Computer help

ArmorPierce · Post by **ArmorPierce** » 2004-12-30 11:58am

I've recently upgraded my computer to a kv8 pro amd64 3200+ processor 2 sticks of ram and a 540 watts power supply (i think) and I've been having problems with it since. When I first got it there was a bunch of problems so I just reformatted it. Most of those proglems are now gone but a problem that hasn't gone away is my computer randomly freezing and monitor going off. This usually happens when I'm trying to do more heavy work like watch windows media player or install my game. It is so bad that I can't install my game before it freezes up. I've tried using another mother board (I boutght 2 by mistake), using another video card, and using other ram sticks to no avail. It's been like this for the last week and I don't know what the problem can be. If anyone knows what the problem might be help would be greatly appreciated.

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-12-30 02:01pm

I had something similar, but replacing the graphics card fixed it for me

ArmorPierce · Post by **ArmorPierce** » 2004-12-30 09:13pm

Maybe I should mention that my graphic card was radeon 9600. Any problems with that?

Glocksman · Post by **Glocksman** » 2004-12-30 09:43pm

Did you install the latest ATI Catalyst and VIA Hyperion 4 in 1 chipset drivers?

Flashed to the latest BIOS?

What's the brand of power supply?
Some PSU's that claim high ratings are plain junk and can cause major system instability.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2004-12-30 10:19pm

Make sure you're getting an 18-amp feed outta that PSU. Cheapass POS power supplies on Athlon64s often cause that problem.

ArmorPierce · Post by **ArmorPierce** » 2004-12-30 10:36pm

Glocksman wrote:Did you install the latest ATI Catalyst and VIA Hyperion 4 in 1 chipset drivers?

Flashed to the latest BIOS?

What's the brand of power supply?
Some PSU's that claim high ratings are plain junk and can cause major system instability.

The brand of my power supply is DEMON, it says it's a 580W atx switching power supply. Dunno what it means to flash to the latest bios.

Glocksman · Post by **Glocksman** » 2004-12-31 12:59am

Go to the manufacturer's website and look in the 'downloads' section for BIOS updates for your board. Pay particular attention to what BIOS files go with which hardware revisions of the board.

Caution: If you aren't sure of what you're doing, don't flash it as using the wrong file can hose your system but good. Get someone that's knowledgable to help you do this if you're not certain on how to do it.

The brand of my power supply is DEMON, it says it's a 580W atx switching power supply

Is that a 'Powmax' Demon PSU?

If so, the guys at the Ars-Technica forums despise Powmax PSU's.
I'd try to borrow (or buy from and return to Best Buy if it doesn't fix the problem) a decent FSP or Antec 400 watt or more PSU and see if that fixes the problems.

Vertigo1 · Post by **Vertigo1** » 2004-12-31 01:37am

Glocksman wrote:
The brand of my power supply is DEMON, it says it's a 580W atx switching power supply
Is that a 'Powmax' Demon PSU?

If so, the guys at the Ars-Technica forums despise Powmax PSU's.
I'd try to borrow (or buy from and return to Best Buy if it doesn't fix the problem) a decent FSP or Antec 400 watt or more PSU and see if that fixes the problems.

Yeah, Powermax is a "hit-or-miss" brand. Sometimes you get a good one, but when you don't....well, you get the idea. If you want a decent, in-expensive, power supply you can't go wrong with Fortron. If at all possible, shoot for the models with the 120mm fan. It'll evac heat like you wouldn't believe.