Computer only working for 5-10 minutes

puppster

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Jun 6, 2008
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All of a sudden my computer will only work for a short while before it will get stuck doing the most recent thing I've asked it to and then eventually BSOD. I've checked the cpu temp while in the setup menu and it's idling plenty low so I don't think it's anything to do with the heatsink. I don't know if it's a motherboard issue, ram issue, or something I haven't thought of. I've tried moving the ram to different slots as I only use 2 of 4. I've tried using each stick on it own. Always the same result. Now I built this computer about 4 years ago so the motherboard and ram are pretty old. I've upgraded the hard drive and graphics card since.
Here are what my motherboard and Ram are.

ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model

I'd appreciate any help. I'm hoping it's just the ram and not the motherboard, otherwise looks like I'm basically building a new computer.
 
Could be the power supply is overheating. I would also run memtest on each stick in dimm slot one, one at a time, and see how many errors you get. If you want another x48 board, there's a seller over at anandtech selling a new one, but it's not cheap.
 
I've never tried it. But I clean the fans using a spray solvent; I never rub any components with a cloth. Sometimes the cleaning helps. The various brands sell for $5-6 at places like frys electronics. It's tough to troubleshoot older boards. You may want to part your system out and explain why. there are low end boards still left in socket 775. Newegg sells them open box starting at around $35 with no backplate or accessories. Or you can check ebay.
 
If the motherboard is the issue I've already decided to just upgrade to a dd3 board. I've already given the inside a a good blow with a spray can and the fan for the power supply is still running. I'm running memtest right now so we'll see how that goes.
 
My GPU is fairly new and I've had GPUs overheat in the past. The way the comp is locking up doesn't look like what was happening back then. There is no artifacting or any graphic issues. The comp simply gets stuck trying to complete the most recent task I asked it to do. Clicking a website link, opening a program, it will just get stuck loading till it BSODs on me.
 
PSU is PC Power and Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V
GPU is MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II
I've had the temp monitor for the gpu up before a crash and there was no heat issue.