Author Topic: Computer crashes during games/running videos (Read 18052 times)

monkeyboy_2008 · « **on:** December 27, 2008, 01:11:43 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 27, 2008, 01:26:20 PM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2008, 04:26:19 AM »

Quote from: patio on December 27, 2008, 01:26:20 PM

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2008, 12:19:58 AM »

the fans seem to be running

Broni · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2008, 04:50:46 PM »

Did you clean inside, using compressed air?

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

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2009, 01:13:34 AM »

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 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2009, 09:04:23 AM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2009, 03:18:53 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2009, 03:44:23 PM »

Quote from: Broni on January 01, 2009, 09:04:23 AM

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2009, 03:49:08 PM »

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2009, 05:55:49 PM »

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2009, 08:20:19 PM »

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 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 02, 2009, 08:30:48 PM »

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

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2009, 08:32:27 PM »

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

Broni · « **Reply #14 on:** January 02, 2009, 09:03:41 PM »

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

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 02, 2009, 09:30:39 PM »

Thanks a bunch! I don't know if the crashing problem is fixed yet... but I'll have to test it out sometime.

I'll be getting the paste tomorrow, so I'll apply that with my dad's help (seeing as I don't know how yet

)

I don't know exactly what the crashing problem could be... does anybody have any insight on it? I'll just recap on what happens:

The screen stops, and splits into many vertical lines, eventually the monitor turns off, causing me to restart the computer.

Any knowledge on the issue would be greatly appreciated.

Broni · « **Reply #16 on:** January 02, 2009, 09:45:10 PM »

Overheating is a very good reason for crashes, good enough reason, in fact.

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2009, 01:45:12 AM »

Okay. Now, I shouldn't have to keep an external fan on all the time XD
When I've put the thermal paste on, I'll retry the temperatures and post them again. Looking at my last temperatures, are they okay? I mean, what can really be done to bring them down even more (if needed, obviously low temps are best)? I'll put the paste on, hopefully that also makes a difference.

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2009, 02:21:04 AM »

Be careful when you are working inside of your computer. Make sure you are grounded before touching any internal components. Static electricity can fry your motherboard! If you don't have an anti-static wriststrap, then make sure you touch the metal frame and keep one arm on the frame the whole time you are working inside.

When you open it up blow it out with a can of compressed air. You can get a can at just about any department store for about three bucks. Take it outside to blow it out (the dust goes everywhere).

When you remove the heatsink, make sure you remove all of the old thermal paste. I usually use a razor blade to scrape it off.

A paper thin layer of thermal paste is all you need when you apply the new stuff. Yes, you can use too much. Make sure you get a good, even layer on the CPU and you should be good to go.

After you have done that, start your computer back up and check your temps again.

patio · « **Reply #19 on:** January 03, 2009, 09:00:33 AM »

Thermal Paste Guide

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 03, 2009, 02:16:54 PM »

Okay thanks. I do have an anti-static wriststrap, so that's okay. I'll apply the paste today, then recheck my temps.

If i've cleaned it out, and applied more paste, without the external fan running, if the temperatures are still too high, what would be your suggestions? Get more fans? I don't think my brother had any problems when he was using the computer...

patio · « **Reply #21 on:** January 03, 2009, 02:39:04 PM »

I think if you do all the above properly you will see your temps go down to where you don't need an external fan...

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 03, 2009, 11:41:48 PM »

Okay... I don't know what happened... I opened it up, brought out the CPU fan, it had some of the previous Thermal paste still on it, as well as on the chip...

I think I may have done this wrong... I left the old stuff on, and just put a new coat over the stuff on the fan, and then put the fan back in, put all the stuff back with my computer and booted it up.

I checked the temperatures again and here's what they say:

What did I do?! Should I take off all the thermal paste and reapply a thin layer??

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 04, 2009, 12:11:03 AM »

Yes. Remove the old paste first.
Did you check out Patio's link?

patio · « **Reply #24 on:** January 04, 2009, 07:05:19 AM »

I was gonna say.....

