My computer keeps freezing, and I think it's a Hardware Issue.

[CWLG7691]

similar problem

I have had almost the exact problem with my PC. Here are my specs:

ABIT VT7 mobo
Pentium 4 2.4 Ghz
ddr 400 512 MB RAM x2 for a total of 1 GB
nVidia 5200
Maxtor SATA 150 HDD

I was playing World of Warcraft, and at first I thought it was the game. It would freeze and hard lock, or sometimes reboot altogether. Even if I changed the setting telling it not to reboot, it would still do so. So I added RAM, upgraded to a nVidia 6600 and changed to the Maxtor drive (as stated above. Originally I was using a Western Digital 40 GB IDE drive, and only 512 MB RAM)

The lockups continued. It began to lock during Windows as well. So I repartioned and reinstalled WinXP, and did all the updates. I also got the lastest BIOS, chipset drivers, and video card drivers. Still had the lockups. My thermostat was showing around 30 degrees. Just in case, I took the sides off the case, and blew a fan into it. Still locked. Then I read on a WoW tech forum about the PSU. First I tried unplugging everything save the mobo, HDD, and video card. It didn't work, so I removed all the nVidia drivers, and replaced my original 5200 video card, since it didn't require additional power. Still locked up. My original PSU is 440w, but its a no name brand. I purchased a 420W Antec, but it still locked.

I even went out and replaced the mobo with another VT7. And it STILL locks. The only piece of hardware I haven't replaced is the CPU. I have run the microsoft memory tester, using the extended testing, and came up ok. I ran the CheckIt hardware diagnostics, which was provided with my Norton package, and it says my processor is fine.

I am to the point that I am willing to bet a switch failure on my case. Then I read this post, and noticed the comment about the increase in voltage. 2 questions:

1 - Has the fix continued to work?
2 - Would anyone recommend such a procedure with my processor?

 

[kirock]

It's worth a try

Increasing the Vcore voltage is a common practice and usually mandatory for Overclocking a rig. The concern is how much is too much. Basically by adding voltage you increase power to the CPU and allow it to maintain the stable clock frequency. The concern is voltage ~ power~ heat generated.

So as long as you have enough cooling you can increase the Vcore safely. Always do the minimum amount first (no sense in over stressing the CPU) to see the results. Your CPU temps are safe underload up to 60-65C. For a load test you can use Prime95. I recommend doing a Google search on OCing a P4, so you have a basic understanding. Here's a link to AMD64 OC, an excellent article and very similar to P4 OCing. http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?t=107925

WHY I'M SUGGESTING this is because instability is so often related to OC issues like RAM timing , Ram voltage and Vcore. So even a non-OCed rig might suffer from similar instability issues!

I can't answer the 1st question but he wasn't posted back here in over a month so that's a good sigh.

BTY, I thought the 6600 was PCI-E and the 5200 was AGPX8?

 

[CWLG7691]

well, I tried the .05 and the .1. No dice. In fact, it started rebooting even more rapidly.

it is just a bad processor? I don't know how good the CheckIt tools are.

And I think they make a AGP and a PCI-E version. Otherwise it just wouldn't fit!

 

[skinner]

this may help as well only a suggestion i was having simalar probs of locking up in game play(cod) at first i thought it was memory for weeks of trying and crashing i finally found a solution

i was using a gforce grapics and upgraded to a ati radion 6 months past with no probs then bang crashes and freezing and even bsod after many hours of hair pulling and problem solving i took a 1 of chance and reset my bios by the jumpers on my board and since then not a problem :slurp:

 

[CWLG7691]

Well, tried that. No go.

I noticed that WoW was locking my other PC in a similar fashion. It is an older AMD Duron 1.2 Ghz. I placed a desk fan next to it, and it worked fine, so its problem is heat. Now here is where I am going with this. If it was a heat problem, and I didn't catch it, how would I be able to tell? Basically, does anyone know a good diagnostic tool for processors? Considering how long I have worked on this, if it was heat, it has been exposed and re-exposed countless times. It may be too late for this CPU. But before I run out and buy another, I would like to check it out.