Computer Freezes when Running Games

[fightcancer]

When I launch games like Brigade E5 or Eve Online, my PC will occasionally freeze. Then I can't do ANYTHING but hit reset. After the first freeze, the PC will freeze again shortly after loggin into XP. The PC will continue to freeze repeatedly until I power down, move the pin on my motherboard over one couplet to reset the CMOS, move the pin back to the default couplet, and start up again.

That's the problem and it seems to occur weekly.

Any suggestions on which part(s) of my PC I should start ordering replacements for would be appreciated.

 

[Mr Pepper]

Sounds like bad mojo baby


*edit*

I feel for ya though
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1975883&enterthread=y

 

[blackrod]

blackrod suggests that fightcancer first tests each part one by one if fightcancer has another computer to swap parts with.

 

[imported_GreenGoose]

It sounds like RAM to me. I would check that first.

 

[xitshsif]

Video card overheating?

 

[DLM]

It sounds like RAM to me. I would check that first.

I agree.

 

[Gautama2]

Originally posted by: blackrod
blackrod suggests that fightcancer first tests each part one by one if fightcancer has another computer to swap parts with.

Ugh you and your third person responses! Your driving me nuts!




Mobo or ram is most likely culprit. Possibley a crappy power supply.

 

[fightcancer]

I downloaded, ran Microsoft's memory diagnostic utility. All 6 tests passed fine. So I think it may be my mobo.

Since I first bought this Asus A7V133 RAID (KT133A), it would never store the BIOS settings. Every time I'd Shut Down and power off I'd have to redo the BIOS. (I even changed the mobo battery.) Also, the fan on that comes on the mobo (chipset maybe?) stopped rotating and I took it off. See a pic of this mobo here.
http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=1417&p=2

The fan I'm referring to is the one just south of the CPU. The fan used to attach to the black heatsink, and the HS doesn't get too hot to touch. I wonder if it's overheating or something.

If so, where would I get a replacement fan please? I don't even know what to call that fan.

Thanks for all the ideas so far!

 

[Ruptga]

That's your northbridge fan, and I notice you have a socket A board, which means you have a K7, which means your memory controller is in your northbridge, so it shouldn't be surprising that everyone's saying it sounds like a mobo or memory problem.

The northbridge is the CPU's link to the rest of the system, like the comptuer's neck. Anyway, it'll give you stability issues if it's overheating. Even if the computer isn't overclocked, it's very likely that you need that fan, or at least a more efficient heatsink.

Google 'chipset cooler' or 'northbridge cooler' and I'm sure you'll find something. I wish I could recommend a brand, but I don't have any experience with chipset coolers. Read on though, I know someone around here does.

In the mean time, try taking the cover off your case.

 

[Cogman]

My bet is overheating. the only other thing would be PSU. If its freezing when using demanding software it is usually Overheating (Ram will give you diffrent errors if it is corrupt)

 

[DLM]

Originally posted by: Cogman
My bet is overheating. the only other thing would be PSU. If its freezing when using demanding software it is usually Overheating (Ram will give you diffrent errors if it is corrupt)

Why didn't you say this in the OP?, It's gotta be the NorthBridge overheating, that's why it came with a 40mm fan because passive or no heatsink wouldn't cut it.

 

[fightcancer]

It didn't occur to me at the time.

My mobo is actually an Abit KR7A RAID. See the picture here.
http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/products.php?categories=1&model=87

Can I buy any 40mm fan or does it have to fit this exact mobo? I think I have some Arctic Silver stuff that mixes together to form a permanent bond.

 

[DLM]

Sorry if i sounded like i was scolding you. Check your PM for a link.