Crash after Zipang installation

[eggplant69]

Hi all,

I was wondering if someone could help me as I am lost.... I've just installed the Zipang fan and it runs beatifully silently, but it seems to be causing a problem..

After say 20mins running time, not using any intensive programs, the computer just shuts down. I presumed this was a problem with the CPU overheating, but I have checked the temperature with both SpeedFan and SensorsView, and it ranges between 40-50 degrees which, as far as I understand it, is cool.

Prior to this, I thought that perhaps the fan was not installed properly, so I took it out, put new thermal paste on, then reinstalled. But the result is the same. I have also looked at the fan and I'm pretty sure (although it is a little hard to tell with this fan) that the heatsink is properly mounted.

The one query I had was that the edge of the Zipang is VERY close to the PSU (around a 5mm clearance). Perhaps this is preventing the PSU fan from working properly? I do get high temperatures for the AUX reading using Speedfan (around 105 degrees) but, from seaching around the internet, it seems to me that this simply indicates that Speedfan can't find a sensor. But then again, I do get high readings for the SYS reading with SensorsView (around 95 degrees). I didn't quite know what this mean (I admit to not being an expert at this).

In more details, this is my system

Motherboard: ASUS P5B
Processor: Intel Core2Duo
PSU: Corsair 400W CX PSU

Any suggestions?? Would be so very much appreciated.

[Oli]

I don't believe the problem is directly connected to Zipang - taking in account your report.

Don't think that there is any influence of Zipang on your PSU - even if they'd hit each other - AND you have about 5mm clearance as you mentioned. If it was a problem with heat you'd really notice it with the right programs.

Use CoreTemp with Core2Duo. It is rather reliable. If there'd be sufficient contact between cooler base plate and CPU heatspreader the system would shut down MUCH earlier.

Don't be alarmed about false readings for strange AUX sensors from Speedfan or other tools. Check primarily the CPU core temp. If other compoments heat up too much this would be a sign for extremely bad airflow.

Easiest way to check: does it make any difference if you leave the case' side panel open? If it would be a heat problem the time before shut down should differ. Anyway if the temps you read out are not to far from the true values there doesn't seem to be a problem with heat.

I'd suggest to check with alternative components (VGA, PSU), also try with only 1 RAM stick installed. You need to narrow the problem to the component which REALLY causes the trouble and i don't think it is Zipang.

[eggplant69]

Thanks so much for your speedy reply. I suspect, after reading your post, that you may be right. With CoreTemp my temperatures are very low (less than 30 degrees), so the fan seems to be doing the job well!

And I was leaving the side panel open in any case, so I don't think airflow was the problem.

That leaves the RAM. I think this may be the culprit. I have to remove it get to the PSU & heatsink in, so either I may have damaged one of the sticks, or one of the slots, or they weren't inserted correctly. In any case, I am now in the process of testing each of the options. Currently the computer is running with one, and seems fine. Will leave it for an hour or so and see, then try the other, and then try the various slots.

Once I have tested everything, I'll make sure to post the final outcome. Many thanks again.

[Oli]

You could also use Memtest86 which will "torture" your RAM and can probably show errors. You can run this program from a boot disk or cd for hours - it'll just loop its tests. Good luck!

[eggplant69]

After much testing, am pretty certain the problem is nothing to do with the Zipang. Instead, I have narrowed it down to the Corsair PSU. I installed it at the same time as the Zipang and it seems to be either faulty, or otherwise not getting on well with my motherboard (vs. my old PSU which, when I put it back in, works fine for hours on end). Anyway, I have returned it for a replacement.

Thanks for the advice & tips!

[Oli]

Sorry to hear that your PSU doesn't work as expected but happy to hear that it was only a coincidence with Zipang installation. Hope you can enjoy at least the cooler until the new PSU arrives.