Is my computer crashing?

[Guest]

The monitor screen GOES BLACK instantly[as if off], light on monitor goes
amber. Bottom light on processor goes red, with green above, initially, then
only green light stays on. Fans are still going. No error message. Have to
restart. Is this actually a computer crash or some other problem. Is it a
hardware or software problem? I can make it happen with some software and
procedures e.g. resizing tables.

 

[R. McCarty]

Sounds like under heavy loading, your CPU is stressing the Power
Supply. When that happens, the voltages required to run the PC
drop below the thresholds and it cycles off. Newer CPU's have
hefty power requirements and the previously common 300 Watt
supplies many times aren't adequate. This problem might also be
related to heat.
Depending on your motherboard, many vendors offer a monitor
tool that watches Fan rotation speeds, Temps and Voltages that
could help isolate your issue(s).

 

[-Avery Anderson]

Insufficient data to make intelligent assessment.
Post to homebuild computers ng with details
of manufacturer of mobo, and what else is in the system.

I infer it is intermittent and happens when you do
something using software. if so, it's a software problem.

 

[-Avery Anderson]

then again, r. mcCarty is correct, too. I forgot about the power supply
thing, and it can cause you're symptoms, but I've only seen it happen on the
hardware front, you know, it would go to access the A drive, and crash, but
cpu intensive stuff could cause it too, now that R.McCarty has me thinking
along those lines. thanks RC

 

[Mike Hall]

Sounds like you have no video output.. change the video card.. or check
condition of cable and pins if the computer has been moved recently..

After checking cables and pins, if you screen flashes up a message about no
video when initially starting, you definitely need a new video card..

 

[Guest]

Insufficient data to make intelligent assessment.
Post to homebuild computers ng with details
of manufacturer of mobo, and what else is in the system.

I infer it is intermittent and happens when you do
something using software. if so, it's a software problem.

Thanks for your prompt reply!

Will gather data to post later. How do I post to homebuild computers ng?
There doesn't seem to be anywhere where I can insert that name.

 

[Guest]

Sounds like under heavy loading, your CPU is stressing the Power
Supply. When that happens, the voltages required to run the PC
drop below the thresholds and it cycles off. Newer CPU's have
hefty power requirements and the previously common 300 Watt
supplies many times aren't adequate. This problem might also be
related to heat.
Depending on your motherboard, many vendors offer a monitor
tool that watches Fan rotation speeds, Temps and Voltages that
could help isolate your issue(s).

The monitor screen GOES BLACK instantly[as if off], light on monitor goes
amber. Bottom light on processor goes red, with green above, initially,
then
only green light stays on. Fans are still going. No error message. Have to
restart. Is this actually a computer crash or some other problem. Is it a
hardware or software problem? I can make it happen with some software and
procedures e.g. resizing tables.

Thanks for your advice and prompt reply. How could I increase the voltage supply? Just looked for information on my motherboard and found a disk in the AOpen manual which has a Hardware Monitor Utility which can 'watch voltage, CPU temperature or rotation speed of your CPU fan'!! I'll try that now. On the heat issue, do you know if there are max and min temps. for computer environments?

 

[R. McCarty]

Thresholds for heat are usually found in the BIOS setup of the
computer. But, most systems will emit a Beep when the temps
exceed the trigger values. That's why my first inclination was a
problem with voltages, which would cause an abrupt shut down
like you described without any forewarning.

Let's see, Power (Watts) is (Current Times Resistance (Squared))
Sorry for that, just trying to remember my Engineering schooling.

Really nothing to do except replace the power supply itself. Not
complicated, but requires threading cables and some work inside
the cabinet. A 400 Watt supply will cost you ~$50.00. But I
would still install a monitor app and check it's log after you stress
or use your apps that cause the shut off before upgrading the PS.

Sounds like under heavy loading, your CPU is stressing the Power
Supply. When that happens, the voltages required to run the PC
drop below the thresholds and it cycles off. Newer CPU's have
hefty power requirements and the previously common 300 Watt
supplies many times aren't adequate. This problem might also be
related to heat.
Depending on your motherboard, many vendors offer a monitor
tool that watches Fan rotation speeds, Temps and Voltages that
could help isolate your issue(s).

The monitor screen GOES BLACK instantly[as if off], light on monitor
goes
amber. Bottom light on processor goes red, with green above, initially,
then
only green light stays on. Fans are still going. No error message. Have
to
restart. Is this actually a computer crash or some other problem. Is it
a
hardware or software problem? I can make it happen with some software
and
procedures e.g. resizing tables.

Thanks for your advice and prompt reply. How could I increase the voltage
supply? Just looked for information on my motherboard and found a disk in
the AOpen manual which has a Hardware Monitor Utility which can 'watch
voltage, CPU temperature or rotation speed of your CPU fan'!! I'll try
that now. On the heat issue, do you know if there are max and min temps.
for computer environments?

 

[Steve N.]

Sounds like you have no video output.. change the video card.. or check
condition of cable and pins if the computer has been moved recently..

After checking cables and pins, if you screen flashes up a message about no
video when initially starting, you definitely need a new video card..

It is also quite possible that the video card is not fully seated in the
slot and/or the contacts are dirty. I've seen this so often that it's
one of the first things I check for in display problems.

Steve