I have just bought a new computer with a pentium 2.2 dual core CPU with a biostar P4M900-M7SE motherboard. This machine is a disaster as it freezes randomly. There is no consistent pattern to the freeze, and the only recovery is via the reset button. XP does not complain about not being shut down properly either. I have tried another PS, added more fans, ran memtest on the ram, reinstalled XP twice, updated drivers and tried everything I can think of. I am using the onboard sound (Via chrome 9HC) and sound. The HDD drive is a known good one too. My next thing is either a new mobo or CPU which is going to be pricey. The only oddity I do see is that the freeze seems to occur a lot when I am on line. There is no virus or trojan either and I have a firewall and antivirus running all the time. Basically this machine is a new version of my old one as the software is exactly the same too. I am at a loss for ideas as to what can be at fault. Any new ideas as to which to plump for? a new mobo or a new CPU? is there a possible other fault I am missing? CPU temp is within the 21-25 degree C range. Thanks in advance...

" I have tried another PS" The question is this, are either of the PSUs you tried up to the task? Give models or specs.

Yes, as mentioned before, we need details on the PSU. It is the most important part of a build, and can cause an array of problems. If the PSU is fine, then it may be a motherboard issue. I have seen people RMA new motherboards because they were damaged when bought. If you put the computer yourself, did you do the standoffs correctly? Otherwise, there might be a short. It should not be the CPU...you'll notice it throttle back if it was overheating. If you installed it incorrectly, it would just shut down after 5 seconds of boot up.

The original supply I used in my old computer without any problems and I have tried my old one in the new computer and the fault is still occuring. I am reasonably sure this isnt a power issue. But given the sheer inconsitency of the fault anything is possible. I never installed the mobo myself and will remove it when I reach the point where I really get fed up (that point is close) Thanks for the tips re the CPU too.

Just because the PSU worked fine in your old system doesn't necessarily mean it is suitable for the new system. Your new system may require different specs for the PSU. Post the models, specs, or both on the PSUs.

Ok.. here goes. New PS +12V 10A +5V 18A +3.3V 14A -12V 0.5A +5V SB 2A output 230W Old PS: +12V 15A +5V 30A +3.3V 20A -12V 0.8A -5V 0.5A +5V SB 2.5A output 300W Power in Computer as measured by Everest: CPU Core 1.15V +2.5V 1.60V +3.3V 3.15V +5V 5.0V +12V 12.22 Vbat 3.22V CPU Temp 22 degrees C Drive 1 36 degrees Drive 2 33 degrees Fan 1834RPM

230 Watts isn't enough power. Look at the voltage readings from Everest. Your 2.5V is reading 1.60V. That is not within range. The 12V specs of 10A isn't enough IMO. Others here may have other opinions. I think you need a better PSU.