PC restarts by itself

pyeung · n00b Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 3

Hi all,

I just built a new computer and installed gentoo. Apparently, I am having a problem with my system restarting itself every once in a while. I tried different way to test why this is happening. I am pretty sure that there is no virus on my computer, nothing wrong with the memory, and my CPU is not overheating.

I think it might have something to do with my motherboard or CPU. I am using Asus A7V8X VIA KT 400 motherboard with a AMD 2100+ Athlon XP.

Any suggestion on how to fix this would be appreciated!! Thanks!

Peter

Abraxas · l33t Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 814

Have you checked the temperature? If it gets too hot it will probably shut off automatically. If that is the case, perhaps you put too much thermal grease on the cpu. Another possiblity is a faulty power supply or an underpowered power supply. What kind of power supply do you have and what are the specs of your computer?
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pyeung · n00b Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 3

Thanks for the reply!!

I changed the power supply twice and the problem is still there. My power supply is Enermax 430W, which I think it's enough.

I have been monitoring the temperature of my CPU. It is constantly at 69 degree. I know that this is a little bit hot, but I don't think this is the reason why it is restarting...

Do I need a FastTrack controller for my BIOS? Do I have to install the VIA 4in1 driver for my motherboard?

Thanks!

Malakin · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:13 am Post subject:

If your cpu really is running at 69C that's too hot, put a better cooler on it or make sure the current one is seated properly.

Try underclocking the cpu and see what happens, you should be able to set it to run with a 100mhz fsb instead of 133. I've seen instances where the motherboard itself had power problems with the cpu.

RevolutionaryIconoclast · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:53 am Post subject:

69 is most likely too hot. I guarantee that's the problem.
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pyeung · n00b Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 3

Thanks all for the suggestions!

I switched my CPU heatsink and now it is running at approx. 50 degree.
I also installed the VIA 4in1 drivers in Windows and the problem seems to be solved. However, the restarting problem still occur in Gentoo. Is there a kernel option or module that I needed to solve this?

Thanks!

srs5694 · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 4:38 pm Post subject:

If you're seeing problems in Linux but not Windows after installing special Windows drivers, that suggests that the problem is still hardware-related (probably heat-related, although 50C is just a little on the warm side), and that the Windows drivers are kicking the CPU or motherboard into a low-power state when idle or otherwise mucking with how the hardware works. You may be able to set kernel options or find some package to do the same in Linux, but the fundamental problem will remain, and will rear its ugly head when you start doing CPU-intensive tasks for extended periods (kernel compiles, CPU-intensive games, SETI@Home, etc.). Thus, I suggest you continue to investigate hardware cures, like improving case ventilation to further reduce the CPU (and motherboard) temperature.

Another possible hardware issue is the power supply. Some motherboards and CPUs consume a lot of power, and even some big (400W or more) power supplies deliver substandard power. Check the output amperages for each voltage delivered by your power supply and compare that to what a good brand, such as an Antec or PC Power & Cooling, delivers. You might even want to find the specs on all your components and start adding everything up to see if your power supply is adequate.