Unexpected Slowdowns "Chugging" My PC is a few years old, but has quality parts (see lowdown below). For the last year or so I haven't been able to use it much because it infrequently "chugs" - during these periods of time it sounds like the hard drive is being accessed, followed by a soft "knocking" sound. After 15-30 seconds the computer unlocks. To throw a curve in this problem, when I play movies - it doesn't lock up (almost ever). This includes playing movies on an external hard drive. The number 1 time this problem happens is during games, but it can also happen shortly after boot up (windows explorer locks down and I have to reboot). At first, I thought it was just the hard drive. So I replaced it. Same thing with the new one. Then, I thought it was heat. The hard drives are in a metal carrier chassis, stacked one on top of the other. The chassis holding the drives gets warm, but the power supply they are adjacent to does not. I pulled the middle hard drive out to give the other two more room. The issues seemed to lessen, but not by much. I've also added/changed around the ram, and upgraded the processor. The only thing I have not done is replace the mobo, but I do not think that is the issue. I have, of course, formatted a few times too. I've ran disk scans and all other manner of hardware checks - everything comes back A-OK. Even the chugging hard drive reports as being fine. Any help would be much appreciated! *Edit* In addition, the computer occasionally reboots itself - does a check (finds no problems) and comes back up fine. Without a BSOD. Computer specs: Time of this report: 9/12/2010, 15:54:21 Machine name: XXX Operating System: Windows Vista™ Ultimate (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.100218-0019) Language: English (Regional Setting: English) System Manufacturer: System manufacturer System Model: System Product Name BIOS: BIOS Date: 08/14/07 20:46:02 Ver: 08.00.12 Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6850 @ 3.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~3.0GHz Memory: 7102MB RAM Page File: 1858MB used, 12428MB available Windows Dir: C:\Windows DirectX Version: DirectX 10 --------------- Display Devices --------------- Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX Manufacturer: NVIDIA Chip type: GeForce 8800 GTX DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0191&SUBSYS_039C10DE&REV_A2 Display Memory: 4030 MB Dedicated Memory: 735 MB Shared Memory: 3295 MB Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Welcome to HWF The occasional reboots and time-outs on your hard drive indicate a problem with your Power Supply. Being unable to provide a constant power flow to your hard drive and motherboard causes these issues. Looking at your system specs, I would recommend purchasing a good quality Power Supply from Corsair or Enermax.
I think, Rhochstenbach is right. You need a good quality power supply. You may also use a higher Wattage Power supply.
