Games crashing

[woolykev]

uuuuh, well hi, I'm new here too, and I just joined because I was reading this and I think I have a similar problem (if not even the same): My computer freezes randomly ( ONLY) when playing games in fullscreen mode. It just stops responding (1), freezes as in a screenshot (2), and doesn't make any sounds any more (e.g. music) (3). The only way to get out of the freeze is by restarting the computer, and that can be quite frustrating if it's a game (like SimCity 4 or C&C: Generals) that doesn't autosave. But, I found out that it only happens in fullscreen mode:
*if I play C&C: Shockwave (a mod for Generals) in windowed mode, it doesn't freeze
*Yesterday I played Flight Simulator 2004 in normal mode, it froze after 30 minutes; I restarted the computer, played it in windowed mode, it didn't freeze even after 3 hours

Here's my setup:
2GB DDRII RAM
Pentium D Presler 945 CPU (3.4 GHz, 65 nm, dual core)
200GB HDD
nVidia GeForce 7600GS
Realtek Audio Card (I don't know more about it)
ASRock Motherboard

It hasn't always been freezing; when it was new it never froze.
I'd like to tell you the temperature and voltage specs, but I don't know how to get them. Do I need to measure them manually (as in opening the computer while it's running????)?
Thanks for any help!

[woolykev]

Originally Posted by Jack.Sparrow

http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php - PC wizard can be used to get the required information.

ooooops yes I know I forgot to read that sorry my problem
I'll check that out and then post the results.....

And here are the results:
Monitoring Chip : Winbond W83697HF
Current CPU : 1.18 V
+3.3V Current : 3.25 V
+5V Current : 5.11 V
+12V Current : 11.25 V
CPU Fan : 2163 rpm
CPU Temperature : 51.5 °C
Mainboard Temperature : 41 °C
:
Video Monitoring : nVidia Driver
GPU Temperature : 61 °C
:
Hard Disk Monitoring : S.M.A.R.T
HDD SAMSUNG SP2004C : 37 °C

Oh yeah the PC has been running for about 6 hours today, maybe I should turn it off and then check the temps again (I mean after letting it cool off for 2 or 3 hours)?

[Jack.Sparrow]

Hi woolykev, welcome to TSF.

Those voltages you posted, were they at idle or while playing the games? It appears you have a dying power supply as well. (The +12v reading is a little low). Also, if those are idle temperatures, they may also be a little high.

Could you open your case up and post the details on the PSU label (How many watts it is and the amps on the 12v line). While the case it open, it might also be worthwhile to have a look around for dust on the heat sinks and fans and clean it.

Also, if possible, try borrowing a PSU from a friend to see if it makes a difference. (Something around 500 watts should be ok to test)

[woolykev]

Thanks. I'll open it now or tomorrow (it's 11:30 pm here). I also thought that the temperatures were quite high, but I don't know what to do..
Anyway, here are the Voltages and temperatures 10 minutes after turning it on:
Chip : Winbond W83697HF
Voltage of CPU : 1.20 V
+3.3V Voltage : 3.25 V
+5V Voltage : 5.13 V
+12V Voltage : 11.25 V
Cooling fan : 2220 rpm
CPU temperature : 45.5 °C
Mainboard Temperature : 34 °C
:
Video Monitoring : nVidia Driver
GPU Temperature : 51 °C
:
Hard Disk Monitoring : S.M.A.R.T
HDD SAMSUNG SP2004C : 25 °C

I'll try to get a PSU soon, but I don't know from who....

[Aus_Karlos]

If the voltages are low and the temps are high this does indicate a dying PSU..
Also make sure you have cleaned out the dust inside the case. Use a can of compressed air if you have one.

[woolykev]

Well I opened it and there was dust everywhere (just as I had actually expected), and the PSU seems to have an overall wattage of 400 W (not enough!). I couldn't clean it yet, but I'll try to do so soon, but why should I use compressed air? Can I use a vacuum cleaner too?
Thanks for your replies!

[koala]

Some people use vacuum cleaners, but they can create static which is not good for your electrical parts.

Compressed air gives a more accurate and controlled blast of air around the sensitive components, and does a better job than a vacuum cleaner. Pay particular attention to the areas around the heatsink, fans and card slots. If your case door or side panel has a removable air filter, take it out and clean it.

Your +12V reading is below spec. It should be between 11.4 and 12.6V, both at idle in BIOS and under stress from a 3D fullscreen game. This powers the graphics card and is a known cause for your problem.

What are the full details listed on the PSU label? Make/model, total watts, amps for +12V

Is your 7600GS AGP or PCIE?