System Lock-ups

[patman]

Well first of all, let me say that this is not my computer for i'd never buy a gateway, but anyway, I'm working on a Gateway performance 1500 series. The specs as far as I have looked into it are a p4 1.4 ghz processor (the earlier version p4), 128mb rdram (not sure what speed) and i have no idea what the motherboard or graphics card is but i've removed all other components besides these. The problem i am having is that at random times (but at least within an hour of starting) the computer will just lock up. It seems to have nothing to do with the work load and it appears to be totally random. I have tried another psu and had the same result. I'm just wondering if there's any other options to try or if either the processor or motherboard is defective or what. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Patman

 

[pIII_Man]

try downloading motherboard monitor and make sure that the temps are ok.

 

[rcj187]

check your temps. although im more inclined to say its the ram thats the problem

just had another thought.. could easily be software problem especially if the computer is used to surf a lot. get rid of any internet programs or software. uninstall realplayer and winamp (ive found both of these to be real bugbears!) then go into msconfig and uncheck everything in the startup folder except taskmonitor and system tray
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by rcj187 on 07/11/03 00:32 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[endyen]

Try cleaning all the dust off everything. It can cause carbon tracking, and that would result in random reboots. Also look for spots that the dust looks charcoal grey. Do a very good job of cleaning those areas. I prefer a vacuum and a dry rag or parts brush for cleaning.

 

[patman]

Well, it's not a software problem. I reformatted the hd and it even locked up once while i was doing a new install. I guess it could be the ram, but is there any way to know for sure without being able to swap the ram. I don't have any rdram laying around and that would be an expensive part that might not even fix the problem.

 

[patman]

I will definately clean it out for there is quite a dust build up in there. I just never thought that something like that would cause system lock ups. I'll also get some hardware monitor configuration set up and check out the temps as well.

 

[FallOutBoyTonto]

Use <A HREF="http://www.memtest86.com" target="_new">Memtest86</A> to check if your RAM is bad or not. Just do a few passes on there, that should tell you if your RAM is faulty or not.

<A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?id=24106" target="_new">My System Rig</A>
<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k3=535386" target="_new">3DMark03</A>

 

[JHZR2]

Patman, are you the same person that posts on bobistheoilguy.com?

JMH