Overheating - software or hardware problem?

[Guest]

A few months ago my computer started overheating and shutting down, typically
when using Windows Movie Maker but also when using MSFT Money and sometimes
when using Media Player. I can almost always keep it running when using
these apps by opening the enclosure case and keeping a portable fan on the
internal components, so I (think) I know it's an overheating problem. I have
read through various message boards on the topic and have implemented a
variety of suggested fixes and other troubleshooting but the problem
persists. Here's what I know and/or have done:

- updated all drivers, including video card
- cleaned out all dust
- confirmed all fans are running properly
- looked for and not found blown capacitors
- updated all Windows downloads, inc. DirectX, ActiveX etc.
- not added anything new (hardware/software) to PC since the time it worked
fine, other than updates

I'm running XP Pro and have an ATI All-in-Wonder 9800 graphics card.

I've seen about a dozen suggested hardware problems that would cause the
overheating most of which are beyond my ability to test. I would love to
stay out of the clutches of the computer repair folks or start a trial and
error replacement program on all the components. I've also read some
suggestions that the overheating can be caused by software problems.

Does anyone have any other suggested fixes? From the message boards it
looks like a lot of people have had a similar problem lately but I haven't
been able to find a fix that works in any of the existing threads. Thanks in
advance.

 

[DL]

Many motherboards have a built in process that adjusts the speed of the cpu
fan to the load on the cpu, perhaps your isnt increasing the speed.
Which could be as a result of the cpu fan failing or the mobo utility.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Many computer cases have a space to add an additional case fan.
If there is not one there, you may need one.
More probable if you have added hardware from the original computer.

 

[dobey]

A few months ago my computer started overheating and shutting down,
typically
when using Windows Movie Maker but also when using MSFT Money and
sometimes
when using Media Player. I can almost always keep it running when using
these apps by opening the enclosure case and keeping a portable fan on the
internal components, so I (think) I know it's an overheating problem. I
have
read through various message boards on the topic and have implemented a
variety of suggested fixes and other troubleshooting but the problem
persists. Here's what I know and/or have done:

- updated all drivers, including video card
- cleaned out all dust
- confirmed all fans are running properly
- looked for and not found blown capacitors
- updated all Windows downloads, inc. DirectX, ActiveX etc.
- not added anything new (hardware/software) to PC since the time it
worked
fine, other than updates

I'm running XP Pro and have an ATI All-in-Wonder 9800 graphics card.

I've seen about a dozen suggested hardware problems that would cause the
overheating most of which are beyond my ability to test. I would love to
stay out of the clutches of the computer repair folks or start a trial and
error replacement program on all the components. I've also read some
suggestions that the overheating can be caused by software problems.

Does anyone have any other suggested fixes? From the message boards it
looks like a lot of people have had a similar problem lately but I haven't
been able to find a fix that works in any of the existing threads. Thanks
in
advance.

I find it difficult to think running media player would cause your PC to do
enough work to cause it to shut down. It must be very borderline for this to
happen.

Software does cause your CPU to do more work, and thereby generate more
heat. Updating drivers isn't likely to make a difference. I really can't see
how a piece of software can cause your PC to overheat. If that is the case,
then your computers cooling system has a problem.

Assuming your diagnosis is correct, try downloading Speedfan
http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php. In many cases this can read your
motherboards inbuilt hardware monitoring sensors and report a reading.

In order to properly clear the dust from the CPU heatsink, you would need to
take of the fan, and while your at it, it would be a good idea to remove the
heatsink and apply some new thermal paste to the base. The silicon based
paste seems to dry out after a period of time, resulting in poor heat
transfer from the CPU to the heatsink. Don't forget to clean the fan blades.

A good way to test for overheating would be to download a program like
Prime95 http://mersenne.org/gimps/p95v2414.exe This program will work your
CPU by crunching very big numbers. You can watch the temp in speedfan to see
if it cuts out.

Go into the BIOS and look for PC health/hardware monitor entry. Some
machines can be set to shutdown at a certain temperature, or an alarm can be
set to sound at a certain temp. If there is some kind of automatic fan speed
adjustment, turn it off. That way the CPU fan will run at full speed all of
the time. If you do see a shutdown temp, you could raise this by 5 or ten
degrees. Your PC would freeze, or act strangely when it gets too hot. This
isn't likely to kill the CPU in your circumstances.

You need to post your model of CPU, as older AMDs tend to run at higher
temps. Note the ambient temperature. I have an AthlonXP CPU that runs over
20 degrees Celsius above room temp.

Without knowing what processor you have it's hard to say what a working temp
would be. Anything up to 70 or more for the AthlonXP series, but mine has
hit 60+ on hot summer days, (inside temp in high 30s).

It sounds like you have an AMD, as Intel based systems usually reduce the
power to the CPU when it overheats, causing your machine to slow down, but
not shut down.

Check event viewer to see if there are any errors that occur in conjunction
with the shutdowns.

Power supply units can also cause odd behaviour, either by overheating, or
internal component failure. Did you check the fan on the PSU?

HTH.

 

[Guest]

Dobey:

Thanks for the thorough response. Processor is AMD Athlon XP 2800. I will
work on your various suggestions and post another reply - it may take me a
couple days. Thanks again.

