Re: Random computer freeze-ups

On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 04:15:19 -0400, JKevorkian thoughfully wrote:

My PC freezes randomly, seemingly unrelated to any process or task at
the time. I've googled this problem on the web, but I hadn't noticed any
instance of my particular case.
The particulars: ASUS P4P800E-Deluxe MB, Intel 3.0GHz Prescott, 2GB
Patriot
RAM, Quadro FX 1300 video card, WD 250 GB HDD, & COOLMAX CR-550B power
supply. There's a 120mm fan in front blowing over the HDs, 2- 80mm fans
in back exhausting the air out of the case, and the PS carries a 140mm
fan set on high. The CPU sports a TR2TT TR2-M12 copper heat-sink with an
80mm fan.
The machine will stop dead at any time, i.e. shortly after bootup,
accessing a
drive through Explorer, downloading, just sitting there staring back ot
me, etc. Downloads will stop, the cursor freezes, the Numlock key will
not work on the keyboard, and of course the 3-finger restart doesn't
work. This requires a hard shutdown via the power switch. After I shut
the machine down, the Numlock light on the keyboard remains on, and
generally the machine won't restart immediately. After perhaps an hour,
it MAY start, sometimes halting during the POST. If I let the machine
sit overnight, it usually will start up again.
What has worked for me at this time is throwing the switch on the back
of the
power supply off for a minute or so, turning it back on, and then
restarting via the power button.
So, what can this be? I hate to think that this is a heat-related
problem
with all the sucking and blowing going on in there.

IMO, if it stops during post then the problem is most likely hardware,
PSU, memory or video the most common culprits.

Memory is easier to diagnose running some of the standard free memory
testers.
Video card failure a bit harder though the delay may be the time needed
for the video to cool down.
Check memory, video card, M/b for failed and leaking capacitors, video
for failed gpu fan, not sure how to test psu without electronics
equipment.
.