stupid computer.

[amezri]

Apparently I can no longer do anything on my desktop except basic things like go to webpages, listen to music, and burn discs (which, hooray for that last at least).

Earlier today I tried to convert a video so I could get it on my DS. Then I just grabbed my stack of papers and spent 4 hours sorting through everything to throw out what I didn't need anymore. I went back to my room and discovered that Schrodinger had turned off again. Has happened since Christmas, but then again, I haven't tried to do anything more.

Five times in the last hours it's shut down with no warning. The only common denominator was that I was trying to process the video again in an effort to recreate the problem. Twice it produced the same result; once I didn't even get far enough after logging in. I was able to get into the Event Log and find.. nothing of note.

Right now I'm trying to burn stuff and should really try to back up, like, everything in case. In case I decide that I'm just going to give up and have a new computer build in the next couple months (good thing I've nearly paid of my credit cards...).

Anyway. After burning some stuff I guess I'm finally going to run the RAM test and install SpeedFan so I can monitor the temperature in case that's the problem.

Dear Friday: I hate you. Go away.

Comments

[xpashax.livejournal.com]

I'd guess it's the processor overheating, since it's happening when you're encoding. Try opening the box and blowing out all the dust, make sure all the fans are working, etc. If you don't have cats/dogs/ferrets/whatever then leave the box open and try encoding, maybe even point a fan into the box, see if the extra airflow keeps it cool enough to finish the job.

If that ends up being the case then it might just be a matter or replacing the heatsync, or maybe just the putty crap might need to be replaced.

Who's your motherboard's manufacturer?

[amezri.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip! Yeah, that sounds like what I should do tomorrow. I mean, I just burned like 6 DVDs and it's still going and I can only assume that takes way less processing power than converting video.

I... can't remember who I bought what from -_-; At the time (two years ago) I was going for the best computer I could afford on the cheap, which admittedly isn't the best way to go and I've had nothing but problems.

[xpashax.livejournal.com]

After going through a bad motherboard myself, I'm only inclined to use boards made by ASUS or ABIT, though if someone else has had a system for awhile that works then I'll go that route.

[amezri.livejournal.com]

Okay, I just installed SpeedFan and compared to the temperatures on my laptop that I saw yesterday, I have to believe it's overheating because.. omg.

Assuming the temperature that fluctuates the most/fastest is the CPU one, when idle, I'm getting 87C (189F) and loading Photoshop sent it to 93C (200F).

[xpashax.livejournal.com]

That might be too hot. Do you know what your processor is? For instance, an AMD Athlon XP 1.33Ghz+ is only supposed to go up to 90C.


Provided this is the problem, solutions are as follows in order of expense:
1. Change the thermal compound
2. Replace the heat sync
3. Replace the processor
4. Replace the motherboard/processor

You'd take off the heat sync, if the thermal compound is all cruddy, then that's your problem. Of course, if the compound was good, you've now ruined it by checking it, and have to replace it anyway. If it was good, your problem might be the heat sink. So in your position, I would just buy a new heat sink for your cpu's socket size and replace it. (follow the directions, too much compound is bad, too little compound is also bad) This is a $20-$50 experiment.

If the heat sink wasn't the problem, you're looking at buying a new processor for the board, which might come with a new heat sink as well. Personally though, depending on my financial situation, I might be looking at upgrading the motherboard/cpu at this point, because processors run into the $100 range, which for me is painful, so if I'm going to experience pain I might as well do it on something that I know will work instead of trying to make a budget motherboard work.

[amezri.livejournal.com]

It's an Intel P4 Prescott. After we cleaned out the dust, it's now running at about 65C when idle, which is within the range for that processor, but still way too hot when I do anything other than surf the interwebs.

So, we ordered a new heatsink and fan and some new thermal compound. Should be here in a week and until then, it's running in an acceptable range.

I did a video conversion test (which was what was kicking it off before) and it made it through the whole thing fine, so I think the problem has been pinpointed. Thanks for the assist! :D

[xpashax.livejournal.com]

You're quite welcome.

Looking around, apparently the Prescott's nicknamed the PresHot, which just reinforces what we think we're seeing here. Hope the heatsink solves your problems. It's always nice when the solution is the cheapest option.

[buhfly.livejournal.com]

Does it do it with other videos or only that one?

[amezri.livejournal.com]

We figured it out -- the processor was overheating by like 20C. Which is.. nuts. Cleaning it out cooled it significantly, but we've ordered a new heatsink to help when I'm working on things other than net stuff.

[seishin.livejournal.com]

Earlier today I tried to convert a video so I could get it on my DS

How does this work?????? O_O

[amezri.livejournal.com]

With an R4DS :D Along with the Moonshell program, you can use your DS to play video, MP3s, read txt files, and view images.