Power problem.......I think

[chb575s]

During regular computing use, my PC will reset on its own for no apparent reason. Any running software runs fine which leads me to believe its a hardware problem. Its a 1.4 Ghz Athlon with 256MB DDR PC2100 RAM, GeForce4 MX440. I built it in about May and have replaced nothing but the 300W power supply that burned out. The power supply came with my motherboard and chip so that was odd why it burned out. So I put a new 350W power supply in it and it seems like since then, my computer would just reset for no reason on its own as if someone yanked the power cord out and plugged it back in. Sometimes it does it when its just on being idle. I'd like to know what is causing this and how to fix it. Could it be just another cheeseball power supply?

 

[OulOat]

Have you used memtest to test the RAM and prime to test the CPU?

 

[chb575s]

I have memtest but I just recently (within past 6 months) put Win2k on and haven't ran it on it. Also is the cpu test program prime95? I haven't used it yet. What all do they report?

 

[OulOat]

Memtest reports any errors with the ram, and if your comp can survive 24 hours of prime, then your CPU has no problems.

 

[Blain]

I'm having the same reboot problem. I bumped the voltage up on my Corsair, but it still happens.
I've got a 400W Antec. But I'm thinking along the same PS problem lines. I guess it's time to do some swapping to find out. ;O

 

[Bookie]

reboots are caused from a lack of a steady stream of power. I would suggest either getting a UPS or try another power supply. Sam's Club has a great deal on a ups (search for 'UPS ES 500U') for only $50. Otherwise, you will need a better power supply. Just because a power supply is rated at 350watts doesn't mean that it's of great enough quality to actually supply a steady 350watts.

 

[Blain]

My system is running off an APC UPS.

 

[greasepain37]

what does your error logs say? start-settings-control pannel-administrative tools-event viewer, find the date/time that matches your restart time and there are millions of reasons why a computer will restart like that not just power supplies

 

[Fallen Kell]

Had similar problems as well on an older system. I was able to prove it was the powersupply because I could actually hear the system start to lose power (i.e. fans would slow down, hard drive spin down, then system crash). Try listening to the system when this happens, it might give you a clue that it was a system wide power loss/strain... mine was still under warrenty and was replaced, everything worked fine again.

What make is you power supply? Full specs would really help out as well as all system components (hard drives, sound card, ethernet, modem, number of system fans, etc). A generic 350 watt is really pushing it for an Athlon 1.4 and a GeForce4. If its a 350 watt Antec TruePower you should be ok, but if its much of anything else, you are probably maxing out the combined 12 and 5volt lines, and thus would easily account for the crashes.

 

[Blain]

Update on my PS swap...

I pulled my 400W Antec out and replaced it with a 350W Heroichi. My observations are these...
1. My 3D pipes screen saver doesn't seem to be changing slowly anymore.
2. So far I haven't had any reboots.

Antec PP-403X specs - +3.3/28A +5/40A +12/12A
Heroichi 350LDT-T specs - +3.3/20A +5/33A +12/15A

Could it be that my 12V components were too much for the Antecs +12/12A?
2 - WD 80GB HDs
1 - FD
1 - LG CD-RW
1 - Afreey CD-ROM
1 - 92mm HS fan
1 - 92mm case fan (running the Zalman resistor)
1 - 120x38mm Panaflo case fan (running on 7V)
Looks like the Antec is getting dropped down to 2nd system status. Should it behave itself with less 12V components attached?
The real kicker is that the Antec cost me about twice as much as the Heroichi

Live and learn... die and forget it all