custom pc problems

[m4rvman]

I'm using a PC I built about 10 months ago, and sometimes it shuts off and I get the blue screen and it says something about cache and shadowing any idea what this is?

and sometimes my pc lags really bad, like lag spikes or something I'm thinking something could be wrong with the motherboard or ram.

[masherscf]

I'm using a PC I built about 10 months ago, and sometimes it shuts off and I get the blue screen and it says something about cache and shadowing any idea what this is?

and sometimes my pc lags really bad, like lag spikes or something I'm thinking something could be wrong with the motherboard or ram.

Check the fans. If something is impeding the proper air flow, the case might be getting to hot, random malfunctions will only be the beginning. If you're PC is overheating, the components will start to fail.

[tokenuser]

Did you overclock the CPU?

I am with masher on this one - its an overheating issue. Grab a copy of MBM (motherboard monitor) and have it log your system temps to a file. I am betting you will find that its just getting too hot.

Sinec this is a machine you built yourself, I have to ask, how are you cooling your CPU? Stock heatsink/fan? Did you attach it with the included thermal pad or use something like Arctic Silver heat paste?

[m4rvman]

The only thing sketchy right now is that the cpu fan screws are bent because they are plastic and i don't think its on there tight, because i kinda of had to force it in there, so it kept shutting off because it wasn't on tight enough but I finally got it to work, and i do have this radioshack thermal paste on it.

[samureye]

Call yourself and see if you will accept your warranty. If you do, don't worry, you will take care of it.

[masherscf]

The only thing sketchy right now is that the cpu fan screws are bent because they are plastic and i don't think its on there tight, because i kinda of had to force it in there, so it kept shutting off because it wasn't on tight enough but I finally got it to work, and i do have this radioshack thermal paste on it.

Well, the thermal paste won't work if you don't have the proper contact. I'd replace the cpu cooler and get new paste.

[m4rvman]

Aright, ima check newegg and see what they got.

thanx

[tokenuser]

Depending where in NC you are, Tiger Direct have a store in Raleigh. I wouldn't buy anything online from them, but retail is OK.

Also, get some decent thermal paste - something like Arctic Silver or Arctic Aluminium ... and remember a little goes a long way ... just an amount a little larger than a matchhead smeared across the surface with the edge of a credit card. Don't forget to clean (isopropyl alcohol) the old stuff off the CPU first - everything should be spotless.

[masherscf]

Depending where in NC you are, Tiger Direct have a store in Raleigh. I wouldn't buy anything online from them, but retail is OK.


I wouldn't skimp on the CPU cooler either. Get a nice one, just make sure it fits in your case.

[m4rvman]

Alright, I got the ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro in the mail today, and I installed it and everything.

and now i have another problem the pc will power up but the monitor wont show ,and the PC wont turn off even with me holding the buttom. whats going on?

[masherscf]

Alright, I got the ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro in the mail today, and I installed it and everything.

and now i have another problem the pc will power up but the monitor wont show ,and the PC wont turn off even with me holding the buttom. whats going on?

If you get hot enough, it's possible that you can damage something. Troubleshooting this is time consuming. Since you built the PC, I would say you're up to it.

The problem is that pretty much any failing part may cause the computer not to boot properly. It may also be that your power supply is dieing and can't power the PC with everything in it. Some of the bargain cases have pretty crappy power supplies. Some may even be mislabeled.

Shut the power off on the back and pull out the plug.

Pull everything out except the CPU and one memory module and the video. This includes any expansion cards, networking cards and disconnect the drives. Basically, everything that the computer doesn't need to just run the BIOS. Use the reset jumper to reset the CMOS settings.

Make sure that all the items left in the board are seated properly. Connect the monitor, power, throw the switch and hit the start button.

What could happen.

1. Nothing - The power comes on but nothing happens. This is the worst case scenario, it mean that something vital is failing. Try swapping out spare CPUs, memory, power supply and video cards. This could be costly if you don't have spares or friends willing to lend you parts. If the system board itself is failing, none of this will help anyway.

2. Random sounding beeps - Some motherboards will give an error message in the form of random sounding beeps when your video card fails to initialize. Check your manual if this happens. Try a spare video card.

3. It boots - this is a good sign. Shut the computer down and start adding parts one at a time starting additional memory modules with the drives. Watch the BOIS display to make sure everything posts properly.

Does this sound like a huge pain in the ass? Welcome to the dark-side of PC ownership. If you didn't get off on this, you would own a MAC.

[m4rvman]

OK, I ordered a new motherboard and I got it today. I installed everything and it went well.

Then I hit the power button and it does the exact same thing.

[m4rvman]

I also got a new power supply and it also does the same thing. I guess the only thing it can be is the CPU.

[m4rvman]

OK, I had to replace the motherboard, power supply, and I just got a new CPU, and it still doesn't boot. It turns on, but nothing happens.

Could it be just the memory?