I am having problems with my computer rebooting when playing games as I posted here before. I did something stupid, I ordered a new powersupply without testing to be sure it's not overheating. I searched the internet for answers to rebooting problems and most of what I found pointed to a failing powersupply. This was reinforced by answers to my rebooting question on other boards, that suggested my Ultra 550 powersupply is garbage and not to be trusted for good performance. I ordered this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194009.

I also downloaded PC Alert 4 and in the voltage column it has four boxes that say Vcore, 3.3V, +5V and +12V. I don't know what these mean but in the +12V box the scale is 10.0 - 13.0 and the reading is 15.30 in red with a alarm going off. This suggested to me the powersupply must be bad.

I thought I would try to see if it is overheating before I install the new PSU. I took the side panel off and pointed a fan into it and played several games. None of them caused a reboot after playing them for at least a hour.

My CPU temp is 34c according to PC Alert 4. So now it looks like a heating issue and not a powersupply problem, or is it? What about the high +12V reading/alarm? I put my side cover back on and will wait until the interior of the comp heats back up and try playing again and watching the CPU temp. What do you guys think, if it is a heating issue should I send the PSU back or keep it for when my current one does die?

You can get lots of good advice on ths sort of thing via Google, but I would guess that your problem is overheating-related and a large portion of those problems can be solved by making sure that your PC's fans and vents have access to unobstructed air and that those same are clear of lint, cat hair, etc. You would be surprised how many people have their PC box pressed flush against a wall or enclosed in a cabinet with no air flow.

If that doesn't help, you can buy extra fans for your CPU and GPU card. I would try those things before getting a new power supply because they are cheaper and it is possible that a new supply may not solve the overheatng problem.

Well I guess since you ordered the supply you are getting it but as stumpy said, try adding a cooling kit or two. There's a couple of nice ones that came out that use a larger fan that spins at a lower velocity so it still moves a good volume of air producing a lot less noise.

I have a great cooling system... it's called terrible insulation on my windows. Seriosly, even after putting plastic on all of them it's still a bit chilly.

And what he say's about google is a good idea. Whenever I have PC problems I google (mostly I yahoo) the question I would post on a forum and 80% of the time somebody else already asked it on some obscure forum somewhere. Great way to get a dozen answers instantly instead of checking back again and again.

Quick brute-force test for overheating-- set your computer up by an open window and take off the case. If you don't get the same crashes when your compy's a freezy-pop, you've got heat problems.

As for solving them? Damned if I know. I've had heat lockups and reboots on my rig for years and the only solution I've found is-- you guessed it-- moving my desk over to the window and opening it a crack when I do anything intensive.  <_<

Lol, Lugaru I hear ya, my house is 100+ years old and my windows suck too. I put plastic on all of them but it is still very chilly in here. Temp right now is -17 outside here in Wisconsin.

I got the new Enermax powersupply and installed it. The reboot problem is still here, so it looks like I replaced a perfectly good powersupply. I do think it is overheating somewhere though, because everytime I take the side case panel off, the reboots stop or at least do not occur so much. Every temp monitoring software I have tried though, tells me my temps on the CPU or GPU do not go over 44c. I don't know how accurate they are though.

This really has me stumped, this problem has just started showing it self. Very annoying. I have 5 case fans installed but apparently that is not enough.

Do a google search on overheating and see what other solutions you can find.

-MJB

QuoteEvery temp monitoring software I have tried though, tells me my temps on the CPU or GPU do not go over 44c.

Don't rely on those-- go to Radio Shack and spend $10 on a digital thermometer, and leave it by your CPU and GPU.

Quote from: stumpy on February 02, 2007, 03:38:52 PM
You would be surprised how many people have their PC box pressed flush against a wall or enclosed in a cabinet with no air flow.

You would be surprized how many "computer desks" are designed to have an enclosed cabinet with no air flow for the CPU . . .

Very true. They are designed as furniture, often with little consideration to the demands of their specific purpose.

Problem solved. I forgot to check the front vent when I used compressed air to blow it out last time. There was a handful of cat hair blocking any air from flowing into the front of the case. Upon removing the hair, rebooting problems disappeared. Feel stupid for forgetting to check the front vents.  :doh: