Computer Freezes up

[Pie_Crust]

My computer freezes at random times, and on boot-up it will fall asleep at random for no reason.

I have no clue what the problem is, It will freeze on boot-up, playing games, and when I was viewing web pages.

This problem has occurred last night and this morning, last night it happened 3 times within 15 minutes, it happened this morning once.

I have already scanned it for viruses/spy ware nothing was found. I also used system restore to set it back before this began to happen. Neither have had an effect. It has also been defraged.( hasn't frozen yet but haven't been doing anything so far.)

Any suggestions that could fix this? It's only a year and 6 months old, Graphics drive is up to date, and to my knowledge Windows OS is up to date. If you wish for any more information please ask. If anything it could be the graphics card over heating possibly.

While I was playing a game the graphics card got up to 66*C and that's where it topped off. Processors where lower than that.

When the computer froze last it was lagging really bad only the mouse could move, Task manager was not able to be pulled up nor was I able to get to the desktop. I kept trying for desktop and to close the game. The computer began to make a loud buzzing noise where you send too many things at once and that did not stop so I had to restart it.

System specs:

AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5200+
Version: x86 Family 15 Model 67 Stepping 2
Speed: 2605 MHz

RAM: 4 GB

NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE

Microsoft Windows XP
Media Center Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2

 

[n[u]ll]

Check the power supply, make sure everything's plugged in right, you may even want to try and get a new one. Something may have gotten too much power, or something is getting too little power..

Other than that, it could be damaged chips or your houses power is shorting out. Or maybe a driver/kernel/or firmware could be bugging out.. Unfortunately this is a very common symptom, and no matter how much specifications you could give us, it would be hard to diagnose over the web..

 

[Polak]

My best bet is that it's a hardware problem. Is it on a computer desk where its well ventilated? If not, put it in a place where the fan has room. The problem could have resulted from overheating. Try to clear the fan vents of dust if theres any on it.

 

[Pie_Crust]

I cleaned the inside of the computer, there was not much dust at all.

The power shorting out in the house is not effecting the computer because it is feeding off of the surge protectors battery power. ( other day lights dimmed but computer wasn't affected).

If anything else happens I'll be re-posting.

Leave any suggestions I'll be back n forth all day checking out any other possibilities.

 

[n[u]ll]

The lights dimmed? That doesn't sound good. Maybe the surge protector is working properly? Are you sure it's not just a power strip (huge difference).

 

[Prometheus]

Sounds like its over heating.
Make sure all Heatsinks are placed properly, check BIOS settings, make sure PSU is feeding enough power to your system.

 

[Pie_Crust]

I got some new information. And an answer to your question, my serge protector is a APC brand so yea its not a power strip.

My graphics card reached 72*C (161*F).

What is considered over heating?

This could be the problem...

 

[Prometheus]

I'd be more worried about your CPU if your system is beeping.
Make sure RAM is in properly.

 

[Wargasm]

i sorta lean towards the psu theory posted earlier on

 

[Pie_Crust]

The CPU is fine, and I think the ram is in place properly also, looked fine when I cleaned it today.

It could be the power supply, but why would it be such a problem after this time its been fine.

Any other suggestions would be helpful.

 

[Prometheus]

Maybe a more taxing game? How much W does it produce?

 

[und34d-rul3]

I got some new information. And an answer to your question, my serge protector is a APC brand so yea its not a power strip.

My graphics card reached 72*C (161*F).

What is considered over heating?

This could be the problem...

Mine runs at 70C without doing much (only internet browsnig) - Which isn't all that much, the slowdown threshold is 130C

 

[Pie_Crust]

How much W? Watts I'm hope.

Hopefully this will answer your question, I don't really know how tell.

http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/630-watt-power-supply.php

 

[Prometheus]

The fact that its that cheap for that much wattage scares the living shit out of me, thats probably why its phailing.
The single most important factor in your computer is the PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005
That is good quality, assuming the issue is your PSU, I suggest you buy that one.