Computer Locks Up

Discussion in 'Tech Talk' started by Nishua, Feb 2, 2010.

  1. Nishua
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    I did a reformat today because for some reason my computer keeps locking up. I think have too many applications and not a enough ram. After I leave the computer on for awhile the processor fan starts to speed up then the computer locks up in short intervals. If I reboot the machine it's back to normal. I extremely noticable because the fan makes a loud noise.

    Another indicator that I noticed was that when I had the machine on for a while and then attempted to play Dragon Age the game would run but the characters on screen were moving in hyper speed. After rebooting the game ran at normal speed.

    My current rig is

    AMD Althon X2 4600+
    2 GIGS DDR 3200 I'm upgrading this to 4 (soon)
    NVidia 8800GT

    Currently I'm trying to run BFBC2
    THe game runs ok but there is some slow down. I think my processor can't keep up either that or its the ram. But this has been a constant issue with all applications on the PC. So id on't want ot say the game is the cause. I think I had to many things installed on it. HOpefully, a reformat will fix the issue. I could use any suggestions for help.
     
  2. Vandiego
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    What is your PSU?
     
  3. Nishua
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    I think it's a like a 400 Watt. But I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure it's not much more than that. Think the PSU is the issue?
     
  4. Erock
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    that is some hella old ram and proc you got there

    the card is out dated but should be able to play the game

    might be time for an upgrade m8
     
  5. Nishua
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    Yeah I'm upgrading but I'm not worried about running on the game on this system well I am but I was wondering why the system is so unstable. I'm trying to find out why it's freezing.
     
  6. Vandiego
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    When was the last time you did a clean OS install?
     
  7. Nishua
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    A year long time ago. Probably over 2 years ago. I already started one this morning hoping it would resolve the problem. I will put 4 gigs in the system as long next week.

    I know the issue isn't the game though because my system locks when browsing webpages too. Anything I do locks it up, especially chatting on facebook when in a browser. I'll be finishing the fresh install tonight.
     
  8. Erock
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    what are the temps on the cpu and graphics card?
     
  9. Nishua
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    I'm not really sure but I can check that tonight when I get home for you. What's the best utility to monitor such things?
     
  10. Erock
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    speedfan
     
  11. Nishua
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    Cool I'll post some results tomorrow.
     
  12. Nishua
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    Ok I'm running speed fan and this is what I have.

    GPU 66C
    CPU 70C
    Ambient 32C
    Remote 40C
    HD0 28C
    Temp 40C
    Core 46C
    Core 66C
    Ambient 44C

    Someone asked about my PSU. I opened the case and I have a 400W PSU.
     
  13. Facemelterr
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    ya, your processor is runnign way to hot, thats why its lockign up
     
  14. Facemelterr
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    if ur cpu is running hotter then your gpu outside of a game uve gota problem. because inside a game it should never go hotter then ur gpu
     
  15. Nishua
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    I just looked at those number again and I reversed them

    GPU 73C
    CPU 66C

    Isn't that really high for both of them? I'm not really sure what I can do to help cool down the interior? Is it just a matter of buying better fans? And why is the GPU so hot is that normal?
     
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2010
  16. Vandiego
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    Are you a smoker and if so do you smoke at your desk?
     
  17. Nishua
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    Nope I don't smoke. The system is just really old plus it's a gateway. The computer needs to be scrapped and I seriously need to buy a new one.
     
  18. Areli
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    couple things you can do if you haven't already:

    if there's dust inside your comp, it will work like insulation in a house, ie: it will hold the heat in. get a can of air and clean that sucker out.

    if your fans are making any noise (sometimes tough to tell, as they go over time and you will not necessarily notice the changes in sound) the motors could be going on them and you will need to change them out.

    on older comps I sometimes ran them with the case open just to get the extra air flow. this was usually when I knew I needed a new comp soon. or if I realized that airflow really really sucked on them. or blew? meh...

    also, my wife and i noticed her comp locking up a bit because her rig was close to the bearded dragon's tank - with heat lamps - so moving her comp solved her issue immediately. even if there are regular lights right by your rig it can affect the temp.


    whatever you do, work from least expensive / easiest solutions first to the harder / more expensive ones, especially if you aren't sure what exactly is the problem to begin with. many many friends comp issues (speed especially) have been solved when I showed up at their house with a can of air. not always tho.

    **edit**

    I just went back to your original post. lol get a new fan if you can't afford a new rig. still, clean that puppy out with air if you haven't already.
     
  19. Nishua
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    Thanks for the tips. I'll do some tweaking this weekend.
     
  20. Vandiego
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    Yea that was why I asked if you were a smoker, when I used to smoke, the ash would stick to the fans in my PC like glue slowing them down considerably. I had to take them apart and wash them to clean the blades.