system freezes randomly

[kujoe2002]

I built a machine about a year ago:

MOBO: MSI mobo
CPU: Conroe Core 2 Duo 2.66GhZ
RAM: 2GB gskill RAM
VIDEO: Nvidia 8600
HDD: Maxtor SATA (master) WD(slave).
SOUND: 5.1 Creative Labs

Every once in a while, the system freezes and I see the CPU useage go up as high as 70%. Whats going on with my machine??

Thanks

[ua549]

Use Task Manager to determine which process is using the CPU cycles. Identify it and verify its function.
Check for malware with a scan.
Check each running process to make sure you know what it is.

[kujoe2002]

will try it.

Thanks

[OS-Wiz]

On the hardware side, the two usual suspects are heat and PSU. Good case airflow? HSF free of dust? PSU have good voltages?

[Learux]

I had a similar problem, never had a clue what caused it, after taking the mobo out, I found a bunch of blown capacitors.

[kujoe2002]

I had a similar problem, never had a clue what caused it, after taking the mobo out, I found a bunch of blown capacitors.

How hard is it to replace capacitors.. It SOUNDS like that would be on the mobo and replacing them would be impossible.


Also for Windows 7 64 bit, is it THAT much better?

[Learux]

It can be fixed but I didnt bother.

[Ubon94]

How hard is it to replace capacitors.. It SOUNDS like that would be on the mobo and replacing them would be impossible.


Also for Windows 7 64 bit, is it THAT much better?

U need a new cap and solder gun and know how to solder but first do what ua549 said. Most likely it's a program such as Windows update, Windows backup, Virus scan or even the virus it self.

[kujoe2002]

there was a hard layer of dust in between the CPU and it's fan... so far so good.. it looks like that may have been it.