Need help with computer freezing

[wam]

I just built a new computer, and sold my old computer to a friend. The old computer works fine lying on its side, but freezes when turned upright. If it is started upright, it freezes on the black screen after the initial window startup screen. If it is running and then turned upright, it freezes immediately.

I have reseated the AMD 2200+ CPU and heat sink in the Asus A7V8X motherboard, replaced the thermal paste, installed a fresh copy of Windows XP with SP2, removed and reinstalled the two memory DIMMs, and ASUS GF4 MX 4000 video card. I have tried each of the 512 mb DIMMs separately. None of these have fixed the problem.

What else can I try?

Has any one else had this problem?

Thanks in advance for your help!<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by wam on 04/20/05 01:44 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[endyen]

I had a western digital hdd that would do that, if you mounted it sideways.

 

[KeeperHET]

this is a given, but try to make your room as quiet as possible.... so, turn off TV, any fans, close windows.

take off all the case panels, including the plastic front, and slowly turn the computer onto its side, with a FIRM grip on the metal pieces, if the computer makes noise based on your motion, do it again till you can do it quietly, listen very carefully, if it makes any noise when you turn it (thats not based on your hands or just normal metal creaking) try to find it.

yea, im making it up as i go, but it could mean many things. maybe theres a piece loose , like something held on by 2 thin wires, and one is broken, when it goes upright, it hangs on just 1, and on its side, it just touches, keeping a connection!

if it does make a sound... uhmmm try to find what it is thats doing it, also, handy if you have backup pieces, to figure out which component is causing it!

yes, this isnt real professional or common advice, but... I guess its worth a shot, could just be a capacitor or something thats a 2 wire connection, and as stated above, it hangs off of the lower one when upright.

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[endyen]

Is that the stock hsf? Some people did have a problem with the clips on that era hsf loosing spring. Can you try a better heatsink fan unit?

 

[wam]

Endyen-

The hsf is a Thermaltake Volcano 6CU+. It seams to be firmly attached, but I will try installing the original hsf, which has not been used in years, and see if that helps. Thanks!

 

[wam]

Any thoughts on how to isolate it? It is driving me nuts!

 

[sobelizard]

Double-check your mb stand-offs. Would appear you have a short somewhere and that would a great place to check for starters. Also, zip tie/spiral wrap any loose wires and cables. Good wire management will eliminate some potential areas for problems.

As for the hd: Rule of thumb has been to keep the drive in the same position it was in during it's initial format.

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[Crashman]

Usually that's caused by a standoff in the wrong place that JUST BARELY MISSES contacting the back of the board when the case is positioned one way, but touches the back of the board when the case is positioned another way, do to parts flexing as the weight is shifted.

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