Computer freezing up.

[mandrakeman46]

I don't know if this is the right forum section to post this question, since I am new here, but here it is.
I have desktop with an ASUS P5DVC-MX ver. 2 motherboard, with an Intel Pentium D cpu, with 2gb's of RAM and a 250 GB hard dive. The problem that I am having, is that my computer is freezing up every so often! Especially when I turn off my computer and restart it! It will freeze up at least 3-4 times, before finally coming on. Then, when I am using it, it will unexpectingly freeze up on me, without any warning! Its very frustrating! Especially when I am doing something on it and then boom, it freezes up! So, I have to restart it again! Whats also frustrating, is that I had just purchased this computer about 2 years ago, freshly built to my specs, and now this! What is also peculiar, is that when I do start my computer, after it has been off for a while, the power fan, will make a funny humming noise for a while, then the computer will freeze up several times. After about 2-4 tries at starting it, the humming noise will go away, and then the computer will stay on, before freezing up again a while later! See how frustrating this is! Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.

[stevo1210]

Re: Computer freezing up.

Do a memory test or change the RAM, I have seen similar symptoms happen to an Asus P5B-E and RAM solved the issue. Otherwise check the power supply and see if that's OK. What brand power supply are you using?
You also might want to check if your CPU temperature is ok or not, or if the cpu fan and heatsink is still clean?

[mandrakeman46]

Re: Computer freezing up.

Thanks for replying to my post stevo1210. I use an X power supply ps-400 watt power supply. I also use a program on my motherboard CD that monitors my computer specs, including fan speed, cpu temp. motherboard temp and so forth. I also clean out my computer at least once every two weeks, by blowing out the dust. BTW, how do I do a memory test? I know a little about computers, but I am not a computer specialist by no means. Also, just curious, what is the difference between your ASUS P5K-E WIFI and my PVDC-MX?

[KeriJane]

Re: Computer freezing up.

Hi Mandrakeman

Welcome to the Forum!

Your symptoms are consistent with Bad capacitors on the motherboard, in the Power Supply or even on a videocard but of course could be something else.

Bad or failing capacitors will often fail more when cold but settle down when warmed up a bit. A capacitor problem usually manifests after a couple of years of use and will cause voltage fluctuations and excessive "Ripple" which is kinda like really fast voltage fluctuations. This will cause unstable operation, hard to boot conditions and possibly even "funny humming noises".

Fortunately, bad capacitors are usually easy to spot. The top of capacitors usually have a "X", "K" or "Y" shape stamped into them. This stamp is a vent that allows pressure from a failed cap to vent without an explosion.
If any caps are bulged outward at the vent or if any gunk has leaked out at the vent or at the bottom, the cap has failed and must be replaced to prevent further damage.

Caps to inspect are on the motherboard, the videocard and inside the Power Supply. Primarily, you're interested in any with a vent.

An "X Power supply" is not a common brand. Is that the name label? This is important because the PSU is likely to be your culprit.

Good Luck,
Keri

PS. The cap on the right has a bulged "T" shaped vent... see picture. This is what you might want to look for.

[370forlife]

Re: Computer freezing up.

Never heard of Xpower.

Thats not good. Try using a more reputable psu (delta, seasonic, acbel, silverstone, new antec, corsair...)

[ratdude747]

Re: Computer freezing up.

xpower? sounds like a gutless wonder.

[Newbie2]

Re: Computer freezing up.

I would immediately think the power supply is the culprit behind your odd freezing up problems if it is a cheap generic unit. "X power supply ps400" definitely sounds like a generic power supply to me.

Get a better power supply from brands such as Antec, Seasonic, Enermax, etc. (370forlife mentioned the others), that might just fix your problems.

[370forlife]

Re: Computer freezing up.

Damn I forgot enermax

[golemmaster]

Re: Computer freezing up.

We need more info. Many things (and combinations of things) can cause similar symptoms. Break down the specs and brands of core parts for us (MB, Video Card,...) Pics are nice if you can.

If the computer freezes but the video stays on the screen without corruption, frozen mouse pointer, keyboard unresponsive (tap numlock and watch status light):
I suggest check/swap the PS and examine the video card for bad caps and seized/noisey fan if there is one.
Make sure your video card is not choked for air. Too often I see other cards right up against the video card fan inlet or heatsink. Give it some breathing room.
Of course check for bad caps all around!

[kc8adu]

Re: Computer freezing up.

iirc x power is a gutless wonder.post a pic with the cover off.edit.
x power is a pile of shit.
http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/powm...y-550-watt.htm

[KeriJane]

Re: Computer freezing up.

iirc x power is a gutless wonder.post a pic with the cover off.edit.
x power is a pile of shit.
http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/powm...y-550-watt.htm

Oh!

It's a POWmax.

Powmax has a well-deserved very, very poor reputation. I keep a brand new "400w" Powmax under my sofa as a joke.

My best advice is to immediately unplug it from the wall and go ANYWHERE and get absolutely ANYTHING else. Even crummy ol' Dynex from Best Buy is far better.

But it's probably best to stick with the above mentioned reputable brands.

Good Luck,
Keri

[bgavin]

Re: Computer freezing up.

The Sparkle ATX-350 from Newegg at $34 is an inexpensive PSU that works well. I have dozens installed in my client machines and zero problems.

OP, clean power is your first requirement.
Obviously you have a crappy PSU. Replace it before it kills your hardware.

After you have clean power, you are looking for memory problems.
Memtest86+ across 24 hours, error free, will vindicate your memory.
Any errors at all... is not acceptable. BSOD 0x50, other problems.

One of my new clients brought in a machine that was random BSOD and freezing. It didn't fail Memtest until it was past 15 hours of run time. It is important you run hell out of Memtest for 24 hours.

Prime95 is another program that will crap out with memory problems.
I use Prime95 as a final test to verify memory integrity.

Video hardware will cause freezing. Onboard GMAC, etc has to be disabled in CMOS so you can use a separate card. Swap cards if you suspect yours.

Most freezing problems I see are hardware related. Very few in the OS.