that connects to the mobo, added longer wire and a power\on switch and i taped it on the underside of my desk. When i want my computer on i hit the switch.
You can do the same for the reset but i didnt.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[garebo]

I forgot, yes, it sure sounds like you need a new power supply. the old one must be really old or really cheap or both if it wont power a small duron.
If you do get a new power supply, consider getting a very good one, like an antec, enermax, etc. Its way more than you need for your duron but when you decide to upgrade you can use your new power supply as part of the upgrade.
I have a real good enermax that i have had running 24\7 for 6 yrs now and its fine. I think i paid $65 for it.
Its been thru all my upgrades.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips