Conflict

dorkz · Jan 8, 2004, 06:31 PM

I purchased a system the other day including the following hardware:

- AMD Athlon XP (Barton) 2600+ (Retail inc. heatsink/fan)
- Abit NF7 (v2) nForce2 motherboard
- TwinMOS PC3200 [2x256MB]
- ATI Radeon 9600XT 128MB
- QTEC DUAL FAN GOLD 400W

I've been having problems where my system completely shuts down all of a sudden. I notice this happens especially when I am playing games. I've noticed that the motherboard fan remains running while the CPU fan is off. Almost as if a precaution it switches off.

My CPU temp is 38C and motherboard 28C, I havent overclocked anything.

Are there any known issues with this configuration, please can you help?

Much appreciated. This is driving me crazy!!

dorkz · Jan 8, 2004, 08:05 PM

I just did a test:

CPU before game: 35C
CPU after game (20mins): 49C

I'm going to check that the heatsin is on flat and properly... your thoughts still please.

rogeld · Jan 8, 2004, 08:36 PM

There does not appear to be anything obviously wrong but a bit more information would help. For instance, do you have an intake and exhaust fan of sufficient CFM? It almost sounds like that once the system warms up, it can not remove the hot air fast enough since that is one heckuva hike in temperature. Also, did you update to the latest BIOS? The NF7, pre BIOS 16, had incorrect temperature monitoring settings so your system could actually either be running cooler or much hotter than what is being reported at the moment.

WildChild · Jan 8, 2004, 09:19 PM

Sounds like a PSU error or a memory error...Lotta memory and nforce 2 boards can be finicky ...I would run a memory test on it ....and see what happens. Then try swapping out the psu if the memory checks out.

Heres some recommended memory modules for that board:

Recommended Memory Modules

dorkz · Jan 8, 2004, 09:41 PM

I ran a memory test earlier today which Neon gave me, my memory modules passed on all levels.

I have 3 exhaust fans inside my case. The CPU fan is running @ 3750RPM!

WildChild · Jan 8, 2004, 09:56 PM

I would say if the memory test was ok its a PSU issue then, the ATI cards are hogs on voltage.,and alot of no name psu's wont run em properly.

dorkz · Jan 8, 2004, 10:13 PM

Well Im running a QTEC 400Q GOLD dual fan PSU - this must be sufficient, else it wouldnt of powered down... itd of blown up!! I've had it happen b4.

WildChild · Jan 8, 2004, 10:23 PM

Not necessarily insufficient power will cause all kindsa weird problems,and Ive never heard of QTec as a known brand.

WildChild · Jan 8, 2004, 10:28 PM

I also went through 3 different psu units for my current rig to get one that worked to spec. lotta times the offname ones just wont do it ...might look pretty ..but just aint got the ummph to do the job.

Zardon · Jan 8, 2004, 10:33 PM

i hate to say this but I really have had some serious problems with QTEC in the past, a few mates have bought them due to the extremely low cost and the voltage to the rails was pretty appalling causing reboots, random problems and one of them burnt out... the only qtec even worth considering is the 550w and id be hard pressed to recommend it. they are just so cheap and when you feel the weight they are cutting some serious corners.

I know bud you are probably swearing now and feeling rightly pissed off, but I would bet my hat on it, the PSU is at fault here.

***Veridian3*** · Jan 8, 2004, 10:40 PM

Zardon is correct, 550w is the only PSU from q-tec worth using, Its like a 300w decent brand so you can imagine how the 400 compares.

dorkz · Jan 8, 2004, 11:17 PM

What would u guys recommend? I have £35 tops!!

Zardon · Jan 8, 2004, 11:39 PM

firstly I suggest you wait until you can get a little more money together because you dont want a repeat performance of this again.

Power supplies are REALLY important, much more than people give them credit for. £35 will only get you the 550w QTEC and I really dont know if I could recommend that. wait until you get about £55-£60 and get the Antec TruePower 430W PSU or the Enermax EG465AX-VE(G)(FMA) 460W. Honestly its going to be worth it in the long run for a nice solid system with a good clean stable feed to all the rails.

