Brand New Aria PC problems :(

[geoffos42]

Hi guys,

I eventually received my Vista Attitude Infinity machine last week and after spending a few hours setting it up, installing an OS and the mobo drivers etc., I installed a couple of games to test out the beast; the performance blew me away!

Unfortunately, however, there are problems with it.

On two or three days, I have booted for the first time and the system has locked up after loading the OS; nothing moves, the mouse freezes, any sounds playing become a \"d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d...\" noise (you know what I mean?!) and the keyboard is locked out. A reset is the only option.

After rebooting, it will continue working as normal, but then at random times after maybe an hour or so, it locks up again and a reset is required again.

The PC Probe software that comes with the machine is reporting that the CPU (E6600) temperature is running at anywhere from 52c up to 60+. I read on these and other forums about E6600 temps and that the PC Probe software from ASUS may incorrectly report CPU temps, so I downloaded and ran the Core Temp program - this reported the temps for each core being about 5 to 10 degrees hotter than PC Probe's readings!

The case fans are all running correctly as far as I can see.

Looks like I've got a dud doesn't it?

I waited sooooooo long for this machine and it looks like it's gonna have to be sent back. Who do I need to speak to about getting it replaced? CServe or TechServ? If it's TechServ, will I like be on hold for ages, cos at 60p a minute, I'll NOT be a happy bear!

[Anonymous]

Sounds like the CPU isnt seated in its socket. I would reccomend getting permission to reset it if you know what your doing. Coretemp is correct, so i would reccomend not using it if the temps are that high, you dont want a blown pc.

[geoffos42]

Thanks for your prompt reply Blaine.

Reseating the CPU should not be a problem for me personally, so I might try that. The problem could also be that the heatsink is not properly seated. I'll try to get hold of TServe later today and get their recommendations.

[Barley]

That DEFINITELY sounds a little hot, especially if you're not overclocking it.

Is the fan on the heatsink ever working?

[geoffos42]

The fan on the heatsink is definitely working - the case has a big window on it so you can see all the components.

I'm certainly not overclocking it

I'm loathe to call the Tech Serv line at the moment due to the scandalous costs involved if I end up on hold for ages like when calling CServe.

Not sure what to do atm

p.s. I didn't receive any documentation from Aria with regard to warranties etc. when I received the unit - only a delivery note.

What are the warranty implications if I try to reseat the processor and heatsink? The symptoms I'm experiencing fit in to the CPU problems, although reseating the CPU itself is unlikely to cause overheating problems is it?

[geoffos42]

Further to this, I decided to bite the bullet and call Technical services - what a joke that was! The general answer I received when pointing out the symptoms was \"Er ...\" and \"Ummm ...\".

Then I suggested the heatsink may not be fitted correctly and the answer I got was \"Yeah, I was thinking something like that, but you can't open up the case or you'll invalidate the warranty - you'd best call the PC Clinic and ask them if it's OK to do that\".

So, I called the PC Clinic, but just got a recorded message saying to leave a message and they'll get back to me - yeah, right! Not in my experience they won't!

[Aaron]

I think its more that you need to reseat the CPU fan rather than the cpu itself.

I think that to make sure your warranty stays intact, you need to inform Aria what you are going to do and get the OK from them first.


edit - you beat me to it!

[Anonymous]

[Removed at the request of the author]

[geoffos42]

Thanks for the reply Aaron and I agree it is probably the CPU fan rather than the CPU itself.

One thing troubles me though and that is that the system freezes soon after bootup - within 3-5 minutes; will the CPU have generated enough heat in that time to cause a crash?

Hmm ...

[geoffos42]

Hi Pyle

I haven't taken out any extended warranties as I fail to see a lot of worth in them, especially, as you pointed out, I am quite computer literate having worked in the industry since 1983

I think I might take your suggestion and take a look at the CPU fan anyway and bank on the manufacturers warrantie in case of problems.

I've already opened the case anyway, as the perspex window on the case has protective film on it that needed removing from inside and out when it was unpacked

[Aaron]

Yeah, a cpu can easily reach crashable temps within minutes. More likely, within seconds!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NxNUK3U73SI

They are old cpu's in that video, but it illustrates a point!

[geoffos42]

Bloody Hell!!

Thanks for that

[john348]

I have seen/fixed many pcs that crash whilst booting because of temperature I could not believe it myself with the first one I would not have thought it could heat up that quickly. In fact the fan was stalling and just not up to speed and that was enough. I have also had one where it shed a blade on the fan and again the vibration slowed it enough to cause overheating. And it sometimes is quite random where it crashes. I always now go for the best fan and cooler I can find.

[Sean]

Customer service really aren't meant for technical issues, they should've forwarded you to the technial line.

Unless listed otherwise on the product description you will have a 1 year RTB with the entire unit: after which warranty will reside with the individual components.

60 deg does sound a little high: i'm unfamiliar with that particular system, does it have any additional fans to provide proper airflow throughout the system?
Even though it is high, I wouldn't say it's enough to crash the system.

[Bobalot]

The temps must have been taken when the pc was still running, so it is likely it was hotter when it crashed

if opening your case nulls your warranty how are you supposed to fit new components?

does the box \"phone home\" to grass you up? (poor joke)

My pc's are set to shutdown if they ever reach 60 degrees, cpu's are expensive!

check the seating of the cpu and heatsink, use a quality thermal paste, if no improvement upgrade your heatsink and fan

what flavour cpu is it?

As near as I can tell, Core Duo max operating temp is 100C (hot!). They (intel) don't say what the activation temp for the Thermal Control Circuit is, but the \"THERMTRIP# activation\" temperature is 125C, so presumably the TCC is activated somewhere between 100C and 125C