Re: Need Computer Help This Time

From: Barry Oliver (barrysuperhawk@comcast.net)
Date: Thu Nov 27 2008 - 02:20:28 EST


Terrible Tom wrote:
>
> Ok gang - I'm in need of some computer help for a change...
>
> Custom built Linux Crunchbox (SETI) is giving me all sorts of headaches.
>
> heres the build sheet
>
> Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83 Ghz CPU
>
> Gigabyte GA-EPUD3R Socket 775, motherboard - flashed with most up to
> date BIOS
>
> Corsair Dominator 2GB (2x1GB) 240 pin DDR2 1066 (PC2-8500) Dual Channel RAM
>
> Corsair 620W ATX Modular PSU
>
> Western Digital Caviar 250 GB SATA HDD
>
> EVGA GeForce 9400 GT 512MB 128bit PCIe 2.0 video card
>
> Zalman CNPS 9700 110mm CPU cooler
>
> Running Ubuntu Intrepid 8.1
>
> Difficulty from the start!! I tried to load Ubunty 7.1 (Gutsy) - the
> version I have on my other custom Linux crunchboxes... BIOS recognized
> the HDD and videocard - UBuntu would not. When I burned the 8.1 ISO and
> loaded that one - it recognized the drive and installed.
>
> All free and clear so I thought... well not quite. This Quad Core CPU
> supports CPU frequency scaling - set at 2.0 GHz - it runs fine all
> day... set at 2.83 Ghz - after a certain amount of time - - could be
> half hour - could be 3 hours, it will freeze.
>
> So far here is what I have done to trouble shoot. I've run a memory
> test - seemed to be OK... I've switched the RAM sticks between the two
> banks, no change - tried running one stick, vs two.. no change. BIOS
> was flashed - running current F4 version.
>
> I've disabled the 4 instances of cpufreq_applet - no change, I've set
> the frequency manually in command line - still no change...
>
> I do extensive compatibility research before buying parts for a new
> build. The mainboard, CPU, and RAM I selected are all supposed to work
> together with no problems according Gigabyte's web site.
>
> Ubuntu system is current with its updates.
>
> CPU core temps are 44-47C at full load... about 35C at idle...
>
> BIOS settings are in Failsafe, no overclocking yet
>
> I'm wondering if I have some hardware failure that I'm not able to
> detect? Should I try a different Linux Distro? This one is a 32 bit
> SMP kernel version - so it shouldnt have problems with the quad core...
>
> Only flakey thing with this one seems to be that I cant renice a process
> from the system manager utility. had to do it from terminal... which
> worked.
>
> Also keep in mind I'm still weak on linux... I've been getting help from
> at least 3 people with this stuff heh... I'm learning but slowly.
>
> I'm open to any and all opinions, suggestions, comments, questions,
> etc... what am I overlooking??
>
> I've gotta get this box straightend out and quickly, because I've only
> got so much time to RMA back to newegg, any defective componants.
>
>
>
>
>

I would look very hard at the video, if it were me. I don't know what
options you have to swap with, but try updating/reinstalling your video
driver first, and run any test you have access to on the video card.



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