Zygoptera on 17/9/2009 at 02:09
Yes, it runs the tests with the side on- almost all the crashing happened on basic desktop work (firefox, notepad, word processor type stuff), the only 'resource hog' which regularly caused crashes was DromEd. It hated the windows version of memtest too, though the bootable version was fine.
I'll try playing around with attaching the cover- that would certainly explain things.
bikerdude on 17/9/2009 at 08:13
Quote Posted by Zygoptera
I'll try playing around with attaching the cover- that would certainly explain things.
the metal side cover should not effect how your computer runs. Personally i would completely talk the computer apart and check everything over with a fine tooth combe. And when you put the cpu cooler back on make sure to clean off the old heatsink and re-apply new thermal paste.
Zygoptera on 20/9/2009 at 22:11
It does seem to be related to having the cover attached with screws in. Use the screws and it starts crashing again, use something else (masking tape) and it's fine, though admittedly it looks a little bit... budget.
So hopefully that's at least a medium term fix- if it lasts until early next year I will be pretty happy.
bikerdude on 21/9/2009 at 09:53
Quote Posted by Zygoptera
It does seem to be related to having the cover attached with screws in. Use the screws and it starts crashing again, use
that would suggest there there is a eletrical open/short on the motherboard, or something is causing the mobo to doing something that causes it to crash.
please do as i previously suggested, take the whole pc apart and then check everything over with a fine tooth comb, and then re-assemble.
Zygoptera on 21/9/2009 at 21:52
I've done that- removed peripherals, plugs, cpu etc, cleaned fans, reseated and swapped ram slots, the whole shebang- basically taken apart and reassembled the whole thing, twice. Didn't help at all, unfortunately.
Al_B on 21/9/2009 at 22:45
My money (not really) is still on mechanical torque when screwing the case side on causing the difference. I have seen other issues such as mounting screws cutting into wires and even case lids when attached interfering with inductors but I suspect that neither will be causing your problem.
It really pains me to say this but from a practical point of view, if your solution works for now then go with it. It will probably bite you in a few days, weeks or maybe you'll get by until the new year. Be prepared for it, make regular backups and be paranoid.
