Computer problems

[Fendi]

Last Saturday I upgraded my computer into an Athlon 1.4Gig from a PIII 800. Ever since the upgrade my computer has started acting weirdly. After about half an hour my computer would get slower than a P90. The screen would refresh slowly, games would hang hell I can't even shut the computer off without waiting for 2 minutes.

The CPU was running at 41`C so could that be too hot? Any input would be greatly appreciated as I'm seriously thinking of reverting back to my PIII.

Specs:

AMD 1400 266fsb

KT133A Motherboard

512Mb Sdramm 133

20Gig HD

WinME

64Mb KyroII Graphics Card

Would it be better if I format my HD and doing a clean install?

[ 09-25-2001: Message edited by: Fendi ]

[GREG MILLER]

First off, yes, do a Format and reinstall. I am betting that is your whole problem right there. As you have gone from an Intel platform to an AMD.

41'c is not hot at all. My 1.2gig Athlon is running in the 50's and I have no problems what so ever.

Also, if you are using a Via based board, make sure you have the most current Bios and 4in1 drivers installed.

[Scrivener]

No worries. Athlons run HOT. During peak usage its not unusual to be running at 120-125 degrees F. You should start worrying when it goes OVER 125 F. If you want to cool it down, I would recommend picking up a new heatsink/fan and some Arctic Silver II thermal compound. If you want the best of the best, drop by www.2cooltek.com and order an Alpha PEP66 Xtreme Kit w/40CFM fan. Just make sure you have some room around your Mobo first (Since it dosnt fit, unmodified on a KT7, my mobo, but fits perfectly on my friends new KG7). Never substitute generic thermal compund for Arctic Silver II.

As for your HD. YES. Clean installing everything makes a HUGE difference. No more will you have all those old DLLs and drivers bringing your Windows OS to its knees. The longer you have your computer w/o clean installing, the slower it gets.

[Urza]

I had a similar problem once. Since the temperature is low, have you tried going to the BIOS and increasing your voltage? Lack of power can cause widespread instability.

[Fendi]

Thanks for helping guys. I did do the Intel to AMD conversion but I reinstalled the latest 4-1 Driver from the net. If it's too cold it's probably because I left my case open.

I've got Artic Silver II but I can't really spend more money on a coolant till the end of the month as I've got only 60 quid (can't be sure with money exchange rate) left and that's waiting in the bank waiting to be taken by BMT Micro.

50'C on an Athlon 1.2? I've always thought electronic components would fry at that temperature.

Thanks again guys.

Only time will tell now that I've done a clean install

[ 09-26-2001: Message edited by: Fendi ]