System Instability.

[just_laze]

Hello,

I am working on a machine that suffers from stability problems, the machine freezes solid while running prime95, sometimes within the first 5 minutes, sometimes after an hour or two.

The system specification is as follows:

Windows XP Professional (fresh installation)
Athlon XP1700+
ECS K7S5A
512MB SDRAM, PC133
nVidia Vanta Graphics Card
WD400JB 40GB HDD
NEC DVD-RW 4551a
Floppy Drive
CPU Temp: Idle 40c, Load 46c
System Temp: Idle 30c, Load 31c

This is what i've done so far attempting to identify the cause:

Ran memtest+ v1.65, it completed 3 passes without errors.
Ran Data Lifeguard, Western Digitals diagnostic utility. Full test, no errors.
Instead of running the monitor through the PSU, it's now connected directly to the mains and all usb powered devices have been disconnected.

I have MBM5 running, the rails are as follows:

+3.30
High 3.18, Low 3.15

+5.00
High 4.91, Low 4.88

+12.00
High 12.59, Low 12.40

-12.00
High 12.00, Low 12.00

-5.00
Does not register

I'm not entirely sure what falls into the 'safe' range in terms of rails, so any input on that would be good.

On a misc note, Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System is sharing IRQ 9 with SCSI/RAID Host Controller (Daemon Tools).

If anyone requires any further information, just ask.

laze.

[just_laze]

Please could at least one forum member suggest common causes (in their experience) of a complete system freeze and the need to remove the power cable from the PSU in order to shutdown the system?

Thanks,

laze.

[teachmech]

Prim95 freeze seems to suggest to me a heat issuse have you checked to see that your hsf is clean and free from dust?

Does your computer freeze at any other time?
Is your BIOS upto date?

[just_laze]

I'm actually using a custom bios, perhaps i will change back to the manufacturers bios... on a related note i ran memtest86+ v1.65 all day while i was out and it completed 8 passes without error, so i think we can rule the memory out.

I've just replaced the heatsink fan, because the fan itself was particularly noisy, temperatures are similar to what they were previously.

Thanks for your response.

[teachmech]

I know you probably did but

did you clean off old tim and reapply new tim and resit the new hsf correctly

sorry to ask but just checking.

Was the system running ok before change of hsf.

[just_laze]

I applied cleaned off the existing thermal pad and applied some Artic Silver 5, the heatsink was replaced due to the fan making excessive noise, the replacement took place after my original post.