Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: X the Eliminator on September 22, 2008, 06:52:43 PM

Title: PC Frustration
Post by: X the Eliminator on September 22, 2008, 06:52:43 PM
Ok, let me start by saying, thank you all for at least reading this. My problem is both confusing and annoying.
My pc is acting strangely. About a month ago, my computer started acting up. Every time, I would attempt to play anything(games on steam) on it, the monitor would power off, but computer would still be running.
The monitor displays the same thing as if my computer were off/disconnected, thing is, is the computer is still running. I can hear all of the sounds as if it were on, but no picture.
Immediately, i thought graphics card update. I scanned it, and believe it or not, i did need an update. After the update though, it was still happening. I then thought, monitor. I hooked up another monitor, and same thing. Then it became increasingly worse to where if i had anymore than two windows up, it would overload the graphics card, and do the same. Then it was a process of trial and error, on and off, for it to even be used.
I thought i had some huge major virus, or something, so i re staged my computer.Still happening. Not as frequent, but still. I am a gamer, and its killing me not to play anything. So if any of you kind readers know what my problem could be, please help.

Thanks so much. 8)
X
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: computeruler on September 22, 2008, 07:41:33 PM
sounds like it may be overheating of your graphics card im guesing you dont have onboard graphics scence your a gamer? download speedfan http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php and tell us the temps also what are your computer specs?
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: Broni on September 22, 2008, 08:03:40 PM
Very good diagnosis, computeruler :)
BTW,  what is this:
Quote
i re staged my computer
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: X the Eliminator on September 22, 2008, 09:07:16 PM
Ok, speedfan acquired.
I have a vpr Matrix custom pc.
-Pentium 4
-512MB Ram
-Microsoft windows XP home edition OS
-1.99GHz
-Radeon 9250 ATI Graphics Card

Speedfan Readings:
Local Temperature at 36C
Remote at 35C

"Restaging" my computer; completely wiping it, re-installing all drivers, programs, hardware, etc.
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: Broni on September 22, 2008, 09:12:07 PM
Speedfan should show something like this:

[Saving space - attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: Broni on September 22, 2008, 09:12:59 PM
Also, you should start some game, and watch those temps.
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: X the Eliminator on September 22, 2008, 09:20:25 PM
Yeah, thats what mine was. Only Local and Remote. I guess i only have two fans... And i cant start a game and read them, because if  i try, my monitor will go blank.

Both have the blue arrow.
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: X the Eliminator on September 22, 2008, 09:23:09 PM
Looking now to the left, i notice it lists your fans, and their speed. Fan two is not running.(i.e. Fan2: 0 RPM)
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: Broni on September 22, 2008, 09:26:08 PM
Is this 256MB video card version?

Shut down computer, and clean it well inside, using compressed air. Clean fans, as well.
Leave the case open, turn computer on, and see, if all fans are running.
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: X the Eliminator on September 22, 2008, 09:29:34 PM
Yes, it is the 256.
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: computeruler on September 23, 2008, 02:46:12 PM
when you clean it make shure to put some like twisty ties or weed wacker wire in ALL the fans well mabye not the graphics card fan cause i dont think that would work so well
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: X the Eliminator on September 23, 2008, 08:50:54 PM
Alright! I moved my sound card away from my graphics card, to give it room to breathe, and i also wiped it clean in there. I was able to play a game, and now im happy. Thank you guys so much, i couldnt ever repay you.
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: Broni on September 23, 2008, 08:53:57 PM
I'm glad, it worked :)
Another proof what dirty computer can NOT do.
Title: Re: PC Frustration
Post by: computeruler on September 24, 2008, 03:09:54 PM
yay!! im glad to hear you got it working!!