Computer Crashing Constantly

I bought my computer in Oct. of 07. Around December/January it began to randomly shut down when running EQ (pc game). The first couple of times it happened, I assumed it was my power supply or my processor, but when I couldn't steadily replicate the issue, I grew complacent and just accepted that *Sometimes* it would shut down.

There is never an error message (that I can find). There is no black screen, or blue screen. The computer just shuts off.

And now it is happening within the first 5 minutes of loading just about any game that plays in full screen (Sims 2, POx Nora, Rappelz etc...)

I've done the best I can at trying to eliminate causes. I went through the malware removal advice found somewhere around here. I've switched games in and out. I don't have a complete list of which games shut it off, but out of everything I've tried running, sim city 4 deluxe is the only one I can play with minimal issues.

I use an Acer Aspire M5630, and the hardware is all the same as when I bought it, except for the ethernet card I put in when I bought it. When I do searches on the desktop model, I can never find anyone complaining about the issues I've had, which makes me think it is not hardware related. Assuming it is the hardware, I don't even know how/what I need to replace it with. I am not sure how to tell what kind of power supply I am using, and what PSU IS compatible with my current setup.

I don't know what I should post for you to help me, but I am generally competent enough to follow any directions people give me.

If anyone can offer help, I'd appreciate it. Full-time home-makers get bored easily...

 

This is what AIDA32 says about my computer (although under OS it says Longhorn.... I don't know what that means, but I use Vista):

Computer
Operating System Microsoft Windows Longhorn Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 1
Internet Explorer 7.0.6001.18000
Computer Name CATHERINES
User Name Catherine
Logon Domain Catherines

Motherboard
CPU Type Unknown, 2200 MHz (6 x 367)
Motherboard Name Unknown
Motherboard Chipset Unknown
System Memory 3072 MB
BIOS Type AMI (07/31/07)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM2)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM4)
Communication Port Printer Port (LPT1)

Display
Video Adapter ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO (128 MB)
Video Adapter ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO (128 MB)
Monitor Acer E151H [NoDB] (LAU0C0124010)

Multimedia
Audio Adapter High Definition Audio Controller [NoDB]
Audio Adapter High Definition Audio Controller [NoDB]

Storage
Disk Drive Generic- Compact Flash USB Device
Disk Drive Generic- MS/MS-Pro USB Device
Disk Drive Generic- SD/MMC USB Device
Disk Drive Generic- SM/xD-Picture USB Device
Disk Drive Hitachi HDT725050VLA380 ATA Device
Optical Drive HL-DT-ST DVD-RW_GSA-H41N ATA Device
Optical Drive ZG1499Z DIZ091J SCSI CdRom Device
Optical Drive ZG1499Z DIZ091J SCSI CdRom Device

Partitions
C: (NTFS) 233603 MB (180959 MB free)
D: (NTFS) 233340 MB (186285 MB free)

Input
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Mouse Microsoft PS/2 Mouse

Network
Primary IP Address 192.168.1.103
Primary MAC Address 00-10-B5-69-46-FB
Network Adapter Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet NIC (192.168.1.103)
Network Adapter Realtek RTL8168B/8111B Family PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.0)

Peripherals
Printer EPSON Stylus CX7400 Series
Printer HP PSC 750
Printer Microsoft XPS Document Writer
Printer Send To OneNote 2007
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Mass Storage Device

 

Yeah, I'd say it's temperature also. Since the problem started some time after purchasing the PC, I'd say you have some either some dirty heatsinks (which prevent the heat from escaping properly), or the system fans are starting to fail (video card fans in particular spin VERY fast and can start slowing down after 1.5-2 years or just quit completely). Gaming is one of the tasks that makes a PC work the hardest. This applies to most of the components in a PC: when gaming the RAM needs to work to its full abilities, the CPU is calculating its a** off, and your video card is handling most of the picture load which generates A LOT of heat. If everything isn't cooled correctly, you'll have problems. So- open the case (remove the power cord first) and make sure all your fans and heatsinks are clean. Take the PC outside and hit the fans/heatsinks with some canned air or an air compressor and blow all the crapola out. Do this to the power supply also. Do not 'over-spin' the fans; you should probably disconnect the fans from the motherboard and/or their power connectors first, and try to keep them from spinning crazy-fast when blowing with the air. When they spin really fast, the bearings can get damaged, and the fans can actually create electricity like a tiny generator and pump it backward in to your components, so unplug the power connections if possible, and hold the fans to keep them from spinning. Also, make sure the fans spin free and easy when you flick 'em with your finger. Right when they stop spinning there should be a little bit of 'bounce back', meaning it should kind of spin backward a tiny bit. You'll know what I mean when you see it. If all this doesn't help, let us know and we'll move on to something else. In the meantime, if you can download and install HWmonitor, run it in the background during some regular computing. After about 30 minutes, bring it up and take a screenshot of the readouts and attach them here and we'll try to advise as to whether the temps and/or voltages shown are OK....

