System crashes, Siren noise goes off - issolated to mobo

[Kakkarotto]

I can start my PC and perform some tasks, but when I try something a bit more memory demanding my system goes blank for a moment and then comes back frozen and a siren goes off. I can't ctrl,Alt,Del or even power off from the power switch, I have to switch it off from the wall socket.
I have been able to swop out all parts exept my motherboard, Its an advent mobo with BIOS number of 2A69KGOE.
Do I need to buy a new mobo or will flashing the BIOS help, if so how do I go about doing that?

 

[ski]

First, make sure that nothing is being overclocked, the BIOS is using all default settings, all fans are running at the proper speeds, and there is no dust build-up(especially on the fans and heatsinks).

If those do not help, then you may want to check the thermal paste between the CPU and its heatsink. Sometimes it will ooze out or harden, and not properly cool the CPU. If this is the case, then remove it and reapply it. Recommend using Arctic Silver 3.

I doubt that upgrading the BIOS will help, but you can try it.

 

[Bozz]

Check that the BIOS is not set to shut the PC down over a specific CPU temp. That setting could be too low - or it's geting too hot.

Ian Boys
DTE Systems Ltd

 

[ceh4702]

I use to see this due to a memory leak. In my case it was software related. An API would use all the memory up and never free it back up. This ususally presents itself as a good working system and then after a while say 15 minutes, the computer would just give up. I might see a blue screen or it might just freeze up everything. It wouldnt hurt to look for an overheating condition also.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[Jontmke]

If you are getting a siren then the bios is doing it. It is probably a heat alert. Make sure the fan on the cpu is working and the heatsink is mounted properly.

Jon

There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge. (Bertrand Russell)

 

[Kakkarotto]

I have used a P2 processor which was working OK on another mobo (which had built in VGA card) on this mobo. Therefore I have eliminated this from being the problem. I am awaiting a reply with the neccessary software to flash my BIOS from

http://www.msi.com

and will try that.
Thanks all for the advice will let you know what happens

 

[Kakkarotto]

I have used the BIOS upgrade on this PC now and its is still crashing however it no longer has the siren. I have no got a second P3 450Mhz processor in it and no change.

 

[ski]

Did you apply new thermal paste when you installed the different CPU?

If so, then run the computer with the cover removed, and an external fan blowing on it.
If that fixes things, then you need more cooling power, i.e., add'l. case fans, higher capacity CPU fan, etc.

If running an ext. fan does not help, then the MB may be bad.

 

[micker377]

Can you check the temp. of the CPU? This could also be a conflict with something and your sound card.

 

[Kakkarotto]

I have just bought a new mobo off ebay which I will try tonight. I have tried 3 different Processors on the current mobo and at least one of them was working on another mobo with built in graphics card which wasn't working.
I did notice that I have 4 DIMMS on the motherboard and they are of 3 different makes, I know thats not good but could it be causing the crashing at all?

 

[ceh4702]

Power supply could be going bad. A fan on the motherboard may be stopping intermittently also. Chipset can be overheating.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[Kakkarotto]

Hi All,

Thank you all for your wise words. I have replaced the motherboard and it is working again.
I have learnt much from your advise and will keep looking at these forums in the hope of gaining more wisdom.
Thanks again