Multiple Questions (Filters, Voltage, Temperatures, Random Restarts)

[HeadachesAbound]

I have a number of questions that have been raised after a recent upgrade to my system and a recent review of the pcguide message boards. The current system configuration is:

Antec Case w/ Antec PS : SX1035B (http://www.antec-inc.com/en_sohoser.html)
FIC Motherboard : AZ11E (http://www.fica.com/site/html/products/mb/detail.asp?cat_id=240000049&C_ID=240000068)
RAM0=128MB, PC133, 60ns, NameBrand (Simple Technology)
RAM1=128MB, PC133, 60ns, NameBrand (Simple Technology)
RAM2=256MB, PC133, 60ns, NameBrand (Simple Technology)
DVD-ROM / CD-ROM : LG DVD-ROM DRD-8160B (http://www.lg.ca/product/drd8160b.asp)
Processor : AMD Duron 900MHz
PCI0 : Maxtor Ultra ATA/100 PCI Adaptor (http://www.maxtor.com/products/UltraATA100/UltraATA100.htm)
PCI1 : Creative SB PCI512 (http://www.soundblaster.com/products/sb512/)
PCI2 : Generic LAN Ethernet Card (Came with the DSL Modem)
PCI3 : PNY NVIDIA GeForce2 MX 200 (http://www.pny.com/home/products/Vcard_MX200PCI.cfm)
HD1 : Maxtor 30 GB
HD2 : Maxtor 100 GB
HD3 : WD 100 GB
Zip100
3.5 Floppy

2 Antec Factory Fans, Rear Install, Blow-out
PS Fan also Blow-out

Motherboard Temp Ranges Between 87 and 100 F depending on room temp
CPU / AUX Temp ranges between 67 and 75 F depending on room temp

VCore : 1.67
+2.5 : 2.5
+3.3 : 3.3
+5.0 : 5.0
+12 : 12.2

CPU Fan RPM : 5,000 to 5,500

Have the PS Fan connected to the MB but don't get any readings. Case Fans don't have MB Connectors.
-------------------------------------------------------
Questions / Concerns:

I have looked thru the Motherboard Manual and can find no documentation concerning operating voltages and/or temps. Any advice on where to look for this?

I ask this because I have experienced random restarts since I upgraded the system. The only remaining parts of the old system are the floppy, zip, pci cards, the RAM, and the HDs. The Case, PS, and MB are new.

The restarts tend to occur while browsing the web, using IE 6.0.2, and tend to happen while scrolling.

I am also concerned about the air flow and dust within the system. I am considering purchasing additional fans and a side vent panel from antec, shown here (http://www.antec-inc.com/en_sidepanel.html), not sure if it's needed though.

I am also concerned about lowering the overall system noise level as it is currently driving me crazy so I would appreciate suggestions on how to lower the noise level from the fans / hds if possible.

My system also suffers from dust problems. I have read several posts which suggest filters but I wouldn't even know where to look or what the best kinds would be.

I am also planning to upgrade my system in the near future and am concerned about cooling / power needs with the following additions:

Audigy Platinum (http://www.soundblaster.com/products/audigyplatinum/welcome.asp)
PNY Verto GeForce4 Ti 4600 AGP 128MB DDR SDRAM (http://www.pny.com/home/products/Vcard_ti4600.cfm)
1.5GB RAM

Current OS is Win98SE, might be moving to LINUX.

Any suggestions to my many concerns would be greatly appreciated.

[ranchdog]

Headaches

Filters.... I make my own. Using the styrofoam material that
comes in a new Mboard box. Using only that which I can actually
blow air thru. Can be found in craft shops, etc.

Voltages.... What you have listed as specs are right on target.
However, with the huge amount of hardware you have installed in that
server case, the initial boot up process will tax the 350W PSU.

Temperature.... System temperatures of 87-100 need help. If 87 was
the high that could be tolerant. Do you have ribbon cables and wiring
harnesses obstructing a lot of air flow? The CPU temperature of 67-75
is a death sentence. This needs immediate attention. The Duron chip
can run a little warm so try for a Heatsink/Fan such as the Volcano 7+
or the AX-7. Which HS/F are you using now?

