Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Edan on August 04, 2008, 01:04:06 PM

Title: Computer dies during game, also sometimes freezes randomly
Post by: Edan on August 04, 2008, 01:04:06 PM

Hello, I've been having this problem for a little while now, and I figured this would be the right section to post it in (if not, please feel free to move it). This is the problem I've been having. While playing a 3D game, after a short while, one of 3 things will happen :

1. The screen goes completely black and I'm left with no choice but to restart my computer.
2. Similar to number one, except now the screen has random blocks of crazy colors all over, and I'm still left with no choice but to restart.
3. The computer saves me the trouble of having to hit the power button, and just goes ahead and instantly restarts itself (screen goes black for a sec, and then I'm on the start up screen).

And one more problem that I've chosen to separate from those 3; sometimes my computer just completely freezes and I need to restart. This happens seemingly randomly, at any time.

I suspect this has something to do with a new video card I installed recently. I've had those 3 problems a bit before, but they are occurring much more frequently with the new card, and the random freezing thing is something new. So perhaps I installed it incorrectly, or its in some way not compatible with my system? I don't know, thats why I come here to ask you guys, any ideas whats going on?

Video Card : Nvidia GeForce FX 5200
**Might be worth noting that I did not purchase this hardware, it was given to me by a friend, therefor I have no documentation or disc with it**

Misc System info :
Windows XP service pack 2
AMD Athlon XP 2.13 GHz
1.00 GB of RAM

Title: Re: Computer dies during game, also sometimes freezes randomly
Post by: patio on August 04, 2008, 01:47:15 PM

If it is a used card i would install it in another machine....same symptoms and the card is dying....

Title: Re: Computer dies during game, also sometimes freezes randomly
Post by: Edan on August 04, 2008, 06:44:39 PM

Any other ideas/suggestions?

Checking the card in another machine isn't really an option right now unfortunately.

Title: Re: Computer dies during game, also sometimes freezes randomly
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 04, 2008, 11:04:33 PM

Has this happened before? How long has it been happening?

Do you think it may be an overheating problem?

Title: Re: Computer dies during game, also sometimes freezes randomly
Post by: Fed on August 04, 2008, 11:07:29 PM

Disable windows auto re-boot on system failure.
Test your ram.
Check your device manager for any warnings.
Run dxdiag to look for problems.
Check your event viewer for any warnings.
Re-seat the card a few times to clean the contacts.
Check the game website for fixes and patches or hardware compatability problems.
Try installing the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website.
Try installing older drivers from the manufacturer's website.
Try using your old video card as a test.