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Lounge => General Computers and Gaming => Topic started by: NejinOniwa on December 25, 2007, 04:22:15 PM

Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on December 25, 2007, 04:22:15 PM
ANGSWTZHS! o_o

Well, hello there.
I didn't see anywhere else to post this, and while I was at it I thought it might be nice to have an universal thread for these things, for the next couple of poor sods in this predicament.

SO!

Nejin has FINALLY gotten his computer to at least turn itself on. Took a damn 3 months, woo. But as he rejoices about this he finds that the computer wants to be a general ass, and kills itself after a while. Also annoying is that the computer hangs itself real much, and ALWAYS if you happen to have a CD in your drive when you turn it on.

So I'm totally perplexed at this problem, and need help. To get you a few more clues about what might be the snag, though, I'll post what few oddities I've figured out so far:

1: The "Killing" effect persists if you do a reset or quick power-off-power-on, and comes faster, so I figure this SHOULD be overheating. I DO have a good number of fans, though, and a quite good one on the processor as well.
1.1: I did NOT, however, brush on any thermal paste on the unit before I installed it - I dunno if it's that vital, but that might be the failing link here.
2: My ATX connector is split into a 20-pin and an additional 4-pin connector, for 2.x motherboards, which I have - and the fastener for the 4-pin jammed one of those cylinder things when I fastened it to the side. I tilted it back during the failsearch and hacked off the (somewhat unnecessary) fastener with a knife (what!?), but I dunno if it helped anything.
3: Installed Units:
E6400 2.13ghz Core2 Duo (processor)
2GB RAM
ECS NFSLIT-A 1.0c (motherboard)
Huntkey DHPower ATX 2.x PSU

That's about all clues I can give you guys off the bat.
So, conclusion:
(http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/2001154045562051769_rs.jpg)
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: C-Chan on December 25, 2007, 10:33:32 PM
*feels details SWOOSH past his head*

Holy HELL!  Wait a sec,.... @___@

Is this that system you were talking about AGES ago,... the one you and a bro/cousin/friend were planning to put together or at least fix (some might say "pimp") up?  ^^;

Don't mind me, as I'm just stalling for time till I try to hide my ignorance on the matter of custom hardware...... -v-;

*fidgets*

[cliche] In any event, when in doubt,... just follow your heart..... ^____^

*hears heart*  And it says something about "thermal paint" and "wutlol. -w-".  ^^;
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on December 26, 2007, 07:23:52 AM
QuoteHOLY HELL! Wait a sec,.... @___@
Is this that system you were talking about AGES ago,... the one you and a bro/cousin/friend were planning to put together or at least fix (some might say "pimp") up? ^^;

That do be right. Do-be-do-be-do be right. Oh shit, not this again...

Oh and also, did another failsearch today. On my brother's suggestion I unplugged some of the chassi lights and fans, to see if the PSU was the failing link - it wasn't. It still killed itself halfway through the windows installation. So I've still just got my thermal paste clue to go on.

...anyone...?
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: C-Chan on December 26, 2007, 11:05:12 AM
[imitates voice inside Nejin's head]  Thermal paaaaaaaaaaaaaste........  `v'

No but seriously, how hard (or should I say, "destructive" would it be to test that out?  If you apply the thermal paste, you won't be able to remove or something?
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on December 26, 2007, 12:31:15 PM
Dunno. I guess I'm just being a bit lazy - also tomorrows I'll be going upcountry for some skiing, so I have little time to try things out. Packing sucks -,-
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Tsubashi on December 26, 2007, 05:19:14 PM
Oh! Looks like Nejin-san's been having lots of fun, ne? ^.^
Let see. Point of clarification:LGA775 socket motherboard, right? And then is it the ECS NF650iSLIT-A or the NF570SLIT-A? I'd assume it's the first one, but I'm not sure.
Also, when you "jammed" the four pin ATX connector, just the fastener was damaged, not any of the connectors? And what are the "cylinder things?" Is it the Auxiliary +12 V connector port, or just some capacitor (like the pic below).
(http://reprap.org/pub/Main/ElectrolyticCapacitor/electrolytic-capacitor-small.jpg)

What BIOS version do you have? You might try flashing it and updating if needs be.

One last thing, have you tried installing any other OS? I know XP has some problems on newer hardware. Try changing the BIOS translation method used to access the hard drive from the default setting “Auto” to “Large” (not LBA, not CHS).

You might also try using thermal paste ^-^'
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on December 26, 2007, 05:48:54 PM
QuoteOh! Looks like Nejin-san's been having lots of fun, ne? ^.^
Let see. Point of clarification:LGA775 socket motherboard, right? And then is it the ECS NF650iSLIT-A or the NF570SLIT-A? I'd assume it's the first one, but I'm not sure.
Also, when you "jammed" the four pin ATX connector, just the fastener was damaged, not any of the connectors? And what are the "cylinder things?" Is it the Auxiliary +12 V connector port, or just some capacitor (like the pic below).


What BIOS version do you have? You might try flashing it and updating if needs be.

