Unusual effects in XP Pro setup?

[deebs]

Ok, my original config in retail XP Pro + SP2 + auto updates was stable
and consisted of
- AMD 4000+ thingy
- 3 GB RAM
- 4 SATAs (2 by Seagate Barracudas and 2 by WDC as supplied with the
computer)
- ATI/MSI mobo with ATI X700 graphics card
- dual monitor setup with a Viewsonic VP171b on DVI output and also on
Analogue output

The change that seems to have introduced instabilities is:
- swapped the two WDCs for two Seagate's making 4 Seagate SATAs in total

This change would seem to be trivial. The extra drives are data only
with no programs or OS shifting involved.

The Problems
Using four Seagate SATA Barracudas gives rise to a very slick
operational interface. Far swifter than before - possibly because each
has 8 MB cache?

BUT ... after a few minutes into the new config the DVI monitor blinks
and goes into sleep mode, As it is set as monitor 1 it means that
monitor 2, no matter how great, is merely an extended and bare part of
the desktop = difficulties when the DVI monitor goes to sleep

Of late in recent exploration and search towards stability in the system
I noticed that using scroll wheel on the mouse induces blinks and
eventual shutdown into sleep mode of the DVI monitor.

Is there any history of such phenomenon? And what may one do to restore
full functionality based on having 4 Seagate Barracudas? perhaps there
is no association at all?

 

[R. McCarty]

Check your thermal ratings and the voltage rails. Sounds like the
swap to all Seagate has perhaps pushed the system too hard.

 

[Bob I]

I would suspect the drives change had nothing to do with it other than
possibly one mucking about inside the case. Is there perhaps an
auxiliary power cable to the video card?

 

[deebs]

Thanks - I'll look into these.

The pattern of behaviour shows stability for a few minutes then blinking
or (within the stable period) using scroll wheel on mouse induces
blinking and eventually sleep on monitor 1.

 

[Bob I]

Overheat? Problem with the video adapter fan? Seems a bit odd tho.