My PC keeps restarting on its own

DJ...

DJ...

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And I have no idea how to even begin reading one of those error report thingies. The last time it did this it was a heatsink issue and the processor was overheating so restarting/switching off to protect itself. I had to replace the heatsink but in doing so I think I may have broken a clip, but it has never been an issue until now.

It only seems to restart now when it requires major processing power. I can produce my music without worries, but as soon as I want to playback a video it restarts.

I am running Windows XP
3.4Ghz processor
2Gigs Ram
GeForce 7300 Graphics Card
ASUS P5N-D Motherboard 750I SLI Socket 775 motherboard thingy.

Oh, and the maid dropped the PC today :o

Where do I even begin to try to figure out what the problem is - I am sure it isnt a software issue...

Thanks

DJK
 
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have you checked to see if the gfx card is still seated properly ........

(did you take stuff out and put it back in after the drop?)
 
Dj what is the temp on your cpu?

Download Speedfan or coretemp to see the temp

I saw a similar problem a while ago, the cpu was broken, could also just be windows xp giving crap, reload and see if it fixes the problem.

If you broke a clip and it was fine, when your maid dropped it more than likely its not longer fine :), heatsink is loose and your pc is restarting.

First thing is to check your cpu temp with those 2 programs.
 
Thanks guys.

MH - the gfx card is seated correctly, yeah, thanks.

Killa - not sure, but can I check the cpu temp without this app, as I cant get internet access on my PC. I have no wireless card on this one. I access the net via my laptop mostly...

I want to avoid reloading XP as I havent got the install disk with me (no, it is in the office). Could this not be the heatsink like the last time?

Or is this a process I should follow to rule out certain things?
 
Well first thing you rule out when a pc restarts is the temp of the cpu.

When your using a program that is using the cpu alot and its rebooting then it has to be your main focus, you can check the temp in the bios but you need to check the temps just before the pc reboots.

There is no point checking anything else until you have confirmed the cpu is not overheating.
Process of elimination.
 
DJK said:
as soon as I want to playback a video it restarts.
Click to expand...
That has PSU grief written all over it. Heat issues will cause it to bomb out after 5sec+.

What PSU do you have in there?
 
OK, I have Asus PC Probe which gives me this info - will post here
 
HavocXphere said:
That has PSU grief written all over it. Heat issues will cause it to bomb out after 5sec+.

What PSU do you have in there?
Click to expand...

It is a fairly new PSU after I burned the other one.

It is a Jeantec 500W...
 
If it blue screens try and disable XP's function to reboot on error. Read and copy the error code for us to look at.

Sometimes a new update can refuse to work with current BIOS. Update the BIOS.

Check temps. If the system monitors show the temps as high increase airflow and perhaps look at extra cooling. We are still in the chilly season, so this is an odd problem.

I am however also leaning toward PSU issue. Just a feeling. Go through the above though first.
 
I had to replace the heatsink but in doing so I think I may have broken a clip, but it has never been an issue until now.

Oh, and the maid dropped the PC today


/detective killa puts the pieces together :p
 
CPU temp at idle: 46 - 50 degrees celcius
CPU temp while loading video: 65 celcius
During Playback: 67 degrees celcius

But this time it plays back fine and doesnt reboot

Is this abnormal at all?
 
antowan said:
If it blue screens try and disable XP's function to reboot on error. Read and copy the error code for us to look at.

Sometimes a new update can refuse to work with current BIOS. Update the BIOS.

Check temps. If the system monitors show the temps as high increase airflow and perhaps look at extra cooling. We are still in the chilly season, so this is an odd problem.

I am however also leaning toward PSU issue. Just a feeling. Go through the above though first.
Click to expand...

Thanks Antowan, much appreciated.

I am very much a n00b in this regard so could you explain how to dwitch off the reboot on error function in XP? I also havent a clue how to update my BIONS, is it like a firmware flash, can I find this on ASUS website?

Temps posted but now no issues.

PSU is still in good nick and appears to be working fine since I replaced it.

I must add though - I did not use that glue stuff on my processor/heatsink when I replaced the motherboard last time - could this be an issue? It is that stuff that helps them bond and dissipate heat IIRC?
 
DJK said:
CPU temp at idle: 46 - 50 degrees celcius
CPU temp while loading video: 65 celcius
During Playback: 67 degrees celcius

But this time it plays back fine and doesnt reboot

Is this abnormal at all?
Click to expand...
Sounds a bit high for intel's. Try opening the case, get a portable fan to blow into the case and see if it still bombs.

Reboot is under control panel-system-advanced-recovery.

I did not use that glue stuff on my processor/heatsink when I replaced the motherboard last time
Click to expand...
:eek: So wtf did you use? Nothing?:eek:
 
HavocXphere said:
Sounds a bit high for intel's. Try opening the case, get a portable fan to blow into the case and see if it still bombs.

Reboot is under control panel-system-advanced-recovery.


:eek: So wtf did you use? Nothing?:eek:
Click to expand...

Thanks Havoc. The case is open. I dont have a portable fan with me right now but will try to get hold of one. Will turn off the reboot function, thanks.

Yip, I used nothing apart from what was on there in the first place. I had no idea about these things and did it on my lonesome...:o
 
DJK said:
I must add though - I did not use that glue stuff on my processor/heatsink when I replaced the motherboard last time - could this be an issue? It is that stuff that helps them bond and dissipate heat IIRC?
Click to expand...

Thermal Paste:) And i think you should have put that stuff on, it will lower temps ALOT
 
I went to Reboot is under control panel-system-advanced-recovery, but cant find any option to turn off reboot on error or anything to that affect.

I found Startup and Recovery options but there is nothing there regarding reboot...
 
yea DJ did you check the hecksink? did you put the big fan outside the box with the cover off?

No doubt your cpu man, check in the bios if you can see shut down when cpu hits 70 or 75, push it up to 80-85 if you can.

Remember the longer the movie plays for the hotter the cpu will become.
 
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