Computer Problems

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 5:01 pm

So I come home, and decide I Want to play some Doom.

I turn on my computer and go shower. When I come out of the shower, its just sitting at the loading windows screen... I think, this is taking a while, and go get dressed. When I get back, it still loading..

I try safemode... It hangs.

I try a reinstall, it gets to the portion where it says "Starting Windows" and hangs

I've lowered the CPU clock down to the lowest setting and that did nothing, and Im open to ideas as to what the problem might be.

Im thinking it might be my Mobo, but Im not sure. It never restarts properly. IE doesnt post when you use a soft reset and lately it has taken to not posting after a hard reset.

help me please!

[PX]Kal Bob · Post by **[PX]Kal Bob** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 5:20 pm

Do you have a Bootable Linux cd? If it is hardware that is making it hang, the Kernel will panic when it hits it.

Do you have a DVD-Rom? my last Linux Format has a bunch of Rescue/Repair Distros on it.

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 6:14 pm

No to the linux cd, Yes to the DVD Rom
Im 99% certain its a hardware issue. It ran fine for hours yesterday without any hiccups.

[PX]Kal Bob · Post by **[PX]Kal Bob** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:14 pm

Sounds like Ram or CPU.

Since you have switched CPU, you might try ram. You can try mine if you like.

THE JEW (RaVeN) · Post by **THE JEW (RaVeN)** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 11:04 pm

Can you run Memtest86+? That's easy enough to put on a floppy/CD and it will tell you if your memory is the culprit after about 5 loops. I'm leaning towards the memory also as switching it around when I was there seemed to cure the problem. Either that or the mobo DIMM slot(s) could be dying.

I'd Memtest with one DIMM first, and then try with the other one.

[Fallen]TSB · Post by **[Fallen]TSB** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 11:55 pm

why would you want to play Doom??? Doom3 is so much better..

if you have to go out and get a new system just for doom you have problems...

[PX]Kal Bob · Post by **[PX]Kal Bob** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:08 am

Not if he wants to play Doom Multiplayer :lol:

I seam to remeber that The Jew had to run the game as a thumb nail for us to get no lag... Pretty intense!

THE JEW (RaVeN) · Post by **THE JEW (RaVeN)** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 3:39 pm

Yeah, 2" X 2" Doom was a bit difficult. I'd be running along fine and then that b@st@rd TSB would give me a face-load of buckshot, for no apparent reason seeing as he was on my team, killing me.

Ah, good times. :mrgreen:

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 6:43 pm

Update:

So its not the RAM (Although DIM 2 runs at a slower transfer rate for both my sticks...)

However, removing one stick of RAM immediatley solved the restart issues I had been having, but not the lockup problem

Its not the CPU as both hang at the same place in every situation

This leaves my Mobo. Im open to other suggestions though...

To Gray: Doom RULES!!!! Screw this fancy 'sequel' that id released, I want OLD SCHOOL!

THE JEW (RaVeN) · Post by **THE JEW (RaVeN)** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:41 pm

Spare hard drive kicking around? I have a spare Socket A board at Bob's. I can bring it up this weekend if you want.

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:08 pm

I have my 30 gig with me.

I just tried it.

If anything is plugged into the primary IDE channel the system hangs. The secondary IDE Channel is very spotty only working sporadically

Also, the HDD swapping cause the restart problems to return...

Im declaring this Mobo Dead...

May it rest in peace

Jason, can you suggest a good replacement with comparable features and a decent price? (Comparable features = Overclocking ability a must, Raid, SATA, USB 2, Onboard LAN [gigabit optional, but preferred], onboard sound, firewire [optional but nice], compatible with my cooler)

[PX]Kal Bob · Post by **[PX]Kal Bob** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:13 pm

Have you re-installed XP with only the one stick in?

If it was the RAM, it could have Fubared the Install

Ghost [PX] · Post by **Ghost [PX]** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:31 pm

Yes, I tried the reinstall with only one stick. I tried it with both sticks, in every dim and it still hung, but if you read my previous post I think I tracked down the problem.

Also, Bob where did you get your case, how much did it cost and how much space is there between the top of the Motherboard and the Power supply? I think I might have to buy a new case if I want to get a different board and use my current cpu fan.

[PX]Kal Bob · Post by **[PX]Kal Bob** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:50 pm

sorry, we posted at the same time :lol:

THE JEW (RaVeN) · Post by **THE JEW (RaVeN)** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 5:47 am

ABIT NF7-S nVIDIA nForce2 $127

Enermax CS800TA-BLC (Black) w/ 350W PSU, USB2.0, IEEE $93

Both from Canada Computers. You could go with the Asus one and save $3 (not worth it IMO as their multiplier settings aren't as good as Abit's) or with the DFI one at the same price. I, however, don't have any experience with the DFI one so I can't say yay or nay on it. I've built/parted together about 7 systems with the Abit one and they're all going strong (1/2 did the 2500+ to 3200+ overclock). After watching the factory tour of Abit on Anandtech and the Tech Report where they covered the NF7-S, it's pretty much all I recommend for Socket A (cheap, reliable, features, overclocking.........the list goes on).