[dlb]

 

Use a toothpick, swizzle stick or similar (preferably nonconducting) item to hold the fans still when using compressed air. In addition to dlb's warning, spinning the fans too fast can damage the bearings, resulting in premature fan failure.

 

I have to agree with all above posts. Most if not all modern PC's will automatically shut down when a "critical threshold" in temperature is reached. This is a built in design to alert the average PC user that something is wrong and it is intended to stop your components from being "fried", killed, etc, through overheating. Use the app that Dbl has linked and look at your CPU, Mobo/System and GPU temps. Anything above 70C for a CPU is of concern and needs to be addressed.

 

Damnit the old double post.

 

Alrighty. I cleaned everything out and am posting the picture of the program. Thanks for any help, guys.

 

Okay a couple of questions.

Is this your system here?;

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/desktop_pcs/acer/aspire_m5630_at370/219205

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Review/102065,acer-aspire-m5630.aspx

Which would indicate you have a "Radeon HD 2400 Pro graphics card"? Also indicated in your AIDA32 output?

As can be noted in your HWMonitor screenshot we can see that the GPU Core is hitting 97C with a range from 55C-98C.

Was this taken during normal operating or was this after a heavy gaming session and you have been loading the Video Card?

Here is another monitoring application specifically for Video Cards and can further confirm what you are noting in HWMonitor, can you do a 5-10min PC session without doing any loading (no gaming) and report back on your findings (GPU temps):

GPU-z

My final question is does your Video Card have a fan on it or is it "passively cooled"?

You may want to do a run of the PC with out the side cover on so you can watch what is going on and if there is supposed to be a fan on the Video Card to make sure that it is working.

If there is no fan report back with the temps, etc. It is okay to hit 100C on a Video Card after a very heavy gaming session and "very high load" for short periods, but I would be dismantling it personally and refreshing the TIM and giving t a good clean. Personally I feel confident and comfortable with GPU temp ranges of 50-80C for high end loading, these temps would kill most CPU's!!!

If it does seem to be the culprit here is one being dismantled and being water cooled, please post back and discuss this before undertaking any dismantling!!!!:

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/v...hipset-cooler-on-an-ati-2400-pro-card-237718/

 

Yes, that is my system, and yes, that is my video card.

The picture of temps above was taken after playing sim city 4 for about 15 minutes.

As I was cleaning the computer, I noticed a small fan on the video card, but it's not moving now.

I'm not sure what all info you wanted posted, so there are 2 screenshots. Nothing is running on my computer, and all I've been doing for the last 20 minutes is looking up ways to cool this darn thing off on the internet

 

Both of thos pics help and in the second one you can see that your GPU is hitting 95C with 0% load!!!

The best thing you can do is to remove the Fan and Heatsink and apply a decent thermal grease (TIM) which can make a big difference. Looking for a good guide at the moment.

I really wouldn't spend any more money on this Video Card with after market cooling as you can buy an ATI 4850 for cheaper pricing than the ATI 2400 and it will absolutely run circles around that card:

http://www.myshopping.com.au/PR--281544_Lenovo_43R1961_ATI_Radeon_2400_Pro_128MB_PCI_E_Graphics_Card

http://www.myshopping.com.au/PR--287658_HIS_HIS_HD4850_E3_ATI_Radeon_4850_512MB_PCI_E_Graphics_Card

 

I've had a similar problem to this before, whenever I ran a memory-intensive program the computer would shut down. In my case, it turned out to be a bad RAM stick. You could try taking out a pair, seeing if that helps.

 

I haven't replaced a video card in ages, and I am a bit behind on the progression lines. I am under the impression that my current card is a PCI Express x16. Do I need to stick with that interface in choosing my next card, or are there other interfaces I can slide into that slot as well? Also, where might these cheaper priced places be at? i loooove cheap.

As for the RAM, I did try that a few months ago, and it didn't fix my issues.

 

Is this what your card looks like?:

http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=9187&page=5

 

That's not the one I have. It looks much fancier than mine is. I can't seem to find a picture of mine online, but if you need it, I can just take a picture of mine for ya.

 

A pic of yours would be good, form front and back if possible.

Well it seems like your GPU cooling fan has died and or is not working properly!