One last thing, have you tried installing any other OS? I know XP has some problems on newer hardware. Try changing the BIOS translation method used to access the hard drive from the default setting “Auto” to “Large” (not LBA, not CHS).

You might also try using thermal paste ^-^'

Lots of stuff o_o
Um. Your assumption is correct, the 650i is the one I've got. And it's one of those capacitor that was slightly jammed when i inserted the 4-pin.

My BIOS is some...um...it was something Phoenix, i think. Don't remember much.
And I haven't tried any other OS, but as it failed before without having entered the setup I don't think that's the case either.

Yeah, I think I should just go get some thermal paste.

That's for when I get home, though - I'm off skiing tomorrow morningssu...
RIDGE RACER!!! >w<

*zooms out of thread*
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Tsubashi on December 26, 2007, 06:05:13 PM
Well, check to make sure the capacitor is okay.

Phoenix, eh?
*Thinks*
I'm fairly certain it's AwardBIOS. If so, the latest version for your board is 07.09.28 (Though it might not show up as that.) ECS names updates by release date, so if you've updated your BIOS since September 28, you'd have the latest. Otherwise... ^.^

QuoteAnd I haven't tried any other OS, but as it failed before without having entered the setup I don't think that's the case either.

Well, since it is a hard drive access translation problem, it could occur any time XP tries to read/write to the disk including the period right after POST completes but before anything show up.

Added after 1 minutes:

Oh! and have fun skiing tomorrow! I was invited to go skiing, but term papers and such prevent me from going. T_T
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on January 03, 2008, 07:22:28 PM
Quote from: "Tsubashi"
Oh! and have fun skiing tomorrow! I was invited to go skiing, but term papers and such prevent me from going. T_T
Never pass out on skiing, my boy. My trip was just half-assed - although this isn't really the place to speak about that - and I still came home feeling like I'd won a million. Speed is my Speed...or something. Er.


Oh, and also, CRUD, I had to use this thread again.
I don't know if the capacitor is ok - I'm not very knowledgeable on this area (as I've noticed over the course of building this infernal thing), and I don't know how to tell. Regardless, something IS wrong still, though.

Situation:
My hunch was right - it WAS a case of lacking thermal paste. I say lacking, because there actually was a layer of it on the bottom part of my fan, but it didn't cover the whole unit, and also was paper-thin. I smeared on quite much more (oh, whatever) and now it at least doesn't die by itself anymore. Rejoice...
...but my problems aren't over yet.
I managed to partition and install Windows XP Pro 64 on the machine, so now it's an official computer. Problems remain, though - this infernal thing has got a runtime of some 30 minutes, tops - then it freezes, forcing you to hardboot the thing. If you reset or turn it on again immediately, it freezes after mere minutes, or even seconds. After waiting for a while you can use it pseudo-properly again, but not over the 30 minute scale, where it freezes AGAIN.
I've double-checked the connectors on the board and such, to the best of my knowledge, and find nothing wrong, with the possible fault being two things: One capacitor just by the ATX 4-pin (which I mentioned earlier) and one other capacitor just by the processing unit, which I noticed might have been slightly dented on the top as I fixed with the fan and thermal paste.

I ask you once more for help, my friends - I'm lost in space at this, and not a single damn idea on how to fix this shit - except for buying a new motherboard - has popped up in my head.
HALP. NAO.

Also, tomorrow I leave for a cruise to Estonia, so I'll have to hope for answers until then.
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: C-Chan on January 03, 2008, 11:46:57 PM
Well I'm glad my subliminal messaging [regarding the thermal paste] worked,...

But by GAWD, you seem to be a magnet for trouble, aren't you?  ^^;

*goes off to research with futility*
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on January 04, 2008, 06:03:08 AM
QuoteBut by GAWD, you seem to be a magnet for trouble, aren't you? ^^;
As true as it's said. ALL pieces of hardware that I own or have owned always end up with some really, really weird problems and issues - my iPod occasionally disconnects itself from the computer, ALPHA (this computer) crashes explorer.exe all the damn time when I open my media folders, hael, even my GBA and old stereo had problems! Yes, I AM a magnet for hardware troubles, sempai. That's one big time truth. Unfortunately so.
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Tsubashi on January 05, 2008, 09:35:48 AM
Gomen nasai, I'm traveling at the moment, so I can't give you a detailied response at the moment, but since it does boot up consistently, I'd doubt that either of those capacitors are broken. Might be a software error, if it were me, I'd try booting a liveCD to see if it demonstrates the same problems. I promise I'll give or more thought when I get home.
Gomen Nasai! ^^'
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on January 07, 2008, 10:30:28 AM
I could try booting up my Puppy - but I doubt that's the case, however. As i stated earlier it showed the same problems when in BIOS mode, and even before i could install Windows.
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: C-Chan on January 07, 2008, 12:10:01 PM
I take it your back from your cruise/trip/whatever, no?  ^^
Can't say I've found anything useful during the interim,... hardware, especially custom hardware, is "hardly" my specialty.  [bad pun intended]  ^^;
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on January 07, 2008, 01:08:12 PM
-_-;
Yup, back from Tallinn. I'm suffering Reverse Seasickness now, and it sucks.
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: RandiNinja on January 24, 2009, 05:38:52 PM
Does the problem still exist?

