HELP! Sick computer

madmum33

I'm having a major problem with my computer. Whenever I try to do too much (saving images from my camera, processing images etc.) it crashes.

I have a feeling it's a memory problem, but can't work out what memory I need to replace it with.

System details:

Evesham PC
AMD Athlon XP 3000+ 2.19ghz
512mb RAM in two 256mb units taking up sockets 0 and 1, socket 2 is empty.
Circuit board is eveshamvale using BIOS American Megatrends Inc. version 07.00T 04/02/01

Firstly am I right, does it sound like a typical memory problem? Secondly what modules of RAM will fit in my system?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

Ruth

PaulK_3

Could be faulty memory, lack of memory, overheat etc. What operating system are you running?

frivolous_fay

You could stand to have some more RAM.. particularly if you're running XP or higher.

Are you running any unnecessary applications? Is anything huge running in the background, like Norton, or an AVG full scan? :rolleyes:

PZH

Hi Ruth

Have assumed you are running Windows.

It may be memory but it could also be overheating. Do you have a motherboard monitor program to check the CPU temperature at idle and also under load. If not, download Speedfan ( Google it ).

If it is memory issues then try downloading Memtest86+ ( Again google it ) and running that for an hour or so. It downloads as an .iso file and burns to a cd making it bootable. ( need a cd burner and something like Nero )

Are you getting the Blue Screen Of Death ( BSOD ) ?

If not then try:-

Right click on the "My Computer" icon and select "properties", select the "Advanced" Tab and click on the "Settings" button under the "Startup and Recovery" title. Deselect ( No tick ) "Automatically Restart" and OK the change.

Next time a crash happens you should get a BSOD giving a STOP code and file name. This may help in pinpointing the problem ( Although they notoriously hard to track ).

madmum33

Thanks for the help!

Yes, I'm running XP Home.

No, AVG isn't running in the background.

Phoodless, I'll try speedfan first then try memtest, thank you!

No BSOD, it's restarting, thanks for the tip about preventing the startup I've done that now.

back in a bit hopefully!

madmum33

OK I've got speedfan running, now I need to know what temperatures are classed as too hot?

madmum33

Am I correct to assume that temps over 60c are too hot? How do I fix this (I don't seem to be able to adjust fan speeds using speedfan)

BillScarab

Depends how far over 60c! I'm pretty sure that 60C or so is the normal operating temperature of an Athlon. This page lists the maximum temperatures and they are a lot higher than that.

http://www.pantherproducts.co.uk/Articles/CPU/CPU%20Temperatures.shtml

madmum33

Aha!!! Thanks Bill, that makes sense. I haven't yet pushed the PC since the last crash, CPU usage is only around 5% right now.

I've downloaded memtest86+ and created a bootable CD, now I'll do some image processing to try and force a crash!

BillScarab

While you're stressing it have taskmanager running so you can see how much RAM is being used. If it's close to maximum it may just be that you need to get more.

kaan_is

i had a similar problem...thanks to "phoodless" got it sorted.My pc temp..averaged around 69 oC any more stress on the cpu..."BSOD".However once a good spring clean...especially the fan seated on the cpu...all is ok. Temp seeme to be around 49 oC...goodluck!