Logla · Jan 8, 2004, 11:46 PM

Yup, I learned how important a PSU is the hard way. And only really found out after I joined DH.
I now have an Antec TrueBlue 480w. I ran some voltmeter tests on the +5 and +12 rails on the connector on the back of it. The +5volt was at +5volts solid with no change. The +12volts went from +12v to +12.2 volts tops.
My old 400watter varied as much as a full 1volt either way. But having said all that, there are a number of factors in what makes a quality power supply. It is very true though that you need to spend a bit more than 35 sheets.

dorkz · Jan 8, 2004, 11:54 PM

I see you've been on overclockers Zardon

hm they so flippin expensive the decent ones!! pffft

I'll have to seriously think about this one...

WildChild · Jan 9, 2004, 12:38 AM

EnerMax 550 EG651P-VE FMA
Very Good One.Expensive...but very good

EnerMax 550 PSU

dorkz · Jan 9, 2004, 03:34 PM

I'm half tempted to go for a ThermalTake Butterfly silent 460W (BLACK). they look nice and I hear they are very good! £66 too.

dorkz · Jan 9, 2004, 06:59 PM

Here's a few images of the items I bought:

The_Neon_Cowboy · Jan 11, 2004, 08:44 PM

i'm gonna attack this via MSN messanger

The_Neon_Cowboy · Jan 11, 2004, 10:26 PM

we updated his bios....(was old rev)
his psu apears weak the 12 volt rail is only 11.67

he runing the chipset drivers provided on his install cd i sent him 3.75s but he cant get the installerto run....

he's teting it now to se if the bios updatehelps him out

Ev!L-aLphA · Jan 11, 2004, 10:29 PM

have u switched any ram timing? cuz i switched mine and my pc kept giving me these random restarts so i put it back in default and now every things fine agian

dorkz · Jan 12, 2004, 12:41 AM

Everything seems A-OK, since I updated BIOS with the kind help of Neon. I'm now gna leave pc on overnight see if when i come to it tomoz it aint OFF!

Big thanks to Neon.

dorkz · Jan 12, 2004, 08:12 AM

... it shut-down. Looks like I will be getting a new PSU!

dorkz · Jan 12, 2004, 10:46 AM

One thing that I notice when I come to the PC after its shutdown is that:

HDD Light (RED), Keyboard light, CDROM light all remain ON
CPU fan STOPS running (shuts down)
Northbridge fan remains spinning
Power and reset buttons do not respond, I have to unplug from mains then plug back in and bootup

Any ideas why this is happening?

Logla · Jan 12, 2004, 12:27 PM

Its probably because the computer hasn't shut down properly. It could even be due to a short circuit somewhere. I would (if you haven't already) take the whole machine to bits, rebuild it again and check all the power connectors, clean everything if you can and make sure there is nothing touching the motherboard that could cause a short. Remove the BIOS battery and leave it for a couple of hours - even overnight and remove the power cable from the PSU.
It could of course just mean the PSU is totally shafted - get it sent back to the shop explaining whats happening. If it continues to shut down after you have cleaned everything out, stop using it. It could potentially damage your components and that can only be a bad thing.

dorkz · Jan 12, 2004, 12:52 PM

I've emailed the company I bought from last week, and they haven't replied yet. I don't think they are interested!! What do I do?

Logla · Jan 12, 2004, 03:01 PM

Who did you buy it from and how long ago. If it is older than 30 days old they are not obliged to help out - of course if they are a decent company then they would at least point you in the right direction. If it is older than 30 days, email the manufacturer. They will have some sort of return/RMA policy although this may mean that you could be without a psu for a while.

dorkz · Jan 12, 2004, 03:27 PM

Its sorted m8, I got an email this afternoon saying they will refund me. So I'm going to send it back and get another...

Check out the new thread "Antec vs Enermax"

Jan 8, 2004, 06:31 PM	#1
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	Conflict I purchased a system the other day including the following hardware: - AMD Athlon XP (Barton) 2600+ (Retail inc. heatsink/fan) - Abit NF7 (v2) nForce2 motherboard - TwinMOS PC3200 [2x256MB] - ATI Radeon 9600XT 128MB - QTEC DUAL FAN GOLD 400W I've been having problems where my system completely shuts down all of a sudden. I notice this happens especially when I am playing games. I've noticed that the motherboard fan remains running while the CPU fan is off. Almost as if a precaution it switches off. My CPU temp is 38C and motherboard 28C, I havent overclocked anything. Are there any known issues with this configuration, please can you help? Much appreciated. This is driving me crazy!! Last edited by d4rkz; Jan 8, 2004 at 07:21 PM.

