New PC problem/s....

[dataDave]

Shameless copy+paste from a thread I made on some random PC tech forum...

Hi guys, wondering if anyone could help me out.

I've currently just set up my new PC...

((
Motherboard: Asus P5E3
CPU: Core 2 DUO E6850 3.0ghz
GFX: GeForce 8800 GT 512mb
RAM: Corsair 2GB DDR3 (XMS3-1333)
PSU: Corsair VX 450W
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB ST3250620AS (SATA-II)
DVD: Samsung SH-S202N IDE Lightscribe DVD?RW
OS: Windows XP sp2
))

...and there seem to be a couple of problems. Before I begin I'll mention that I've already updated the motherboard bios using the latest download from Asus, that was after experiencing initial hardware incompatability (random errors with booting) which has now been resolved (I think).

Firstly, immediately after Windows installation I notice a click noise every 10 seconds upon opening the OS, it's easily recognisable as the standard internet explorer URL 'click' and the only way to get rid of it is by turning all windows sounds off from the control panel, not ideal but I thought it would be ok until all the various drivers are installed first. However, after all windows and the latest online driver updates the sound still persists. One main problem here are the audio drivers from the Asus download website: After downloading the correct file (only Windows or Linux from there) I then extract everything (like I've done with the various chipset, LAN and other onboard features' drivers) and try to install however it says "Does not support this Operating System : WNT_5.1P" and goes no further.

Now the main problem, it seems that my entire system will simply shutdown with no warning, usually when using the DVD drive. I'm trying to install UT3/WoW and everything will just die at a random point of the installation, I'm trying other games to with the same results. Of course things are fine when I'm performing lesser tasks like surfing the net (like right now!)

I really don't know what the problem could be and I'm pretty reluctant to keep trying new avenues as I dont want to do any damage. Maybe the PSU isn't supplying enough power? 450w should cover this lot comfortably though.

I hope I've been descriptive enough, any help or links to further information would be great. Thanks!

[briareos_kerensky]

PSU test: try to launch any 3D game/benchmark for a couple of hours, if the system doesn't reboot the PSU is powerful enough (which should be)
Try to change the molex used for the optical drive.
Try to change the SATA port of the drive.
Try an other drive, maybe an old PATA drive.
However, if you installed Windows from its CD, I'd go for some strange software problem...try to download standard ASPI drivers and see what happens.

Clicking sound: any program automatically starting with Windows, perhaps?
Check on the Asus website which audio chip the motherboard is using and download them directly from the manufacturer's website, or use those on the CD that came with the mobo.

[dataDave]

Sorted out the clicking, it was some Raid software I'm never going to use that was causing it. So I've disabled that until either they patch it or I upgrade to Vista Ultimate or I forget about it completely, no big deal there.

The PSU though, already tried everything (different molex plug, different DVD drive) and still it just gives me random shut downs. The place where I got it from want me to send it to them so they can test it and replace if necessary but I cba with waiting 4 weeks for a new PSU so just ordered a fresh 650w version so will try that out instead.

I've checked on the Corsair tech support forums and it seems like they need more practice making PSUs.

[briareos_kerensky]

Faulty products happen...I've got my shares of branded PC parts failing within a month or less, that's what RMAs are for. However, before ordering a new PSU I'd have checked the software...maybe it's Windows fault: a Linux live evaluation CD is easy to download and totally free; if it was Windows' problem, then you could have tried to reinstall it once more.

[Hohum]

Corsair's PSUs are usually alright, might just be that the one you chose doesn't quite have enough wattage to cover your system. As for tech support forums... well, you only really see complaints about faulty hardware on those. Nobody posts to say everything is fine.

[AlonzoUK]

As mentioned already I'd be surprised if it is the PSU - the GPU wouldn't cause this unless you put it under load by loading a game for example.

Have you checked the temperature of the PC when it shuts down in case its a cooling issue - does it run better with the side panel off for example.

[dataDave]

PC only boots up for 2-3 secs each time now. DEAD GOOD!

I'm reading over the internet that there are massive incompatability issues concerning the 8800 and practically every PSU on the market. The PSU companies are resting the fault on nVidia apparently whilst nVidia run around pimping their new 9600

Sending both the PSU and the GPU back to the supplier to test them both together. Looks like I'll need a new GPU already. DEAD GOOD! I feel like throwing everything away and starting again right now.

It could be worse, I could be trying to get this all up and running in time for a big game release. I'm only really interested in Starcraft II so I have tons of time to get my **** sorted.

[Hohum]

I know how you feel, bloody frustrating when stuff doesn't work like it should. You'll get it sorted though. Have you checked temperatures in the bios? Too high a CPU temp will cause your PC to shutdown to prevent damage, so could be possible that the heatsink isn't making contact properly. As for the supposed 8800 compatability issues... not run into that myself (I have a 8800GTS 640meg).

[dataDave]

I'm pretty sure everything is connected how it should be, but you are right about the CPU or Motherboard telling the PSU to pack in, it seems some people are having problems with the latest bios revision for my motherboard, however all those guys are running much better processors than mine.

It just seems whereever I look there are common problems with each of my components, and without sending the entire build back to the shop for them to check it out I doubt I'm going to get anywhere. Sending each bit one by one isn't going to help much and is just going to cost me a load of cash.

I'm pretty frustrated but not frustrated enough to go poking around trying out random motherboard settings or 'forcing' stuff into working. I don't want to break anything.

Building a budget OC system I thought I'd have something which would be more than reliable for general gaming. lol. I suppose that will still be the case when it's all on it's feet.

[dataDave]

A new CPU fan later and everything is solved.

Now I need a game to test this **** out. I'm a bit miffed I can't get the original Quake running, even after all the mods. Thanks for the replies guys, let's hope it stays on it's feet.

[Hohum]

Try this for Quake: http://nquake.sourceforge.net/

The easiest way to get up and running.