The cheapest fix if your on a budget (I know I am) is to buy a replacement VGA/GPU cooling fan:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...110576&page=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True

If your card is the same as the one I listed above you will need to remove the 4 backplate screws, unplug the fan from the socket and gently pry the old fan/hs array of the GPU (they can become stuck on the GPU due to the high temps the reach) so you may have to be careful there and keep the card flat on a hard surface to remove. When replacing or reattaching the Fan/HS you will need to clean of the old thermal grease and refresh with more!!!

From the VGA coolers I would tend towards the Zalman at $12.98 US because they generally do make good cooling products, sadly I can't see whether this product is offering thermal grease. Hopefully someone else can offer advice for after market VGA cooling here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118212

Tuitsuro thank you for trying to help but it seems very clear that the Video Card Fan is or has died and buying extra RAM will most likely do nothing to help!

If you are going to remove the old GPU HS I can try and find some links later (or at least give you a good checklist to follow).

 

You are probably right here and your mobo has a PCIex16 Slot but I would need your mobo make and model to answer this correctly This will probably give the exact info needed:

Belarc Advisor 8.1.2.0

Or you could do a dxdiag:

Hit Windows (key)+R and type in dxdiag.....System Model is???

Have to goto bed......word of caution it seems your Video Card is getting very hot and I would not be gaming until you have got this sorted out or you may damage something!

 

Here are some pictures, and hopefully they help!

I went and got some thermal grease from Best Buy, and that didn't do anything really. But hey! I didn't break anything, at least

I am most certainly on a budget, and I accept all tips on how to fix things cheaply.

As for my motherboard, that is a whole other issue. I spent 3 days trying to look up information on it, and it's not easy. It's actually impossible for me, but you are more than welcome to try. The make is Acer, the model is EG31M. I could not find a single piece of information on it, so there is also a picture of the thing attached (video card removed).

It appears to me that is the only slot to use.

 

Looks close to this one;

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Pr...ailID=704&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=1&LanID=0

 

I see what you mean about your mobo but it looks like there are some clones out there (for lack of better words):

http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/277294.aspx
http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/1208/ecs_g31t_m_intel_core_2_on_a_budget/
http://www.shoppingsquare.com.au/p_7582_Gigabyte_GAEG31MS2_Motherboard

I understand budget in this current climate. Was the fan spinning on the Video Card at all or was there nothing? It really does seem that this is the root of the problem and I wouldn't like seeing 95-97C on a Video Card without any load.

Your options are to get a replacement fan/hs (the HS is very important!!) for the current Video Card or to consider a budget Video Card "upgrade". I searched at Best Buy because that seems to be near you but no VGA coolers there here are some from Tigerdirect:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?page=1&Nav=|c:4027|&Sort=0&Recs=10
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=993572&CatId=4027

You can also consider upgrading to a newer Budget Video Card if you can't get a VGA fan for a reasonable price:

Radeon HD 3450 Video Card $34.50
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4483694&CatId=28

Sapphire Radeon HD 3650 Video Card $44.99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3855385&CatId=28

 

I'm looking on newegg for a VGA fan (I just like to gather as much information as possible before paying for something), and I have a couple of questions. Is there a determining factor (size or something) that I should consider before purchasing one? Also, I See an option for "Power Connector." How do I know what mine is currently using? What quality(ies) make one VGA Fan better than another? I am also a bit confused on the fan/hs labeling. I Didn't even know video cards had a hs.

I Assume I'll be removing the fan-like thingie off of my card, and replacing it with whatever I purchase.

So far, that's as far as my thought process can go for the day. Stupid computer!

But thank you very much for your help!

 

OH, and also, so you are saying that the PCIe 2.0 is compatible with the slot my current card is in? That greatly expands my options for an upgrade down the line.

 

Good to do the research.

As far as size goes there can be some variation but yours looks like a "standard" size with that ATI Fan there.

You have a 3 pin power connector as used with most mobo/pcb fans (the little white plug). Now there is a thought can you unplug and plug that fan socket back in and see if that gets the fan working again? You will need a fine screwdriver or something to pry the clip open as u gently pull the plug off and then replace it.

As far as what VGA Fan is better I would tend towards one that has a HS (a little flat surface of metal that sits on top of your GPU, made from copper or aluminium). These listed will have a comment on Heat Sink material, a Fan alone wont offer much if any difference:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE

Yes if the Fan/HS combo doesn't fire up I would recommend you replace it before anymore gaming.

And finally yes Computers can be very stupid.

Link any VGA coolers you like and we can discuss b4 buying.