Old Computer Issues

I have this old(er) computer than what I use now and I am going to be giving it to my parents. It is a good computer (Quad Core) for normal usage. However, it has had problems with random computer crashes where the whole screen freezes and nothing can be done. Can’t restart it with hard button but can only shut it down in one go and then turn it on. It happens regularly. I have a feeling it is the Graphics card but I am not sure. Maybe you guys have some ideas.
If it is the graphics card can you recommend some good graphics cards that are cheap but good enough to not slow down normal usage (eg internet, videos, flash games, music). The graphics card would have to work with a 375watt power supply and also only require one connector from the power supply.
Thanks in advance for any help
Answer #1
post the specs of the PC
also get AIDA64 and check the temps on it
Answer #2
Thanks for the swift reply. I will get back to you tomorrow as the computer is not connected at all. Its specs are (estimate….got it three years ago):
Dell Dimension 9200 PC
Quad Core CPU Q6600
GeForce 8600GTS
Between 2-4Gb (off the top of my head) RAM (DDR2 PC2-5300)
Not sure on motherboard, might be Dells own one.
I’ll get back with temps tomorrow when I set it up
Answer #3
that looks like an add-on video card, for which the power supply is to small
is there an onboard video connection you can use instead ?
they do make PCI-e cards that use NO auxiliary power connection
example – Palit NEAG2100HD53-2187F GeForce 210 512MB 32-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261111
crap for gaming but but low power usage
Answer #4
8600 series video cards have had a lot of problems with overheating and crashes (especially the ones built into laptops – but I digress). Do you get any errors that appear on screen when the system crashes? Have you checked the event logs (probably nothing there that’s relevant here, but still worth checking).
As edwoodweb suggests the power supply might be too small – name brand computers often carry power supplies that are marginal, and that fail when a relatively power hungry video card is installed – it’s one way they use to keep costs down. So if possible, use an onboard video output, remove the 8600 and see how you get on.
Answer #5
couldbeblue replied: 8600 series video cards have had a lot of problems with overheating and crashes (especially the ones built into laptops - but I digress). Do you get any errors that appear on screen when the system crashes? Have you checked the event logs (probably nothing there that's relevant here, but still worth checking).
As edwoodweb suggests the power supply might be too small - name brand computers often carry power supplies that are marginal, and that fail when a relatively power hungry video card is installed - it's one way they use to keep costs down. So if possible, use an onboard video output, remove the 8600 and see how you get on.
yes, 8600 has a manufacture defect. checkout on google
most of the 8600 cards die before their warranty gets over, it’s a fault in the make.
Answer #6
Thanks for the replies. I don’t have a extra video card lying around but I would be willing to get one that doesn’t need auxiliary power connection as long as it won’t hinder the general usage of the computer. They won’t be playing any hard graphics intense games but maybe a few flash games my sister would play. If they are fine then I would be happy in getting one.
EDIT: When I ‘used’ to use it the problem was a lot less and it didn’t completely crash but I did receive some NVIDIA errors after each mini crash which is why I believe it is the graphics card. I can’t really receive much feedback at the moment from the computer as it crashes only a few seconds after it turns on.
Answer #7
if the onboard graphics card is good enough den leave the graphics card on board..if you are adding new graphics card maybe just use mid end graphics card that can handle your power supply. maybe 512mb DDR2 64bit is good enough..
Answer #8
I can't really receive much feedback at the moment from the computer as it crashes only a few seconds after it turns on.
crashes at the boot screen or after loading windows ?
will it boot to safe mode ?
Answer #9
Crashes in windows mostly. I have reformatted it fully MANY MANY MANY times before Sometimes it can get fuzzy in the boot screen if I remember correctly
Answer #10
will it boot to safe mode
safe mode is less grfx intensive, bypasses the video drivers, so that would be a good indicator if it’s a grfx problem if it runs ok in safe mode
Answer #11
First thing I would do is to reinstall a clean install of Windows. To rule out a hardware error.
Answer #12
It keeps crashing before it reaches safe mode. Safe mode is taking longer to load and it is crashing before it completes :S
Answer #13
If you’ve reformatted “many” times before, then it has to be a hardware issue.
Answer #14
Yes, didn’t notice the part about formatting Then there is a hardware problem. Try running MEMTEST from Hiren’s Boot CD to check RAM first.
Answer #15
Yeah, make sure your RAM is functioning correctly using Squirrels method.
Answer #16
Might want to look at your temps too. Use Speedfan.
Answer #17
I checked the insides of the box and the graphics card was in bad shape. I have decided to get a graphics card that requires no auxillary power connections. I want one slightly stronger than the one posted by edwoodweb. Which of these would be better:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127591
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127583
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125289
or maybe you have another in mind
Answer #18
Sorry for double post.
I read the motherboard is:
PCI Express (x16)
PCI, PCI Express (x1, x16), SATA
compatible. Will this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102874
OR
http://www.kikatek.com/product_info.php?products_id=95107&source=froogle
video card work on it?
Also will it be worth it or are there better ones for this computer?
Please reply back soon, hoping to purchase a new one by tonight/early tomorrow!
Thanks
Answer #19
you are listing low end grfx cards where “better” is arbitrary
the term “better” for a grfx card is normally used to describe it’s gaming capabilities which don’t really matter to you
(flash games will play on any card)
for normal computing any of the cards referenced will do a good job
here is a page with charts to help you determine which cards are the new designs (newest releases near the bottom) (nvida & ATI charts are the only relevant ones)
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=88
I have a 9400 GT in my home theater PC and would definitely recommend it for a non-gaming PC
I had an 8400 GT and did not like it
those are the only low end cards (your price range) I’ve had experience with
Answer #20
Thanks for the replies and advice. You’ve been of great help
Answer #21
Thanks for the replies and advice.
that’s what we are here for !
good luck !