[Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems

[Bryan Baker]

Oddly enough, I've been googling for similar problems (I have a Gateway 
E-3400 at work that does this sort of thing).
Gateway had some kind of kit to deal w/ possible flexing of the PCI 
riser, but that's installed. Another post I saw points to flakey cap's 
manufactured using a flawed (illegally copied) formula from some other 
mfr.

http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2003Feb/bch20030207018535.htm

On Jun 3, 2005, at 5:03 PM, Lee wrote:
> Bailey, Jonathan C wrote:
>
>> It doesn't seem to be linked to use of any one component, although it 
>> seems to die quicker with the case open. I've disconnected the CD 
>> drive, floppy, etc except for the HD  and it still does it. As far as 
>> a temp issue, I can get it running for about 5min or so depending on 
>> if its used heavily.
>>
>>
>> Jon
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: cialug-bounces at cialug.org [mailto:cialug-bounces at cialug.org]On
>> Behalf Of Lee
>> Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 4:45 PM
>> To: Central Iowa Linux Users Group
>> Subject: Re: [Cialug] Slightly OT: Stupid computer problems
>>
>>
>> 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?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Jon
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----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
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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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.
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>>
> I'll go out on  a limb and say it's likely CPU or M/B chipset Thermal 
> Shutdown. Check that the heatsinks are setting level on each. But 
> until you can find a way to measure internal temps on that box. Your 
> simply not going to know. Do a search for the board part number and 
> thermal controls or settings. Maybe a first or third party software 
> monitor exists.
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--
Bryan Baker
Technology Advocate
Iowa Legal Aid
Suite 230
1111 9th Street
Des Moines, Ia 50314-2527

(515) 243-2151 (x1635)

http://www.iowalegalaid.org
bbaker at iowalaw.org