Curse

Shamus Sureblade · Feb 17, 2011, 11:42 PM // 23:42

So, I was building a new rig for my roomate, got a barebones kit from TD. Everything went fine. I got windows 7 installed. Updated all drivers, etc. Checked temps after initial assembly, and everything looked good.

A day later, he tells me that it has been crashing, giving error messages, and BSOD's. I checked all drivers, everything was up to date. Ran MemTest, no issues. So I reboot into BIOS, to check settings, and notice that the CPU is at 55 celcius, and the mobo was at 45...in BIOS, no load. So I checked the CPU fan, re-seated it, and it appears to be working properly. I checked the case fan I put on the rear, and it is working properly.

So I figured Id buy a new fan for the front of the case, problem is, the mobo only has 2 fan leads, 1 for the CPU and 1 case. Ive seen some fans online with molex connectors, but they also have a 3 or 4 pin mobo connector. (Some of these have LED's other don't. I don't really care about the LED's, just looking for something that works)

So, I guess Im a little unsure if 1 of these fans would work, or if I need another solution. Any advice would be appreciated. I can provide specs and/or model numbers if needed.

Thanks in advance!

Elder III · Feb 18, 2011, 12:55 AM // 00:55

If I understand correctly, you are asking if you can use a case fan that only has a molex connector? The answer is: Yes

The only difference is that fan will be running at full power and you will not be able to control the speed/noise of it. As long as you get a slower rpm fan that should not be an issue. You can also get adapters but they probably are not worth the cost in this case.

Shamus Sureblade · Feb 18, 2011, 12:51 PM // 12:51

@Elder III
Precisely. I just wanted to give a little background info as well. Sorry if it was a little confusing. I will pick something up this weekend and give it a shot. I figured that it would run all the time, no worries about the noise, as my roomate turns the volume up way to loud anyway!

Thanks for your reply Elder

Quaker · Feb 18, 2011, 04:56 PM // 16:56

Next time you are in the BIOS, make sure that the CPU is properly setup and/or that the system properly recognizes the cpu make and model. The high temps could be the result of the CPU (and chipset) running at the wrong frequency or voltage.

You should also check the motherboard maker's website to see if there is an updated BIOS - particularly, an update that fixes issues to do with CPU settings.

obastable · Mar 01, 2011, 02:49 PM // 14:49

My first thought was the thermal paste between the cpu & the heat sink ... but that may be because I once forgot to put it on.

Worth checking, they are not all created equal.

Newer cpu's tend to be smarter than old ones, though, and will underclock themselves if they reach a certain temp (45-55 sounds about right for that) to prevent over heating & frying both themselves & the motherboard. While the system will run hot it won't overheat, but it also won't perform to full capacity.

dark_slayer · Mar 02, 2011, 03:38 AM // 03:38

You check the hard drive? What is he doing when it crashes?

rb.widow · Mar 02, 2011, 08:44 PM // 20:44

What hardware is in this new system? I know the newer Intel MB's have that Sata connection issue, but not sure it would post a BSOD, maybe on HDD loss,

Have you seen it post a BSOD yourself, if so what is the error that it gives along the top, that could be a great help in actually finding where an error is coming from,

Does the system event viewer pick anything up before a crash, to indicate something isnt set right etc.

Id say after the hardware stats, if there is a mis-match ( IE, PSU not strong enough for hardware when under load ) the guys around here will pick up on it fast.