[mythtv-users] System hangs occasionally

[Dick Steffens]

On 11/06/2014 08:13 PM, Gary Buhrmaster wrote:

> A machine of that vintage may have a number of issues.

The first thing I noticed when removing the box from its shelf is that 
the case is warm on the power supply side. Not as hot as a toaster, but 
warm to the touch.

> If you have not already done so, open it up, and clean out the dust bunnies.

No dust bunnies. I blew the case out with canned "air" anyway and saw a 
light amount of dust be blown away.

> Second, make sure all the fans are spinning.

There are three fans:

1. Processor chip fan - runs.
2. Power supply fan - runs.
3. nVidia board fan - runs.

There is no separate case fan, but having said that, the fan serving the 
processor chip may be acting as a case fan since it is directed out the 
front of the case. All three fans are very quiet. I recall that on 
occasion, when first powering up the machine, the processor/case fan 
will run quite fast before slowing down. I'm assuming that it knows how 
cool it wants the box and runs at the speed needed to maintain that 
temperature.

This is a small case. I'll have to look for it, bit I don't remember 
seeing a fan that will fit this case. I may have to rethink my living 
room decor and look for a "stylish" case to sit near the TV. Then I can 
have one with lots of room inside for air flow, and a relatively quiet 
case fan, too.

> Lastly, look for bulging caps on the planar and the power supply.

None of the caps on the motherboard or the nVidia card are bulging. 
Getting into the power supply is non-trivial, and would take more time 
than I can devote to it right now.

> Lastly, run memtest86+ for at least 4 hours.

Memtest86 begun at 10:06 PST. I'll keep an eye on it as I go through the 
day, and let it run until after 14:06.

-- 
Regards,

Dick Steffens