Freezing...

durkmusic

durkmusic

New Member
I just recently got this computer and it is freezing at random times. When it does this, it gets a few pixelated squares of random colors that flash rapidly. Also, there is a long continuous high pitch sound coming from the computer. When I restart the computer manually, I notice that my wallpaper is now changed to a solid black color.

I am on windows 7. Thank you.
 
I just recently got this computer and it is freezing at random times. When it does this, it gets a few pixelated squares of random colors that flash rapidly. Also, there is a long continuous high pitch sound coming from the computer. When I restart the computer manually, I notice that my wallpaper is now changed to a solid black color.
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Definitely sounds like you've got hardware issues. From what you're describing, it could be that your power supply is failing... Please open the case and boot the computer - see if you can figure out where the whining is coming from - most likely from the PSU or the fan above the CPU.

I'm assuming that you bought this machine used? If not, and it is under warranty, then return it immediately to have it fixed.

Post back, and we'll see what can be done.
 
Thanks so much for the help. I am actually on the computer that freezes right now. It seems to be working perfectly fine. No whining sound. I know that it was coming from the lower right corner where the light and battery is near the HDD. I think it was the same thing that makes the beep sound when it turns on to let you know that the system is good. It is new, and it is under warranty, but the place i bought it from is really far away so I want to see if this isn't something I can just fix real quick.

Thanks again.

UPDATE: it froze again, this time no pixelated colors or sound, just frozen screen.

UPDATE: it has now frozen 3 times. The last time was really bad. It was in the middle of a game and there was a bunch of pixelated flashing green squares all around the screen.

I am starting to think this has something to do with my GPU?
 
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Also, when viewing the system messages for the ATI CC, it says that there is a hardware error: AMD Northbridge. This happens everytime it freezes up. This may be another clue I don't know.
 
1. First off, you should replace that power supply as soon as possible, Okia is a cheap unit sold by broadway corp. Stick with Pcpower&Cooling, Antec, BFG, Coolermaster, Xclio, Xigmatek, Corsair, XFX, Thermaltake, Tagan, Enermax, OCZ, Zalman, Seasonic, Silverstone, FSP, etc.

2. Sounds like it may be your gpu overheating, especially since its an integrated gpu. How good is your case airflow? I'd recommend downloading speccy to check your northbridge/gpu temperatures.
http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download

3. Check your memory with memtest86, might be a memory issue.
 
My CPU idles at about 33C while I am doing this but that's all the temperatures speccy tells me besides my hard drive (at 37C). I felt the GPU heat sink right after it froze and I shut it off manually. It was barely above room temp. I don't think overheating is the problem. I even felt the RAM. It has a heat sink on it. nothing warm. I did a bunch of testing with a bootable cd for RAM. I ran it a bunch of times just to make sure and it didn't find any errors. That doesn't completely rule it out though... I'm just saying. The power supply is actually cold all the time. I guess I should just replace the power supply and see what that does.

BTW my case has been open and I have an extra fan in there so the cooling should be perfectly fine.
 
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durkmusic said:
My CPU idles at about 33C while I am doing this but that's all the temperatures speccy tells me besides my hard drive (at 37C). I felt the GPU heat sink right after it froze and I shut it off manually. It was barely above room temp. I don't think overheating is the problem. I even felt the RAM. It has a heat sink on it. nothing warm. I did a bunch of testing with a bootable cd for RAM. I ran it a bunch of times just to make sure and it didn't find any errors. That doesn't completely rule it out though... I'm just saying. The power supply is actually cold all the time. I guess I should just replace the power supply and see what that does.

BTW my case has been open and I have an extra fan in there so the cooling should be perfectly fine.
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As far as power supplies, some great deals can be had on recertified stuff from ocz and pcp&c:
http://www.computerforum.com/63001-hot-deals-7.html#post1456414
 
durkmusic said:
What would you recommend for my system? While still trying to save money?
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The 400W stealthxstream would easily run your system as-is, 500W game/mod/stealth xstream would leave you upgrade room for a dedicated gpu. 600W units are pretty much the same price though, so i'd recommend the 600W GameXstream for $34.99, or the 600W modxstream for $39.99, or the 700W stealthxstream at $39.99.
 
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