I grasped the situation here.... i know about computer..... but i mean not really much... but maybe this will help...

the conclusion what i get after reading this post:

1. you said..
QuoteAlso annoying is that the computer hangs itself real much, and ALWAYS if you happen to have a CD in your drive when you turn it on.
1st, Your DVD Drive maybe have a little problem here, xp-chan often freeze if the lens in your drive was weak and she tried to read a cd/dvd media, the problem will worsen if you give her a damaged or scratched cd/dvd media. This problem will gone if you remove the cd/dvd media from the tray. Does your drive new??
2nd, If your drive is new and you sure the lens are still in great condition then the problem could be in the PSU! The PSU supply power to your hardware maybe not enough for them to work correctly especially the processor and vga! What vga are you using?? is it the strong one? If it's true then you should change your PSU before your other hardware trully damaged!

2. Thermal paste...
This one is REALLY IMPORTANT! You should use it correctly if you don't want your cpu to go overheat... overheat could make your xp-chan freeze! Have you ever seen a cpu blown up cause lack of this thing? I've seen one!

3. Memory
Check your memory!! in my experience, about 5 of 10 pc that have the same problem as you, memory is the culprit! If you are using the cheap one, i suggest you to change this. If you are using the old one, try to clean the tip copper of your memory using the pencil eraser. Also try to install one of your memory then boot your computer and see if the problem still exist.... if it still exist, change with the other memory and boot your computer.... still exist? try to change the socket where your memory installed....

3. xp-chan!
What version is your xp-chan?? Compatibility of xp-chan and your hardware could be the problem. Lately, i tried xppro-chan sp3 and have the same problem with you! freeze... freeze.. and freeze... then i change to my old sp2 and the problem perish...

4. If you tried all that above and the problem still exist.... maybe the cause is motherboard problem or hardware compatibility problem.... return your pc to the shop where you buy it... and get your warranty!!


Good luck....!!!
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on January 24, 2009, 06:00:48 PM
I switched the mobo, cpu, memory and EVERYTHING for badass DDR3, QuadCore and X38 Crossfire compliant stuff. Daijoussu~ -w-

Besides, the problem wasn't related to the operative system since it existed even BEFORE I was able to install any OS on the damn thing. My guess is either the mobo, or the cpu - which I bought from USA over eBay and had sent to me in a tiny, tiny antistatic wrapping. In spring 2007. Go figure~ Besides, it broke later when I tried installing it on the second mobo I bought. (The current DELTA has the THIRD mobo bought in that series, hell froze over.)

Besides, custom-built pc's don't have warranty, you know. MAYBE the parts do, but meh. Too bothersome.

I'll decorate my room with them instead~ _W_
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Smokey on January 24, 2009, 08:30:40 PM
don't buy second hand computerstuff without a long test run...

better yet don't buy second hand computerstuff
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on January 25, 2009, 04:17:34 AM
Yeah, I've learned that now.
(although the seller claimed that it was new and unused~ ->-)
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Smokey on January 25, 2009, 11:19:32 AM
yeah, that's what you should say if you're selling...
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: RandiNinja on January 25, 2009, 11:52:36 AM
Ooopss!! Guess i just answered the post from one year ago!!!
My bad!! I am just realized that just now!! ;001

QuoteI switched the mobo, cpu, memory and EVERYTHING for badass DDR3, QuadCore and X38 Crossfire compliant stuff. Daijoussu~ -w-
Geezzze!! That's powerfull, really powerfull, QuadCore and X38 Crossfire thing.... to think i am just using some old mobo with X2 processor... i feel really miserable...  :rolleyes:

I plan to change my pc with X4 but i'm currently short on budget...  ;014 poor me....
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Smokey on January 25, 2009, 12:25:42 PM
dual core works just as fine, and if you're just using your PC for office and internetz, a humble PI/PII will suffice...
or even a 486, makes for a nice fanless PC...
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: NejinOniwa on January 25, 2009, 03:56:50 PM
That's very true. My DELTA may be powerful enough to take anything on with the highest settings...


...provided she doesn't die of overheat. -.-
She's quite like me in that way, actually... -w-
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Smokey on January 25, 2009, 04:42:21 PM
ah, like my pc was in her glory days...
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: RandiNinja on January 26, 2009, 06:33:47 PM
What PC you're currently using Smokey-san?
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: Smokey on January 27, 2009, 05:46:52 AM
AMD64 x2 4800+
ASUS M2N-32 SLI Deluxe WiFi-AP
4GB Corsair DDR2-800
2x nVidia GeForce8500GT 512MB in SLI
1,2TB of various HDDs

i need to upgrade, im a generation behind on the CPU and 2 generations behind on the VidCards...
Title: Hardware Help Desk
Post by: partibmn on September 05, 2009, 06:52:50 PM
same here..computer surely need to upgrade every once a year