CPU or MB problem? Or both?

[ekdysiast]

I bought a systemax system about a year ago. Model# SYXS-DB-989150.

I think the specs are:

CPU: PENTIUM P4 3.06 (probably celeron)
MB: P4M800-M7A
RAM: 1GB

Anyway, after receiving my product, I attached two extra hard drives immediately afterwards, and my troubles started a few weeks afterwards. The hard drive which was attached as a slave to the C drive would not show up from time to time when I booted my computer. However, if I restarted it, it would appear, so I just lived with it.

Then sometime in January, my house had a blackout. After that, whenever I did something that required a lot of data transfer from one hard drive to another, the computer would just restart without warning. I don't do games, but I do use a lot of video related software such as AutoGK or DVD Shrink, and those are the only times when the computer would restart. When using Office programs or Firefox, the computer would run fine. I do however, have a suspicion that Winamp caused the computer to crash quite a few times.
Looking around, I found that you could configure a setting in "My Computer >> Advanced" where you could have a blue screen of death appear instead of the computer simply resurrecting itself. I did that, and no BSOD.
Then, I downloaded memtest and tested the ram with 5 passes. It passed with flying colors.
I also downloaded SpeedFan to see whether the temperature ever went ballistic while I was running DVD Shrink. I never managed to catch the moment when the computer crashed but the temperature was always below the 60 degree mark and only exceeded 50 sporadically.
Finally, I downloaded "CPU Burn-in" and let it rip. This managed to crash my machine everytime, and I'm quite sure this fouled up my computer for good. Now, it randomly reboots anytime it feels like it.

So my question is: Is this a problem with my CPU, motherboard, or both?

I'll just buy the parts and replace them myself, but I'd like to salvage what I can rather than buying both parts (which would be a surefire remedy but I might be throwing away a perfectly good CPU or motherboard).

[assasin]

is ur proccy overheating? how powerful a psu do u hav?

[ekdysiast]

No, my CPU is not overheating. And my PSU is 350W.

[assasin]

try removing a hdd or try with a higher wattage smps and see if u hav any probs.

[Stick]

1) Get Quality 400w PSU from Powersafe, Antec, Zebronics etc.

2) Still problem is there than check your Electric Wiring.
__________

Originally Posted by ekdysiast

my PSU is 350W.

Which Brand?

[s18000rpm]

yep, most probably PSU is NOT powerful to power three HDD's.

try removing the one's (HDD) you attached & booting.

[dOm1naTOr]

Unplug any optical drive while testing. It will give more power to components.

[ekdysiast]

Thanks for the feedback.

As you advised, I tried disconnecting my optical drive and running DVD shrink with 3 hard drives connected but still crashed.

So instead, I returned everything to the original factory configuration, one HD, one optical drive. Now, I'm running CPU Burn-in, and Virtual Dub on an avi file encoding something in XVid codec. This is maxing out my CPU use to 100%. It's been about 30 minutes and still going strong, so I think you guys are right about the PSU.

I looked under the hood and my computer has an Alien PSU, model AL-C350ATX. I'm rummaging around pricegrabber and one model that has grabbed my eye is this model:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Ultra...ply,__10691999

Seemed cheap, lots of great reviews. What's your advice on this?

Or if you guys could recommend not just a brand but a model with some links, I'd really appreciate it.

I'll have to wait a while longer to see if my computer crashes, but I think the culprit's been found. Now I've go to go return my MB which I bought as a replacement. (kind of jumped the gun on the diagnosis).
__________
One more thing, a weird high-pitched sound comes from somewhere around the mainboard (possibly the CPU) everytime I move my mouse (it's an optical mouse). I'm guessing this is because the MB is an integrated one with video and audio. This wasn't there until after all the crashing problems started. Are these two related issues? And should I just go ahead and replace the MB if it is a reason for concern in the future?

[assasin]

Seems ok.But if u hav the cash go for Antec or Corsair.As far as model is concerned visit ur local computer store.

[Stick]

Originally Posted by ekdysiast

I looked under the hood and my computer has an Alien PSU, model AL-C350ATX. I'm rummaging around pricegrabber and one model that has grabbed my eye is this model:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Ultra...ply,__10691999

Seemed cheap, lots of great reviews. What's your advice on this?

Did the user have same configuration/weather condition as you have?

Go with PowerSafe 500W (confirm for SATA before buy) it is around 2700-3000 with 3 yrs warranty. This brand used by Indian and in India so you can rely that it is prefect for Indian weather condition (assuming that you don't have AC or Cold weather).

[ekdysiast]

Got my new 500W PSU by Antec, installed it, and now my computer is running smoother than buttermilk. Had it on for more than 24 hours running avi compression programs and never crashed once.

Thanks for the input folks.

Stick: I'd rather not pay $2700 for a PSU if you please. I knew India was coming along, but I didn't know you guys were THAT rich.

[dOm1naTOr]

Originally Posted by ekdysiast

Stick: I'd rather not pay $2700 for a PSU if you please. I knew India was coming along, but I didn't know you guys were THAT rich.

wat id dat mean???

[shantanu]

@ekdysiast :buddy the amount said by STICK is in RUPEES and NOT dollars... and i think you too understood this, but you wanted to show off.. is it so...

how cana PSU BE OF $2700

[Stick]

At last problem solved, happy ending for Query