My Computer Reboots Bout Every 30 Minutes

[zesti]

My computer specs r:

p4 2.6ghz
512 ddr ram
ATI Radeon 9600 pro 128mb
HT Technology

In my computer games (just games i think) my comp will rebot bout every 30 min and when its done rebooting it will say "Your system has recoverd from a serious error." I know its probably NOT a software or OS prob cause i reinstalled windows last week. I got the latest drivers for all my components.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN SUGGEST? DO I HAVE A SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE PROBLEM??

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

[Greg]

Sounds like a thermal problem, in other words a possible bad fan or inadaquate cooling.

Check and make sure that the CPU fan is attached correctly and spinning.

It could be the power supply as well, is this a new system or and upgraded system?

These are both guesses.

[Zero Tolerance]

good guesses nopp!

i would bet that the fan at least is running....a system with that large of a processor would probably not even make thru bootup without any fan flow

id say the fan is weak or packed full of dust

so if you see the fan spinning....doesnt mean its working correctly...if your bios has a watchdog circuit....make sure the fan is turning at least 3500RPM's if not more.....any less than that would create problems under excessive cpu load

goodluck!

[zesti]

THX alot for that help but here is my situation...

I don't know that much bout hardware but i do know that my dad bout this comp for me for christmas and we got it for a clone store.

I would assume that THEY put in the proper cooling and im not sure if i feel comfortable screwing around with the fan.

My last question is "Are you pretty sure its hardware and not software?" cause i find it hard to believe that this store would make a mistake like that...

THX A MILLION!

[Dave420]

I would say power supply -also make sure they pluged the small square power lead into the board next to the processor(it is a special p4 power lead that provides proper power to the processor)and if the video card has a place for a 4 pin molex connector make sure it is pluged in as well.
it is not uncommon for computer stores to put power supplies in that are not strong enough to handle the newer power hungry chips along with a power hog video card(any new ATI card or Nvidia card).the problem is they look at the rating on the power supply -and not all power supplies are the same even though they claim to be.for this system I would recomend at least a 400 watt(many people will tell you a 350 will work ,but for the small difference in price why go under powered)and personally I have been burnt by so many different brands that now I only use Antec or allied-if you need either let me know and I can hook you up.

also in the bio's make sure that the agp 8x(or 4x on older boards)is on and agp fast writes is off(fast writes do noting for you and cause frequent lock ups.)

[zesti]

THX alot all... ill look into more and post if i need anymore help :)

[zesti]

This is very noobish....

I do not know what power supply is and i dont feel comfortable opening ma pc...is there any other way i can find out wat power supply i have? eg:a website

thx for ur help :)

[Greg]

You only need remove the cover and inspect a label. When you remove the cover there will be a label on a square box where the cord plugs into the back of the computer. You need to see 5v 35AMPS or better.

[zesti]

Thank you, I will give this a try.

[Dave420]

I would check the agp fastwrites in the bios before replacing the power supply.

[zesti]

Dave im not sure really wat u mean by that (i no nothing bout bios) but ill look in ma boot up and see if i can find it.

Also, i just checked and ma power supply says TOTAL OUTPUT 500W (its an elitech LL-B500E) so i am pretty sure by that that my power supply has enough power :)

[zesti]

I checked my bios and under Advanced...AGP Fast Write Capability it says Enabled. I assume this is what i should turn off.

[Dave420]

yes