 

[VanguardLH]

in message

A few months ago my computer started overheating and shutting down,
typically
when using Windows Movie Maker but also when using MSFT Money and
sometimes
when using Media Player. I can almost always keep it running when
using
these apps by opening the enclosure case and keeping a portable fan
on the
internal components, so I (think) I know it's an overheating
problem. I have
read through various message boards on the topic and have
implemented a
variety of suggested fixes and other troubleshooting but the problem
persists. Here's what I know and/or have done:

- updated all drivers, including video card
- cleaned out all dust
- confirmed all fans are running properly
- looked for and not found blown capacitors
- updated all Windows downloads, inc. DirectX, ActiveX etc.
- not added anything new (hardware/software) to PC since the time it
worked
fine, other than updates

I'm running XP Pro and have an ATI All-in-Wonder 9800 graphics card.

I've seen about a dozen suggested hardware problems that would cause
the
overheating most of which are beyond my ability to test. I would
love to
stay out of the clutches of the computer repair folks or start a
trial and
error replacement program on all the components. I've also read
some
suggestions that the overheating can be caused by software problems.

So what does the hardware monitoring utility say is getting too hot?
What temperatures does it report?

Did you build this? Was it a jobber that did a custom build? Is it a
name-brand pre-built? What is the room temperature and humidity?
After all, it's harder to cool anything if there isn't a sufficient
temperature differential.

So you blew out all the dust. Including the PSU? Inside the fan
blades? Inside the heatsink fins? Did you move the cables out of the
way of the airflow? Maybe you have a poorly designed case but then
you didn't identify who built the computer.

 

[Lil' Dave]

A few months ago my computer started overheating and shutting down,
typically
when using Windows Movie Maker but also when using MSFT Money and
sometimes
when using Media Player. I can almost always keep it running when using
these apps by opening the enclosure case and keeping a portable fan on the
internal components, so I (think) I know it's an overheating problem. I
have
read through various message boards on the topic and have implemented a
variety of suggested fixes and other troubleshooting but the problem
persists. Here's what I know and/or have done:

- updated all drivers, including video card
- cleaned out all dust
- confirmed all fans are running properly
- looked for and not found blown capacitors
- updated all Windows downloads, inc. DirectX, ActiveX etc.
- not added anything new (hardware/software) to PC since the time it
worked
fine, other than updates

I'm running XP Pro and have an ATI All-in-Wonder 9800 graphics card.

I've seen about a dozen suggested hardware problems that would cause the
overheating most of which are beyond my ability to test. I would love to
stay out of the clutches of the computer repair folks or start a trial and
error replacement program on all the components. I've also read some
suggestions that the overheating can be caused by software problems.

Does anyone have any other suggested fixes? From the message boards it
looks like a lot of people have had a similar problem lately but I haven't
been able to find a fix that works in any of the existing threads. Thanks
in
advance.

If properly ventilated under normal operating conditions, a PC should be
able to take a full load at all times without overheating. Software, in
this case, is the load.

The cpu needs direct cooling with a properly mounted heatsink and fan. Some
PCs have video chips needing same, some just heatsinks. Fans should be
aiding each other, not all forcing air into the case with none ventilating
out. The power supply's fan may fall into the picture here. Too much
internal clutter can block airflow to some critical components. Some PC's
have a custom air shroud directing air directly at the cpu.
Dave

 

[dobey]

If you didn't build the PC yourself you might need to get someone to remove
the heatsink and apply thermal grease for you. Not difficult but I wouldn't
suggest you attempt it without being clear on how to do it.

Depending on what kind of ambient temperatures you experience there you
might consider an after market fan/heatsink. The standard heatsink for those
processors are terrible. I changed mine to an aftermarket one and got a temp
reduction on 15 degrees Celsius. Too bad the fan was a bit loud.

Dobey:

Thanks for the thorough response. Processor is AMD Athlon XP 2800. I
will
work on your various suggestions and post another reply - it may take me a
couple days. Thanks again.

<snip>

 

[Guest]

CPU is Athlon XP2800 2.1GHz. Mobo is ASUS A7N8X. Power is Antec SL350. PC
was custom build but, as you might guess, not by me, and builder is long gone.

Downloaded and ran SpeedFan. Temp readings at rest:

Temp 1 - 47 (w/green check)
Temp 2 - 28
Temp 3 - -1
Temp 4 - 25
Temp 5 - 61 (w/flame)

Ran big Movie Maker file. 1st Temp 1 rose slowly but steadily to about 53.
Temps 2-4 remained basically flat. 2nd Temp 1 rose quickly to 108. Computer
shut down when 2nd Temp 1 reached 108. Did it again and computer shut down
at same 2nd Temp 1 temp of 108. When PC didn't shutdown and MM successfully
finished running, 2nd temp 1 came back to 61 or so right away. 1st Temp 1
came gradually back to 47 or so.

All fans and heat sinks are clean and working (except guts of power supply
which I can't access, but I have blown lots of compressed air inside and air
outflow to touch from dual fans does not appear to rise in temp when running
Movie Maker). Two chips on video card are hot as hell and appear to get much
hotter when running MM. Fan on CPU seems to be running fine, temp does not
noticeably increase to touch when running MM.

Ques: Is the 108 temp likely to be source of problem? How do I determine
which component is reading 108?

I have had problems in the past with the ATI card. PC was built about 4 yrs
ago and until recently I never had problems with cooling system - and nothing
has really changed - hardware, software, location, ambient temps, etc.

Thanks again for the help.