Tech Support Team

Spleenharvester · #1 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:02 PM

Basically my computer has been playing around for the last week. It has been doing stuff like:
-randomly cutting off the signal to the monitor (I had to shake the mouse for ages until it came back on) this has only happened twice.
-Freezing up, usually after scanning
There has been a small noise increase and I have noticed my PSU is boiling hot - even through the case. I don't have the money for new parts right now and I just want to diagnose the problem. Thanks

Howard · #2 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:05 PM

A very hot psu is not a good sign and should be investigated immediately.

Bear in mind that if the psu fails, it may take other valuable components with it.

I`d be inclined to try a different psu.

The symptoms you describe are all consistent with a failing psu.

Regards Howard

Spleenharvester · #3 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:12 PM

Any tests I can run on it? I do have another PSU but it is blown (I put the switch on 115v instead of 230v) and I'm still looking for a place to get it fixed at. Also, it sometimes smells funny.

Howard · #4 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:18 PM

No tests I can think of, other than checking the voltages. Everest may well help in showing the psu voltages.

I must stress how important it is to use a different psu immediately. Any delay in doing so may end up costing you dear.

It`s hot and smells funny are signs it`s about to blow. If this happens, then it may well take out other components, such as mobo, ram etc.

Replace it NOW!

Regards Howard

Spleenharvester · #5 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:24 PM

Alright, I'm using my backup. Bios readings of the problem pc:

CPU- 54*c and rising (used to be 35*c)
System- 44*c
HS/Fan combo - 3308/3375rpm
Vcore- 1.360 (this once changed to 1.368v but is now stable @ 1.360)
5v- 5.299v??
12v- 11.932v
3.3v- 3.248v
3.3v SB - 2.248v

Jason · #6 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:28 PM

I'm not liking the look of that. I highly recommend you remove the PSU now, as Howard stated above.

If you don't want to lose any more components, then you have got to act immediately and replace it.

I am a little wary of your CPU temps, as that is touching DANGER point. You really need to keep that below 60c -- anything more is just pushing it.

Regards Jason

Spleenharvester · #7 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:34 PM

It's off and hopefully cooling. Intel says my cpu's maximum temp is 38*c, so what this could be doing to it i don't know. My cpu is a celeron 3.06ghz, and my PSU is a trust PW-5150 if it helps.

Howard · #8 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:34 PM

If you can`t replace the psu right now, then switch off the computer and don`t use it until you get another psu in there.

While you`re at it, clean out any dust a debris from inside your computer, especially from the heatsinks and fans. I also recommend you remove the heatsink from the cpu, clean off the old thermal pad/paste from both the heatsink and cpu die and apply some new thermal paste to the cpu die, then replace the heatsink. This should help to lower your cpu temps.

See HERE for info on how to apply thermal paste.

Regards Howard

Spleenharvester · #9 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:36 PM

I have no thermal paste right now but the HSF has been recently cleaned and the thermal paste is only a couple of months old.

Howard · #10 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:41 PM

That`s as maybe, but your cpu temps are a little on the high side, given what you said they used to be. That`s why I suggested, cleaning and applying new thermal paste.

The bottom line is this. If you continue to use your pc as it is, then you`re risking serious damage to your valuable components.

Regards Howard

Spleenharvester · #11 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:47 PM

Like I say, I'm now using another pc. The increase came only after it crashed today, and it's been getting higher ever since.

Howard · #12 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:53 PM

A faulty psu can and will cause all kinds of symptoms. I`ve seen far too many systems where a psu fails and damages other components.

Until a new psu is installed, I don`t think there`s a lot you can do.

Regards Howard

Spleenharvester · #13 (**permalink**) **Top** 2nd March 2008, 02:57 PM

Okay, I'll bear that in mind. I'm going to get a Corsair VX450w at some point soon. Thanks for the help

UPDATE:Checked BIOS.

CPU: On bootup 38*c, rose to 50*c
Vcore: On bootup 1.368v, 1.360 after
5v: Changes between 5.324v and 5.316v.
3v: Same as before
12v: On bootup 11.985v, afterwards 11.932v

PC Alert 4
12v: 12.04v
Vcore: 1.38v/1.39v
5v: 5.33v
3v: 3.26v
CPU: 44*c
Sys: 43*c

Everest 4.20 trial
All the same (12v not shown in trial) except 5v: 5.30v