hi everyone,

here's the synopsis:
a month ago my old computer experienced a power surge (I believe it to be) where everything except the celeron 400 cpu, floppy, videocard, and 198 mbs pc133 survived. I replaced everything (hd, mobo, roms, writer,soundcard, psu) and included new 256 mb pc133 sdram.

the problem now is that it restarts continuously/intermittently (hours after bootup, min during bootup, and even during post!!) which leads me to conclude its hardware. i've reset all bios settings. problems persists. i've had the motherboard (gigabyte 6bx7) go through an analysis and it came out fine. old ram and new ram both checked out fine in lab tests.

can it be the processor itself that's causing my problems?? supposedly there's a pin on the processor that deals with reboots and if it was damaged... i've checked the temp environment and its running at 51 degrees (too hot??) i've been told that if it were a videocard problem, the computer would freeze instead of reboot.

suggestions would be greatly appreciated....


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Rule 1: The computer is always right.
Rule 2: If you think the computer is at fault, see rule 1.

Your temp. really is not that hot it would be nice if it were around 32 to40---50 is around your high end any higher than what you have i would get real paranoid.: as far as the processor?? did you change the power surge protector? you'll have to narrow it down to surge pro.-or processor-or power supply it self.Did it get hit by lighting or you just get big power surges where you live? I'm sure some other people here will have some more info for you sooo stick around a while.I'll tell you After you do get this strait and it was a power surge call the power co. and tell them to put a
DCI meter it will tell them how many and how much of a surge you are getting at a time and at what intervules.It will also cut down on the full brunt of the surge before it gets to your surge protector hooked to your unit.will not stop it but you should not have to go thru this again as long as you do not use a $12.00 surge protector> http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by YODA74 (edited 09-21-2001).]

thank you for your thoughts yoda...

i believe it was a powersurge... and i don't experience many of them...
i did end up changing to powerbar afterwards to a much better one... and would advise other ppl not to use a cheap surge protector!! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif

the powersupply is new... so i don't see why that is the culprit... although i will take a look at it more closely...
and i've operated the computer without a powerbar and it still reboots...
i guess that leaves the processor....
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

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Rule 1: The computer is always right.
Rule 2: If you think the computer is at fault, see rule 1.

Spontaneous reboots are usually either heat or power related. I suppose the CPU could also cause it, but that would seem the exception rather than the rule.

Some more system info would be helpful at this point. The power supply may still be the issue, if it's not producing enough wattage to handle the load it's under.

Check inside the case and be sure the air path is clear as possible and clean out all dust and lint that may be built up, particularly around the CPU heatsink. Also try running it with the cover removed and a small fan blowing inside, if it does not reboot you know you have a heat problem.

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sincerest thanks goes out to yoda and pete!!! i just changed to (another) new powersupply, and this time, the third seems to be the charm...

cpu temp has dropped from low 50s to mid 40s and everything seems to be stable for the last 6 hrs... still cautious but optimistic that problem is solved...



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Rule 1: The computer is always right.
Rule 2: If you think the computer is at fault, see rule 1.