Jan 8, 2004, 09:19 PM	#4
WildChild I'm Still Watching Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Jersey,U.S.A. Posts: 1,068 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Sounds like a PSU error or a memory error...Lotta memory and nforce 2 boards can be finicky ...I would run a memory test on it ....and see what happens. Then try swapping out the psu if the memory checks out. Heres some recommended memory modules for that board: Recommended Memory Modules __________________ Knowledge is SCARY,Stupidity is REALLY frightening Last edited by WildChild; Jan 8, 2004 at 09:28 PM.

Jan 8, 2004, 09:56 PM	#6
WildChild I'm Still Watching Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Jersey,U.S.A. Posts: 1,068 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	I would say if the memory test was ok its a PSU issue then, the ATI cards are hogs on voltage.,and alot of no name psu's wont run em properly. __________________ Knowledge is SCARY,Stupidity is REALLY frightening

Jan 8, 2004, 10:23 PM	#8
WildChild I'm Still Watching Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Jersey,U.S.A. Posts: 1,068 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Not necessarily insufficient power will cause all kindsa weird problems,and Ive never heard of QTec as a known brand. __________________ Knowledge is SCARY,Stupidity is REALLY frightening

Jan 8, 2004, 10:28 PM	#9
WildChild I'm Still Watching Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Jersey,U.S.A. Posts: 1,068 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	I also went through 3 different psu units for my current rig to get one that worked to spec. lotta times the offname ones just wont do it ...might look pretty ..but just aint got the ummph to do the job. __________________ Knowledge is SCARY,Stupidity is REALLY frightening

Jan 8, 2004, 08:05 PM	Thread Starter #2
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	I just did a test: CPU before game: 35C CPU after game (20mins): 49C I'm going to check that the heatsin is on flat and properly... your thoughts still please.

Jan 8, 2004, 08:36 PM	#3
rogeld DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 259 Rep Power: 0	There does not appear to be anything obviously wrong but a bit more information would help. For instance, do you have an intake and exhaust fan of sufficient CFM? It almost sounds like that once the system warms up, it can not remove the hot air fast enough since that is one heckuva hike in temperature. Also, did you update to the latest BIOS? The NF7, pre BIOS 16, had incorrect temperature monitoring settings so your system could actually either be running cooler or much hotter than what is being reported at the moment.

Jan 8, 2004, 09:41 PM	Thread Starter #5
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	I ran a memory test earlier today which Neon gave me, my memory modules passed on all levels. I have 3 exhaust fans inside my case. The CPU fan is running @ 3750RPM!

Jan 8, 2004, 10:13 PM	Thread Starter #7
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	Well Im running a QTEC 400Q GOLD dual fan PSU - this must be sufficient, else it wouldnt of powered down... itd of blown up!! I've had it happen b4.

Jan 8, 2004, 10:33 PM	#10
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	i hate to say this but I really have had some serious problems with QTEC in the past, a few mates have bought them due to the extremely low cost and the voltage to the rails was pretty appalling causing reboots, random problems and one of them burnt out... the only qtec even worth considering is the 550w and id be hard pressed to recommend it. they are just so cheap and when you feel the weight they are cutting some serious corners. I know bud you are probably swearing now and feeling rightly pissed off, but I would bet my hat on it, the PSU is at fault here.

Jan 8, 2004, 10:40 PM	#11
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 181	Zardon is correct, 550w is the only PSU from q-tec worth using, Its like a 300w decent brand so you can imagine how the 400 compares.

Jan 8, 2004, 11:17 PM	Thread Starter #12
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	What would u guys recommend? I have £35 tops!!

Jan 8, 2004, 11:39 PM	#13
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	firstly I suggest you wait until you can get a little more money together because you dont want a repeat performance of this again. Power supplies are REALLY important, much more than people give them credit for. £35 will only get you the 550w QTEC and I really dont know if I could recommend that. wait until you get about £55-£60 and get the Antec TruePower 430W PSU or the Enermax EG465AX-VE(G)(FMA) 460W. Honestly its going to be worth it in the long run for a nice solid system with a good clean stable feed to all the rails.

