system freezes up even in dos mode

Am working on a machine that has a Trinity i845 motherboard made by Tyan model # s2090, has 256mb pc133 memory, a 32mb nvidia graphics card, 40g w.d. hard drive on windows 2000 sp4.

Client reported that for no reason and in different functions the machine would just lock up even when the screen saver took over it would lock up. Needed to unplug to get it to turn off. When I put machine on my bench I also had same problem. Ran a couple DOS based memory diagnostic program and even though it never pointed to any error it also locked up. Put a PCI Post card in and the final read-out was FF which points to the CPU. Have unsided the processor all the way down to the board and put back in with same results and lock up.

So my question is along with replacing the cpu is it necessary to also replace the board itself ?????

Many thanks for opinions a head of time.

 

I ran the CPUID program and was in the midst of doing the CPUID Output function and it locked up while initializing.

Greg

 

Do you have a recommendation for a Socket 478 p4 processor. According to the boards web site I need to stay within the 400mhz fsb arena. Did a search on NewEgg for socket 478 400mhz fsb and it came up with a couple so just wondering if you have a preference.

 

Aw, your one of those kinda guys. Just kidding. Me I've always used Intel except one time with my first machine I went with IBM's processor I think it was called SLC. Didnt like it so made the decision then I would never go with anything except Intel.

 

I've used both, and I'd go for the $111 P4 because you get factory warranty - 3 years for $6.

 

Sparrow

Thanks for your input. The one you state here is a 1.8ghz so might I be better for an extra few bucks to bring up to a
2.0ghz ??? The board I believe will handle up to 2.4.

 

I don't believe you'd notice the difference placing them side by side.

 

Okay folks I still need your expertise on this problem.

Have installed a new Intel P4/2.0ghz 400fsb with heat sink and fan. System comes up just fine. At boot it sees it is a 2.0ghz processor. All good so far. Am not experiencing the lockup any more but now after about 30 minutes the system just shuts itself down. Have installed a motherboard monitor just to make sure its not overheating and it isnt.

So what the heck is going on now ??? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Greg

 

I was wondering about that to. Its a 250w unit. Could the increase from a 1.5ghz to a 2.0ghz make enough difference that it could cause it to shut down ???

Am monitoring the CPU temp. and it stays a consistant 32 degrees f. Dont have a power supply tester. Is there something out there that could test for overheating the power supply ???

 

Thats what MBM is showing 32 degrees f. Didnt think of it being freezing. Its a program I got off of download.com just called motherboard monitor 5. Probably me not really reading it correctly.

Yes, I checked the psu's fan and coolness. Its blowing the air just fine and its cool to the touch and no real build up on the blades.

A little side note here - I was playing around and for shits and giggles I removed the screensave a microsoft one and so far the system has stayed up. Nothing in power options set to shut down or hibernate.

I used to know the keystoke combination to shut a machine down when I wrote batch files so if happening in a microsoft screensaver is it safe to assume that the w2k might be corrupted ???

 

Wow based on that power supply link you furnished it tells me there should be 305w minimum psu.

Very interesting.

 

"250w unit "

Get at least 350 - 400, IMHO.

 

That does make sense. Could that be why it shuts down when the screensaver is activated ???

 

I use MBM too, and it shows a reasonable temp for the cpu and one case fan plugged into the mobo, and 32 for the mobo fan connector that has no fan plugged into it.

Power supplies are so inexpensive, I don't believe it's worth testing them, and yours may test ok even tho it's too weak for your equipment.

 

Finally got mbm to give the information I was looking for. My main machine is running at 73 degrees F but the clients machine is running at 157. According to board manufacturer they say that is an okay temp. Seems hot to me but they should know. Have ordered a 350w supply and like you say they are so inexpensive it didnt make sense to test the old one.

I like the new look of the site.