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 04, 2009, 01:36:51 PM »

Yeah I did check out the link... But I didn't know which one to choose

I'm really behind in the whole hardware aspect of things, and I need to learn more. I don't know exactly what paste I have, and what CPU core I have... I'm hopeless

The paste I have is called "MX-2" Made by Arctic Cooling (www.arctic-cooling.com)
I think that it's the "Arctic Alumina: Premium High-Density Thermal Compound", that or the Ceramique stuff...

For my CPU I don't really know... I think it's the "Arctic Alumina Instructions for a Large Single Core Intel CPU w/Heatspreader" But I don't really know for sure... I need to learn this stuff.

Thanks for all the help, and persistance with an unknowledgable guy like me $:-\$

patio · « **Reply #26 on:** January 04, 2009, 01:41:19 PM »

The instructions can be for any of those products...they come in .pdf format so if you do not have it DLoad and install Foxit reader to see them...

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 04, 2009, 01:43:28 PM »

Okay, nevermind it's an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor. I'll follow the instructions for that one.

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 04, 2009, 02:54:55 PM »

Okay, I followed the instructions, mine didn't look exactly like the one on the site, but it was close enough. I redid Temps, here they are:

I'm happy again

Another issue, that seems to have come about lately, is that my computer is really slow starting up... I don't know if that's a CPU issue, but I think I might re-image, to an image i made a little while back. Hopefully it will clean out any garbage I might have gained since.

I'll see if the game crashes at all... although if it does, it will take a little while ^_^

Thanks for all the help, and if I have any other issues I know where to go

EDIT: Oh, by the way, on SpeedFan, all of the objects should ideally have a green arrow beside them right? Do my temps look okay? Or what could I do to make everything green?

patio · « **Reply #29 on:** January 04, 2009, 03:44:18 PM »

A blue down arrow is just as good to see as a green check...

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 04, 2009, 04:10:38 PM »

Haha okay, didn't know for sure

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #31 on:** January 04, 2009, 09:57:48 PM »

Now the GPU is going up to 50C which shows a flame icon.
The Core is also going up to 50C and showing a flame icon.

I don't know if the 2 degree difference is okay... or what.
What should I do to lower these even more? I don't have the external fan running right now...

Broni · « **Reply #32 on:** January 04, 2009, 10:02:19 PM »

Normally, 50C is not a reason for a panic, yet, but your particular processor max temp is set pretty low, at 61.4C.
You may need to install an extra fan.

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 04, 2009, 10:03:54 PM »

hmm.... Okay. Thanks, I'll consider that.

Is there any settings I can change that will substitute installing another fan? I don't know if I have the money and time to get another fan right now...

Broni · « **Reply #34 on:** January 05, 2009, 09:05:42 AM »

Not really, but fans are just few bucks, and you can easily install it by yourself.

patio · « **Reply #35 on:** January 05, 2009, 09:10:34 AM »

Airflow is Cool ! !

Broni · « **Reply #36 on:** January 05, 2009, 10:42:28 AM »

Absolutely!

patio · « **Reply #37 on:** January 05, 2009, 12:10:04 PM »

Mine.

14 Years Young...

Broni · « **Reply #38 on:** January 05, 2009, 12:17:49 PM »

...still good looking...
red hair went for it?

patio · « **Reply #39 on:** January 05, 2009, 12:35:40 PM »

She hasn't seen it yet as it's been 10 degrees and snowing the last few weeks...
Some surprises are better savored...
I am however playing golf in the local Chili open...beer and chili and fun times had by all !

Broni · « **Reply #40 on:** January 05, 2009, 12:55:50 PM »

I'm not a golfer, so you'll have to explain to me, how you play golf on snow, at 10F

patio · « **Reply #41 on:** January 05, 2009, 01:13:27 PM »

Carefully and with orange balls.
There are cut squares of astroturf we hit each shot off of...
You really need to try it.

