Hardware Diagnostic Software

Which one would you recommend?

[Sinner_G]

I have been running into lots of trouble lately, with programs crashing and my (win2k) computer rebooting at random. From what I googled, it seems it might well be a hardware problem, probably RAM. Now before I go and buy new RAM, a new motherboard and a new hard disk, I'd like to narrow the problem a bit.

So can anyone advise on a diagnostic software?

Thanks
Sinner

[bcolflesh]

Go down to your local computer retailer (CompUSA, Best Buy, Circuit City) - get some compatible RAM and a new power supply - keep the receipts. Test them individually in your machine and see if they clear up the problem - if not, return them.

[aspdaddy]

>rebooting at random

Does the bios show the cpu temp?, I had this problem and a new fan fixed it.

Maybe something simple like that, hopefully :)

[Sinner_G]

"Borrowing" the parts from a retailer is not very practical. First, I never get to go there on weekdays, so it would make the whole thing quite long. Second, it really is random, e.g. I've been on for over 2 hours now (since last reboot) and everything is fine. So I'll never know if it is just good luck or if the part I replaced worked better than the current one.

CPU temperature: What is normal temperature? Mine show 64.5 C/148.1 F (using AMD Athlon). Is that too high?

[bcolflesh]

I guess I'm spoiled - I can just cruise down to one of those places during lunch - if it's really that random you're going to have to start from scratch to troubleshoot it - format & fdisk drive, install newest BIOS and newest/or known stable drivers - take initial benchmarks/temps - then watch from there.

[Reflect]

Mine show 64.5 C/148.1 F (using AMD Athlon). Is that too high?

Yes it is. After a four hour run of Unreal tournement 2K (VERY graphic intensive which creates a LOT of heat) my tempature is normaly aropund 102 degrees. I run a AMD Atholon +1800 CPU. While just doing "web" work I run around 92 degrees.

Heat build up will force random like reboots.

I do not use the "stock" AMD fan. I believe I used a Tornadoe fan that ran $25 US. I also use two 120MM fans. One in the front of the case pulling in air. One in the back, higher up, to pull out hot air.

Brian