Annoying problem with computer

[evilwarmaster]

My computer has, in the last month, starting to randomly have a problem. The monitor screen goes black and shows no signal. The only remedy is to restart the computer, which temporary fixes the problem. Sometimes this problem will go weeks without reappearing and sometimes it happens evertime I try to use the computer. I think it might be the PSU, but I'm not sure. I have a graphics card which states it needs a 300W power supply, but I've been successfully using it with a 250W power supply for about 4 months, without this problem ever appearing. I not sure about the CPU temp either. I'm running an AMD Sempron 2400+ and it reports anywhere from 49C-55C at the diode.

This problem suddenly appeared and appears so intermittenly that it makes it hard for me to pin down the problem. It always seems to appear at inopportune times, such as when I was on page 17 of my History term paper, and I had not saved. I don't have an extra, more-powerful PSU at my disposal, but I've tried several things:

1. I've performed the basic disk tests, along with tests of the memory. No errors.
2. I don't think it is the monitor, although it has some color issues (b/c it instantly works after restarting the computer)
3. I've used Coolbits to underclock my graphics card from 275mhz core to 100 mhz and the graphics card memory from 400mhz to 150 mhz, in both 2D and 3D applications, thinking that it might reduce strain in the PSU, if that was the problem. This did not solve the problem.
4. I unplugged my joystick. The problem seems to occur instantly after the joystick has been plugged in 10-15 minutes. It still occurs even after the joystick isn't plugged in, but occurs a little less often. The computer had the problem even before I had ever plugged in the joystick.

One thing I noticed which might help explain the problem: I tossed a paperback book onto the top of the computer case and observed that it caused this problem. I restarted and tried to repeat this but could not reproduce the problem. I'm thinking this might be a coincidence.

I checked the inside of the computer case and found everthing to be seemingly normal, with the exception of a few dust bunnies.

Thanks for any help y'all can give me.

[budz]

sounds like it could be a power supply problem. try buying a new power supply and see what happens.

[VenGeanCe]

well u got ne other puter u can remove power supply and check whether the moniter of other machine is workin properly i'm thinking it's a overheating prob just check the CPU temp and check what's ur default shutdown temp say like 55 celsius and just improve ur cooling system

[hellbringer]

also check your bios and see if there is an automatic shutdown tempature. if so check and see what its at then report back here. u don't want to decrease it but it might tell u whats causing it. then do as others have said and improve your cooling. which u should do anyway because 55c is like boarderline i think max temp for amd is like 65c but thats just a guess.

if u have the ability to underclock your graphics card u should underclock your procecor as well till u get better cooling, and it will draw less power which could also tell us if it is underpowered.

the fact that u say with joystick unhooked it happens less often, maybe u should unplug everything else that u don't need to boot the computer, just have montiro mouse and keyboard. usb and other things draw power.

250w is mighty low u really should be at lest 350w. and thats min. u need enough to power everything and then like 20-30% extra for spikes ect. and u won't be stressing things so much.

also is there any kind of temp gauge on your graphic board?

also if your runing winxp. u should go and check out the event viewer it logs any errors.

go to control panel, admin tools, then to event viewer. clear all your logs. then the next time your computer goofs check the log, look for the time it happened and see if anything shows up.

run any adware programs, antiviruses, i would also suggest a defrag BUT im not sure what would happen if your computer shut down during that.

[VenGeanCe]

btw how did ya underclock graphics card?just gimme a bit info bout it ne1 else who knows.

[evilwarmaster]

Well, I thought it might be a cooling problem too. I've removed the case on my computer and have got the computer down to 32C-36C. My computer is set to shutdown at 60C automatically. The monitor just goes black though...the computer looks like it is still on, with the power light and everything still lit and the fans are running and the dvdrw drive can eject. Wouldn't the automatic bios shutdown actually turn the computer off? I'm just not sure it's heat related.

[VenGeanCe]

well then its definitely a power supply issue

[evilwarmaster]

Can I just buy a cheap, no-name one? Or should I spend the extra money on a name brand like Antec, etc?

[normcar]

Never get a cheap no-name. They can catch on fire if overloaded. Antec is very good, and you should get at least a 400W so you should not have problems. Some of the cheaper Powersupplies deliver as little as 50% of their rated value.

I have a very hot running Intel CPU, and I burned out 2 MBs before I got a good CPU cooler. I burned the MBs at about 150 F. Now the CPU runs maxes out at about 110 F. The cooler I use is the best non-liquid cooled cooler available, and it works for both Intel and AMD CPUs. I use the XP-90.

[evilwarmaster]

Is Powmax a good brand?

[hellbringer]

wait how is it definitaly power related? the monitor still isn't ruled out yet. and the fact that everything on the tower runs when the screen goes black tells me its not power related. and the monitor doesn't draw any power from the computer case, its seperate.

also if u take your tower to a computer repair shop they would prob let u plug it into one of there montiors for free., call first and ask? this would rule out monitor for sure, and if it is the monitor u might

nvidia has a program called ntune but its only for mb's that support it, which is used to overclock graphics cards if u have a nvidia graphic card. there is prob other programs as well just use google. its very powerful.

[hellbringer]

oh and i would stick to antec for power

[VenGeanCe]

@hell i got that nvidia proggy can u underclock ur graphic card with it?
@evil how did ya underclock yer graphics card?

[evilwarmaster]

This is a registry patch that you can apply called Coolbits. Look around for it on Google. This gives you an extra set of options in your Nvidia card properties, giving you control over Core Frequency and Memory Frequency, as well as control over other things. You can also force the fan on your graphics card on and you can also use this to overclock your graphics card.

I found a great deal for a Raidmax power supply. I was under the impression that Raidmax is almost as good as Antec or Enermax. Would it be good if I needed a power supply?

Also, I could take my monitor and plug it into another computer to test it, right? I just don't feel safe using the computer after all the PSU horror stories I've heard on the internet.

[normcar]

The best way to find out about a particular component is to do a google search, and discover if any unresolved problems are reported by people. I had a problem with a new MB, and found through a google search that this was an unresolved problem with the MB. I then returned it. I recommend that if you do not have personal knowledge of a part that you do this before making a purchase.

You should also look at tomshardware.com. They do a lot of comparisons on powersupplies.

[evilwarmaster]

One last question about a power supply. Because of the name of the company, it is very difficult to find info on this power supply. It is under the name brand Lead Power and was able to find that it is a badge and is actually manufactured by Channel Well Technologies (Antec, etc). Do these specs look good by any chance?

550W

+3.3V - 28A
+5V - 34A
+12V - 14A
-5V - 0.8A
-12V - 0.5A

I'm not going to overclock or anything.

[budz]

One last question about a power supply. Because of the name of the company, it is very difficult to find info on this power supply. It is under the name brand Lead Power and was able to find that it is a badge and is actually manufactured by Channel Well Technologies (Antec, etc). Do these specs look good by any chance?

550W

+3.3V - 28A
+5V - 34A
+12V - 14A
-5V - 0.8A
-12V - 0.5A

I'm not going to overclock or anything.

just get a ANTEC TRUE POWER 480 watt power supply and you'll be fine. you could even get away with a TRUE POWER 430 watt power supply.