System freezes with black screen. Please help.

[cadlewv]

Hello all. I've been having an ongoing problem, which has seemed to get worse lately.

First, I know I built a computer with some less quality parts (mobo, psu, etc...see specs below). But I'm willing to right my wrongs with your advice.

What keeps happening is that my screen will go black, yet the system will stay on. But, when it goes black, all processing stops. Even if in the middle of a print job, the printing will stop. Happens sometimes about 3-7 times a day.

The tests I've run on it so far and their results follow:

-Memtest: no errors after 5 passes
-Powermax: no errors after quick test, longer test and full disk read (both hard drives tested)
-I've swapped out my ATI Radeon video card with an MSI, generic for GeForce4 MX (same specs, except 8x APG, still 64DDR): no change, with exception that it's only done it once since swapping out the video card. It had done it about 6-8 times the day before swapping out the video card).

I hope I've provided enough information so that you will be able to help me.

Thank you for your forum, and your time.

[Cricket]

First thing I'd do is replace that DEER power supply before it dies on you and takes a few other components with it.

Then make sure the insides of your computer are relatively free of any dust build ups. Make sure the heatsink fins on the CPU and video card aren't clogged with dust.

Check the front of the computer chassis to be sure the vents aren't clogged with dust too.

Cricket

[pam123]

Those aren't bad parts except for the Deer power supply.
Have you checked your temps?
Sudden shut downs can also be heat problems.
So take a can of compressed air to the case if necessary and make sure the fans are running as they should.

[cadlewv]

Thank you for your replies.

I keep a watch on my temps using Everest. The CPU temp stays in the 50s, sometimes low 50s, sometimes high 50s. I think the shutdown temp for a Sempron 2500+ is in the high 70s or 80s, so I should be good there right? Also, I'm using compressed air to clean out the dust from my CPU heatsink, chassis and all fans at least once a month.

Any other suggestions? Could the power supply be the sole problem?

[Alaron]

That power supply is bad news. Deer is the lowest of the low.

Swap it out with something quality. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104931

[pam123]

Really nice choice by Alaron, buy it even if you don't think you need it.

[cadlewv]

Thanks for posting. May I ask what the PFC is all about and how important it is? I read somewhere that PSUs without either active or passive PFC aren't recommended anymore. Also, is the 350W enough? I don't see myself adding anything else to this computer.

You gals/guys are great! Thank you!

P.S. Here is one I found. It's out of stock, but I'm checking back everyday. Is it also suitable? And for the biggest question, how do I 'make sure' whichever PSU I choose is compatible with my motherboard?

[pam123]

There's nothing wrong with the power supply you found, it's a good one, so if your budget will stand it then buy it.
However, you don't need to spend that much and the "If a little is good more is better." mindset shouldn't be encouraged.

PFC : http://whatis.techtarget.com/definit...866381,00.html
It isn't necessary for a PC but I won't go so far as to say it useless.
If it comes with the power supply you bought then that's nice but that's all.

[cadlewv]

Well, thanks to both of you. I just purchased the one Alaron selected. I'll consider this resolved... unless I install it and the problem still persists.

[glc]

When it comes in, just compare the weight of the 2 units and you will see what we mean by quality vs. junk power supplies.

[cadlewv]

Ok. I received the PSU and have it installed. Everything seemed to be perfect (and I love the extra long wires). But it just did the same thing again. Black screen, I can hear the fans still running after the black screen, but the processing stops, I can't do anything but turn it off via the power button. Also, it doesn't make me hold in the power button for 5-6 seconds either. It shuts off right away, kind of like when booted in dos.

Again, this problem has happened using two different comparable video cards.

Any more suggestions?

[pam123]

We're down to the cpu or the motherboard and of the two the board is more likely.
You have a clean machine with the heatsink/fan properly secured, you now have an excellent psu and you have tested and/or exchanged all your parts.
That leaves them as the last two.
Starting with the motherboard, e-mail Soltek.
They had, and may still have for all I know, an excellent reputation for support. Even if the board is not under warranty they're likely to reply.

[cadlewv]

Will do. I'll post an update as soon as I hear from them (or don't). Thanks for your help so far.

Also, I don't guess there's anyway to actually test the board myself is there?

[seagull]

I would test out of case before any thing else

[cadlewv]

And how would I do that? Also, does Windows contain a log somewhere that I can check right after a crash?

[pam123]

Yes it does and we shouldn't have assumed you knew about it.
Start>Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Event Viewer.
Check all the 'Error' records.