Broni · « **Reply #42 on:** January 05, 2009, 01:29:47 PM »

No wonder, you have orange balls at 10F

patio · « **Reply #43 on:** January 05, 2009, 02:00:32 PM »

I was the dubious winner of most lost balls award last year...
Some players used regular white ones while i also saw pink...and green.
Of course last year it was Sunny and 28f with little snow.

Thank goodness it's only 9 holes or we'd never get out of there.
It's truly a hoot and just a bunch of fun lovin people, libations and great food for a day.
Wouldn't miss it.
Proceeds go to Charity BTW...

Broni · « **Reply #44 on:** January 05, 2009, 02:05:52 PM »

That's nice.
Maybe we can exchange ski/golf lessons one day........in Mammoth...LOL

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #45 on:** January 05, 2009, 07:05:21 PM »

Haha you guys are hilarious.

If I were to get an extra fan, would I just like mount it to the casing somewhere or something?

Broni · « **Reply #46 on:** January 05, 2009, 07:18:43 PM »

Look at the back of your computer. You may find an empty screen, ready for installing extra fan.

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #47 on:** January 05, 2009, 07:26:10 PM »

Haha, I looked, and I've already got a fan there XD

patio · « **Reply #48 on:** January 05, 2009, 08:03:11 PM »

Post some pics of your case...

Broni · « **Reply #49 on:** January 05, 2009, 08:19:24 PM »

Here you go...

patio · « **Reply #50 on:** January 05, 2009, 09:17:18 PM »

Plenty of room for fans...

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #51 on:** January 10, 2009, 06:17:15 PM »

I'm not able to get any pics up right now, seeing as I don't have access to a camera of any sort... but I'm just wondering...

My computer has been going really slow ever since I messed around with the insides.
I don't think/know if I touched anything and messed it up, but my computer has not been responding normally.

It is going ridiculously slow; slower than normal, and definitely slower than it should be with my specs. I even reformatted, because of it being so slow, and it still seems to have a problem. I don't know what the problem could be, but I'd really like to sort it out.

any ideas?

JJ 3000 · « **Reply #52 on:** January 11, 2009, 09:35:33 PM »

You may have unseated one of your memory modules.
Right Click on My Computer and select properties. How much memory is listed there? If the memory count doesn't look right, reseat your RAM.

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #53 on:** January 13, 2009, 01:10:48 AM »

Yeah, I took out some of the hardware, and just put it back in, it's fine now.

OMG, Everytime I fix something, something else comes back...

Now SpeedFan says my CPU temp is 90, when a couple days ago it said like 36 or something... hmm, will I have to re-apply the paste, when I did it just last week?

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #54 on:** January 13, 2009, 07:44:50 PM »

Okay... now the temp says it's at like 38 degrees, so maybe it was just a glitch or something, that was yesterday, and I've turned off my computer since then.

Broni · « **Reply #55 on:** January 13, 2009, 07:48:42 PM »

How is computer doing overall?

monkeyboy_2008 · « **Reply #56 on:** January 13, 2009, 10:00:04 PM »

Pretty good. It's doing fine right now. I'm gonna take some pics of the case soon and post them, see if I can fit a fan anywhere XD

Broni · « **Reply #57 on:** January 13, 2009, 10:11:52 PM »

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Author Topic: Computer crashes during games/running videos (Read 18052 times)

monkeyboy_2008

patio

monkeyboy_2008

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

Napean

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

scarbane

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

monkeyboy_2008

JJ 3000

patio

monkeyboy_2008

patio

monkeyboy_2008

JJ 3000

patio

monkeyboy_2008

patio

monkeyboy_2008

monkeyboy_2008

patio

monkeyboy_2008

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

patio

Broni

patio

Broni

patio

Broni

patio

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patio

Broni

monkeyboy_2008

Broni

monkeyboy_2008

patio

Broni

patio

monkeyboy_2008

JJ 3000

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Broni