Computer Freezes when Standing Up, but not Laying on side

Computer Forum CPU, Motherboards and Memory
1

Hello,

I’ve been building computers recreationally for a few years, so I’m not a complete novice.

I have come across a situation that I cannot figure out. With this computer, any stress tests (or running windows idle) when the tower is standing upright, the computer will freeze after 5 minutes of use. If the computer is laying on its side, it runs for hours (days even).

Its an Athlon 2800+ Socket 754
Asus K8n-E Deluxe mobo
Nvidia 6600 GT vid card
1.5 gigs ram (Infinity Ram, previously had some other crappy ram, but it was bad) this is in 3x512 sticks of ddr 400 i believe
Seagate Barracuda 80gig SATA HD
Coolermaster case w/ 380W PS

Fresh install of XP SP2 Pro. Memory tests report no errors with the memory…the computer just crashes and does not respond to anything (except holding power button for the 6 seconds)

Any help would be SUPER

2

It could be a system cooling issue. Try running the tower upright but with the left side cover removed, and see if it still freezes. If this solves the problem, install a system fan.

Good luck! :slight_smile:

3

Hi,

After posting my previous note, the system froze even while laying down. 19 of 20 attempts to run 3Dmark03 failed to get past the 3rd game test.

I’ve done more reading, and noticed many people have had issues with the 6600 card. The machine is at the computer store where I purchased the parts, and I hope they can get this thing running right.

Thanks for your response though!

4

Make sure that all connections inside are secure, and that when you store it upright, there is enough airflow.