Computer shutting off without warning

linnemeyerhere · 01 Feb 2014

We'll if you're sure it's not high temps then have you looked for updated drivers for your GPU and other mobo drivers.

carwiz · 01 Feb 2014

Is this the same Alistair that frequents a certain machinist forum? "CCWKen" over there.

Your system event log ends in December of last year so it wasn't much help but I noticed several problems in the application log. Windows Update is failing as well as a couple of events that could be caused by malware or errant drivers. The two below are particularly suspect.

Code:

 
Event[29118]:
  Log Name: Application
  Source: Windows Error Reporting
  Date: 2014-01-31T22:59:40.000
  Event ID: 1001
  Task: N/A
  Level: Information
  Opcode: Info
  Keyword: Classic
  User: N/A
  User Name: N/A
  Computer: Alistair-PC
  Description: 
Fault bucket 3979255468, type 5
Event Name: RADAR_PRE_LEAK_64
Response: Not available
Cab Id: 0
Problem signature:
P1: MsMpEng.exe
P2: 4.4.304.0
P3: 6.1.7601.2.1.0
P4: 
P5: 
P6: 
P7: 
P8: 
P9: 
P10:

Code:

 
Event[29231]:
  Log Name: Application
  Source: SideBySide
  Date: 2014-02-01T04:53:39.000
  Event ID: 33
  Task: N/A
  Level: Error
  Opcode: N/A
  Keyword: Classic
  User: N/A
  User Name: N/A
  Computer: Alistair-PC
  Description: 
Activation context generation failed for "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Composite 2013\python\lib\distutils\command\wininst-8_d.exe". Dependent Assembly Microsoft.VC80.DebugCRT,processorArchitecture="x86",publicKeyToken="1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b",type="win32",version="8.0.50608.0" could not be found. Please use sxstrace.exe for detailed diagnosis.

For test purposes, uninstall Akamai NetSession Interface and Pando Media Booster.

Check your hard drive for unnecessary files or off-load photos, videos, etc. to an external disk. It appears that you may be running out of disk space.

Run a complete virus and malware scan after clearing some disk space.
Run SFC /scannow from an elevated command prompt. (Use Option Two.) Report back any console messages. Note that if errors are found, you should reboot and run it again. It can take several cycles of this procedure for the scan to repair files and links.

Pazzaar · 01 Feb 2014

Okay, I can now safely assume that the computer believes that the CPU is overheating, and hence shutting the computer down. Putting the CPU under any stress that will take it into the 60C region causes the computer to shut down. I can confirm this is not a windows problem or HDD issue because it does this when I am in the BIOS too. Great.

I can only assume that the sensors which I have access to are not telling me accurately what the temperature is. I find it odd that the computer fans do not increase in RPM at all though, to attempt to cool down the CPU. The CPU can detect when it is too hot that it shuts down the computer, but it can't detect when it is too hot that it needs to up the RPM on the fan? Just a bit strange

Now, coincidentally, about 20 days ago I was forced to change the Heatsink on my laptop (linn might remember this), and I bought a new part. The heatsink is connected to the fan on my laptop, so I ended up getting a brand new heatsink and fan. I cleaned off nearly all of the old thermal paste from the CPU and GPU, and then placed the new heatsink in position. The new heatsink came with a standard thermal tape, which was already applied.

After installing the heatsink, my laptop began to work well again - better than it had before. The temps stayed in the low 70s to 60s, and no overheating ever occured. Its only recently (in the past 3 or 4 days) that this 'overheating' issue has come about.

This seems too convenient that the CPU is having overheating issues after I replaced a device specifically created to prevent overheating, however I have no clue how this would happen. The laptop was working absolutely fine 10 days ago. Then suddenly - bam, overheating under the slightest of strain.

Is this a thermal paste/tape issue? It seems hard to believe, as why would it suddenly stop working, however I can't think of any other explanation. And also, why is the computer telling me that my CPU is at a fine temperature? The computer uses the temps it tells me to tell if the CPU is overheating, how can it possibly tell it is overheating if the temperatures are clearly in the low 60s.

If anyone could give some insight into this problem that would be swell. Sorry for the long post!

linnemeyerhere · 01 Feb 2014

It would seen doubtful the TEM is at fault. More likely would be the cooler itself or the mount needs to be tighten as the TEm has settle in after several shutdown cycles. I would remove the cooler and clean all parts again and then remount using a premium TEM like Arctic Silver or the like. Remember less is more and many techniques could be used. I like the five drops or you could use a spreader and cover the whole cooler with an ultra thin smear. Then tighten and let rest and tighten ever so slightly again. Power on and off watching temps for several days then try to snug the cooler again but never over tight just little snugs if it will at all.

Pazzaar · 02 Feb 2014

Okay, I'll do something later today

What I don't get is why the computer is telling me the temps are at 60C, but it still knows to shut down? How can it know it still needs to shut down, if the sensors which it uses are telling it the CPU is currently at 60C, an absolutely safe temperature?

linnemeyerhere · 02 Feb 2014

At this point you're just in the process of elimination, it's likely a good mount on the cooler but a clean and re-install can't hurt and maybe as you snug it real slow and evenly you'll get a more flush and better contact. Did you do the previous replacement?