12 replies to this topic

[Paul Angelo]

My 1215B turns off randomly, as if you pulled the plug. You can hear the sound of the fans and HDD shutting down abruptly. It happens mostly right after launching or while using a full-screen application, most notably video games. Even low CPU/GPU consuming games trigger the issue. What disturbs me the most is the CMOS setup, I can't stay long enough to navigate the GUI. Overheating APU, maybe?

I performed basic troubleshooting to see what's causing the issue:
> Power Cycle > Made sure the cords are pl*ed in tight
> Directly pl*ed the PSU on the power outlet
> Tried different power outlets
> Made sure the PSU's temperature is not disturbingly warm
> Made sure the PSU is getting good ventilation
> Tried with and without the batteries attached
> Made sure that the vents are getting good airflow
> Made sure the environment is cool and well-ventilated
> Scanned for virus, spyware, etc.
> Updated Windows, used Scandisk, Defragmented the drive etc.
> Made sure there's no hardware conflicts under Device Manager
> Disabled unnecessary startup applications > Tried Windows Safe Mode

I wanna try more troubleshooting and possible fixes like:
> Updating all of the drivers
> Removing the additional installed DIMM
> Blowing high-pressure air in the vents to remove dust build up
> BIOS update
> Change the clock speed

....but I'm scared to mess things up. I'm thinking off taking it to a local service center, but I don't have the time and I need it. Hopefully in a week or two, but for now, I'll see what I can do myself.

Any ideas?

Specs: 1215B-BLK004B
E-450 APU
4GB RAM
Windows 7 64Bit

Thanks everyone!

[zeo]

If it happens even when only in the BIOS then it's definitely a hardware issue. Could be either defective RAM, over heating, or something is wrong with the motherboard.

Can also try using the system with only the battery or only the AC to see if either could be causing the problem.

[Paul Angelo]

I agree, most like a hardware issue. The question is, which one is causing it. I ruled out the possibility that it has something to do with the power source (PSU, cords, power outlet, battery).

I made a research and I found a few people experiencing almost the same issue as mine. Any more ideas?

[zeo]

Ruling out the power, leaves the RAM and any possible issue with the motherboard. The RAM is easy enough to check if you have an others to swap it with and test. While the motherboard you'll have to open the system up and see if everything is as it should be.

For over heating, it could be the fan isn't working properly and/or the heatsink may not be set properly.

For the motherboard, it could be anything form a failing component to the PCB itself being cracked. Though failing CMOS battery can sometimes cause weird behavior, but is usually coupled with the system clock randomizing and BIOS settings resetting.

There's also the possibility something got in the casing and is causing a random short.

[Paul Angelo]

I'm thinking of using an application to control the fan. I found something called eeectl. Would that work with an E-450 APU, and would it void the warranty?

[zeo]

No, Eeectl was created for the early Eee PCs and they stopped development a long time ago. You'll have to find something specifically made for AMD Fusion.

[Paul Angelo]

Thank you for the assistance zeo. Do you have any s*estions?

[zeo]

Not too many things work with the AMD Fusion chipset, usually the system provider would provide something like HP does but Asus kept it pretty basic, but you can try this...

http://code.google.c.../brazostweaker/

If not then hopefully one of the resident AMD Fusion experts will be able to s*est something better.

[Paul Angelo]

I checked the CPU temperature. The average is 90C-ish. That's too high, right? Is that normal. The only applications I have running is a browser (chrome with no addons signed-in to facebook), AVG resident shield, and the required Windows services and applications. Isn't that odd, or is it just me?

[zeo]

Yes that's way too high, no wonder your system randomly powers off.

If it's not the fan then the heatsink wasn't properly applied to conduct the heat away from the chipsets.

[Paul Angelo]

I;m just wondering, kinda off not related to EEE PC. I installed Game Booster a few months back. Does it change the CPU clock speed and ventilation fan speed as well?

Also, is there a way for me to check using a software if there's a problem with the extra DIMM that's installed?

But overall, I might as well take it to the local Service Center then. I hope the warranty is sill good.

[zeo]

Game Booster should only turn off other processes, and clear memory, to free more system resources for whatever game you're playing.

For the RAM, there's apps for testing though you'll usually have to boot off a USB... Look up Memtest and similar...

[Paul Angelo]

Got it back from the service center 2 weeks ago. The man told me something about "low power" or something, and they ended up replacing the entire motherboard.
It's working fine now, overheating is gone.
Thanks for the feedbacks zeo!