Old pc freeze problem

[GrunclePug69]

Hello, I have my main gaming rig but have an old pc I got for free that I plan on using for school and research as to not clog up my new pc. It's the hp pavilion a6434f. Core 2 duo e4600. It runs slow (expected) but then out of no where it freezes and wont do anything. Sometimes I can move my mouse but that's all. Can't click or anything. Any ideas? I'm thinking cpu overheat? I have some enermax thermal paste but if that's not it I'd rather not use it. I came with Vista but has windows 7 ultimate which I don't think has a proper activated key. Also if I get it running properly would it work for mild sodescroller/indie titles (8bitmmo, rotmg, etc) thanks

[Windows7ge]

That behavior could be a number of things. I'd check the HDD first. Try another drive. Different OS. See how it behaves.

Then try a different PSU.

Swamp out the RAM.

Remove any unnecessary expansion cards.

Maybe not in that exact order of testing but it's some things to try.

 

If you can find a small form factor graphics card. One that draws so little power that the motherboard supplies enough. Then a dual core CPU and that GPU will probably scream through side scrollers and low graphic indie games. 

[GrunclePug69]

11 minutes ago, Windows7ge said:

That behavior could be a number of things. I'd check the HDD first. Try another drive. Different OS. See how it behaves.

Then try a different PSU.

Swamp out the RAM.

Remove any unnecessary expansion cards.

Maybe not in that exact order of testing but it's some things to try.

 

If you can find a small form factor graphics card. One that draws so little power that the motherboard supplies enough. Then a dual core CPU and that GPU will probably scream through side scrollers and low graphic indie games. 

Okay thanks. I think the ram was seated wrong. Seems to be working. It has the nvidia 8500 gt. Gotta find my wireless adapter then I can do a couple tests. Also what chipset is the core 2 duo? And what's the highest end gpu for that cpu? Cuz there's no point in me buying something like a 460 for this (I don't think.) Only 3gb ram so that's gonna need upgrade. I have windows 10 I can install too. And it's 32bit right now but can't I just make it 64 bit with 64 bit windows?

 

[asand1]

An old C2D machine is just the right vintage to have blown capacitors on the VRMs. Look around the CPU for bulging or leaking capacitors. as well, look at the GPU for the same.