Jan 8, 2004, 11:46 PM	#14
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 0	Yup, I learned how important a PSU is the hard way. And only really found out after I joined DH. I now have an Antec TrueBlue 480w. I ran some voltmeter tests on the +5 and +12 rails on the connector on the back of it. The +5volt was at +5volts solid with no change. The +12volts went from +12v to +12.2 volts tops. My old 400watter varied as much as a full 1volt either way. But having said all that, there are a number of factors in what makes a quality power supply. It is very true though that you need to spend a bit more than 35 sheets.

Jan 8, 2004, 11:54 PM	Thread Starter #15
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	I see you've been on overclockers Zardon hm they so flippin expensive the decent ones!! pffft I'll have to seriously think about this one...

Jan 9, 2004, 12:38 AM	#16
WildChild I'm Still Watching Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New Jersey,U.S.A. Posts: 1,068 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	EnerMax 550 EG651P-VE FMA Very Good One.Expensive...but very good EnerMax 550 PSU __________________ Knowledge is SCARY,Stupidity is REALLY frightening

Jan 9, 2004, 03:34 PM	Thread Starter #17
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	I'm half tempted to go for a ThermalTake Butterfly silent 460W (BLACK). they look nice and I hear they are very good! £66 too.

Jan 9, 2004, 06:59 PM	Thread Starter #18
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	Here's a few images of the items I bought:

Jan 11, 2004, 08:44 PM	#19
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	i'm gonna attack this via MSN messanger __________________

Jan 11, 2004, 10:26 PM	#20
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	we updated his bios....(was old rev) his psu apears weak the 12 volt rail is only 11.67 he runing the chipset drivers provided on his install cd i sent him 3.75s but he cant get the installerto run.... he's teting it now to se if the bios updatehelps him out __________________

Jan 11, 2004, 10:29 PM	#21
Ev!L-aLphA \| n f e c t e D Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: California Posts: 4,111 Rep Power: 0	have u switched any ram timing? cuz i switched mine and my pc kept giving me these random restarts so i put it back in default and now every things fine agian __________________ R.I.P 8/8/04 4/21/08

Jan 12, 2004, 12:41 AM	Thread Starter #22
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	Everything seems A-OK, since I updated BIOS with the kind help of Neon. I'm now gna leave pc on overnight see if when i come to it tomoz it aint OFF! Big thanks to Neon.

Jan 12, 2004, 08:12 AM	Thread Starter #23
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	... it shut-down. Looks like I will be getting a new PSU!

Jan 12, 2004, 10:46 AM	Thread Starter #24
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	One thing that I notice when I come to the PC after its shutdown is that: HDD Light (RED), Keyboard light, CDROM light all remain ON CPU fan STOPS running (shuts down) Northbridge fan remains spinning Power and reset buttons do not respond, I have to unplug from mains then plug back in and bootup Any ideas why this is happening?

Jan 12, 2004, 12:27 PM	#25
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 0	Its probably because the computer hasn't shut down properly. It could even be due to a short circuit somewhere. I would (if you haven't already) take the whole machine to bits, rebuild it again and check all the power connectors, clean everything if you can and make sure there is nothing touching the motherboard that could cause a short. Remove the BIOS battery and leave it for a couple of hours - even overnight and remove the power cable from the PSU. It could of course just mean the PSU is totally shafted - get it sent back to the shop explaining whats happening. If it continues to shut down after you have cleaned everything out, stop using it. It could potentially damage your components and that can only be a bad thing.

Jan 12, 2004, 12:52 PM	Thread Starter #26
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	I've emailed the company I bought from last week, and they haven't replied yet. I don't think they are interested!! What do I do?

Jan 12, 2004, 03:01 PM	#27
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 0	Who did you buy it from and how long ago. If it is older than 30 days old they are not obliged to help out - of course if they are a decent company then they would at least point you in the right direction. If it is older than 30 days, email the manufacturer. They will have some sort of return/RMA policy although this may mean that you could be without a psu for a while.

Jan 12, 2004, 03:27 PM	Thread Starter #28
dorkz Striving to overcome Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 100 Rep Power: 0	Its sorted m8, I got an email this afternoon saying they will refund me. So I'm going to send it back and get another... Check out the new thread "Antec vs Enermax"