Noise.... There comes a point where a compromise has to be reached. A
little noise for a little cooling. A 5K RPM fan on your CPU isn't going
to be as loud as a 7K RPM screamer. Use a fan on that heatsink that will move some cfm of air but at a lower RPM. For case fans, Panaflo has a new series of Stealth fans available that are quiet.

RAM.... For an upgrade to 1.5GB of memory Win98SE is going to very
unhappy unless you do some Hacking.

Random Re-boots.... Normally (if anything is normal) this is a heat and/or power supply issue. In your case IE6 may be the problem in itself. Try only running the 256Mb stick of RAM by itself and see what happens. I get re-boots quickly if a stick of memory gets hot. Heat
spreaders for memory sticks are worth the cost.

Side Panel.... The new panel only carries an 80mm fan so I don't see the expense being worth it. Needs at least 2 of these. A server case with dual 90mm fans would be more beneficial. With a pair of exhaust fans mounted in the rear of the case. Or a roofmount exhaust fan drawing air out.

I'll say this.... You have plenty of HDD space.


RD.

[HeadachesAbound]

ranchdog

Thank you for the information. Will have to go looking for some good filters to fit the fan system on the case before I put in any more fans.

The voltage information is reassuring since the monitoring software I was using kept giving me warnings about the VCore voltage. And I guess I need to look into getting a bigger PS, 450 maybe?

The temps I mentioned are Fahrenheit not Celsius. Everything I've seen says that the temps are ok, am I wrong? I took another look in the case and will need to try and move some of the wires out of the way and see if this improves the air-flow any. Will have to turn off the machine to see what the HS/F is. Can't read it with the fan going.

I started looking at fans and it seems that the quietest is about 20/21 db(A). I also found one that is capable of moving 84.1 CFM but it has a noise rating of 55.2 db(A). Will take a look at the Panaflo's you mentioned.

I would much rather run something other than Win98SE but I can't bring myself to purchase another MS Product and then have to worry about whether or not they will still be in business when I have to reformat my machine. Not to mention that LINUX has so far been much more stable, and much more secure when compared to my windows install.

Trying out LINUX now, but I have found a few limitations that might hinder a complete conversion.

Heat Spreaders? Oh, those things. I found one from ThermalTake that is called an Active Memory Cooling Kit. Also considering getting round cables to replace the standard ones. This should clean out the airflow.

I might be able to fit a small roofmount fan in the case, depends on the wire arrangements from the powersupply.

And you're right about the HD Space. I don't use half of it, but it does provide me with a guaranteed backup. I keep most of my programs on the 2 larger drives and install windows on the smaller one. This way if I lose windows, I don't lose anything big.

Headaches

[ranchdog]

H. A.

Those temperatures are in fahrenheit? You are home
free. Cool.

After checking the Vcore at 1.67 a monitoring system
may read this as being a tad low. As long as the Duron
will boot up for you it isn't excessively low. Vcore is
voltage for the CPU. Stock Vcore for the Duron is in the
1.70-1.75 range. If you get tired of the warning, ease
into CMOS(BIOS) and adjust it to 1.70. In a workstation
type environment I like to run the Vcore as low as possible
as the CPU will run cooler this way. More Vcore more CPU heat.

Rounded cables are really nice. Not only for looks and
neatness but they don't block airflow as compared to the
regular ribbon cables. Wire looms are cheap and the wiring
harness from the PSU can be encased.

I noticed that fans with a db(a) of 25 or less are relatively
quiet. Many factors involved such as blade pitch, etc. The
hot ticket today is to use the largest fan posssible (mm) and run it
at a slower RPM to hold down the noise. A fan that spins about 3K
and moves 30 CFM of air is a decent compromise. Something with a
db(A) of 55.2 is going to sound like an F-16 hitting the "burners".

Here's a Link to a PSU that I get along with real well and
the price is right:

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=LP-6100E


RD.

