[Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems

[Lee]

Bailey, Jonathan C wrote:

>The PSU is sized like a 1U.. The back-of-the-case fan keeps running, and the side fan on the PSU just stops.
>
>As far as temprature readings, where should I measure, and what kind of heat should I expect from a P4 2Ghz-ish CPU?
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>Jon
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>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: cialug-bounces at cialug.org [mailto:cialug-bounces at cialug.org]On
>Behalf Of Lee
>Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 4:17 PM
>To: Central Iowa Linux Users Group
>Subject: Re: [Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems
>
>
>Bailey, Jonathan C wrote:
>
>  
>
>>I've got this computer which is giving me headaches. It's a Dell Opteplex GX series that just shuts off on its own. Well, kinda shuts off. When it goes down, the screen blanks (no video signal), the power supply fan stops, the power light stays on, and the drives keep spinning. The only way to get it out of this state is to unplug/plug it back in. Here's what I've done..
>>
>>* swapped power supplies with a known good one
>>* ran memtest86+ - passed
>>* ran DFT - passed
>>
>>
>>I don't want to restore, but is this the realistic next step? Anything else to check out?
>>
>>
>>--------------------
>>Jonathan Bailey
>>POS Analyst
>>bailj0 at bp.com
>>(515) 226-5005
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>Cialug mailing list
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>> 
>>
>>    
>>
>The power supply fan stops? Or do you mean CPU / Case fan? Aside from a 
>few laptops I have never heard of a system controlled Power Supply fan. 
>If it's stopping I would guess you have a power problem. And from the 
>sounds of things, probably across the M/B. I would first find out what 
>system events can cause that paticular power supply's fan to stop (i.e. 
>Thermal Controls).
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>  
>
This link gives you some idea of the operating temps for a P4. But if 
the BIOS doesn't provide this info, it's tough to diagnose.
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/pentium4/sb/cs-007999.htm
Some thoughts...
 Do you have any burn-in software? Test various components and see if 
one of the tests causes the failure.
Can you boot to a command prompt and get it to shut down?
Does it reboot by opening and closing a powered CD drive door?
Disconnect the drives and let it set at a post screen, waiting for a 
failure.
I did this type of tech work for years and often found a new causes for 
old problems.