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System locks up after 30 seconds 1

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cwhite23

Technical User
Sep 17, 2003
66
US
This one has me puzzled. I recently bought a new case for my system, and after transferring all of the hardware over, I ran into some issues. The most annoying of these is that the system will boot up, will go into windows (all the way to the desktop), and then lock up. This happens after about 30 seconds of operation. At first I thought it might be a driver problem, but the computer will also lock up if I'm in the BIOS, if I boot up from the CD, whatever. Also, none of the USB ports appear to be working. I have a mouse on one of the USB ports, which doesn't respond at all even after moving it to a different port. Any help would be appreciated.
 
It was working before, right? So got to be something that happened during or as a result of the move...

Check that your CPU heatsink/fan assembly hasn't partially come adrift. The symptoms you describe match a CPU overheat situation.

Second, check that the CPU fan is running ok, and that the heatsink isn't bunged up with dust and dirt.

Third, check the wiring to the motherboard and peripherals, and ensure that there is nothing underneath the motherboard that might partially short it to the chassis (case).

If all ok so far, you could then try disconnecting peripherals, both data and power cables, and then unplug any cards other than video etc.

ROGER - G0AOZ.
 
Everything was working fine in the old case. I will check everything you've suggested to be sure I haven't missed anything. The fact that it boots up tells me it's talking to the HD correctly, but the rest is a bit of a mystery. One thing I want to check is the front USB header. I have run into situations before where the pinouts for the cable didn't exactly match the pinouts for the header on the MB. I've never had it lock up a system though...

Thanks for your help!
 
Another thought would be to check the PSU. You'd expect a new case and PSU to be ok, but I've learned to never assume anything!

Check the rating of this new PSU (Watts). It should be at least equal to, if not greater than your original one. If the original is still around, could you temporarily hook it up to the motherboard and peripherals? If the system still locks up then you can pretty much eliminate PSU issues from the equation...

Is it possible that some unattainably high performance setting in the BIOS has got accidentally enabled during the hardware transfer? Try resetting the BIOS back to defaults maybe...

ROGER - G0AOZ.
 
Agreed. You would think that since the case and power supply are both brand new...

I've already checked the rating on the PSU and it's actually higher than what was in the old case.

I had the same thought about hooking up the old power supply. It won't be easy (the new case is a lot smaller), but right now I'll try anything!

Already tried resetting the bios. I was hoping that maybe some setting had accidentally been changed, or maybe the new case needed something set differently, but unfortunately there wasn't any change; the system still locked up.

I'll keep you posted. Maybe between the two of us we can figure this out.

If all else fails, I still have the old case! :)
 
Might well pay you to take it all apart, and lay out the components on the desk (breadboard style) using the old PSU, so that everything is as it was before. Then change the PSU and see if it still works. You'll then know if mounting it in the case has caused an issue. Don't rule out strange front panel l.e.d./reset/power switch wiring either.

ROGER - G0AOZ.
 
but the computer will also lock up if I'm in the BIOS[\quote]usually indicates that the RAM is shot...

Possible ESD discharge while assembling the system by not grounding oneself before touching the hardware...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
Actually turned out to be a defective card. I set the system up 'breadboard style' as mentioned above, and had the same problem. I then started pulling components one at a time, and discovered that the culprit was a defective tv tuner card. Once the card was removed, everything worked prefectly. The system is now in it's new case, and everybody's happy. Thanks for the helpful suggestions G0AOZ. Five Stars!
 
Glad you found the culprit and all is in order, besides the TV Tuner...

I must say though, that this is the first for me, that a PCI card stops/freezes a system. Usually the system just does not power up at all... Every time I had a system that would freeze in the BIOS Setup, it was RAM related, hence the suggestion...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
BadBigBen said:
I must say though, that this is the first for me, that a PCI card stops/freezes a system

Ben,

Look here:

thread602-1436222

I had a problem with random lockups that was solved by replacing the old PCI video card with a new PCIe card. First time for me too [smile]

Tony

Users helping Users...
 
Wahnula, I actually read that some time ago...

but when one is haunted by the boss, one will have trouble connecting the dots... at least I did... LOL... must be old age getting to me... ;)

and the fact that everything worked before and did not after the mobo move, led me to think that it was caused by ESD, which tends to hit the RAM (I think due to grabbing a hold of the modules to steady the board)...

I am just glad for the guy that it was the TV tuner, not the RAM...

one never stops learning...

Ben

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