Hi everybody, I'm having problems with constant crashing of my computer. I could use any help that anyone can give me about this problem. There is a certain trend of situations when my computer crashes. They are one of two things:
1. Running a lot of applications. Sometimes when I have a lot of programs running simotaneously, the computer operates louder and the red LED light at the front of the computer stays on. This is when my computer crashes.
2. Playing games. Even if the game does not have high demands of the computer's capabilities, sometimes even if it's a flash game, my computer will crash. I have tried closing background tasks and all the usual ram-conserving techniques but all the same.
Before it crashes, the power source fan heats up real badly and starts blowing out hot air. Usually, my power supply runs smoothly and emits cool air. But when power supply fans heat up, doesn't it heat up in trying to cool off the internal chipsets? Or is it the fan's problem that it's heating up? I am trying to determine whether I need to replace any fans (power supply or cpu fan) or maybe add some memory. I will clean the dust from the inside and tie the wires back to regulate air flow.
Now, the ram. The ram may have a lot to do with the crashing, if not, I would still consider upgrading it to enhance system performance. I understand from other threads that two chips of ram will run at the lowest speed of the two. Now is there something that helps me find the speed of the ram I'm using, and to see if there is any faulty ram in use? Also, if I have two chips of ram of different brands, will they work together?
There may be the possibility that the crashing is caused by other hardware problems like the video card. Any ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I know I have asked a lot of questions, please try your best to help me out with any of them. Thanks in advance.
first take the side off and check your cpu heatsink is it crammed with dust if it is clean it out
computers that get noisier when working are generally useing the fans more to keep the system cool (faster fan more noise)
try using a household fan to blow in the case while trying to make it crash, this should stop it happening
i7 3770 12GB ram terrabyte sata drive 1 750Gb sata drive 285GTX graphics Sony dvdwriter same NZXT Nemesis case
Still playing Black Hawk Down why did I upgrade?
Here are my comp specs:
Processor:Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.40 GHz
Mobo: ASUS P4S800 Motherboard
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9200 SE AGP
Memory: One stick of Hynix Brand 512mb DDR400 (PC3200) Ram
Hard Drive: 80GB standard HD
LG CD-Writer/DVD-ROM Drive
AOpen DVD Writer Drive
Standard floppy drive
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
That should be enough info. Also, I have just finished getting rid of the dust inside. The fans and chipsets are now clean. I have also tied all the wires together and placed them in a strategic position so that it does not block good air flow. After doing this, I tested it by playing a game. It still crashed after half an hour of gaming. Before crashing, the fan gets really loud and really hot. After crashing, my computer boots up and Microsoft Windows pops up on my desktop saying "The system has recovered from a serious error" which is what it always says every time it crashes. I've decided to open up my computer, then found out that the parts that were creating the most heat were the power supply fan, the cpu fan + heatsink, the video card, the ram, and the hard drive. Should I add another internal fan and some more memory?
I've taken those tests and they conclude that I need at least a 270 Watt power supply fan. I have a 350 Watt power supply right now, so that shouldn't be the problem. But nonetheless, is it good to replace power supply fans once in a while? I've been thinking of getting one.
Also, I tried that technique of taking off the cover and using a household fan to keep the chips cool. And..I'll be darned..it worked! I set a fan blowing at the insides of the computer and started gaming for 2 hours straight! I checked for any signs of heat while I was playing, and the only sources of moderate heat were the video card, Ram, and hard drive. The power supply fan and the cpu fan were kept icy cold which is why it worked. Now, do I just go and buy more internal fans to cool off the psu and cpu? (no, I cannot have a house fan blowing at my computer everytime I play games!)I have a very small computer area so the cooling systems must take the least amount of space and must be inside the case if possible.
Please, I need some advice on PC cooling hardware. The main sources of heat seem to come from the PSU and CPU fan + heatsink. Other devices that also heat up are the hard drive, ram, and video card. I figured I should upgrade to a better PSU (higher voltage, self-cooling capabilities) and a new CPU fan + heatsink. Then, if needed, I will get an additional PCI fan cooling system. I could use some feedback and advice about this next step of buying pc cooling hardware, suggestions of other products would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
