kungfujoe

Games are tough on a rig, but the sudden drop in performance is odd. An FPS drop sounds like processor use is on the rise. Make sure that there aren't any processes hogging the processors when the error happens (check this by minimizing your game, which may take a sec, and then opening your task manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, selecting the processes tab, and checking the CPU and Memory usage)

If something (other than hl.exe or whatever) is majorly hogging resourses, and it isn't system, close it. If it is a system file, then post which one, and maybe we can do something from there.

If however, the game is using up that much power, then I'd recommend turning the settings down, and/or making sure that you have installed the newest patches.


You also said that the computer is getting hot. From experience, I've learned that laptops don't like games much for this reason. Laps are warm places, as are carpets. Make sure you are playing on a table or counter. Better yet, if you can find something cooled (BUT NOT WET) you could be in good shape.
I doubt the temp has anything to do with it though. As it turns out, if the PC gets too hot, it'll just turn itself off until it cools down.

Hope this helps
KFJ