Computer crashes during games/running videos

[monkeyboy_2008]

Hi,

my computer crashes when I play games and run videos. It doesn't crash every single time, but if i've been playing for a while, or watching video's for a while, it usually crashes.

The screen stops, and splits into a bunch of vertical lines going across the screen. Eventually it turns black, and I have to reset my computer.

My computer specs:

• Windows XP Media Center Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 3
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU  6300 @ 1.86GHz
• 1.86GHz, 2.93GB of RAM
• 280GB hard drive, split into 80GB System partition, 200GB other partition
• NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS Video Card
• SoundMAX HD Audio Sound Card
• Shield Deluxe Antivirus
• Real Windows CD

I don't know the problem; I know I need to clean out my computer pretty soon, I don't know if that is causing the problem, if it is... then I know what to do

Otherwise, I don't have any idea. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Monkeyboy_2008

[patio]

How much free space is on C: the 80G partition ? ?
Also your RAM specs don't make sense...where are you getting them from ? ?

Also have you removed a side panel to make sure the vid card fan is running properly ? ?

[monkeyboy_2008]

How much free space is on C: the 80G partition ? ?
Also your RAM specs don't make sense...where are you getting them from ? ?

Also have you removed a side panel to make sure the vid card fan is running properly ? ?

Free space on C: = 51.4GB (out of 67.4GB b/c of system files and stuff)

I was just looking at the windows properties for RAM.
I ran dxdiag, and the memory said "3008MB RAM"

No, I haven't removed the side yet to check it or clean it... I need some compressed air XD

[monkeyboy_2008]

the fans seem to be running

[Broni]

Did you clean inside, using compressed air?

Download, and install SpeedFan: http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php
Post your computer temperatures:

[monkeyboy_2008]

No... I haven't been able to clean out. I don't have compressed air. 

Here's the temperatures:



I think some are a bit hot XD

[Broni]

Stop using your computer until the issue is resolved!
Your CPU temps are reaching 70C, and your processor max temps are listed at 61.4C!!

[Napean]

I'm kind of surprised your computer hasn't shut down automatically (mine did when it overheated).
For a temporary fix you might want to try an external fan, like an oscillating fan, and have it blow on your computer.  The only drawbacks are accelerated dust accumulation (potentially) and the size and noise of the fan.
The screen shot showed your fan speeds at 100%, but with no RPMs; are the fans actually running?

[monkeyboy_2008]

Stop using your computer until the issue is resolved!
Your CPU temps are reaching 70C, and your processor max temps are listed at 61.4C!!

I'm scared for my computer now 

I can't stop using it... I need it 

What do I need to do exactly to bring down these temperatures to safe levels??

EDIT: @Napean = Okay, I'll get a fan on there right away. I'm pretty sure the fans are running. I took off the side, and I held my hands close to all the fans, and I felt air blowing... How do I fix this problem 

[Broni]

If you keep running it with those temps, sooner, or later, you'll lose the computer for good!
Turn computer off. Open the case. Clean inside, using compressed air (do NOT use vacuum cleaner!).
With case open, turn it on, see, if all fans are running.
Check temps again.
Put hose fan, next to it, and see, if it helps to bring temps down.
Reapply thermal paste.

[scarbane]

   Just asking, Is it overclocked ?? I asked for you mentioned you game with it and some gamers overclock the system. If it is, you need more fans.

[monkeyboy_2008]

I don't think it's overclocked. I got it from my brother, and I'm pretty sure he didn't overclock it. I don't know a lot about hardware... I'm taking a course right now, where I'll learn some stuff, but right now I need some experience 

I'm getting some Heatsinc paste or whatever tomorrow, so I'll put some on.


EDIT: I cleaned my computer, and I'm currently running an external fan, blowing onto my computer. I re-did temperatures. Here they are:



I think it's quite a difference 

[Broni]

What about all those other steps, I mentioned in my previous reply?

[monkeyboy_2008]

I cleaned it, I checked all the fans (they are running), and I need to get some thermal Paste

[Broni]

Very good. I didn't see your previous post, when I replied, and I can see, cleaning, and an extra fan helped a lot.
Temps look pretty good.
Get that paste, and we'll be waiting for you here