This topic is all a bit too redundant on many tech site forums about computer crashes and instabilities. Many ask, "Why is my computer crashing/locking up/freezing etc" and give vague descriptions. This article will give you suggestions on how to remedy your problems with these problems. Before you start, run your computer at stock (non overclocked) speeds.
1) Inefficient Power Source
Yes, this refers to power supplies. The generic power supply that came with your case may not be up to the task of powering up your PC. The voltage rails that fluctuate cause inevitable long-term damage to computer parts and it's important to have a PSU that is reliable and powerful. Be sure to have the correct wattage according to the amount of power required.
Make sure that the power supply fan is spinning! You may laugh, but I have come across more than one incident where the power supply was overheating and melting some components. Another area to check is the quality of wiring done in the home/office. Power supplies are susceptible to old homes with damaged outlets or circuits. Finally, check that the case is well grounded. Make sure that components, especially the motherboard, aren't touching the chassis at all.
To see if the power supply is the culprit of instability, swap it out with a spare or a friend's that is known to work well.
2) Overheating
Overheating probably makes up about half of all stability problems! First, we must focus on airflow. Is there an intake and exhaust fan in the case to circulate air? Secondly, make sure the heatsink is properly installed. Remove it from the processor, clean both mating surfaces and apply thermal compound. Take a can of compressed air and remove dust from fins and fan. (It is spinning right?) This also applies to graphics cards as well.
Compressed air is also extremely useful for removing dust and caked in PCBs. Are you a smoker? Smoke is the worst substance for damaging PCs. I spent a whole night at an uncle's house just cleaning the gross tar from the case!
3) Memory
Whether you use DDR, SDR, or EDO, memory can cause instability. Ram problems generally cause freezing and can be diagnosed with Memtest86, a memory tester. Like the previous section, clean all pins and leads with compressed air. Check to make sure the memory isn't running out of spec. (i.e. timings and voltages it can't handle) All check that you run your processor/memory at stock speeds while diagnosing these problems like I stated earlier.
4) Drivers
Crappy drivers can be a nightmare, especially when they conflict with each other. For example, some nVidia detonator driver versions conflict with Via's 4n1 service pack. My only suggestion for drivers is to visit driver archives and try out different versions. Telltale signs are illegal operation type errors or errors at startup. When upgrading drivers, remember to uninstall them first in the device manager to make sure any traces of the old driver are gone and will not interfere with the new.
5) Software Conflicts
These may be a bit harder to spot, if a blue screen occurs, look for the file in which the error occurred. If you know of this file, reinstall the program associated with it. You may want to hit up the software's technical support if all else fails. Another option is to reinstall your OS and try again.
1) Inefficient Power Source
Yes, this refers to power supplies. The generic power supply that came with your case may not be up to the task of powering up your PC. The voltage rails that fluctuate cause inevitable long-term damage to computer parts and it's important to have a PSU that is reliable and powerful. Be sure to have the correct wattage according to the amount of power required.
Make sure that the power supply fan is spinning! You may laugh, but I have come across more than one incident where the power supply was overheating and melting some components. Another area to check is the quality of wiring done in the home/office. Power supplies are susceptible to old homes with damaged outlets or circuits. Finally, check that the case is well grounded. Make sure that components, especially the motherboard, aren't touching the chassis at all.
To see if the power supply is the culprit of instability, swap it out with a spare or a friend's that is known to work well.
2) Overheating
Overheating probably makes up about half of all stability problems! First, we must focus on airflow. Is there an intake and exhaust fan in the case to circulate air? Secondly, make sure the heatsink is properly installed. Remove it from the processor, clean both mating surfaces and apply thermal compound. Take a can of compressed air and remove dust from fins and fan. (It is spinning right?) This also applies to graphics cards as well.
Compressed air is also extremely useful for removing dust and caked in PCBs. Are you a smoker? Smoke is the worst substance for damaging PCs. I spent a whole night at an uncle's house just cleaning the gross tar from the case!
3) Memory
Whether you use DDR, SDR, or EDO, memory can cause instability. Ram problems generally cause freezing and can be diagnosed with Memtest86, a memory tester. Like the previous section, clean all pins and leads with compressed air. Check to make sure the memory isn't running out of spec. (i.e. timings and voltages it can't handle) All check that you run your processor/memory at stock speeds while diagnosing these problems like I stated earlier.
4) Drivers
Crappy drivers can be a nightmare, especially when they conflict with each other. For example, some nVidia detonator driver versions conflict with Via's 4n1 service pack. My only suggestion for drivers is to visit driver archives and try out different versions. Telltale signs are illegal operation type errors or errors at startup. When upgrading drivers, remember to uninstall them first in the device manager to make sure any traces of the old driver are gone and will not interfere with the new.
5) Software Conflicts
These may be a bit harder to spot, if a blue screen occurs, look for the file in which the error occurred. If you know of this file, reinstall the program associated with it. You may want to hit up the software's technical support if all else fails. Another option is to reinstall your OS and try again.