"Dudeman" <Dudeman.32jaqn.TakeThisOut@no.email.invalid> wrote in message
news:Dudeman.32jaqn@no.email.invalid...
>
> I recently began building a new computer. Specs being.
> 2.2ghz Intel Core 2
> 2gb of DDR2 800mhz
> Raedon HD2600pro
> small 160gb harddrive SATA
> 18x dvd/cd burner SATA
> 500w psu(came with the case)
>
> As the story goes, I built this computer and all is good and well.
> Problems showed when I began the installation of the OS(Windows vista
> ultimate 64bit). During the installation the computer would seemingly
> randomly reboot or freeze. After about 3 or 4 attempts at installing
> the OS it finally succeeded. Although the OS was finally installed the
> issues were still present. The computer randomly restarts or freezes. It
> will freeze or restart particularly when I'm installing something or
> when I'm playing a game. Although I've also come upon the computer
> frozen in the screen saver (mystify). It even rebooted as I was
> attempting to write this the first time. The things I did to attempt to
> fix the issue are as follows.
>
> First thing I did to attempt to fix this problem was to swap the
> motherboard (with the same model) that didn't fix the issue. Next I
> swapped the processor and the ram. I was pretty sure that wasn't the
> issue but I did it anyway and that didn't fix anything. Next I put in a
> known working Power supply. It's one that comes from a computer without
> freezing/rebooting issues. It was 450w from another computer in the
> house. That didn't fix the issue
>
> The computer does have an issue where it "hesitates" to power up. It's
> hard to describe but it turns on for a second and turns off, like a car
> that's having trouble starting. It won't do that all the time but it
> will do it most of the time but once it's on it'll stay on. It won't
> randomly shut down completely. Putting the 450w psu made the
> "hesitation" issue even worse. I'm not sure that has anything to do with
> the freezing/rebooting but that's also an issue. It's hard for me to
> think that 500w is not enough for computer that doesn't have all that
> much. So I'm pretty sure that's not the problem but it could be. I
> don't know all that much about computer power consumption.
>
> I'm completely stumped on this random freezing/rebooting issue. I don't
> mind the occasional freeze but this is frequent. Could it be a software
> issue? Possibly a driver issue? I have no idea. If anyone has any ideas
> I would appreciate it immensely. If anyone has any questions to clarify
> anything ask away.
500W, or even 450W should be enough for your build. The problem is, you
can't trust listed ratings on MOST power supplies. A good quality 350W
power supply will have more power than a cheapie 500W power supply will.
All power supplies that come with cases are junk. No exceptions that I've
ever seen. I'd strongly advise you to throw away that 500W power supply.
You don't say what make/model the 450W power supply is, but ...
Your listed symptoms exactly match JUNK power supply (and/or under-powered
power supply). Another computer being OK with the 450W power supply
suggests that the 450W power supply is probably working OK, but it could
still be under-powered for your new build! Think about towing a loaded
eighteen-wheeler with a Corolla. (If it can't be done, that doesn't mean
that the Corolla is bad.)
As someone else mentioned, bad RAM could also cause your symptoms. Keep in
mind that your *video card* has RAM on it.
Your suspects, in order of likelihood from greatest to least:
1) Under-powered power supply (98%)
2) Bad Video Card, or bad RAM on video card (1.9%)
3) Bad RAM. (highly unlikely, as you've already tried that)
There is also the possibility (though slim) that you've got a compatibility
issue between your motherboard and RAM, between your motherboard and video
card, or even between your motherboard and CPU. In other words, all
individual components might be good, just not with each other. But you'd
have to do some serious research to find out if that is a possibility.
I'd suggest that (after verifying all individual components are supposed to
play nice with all other components) you try a new power supply. That is
the most likely suspect, and you should be using a good quality name-brand
power supply anyway. So the current power supply is a problem, even if it's
NOT currently causing your symptoms. That's why I think it would be
smartest to start with the power supply.
Try one of the following, if it is compatible with your motherboard and
video card (check!) -Dave
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151027
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194003 >> Stay informed about: A Random Freezing/Rebooting Mystery 
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