[Alejandro]

Hi, i have a K6-2 500Mhz and wish to know which would be a safe top temp alarm setting. Currently, i have it set at 60° celsius, and my system normally runs at 49~. Is this ok?
Also, i'm planning to overclock it to 550Mhz by rising the multiplier to 5.5, so i should expect a rise in CPU temperature, right? How do i know if the temperature when overclocked is safe or not?
Many thanks

[ranchdog]

49C is safe for the K6-2. Just bumping the multiplier

you won't get much increase.

Some of the 500's would do 550 without any problems

and some wouldn't. You will know immediately at boot-up/

load Windoz time.


RD.

[HeadachesAbound]

I Found some material at Wal-Mart that I think will work excellent as a fan filter. It is meant to be used in the 'floor registers' of a central heat and air unit to provide air filtration. It's cheap, disposable, and can easily be reshaped. Sound good?

[ranchdog]

Excellent.



RD.

[mjc]

Actually, I beleive it is the same stuff that is sold as filter material for PCs.

[Whyzman]

I mentioned in a post the other day, but it probably bears repeating...;)

Picked up an Air Conditioner Filter at Home Depot made by Frost King...paid about $3.00 for it 15" X 24" X 1/4".

Says it removed dust and pollen from the air, washable and re-usable, can be cut to any size with ordinary scissors...which I did...

Duct taped a piece over the front fan access which is hidden by the front panel. If I didn't wash it but rather replaced, I probably have enough for a few years! :p

[HeadachesAbound]

The filters I am using are made by WEB. They have them online here (http://www.webproducts.com/products/ventfilter.html). I only paid $2 for mine and they fit perfectly under the case cover of my SX1035B.

I am thinking that my random restarts are being caused by memory overheat issues. I was watching a DVD last night when the machine just restarted. Purchased a Thermaltake Active Memory Cooling Kit (http://www.thermaltake.com/products/memory/activekits.htm) today and will be installing it and 2 intake fans tonight. Sure hope this works.

[Whyzman]

I took a look at the WEB filters

Electrostatic Register Filtration
Vent Filters are made of a self-charging electrostatic material that acts as a dust magnet for vent register systems.

Hmmmm.....self-charging electrostatic material.....Hmmmm......

Anytime I see computers and electrostatic in the same context I get a little jumpy! :eek: :D

Although, I suppose the fact that the computer is plugged in and therefore grounded.....

The concept sure sounds great!

[HeadachesAbound]

I started thinking about that too. The only thing is, I don't think they can actually build up enough charge to do anything to the equipment.

[Whyzman]

2000volts for us to feel a discharge...around 200V to smoke RAM or many of the other electronic attachments! :eek:

[HeadachesAbound]

New temps found... Need to know what they are for ASAP.

Ok, I've been using a program called MBProbe to get quick temp/speed readings for my system. I went into settings again and found that I could set the AUX2 temp reading to a different setting. I have 2 additional options over the default readings. Here are my current readings for each available option:

VT82C686A:1 : 88.0 F : MB
VT82C686A:2 : 65.0 F : CPU
VT82C686A:3 : 67.3 F : AUX1
Asus CUSL2 : 100.0 F : AUX2
Tekram : 258.9 F : AUX2

Where would these other readings be coming from and are they reliable?

System Configuration:

Case: Antec SX1035B
Power Supply: Antec PP-352X (350W)
Motherboard: FIC AZ11E
RAM0: 128MB, PC133, 60ns, NameBrand (Simple Technology)
RAM1: 128MB, PC133, 60ns, NameBrand (Simple Technology)
RAM2: 256MB, PC133, 60ns, NameBrand (Simple Technology)
DVDROM: LG DRD-8160B
Processor: AMD Duron 900MHz
PCI0: Maxtor Ultra ATA/100 PCI Adaptor
PCI1: Creative SB PCI512
PCI2: Generic LAN Ethernet Card
PCI3: PNY NVIDIA GeForce2 MX 200
HD1: Maxtor 10GB
HD2: Maxtor 80GB
HD3: WD 80GB
Iomega Zip100
Generic 3.5 Floppy
Fans :2 In, 2 Out, 80mm Antec
Thermaltake Active Memory Cooling System