Stuttering/crashing when running games

GordonNeedsHelp · 07-03-2005, 08:48 PM

Installed a New MoBo/CPU and RAM recently. After some initial problems, I got everything working ok. I can surf, e-mail and run simple programs without a problem. However, when I run games or other memory/graphics intensive programs, it will run fine for about 5 minutes then start freezing up. At first it will freeze for 15 seconds then work again. The longer I play, the shorter the interval between freezes and eventually, it locks up altogether.

Here is my system:

ASUS P5P800 mobo (LGA775 socket) (Latest BIOS upgrade)
Intel 3.2 GHZ P4 proc w/ HT
1 GB DDR 2700 RAM on one stick installed in the blue slot (Corsair brand)
GeForce4 4600ti graphics card with latest drivers (Dated 6/22/05)
Memorex DVD burner
Sony CD burner
Floppy Drive
Sound Blaster Live Card - Platinum Edition
Linksys wireless Ethernet card
RealMagic DVD decoder card

First thing I did was re-install XP and a couple games (WOW and Doom3) --Didn't work
Then I upgraded my Power Supply from a cheesy 300 watter to a new Antec Neo 480 watt PSU---Didn't work.

Now I am thinking I have a heat dissipation problem or perhaps something to do with the RAM I have in there.

I have a total of 6 fans. 1 fan on the GPU, 1 on the CPU, 1 on the PSU, 3 case fans and they all work fine from what I can tell.

I didn't put the CPU on myself so, I can't be absolutly sure the thermal compound is up to par. I really would hate to mess with that if I can possibly avoid it.

Any guesses besides the 2 mentioned above that could cause this? And how can I pinpoint whats up?

Have a happy 4th and enjoy your BBQs ;)

Thanks-
Gordon

**UncleMacro** · 07-04-2005, 12:05 AM

That sure sounds like an overheating problem but it's hard to be sure. The first thing I'd do is run MemTest86 to test your RAM. Then I'd run Prime95 as described here to make sure your CPU is okay when heavily stressed. While you're running Prime95, fire up ThrottleWatch to make sure that your CPU isn't getting so hot that the thermal throttling kicks in. If your CPU can run Prime95 without thermal throttling kicking in then your CPU is not overheating.

You could also trying running a game with the case open and aim a desk fan at the Ti4600. If it runs longer before cracking up then it may be overheating (although the desk fan tends to cool other things down too). If the fan makes things better than something is overheating.

GordonNeedsHelp · 07-05-2005, 05:03 PM

Ran Mem Test and Prime 95 for over 13 hours each since yesterday. Both tests passed with no errors or warnings. Ran Throttle watch while running Prime95 and got no throttles or warnings. Guess that leaves the GPU as the most likely culprit. Going to try and install an older card I have and see if the games lock up again.

Was going to replace the card anyway once I got everything squared away so, maybe this gives me an even better excuse to drop 4 bills on a new card.

Thanks a lot.
-Gordon

GordonNeedsHelp · 07-06-2005, 07:30 PM

Tried aiming a window fan at my GPU while running Doom3. Game ran without a hitch for a full 2 hours of run and gun. Also noticed one of my case fans (output fan below PSU) was off. I flicked it with my finger and it spun for awhile but, eventually turned off again. Guess that could have been the problem all along. Going to replace that sucker and try it without the window fan tomorrow.

Thanks again for the help UncleMacro.

Be cool. (cheesy pun intended)

-Gordon

07-03-2005, 08:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
GordonNeedsHelp Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 13 OS: XP	Stuttering/crashing when running games Installed a New MoBo/CPU and RAM recently. After some initial problems, I got everything working ok. I can surf, e-mail and run simple programs without a problem. However, when I run games or other memory/graphics intensive programs, it will run fine for about 5 minutes then start freezing up. At first it will freeze for 15 seconds then work again. The longer I play, the shorter the interval between freezes and eventually, it locks up altogether. Here is my system: ASUS P5P800 mobo (LGA775 socket) (Latest BIOS upgrade) Intel 3.2 GHZ P4 proc w/ HT 1 GB DDR 2700 RAM on one stick installed in the blue slot (Corsair brand) GeForce4 4600ti graphics card with latest drivers (Dated 6/22/05) Memorex DVD burner Sony CD burner Floppy Drive Sound Blaster Live Card - Platinum Edition Linksys wireless Ethernet card RealMagic DVD decoder card First thing I did was re-install XP and a couple games (WOW and Doom3) --Didn't work Then I upgraded my Power Supply from a cheesy 300 watter to a new Antec Neo 480 watt PSU---Didn't work. Now I am thinking I have a heat dissipation problem or perhaps something to do with the RAM I have in there. I have a total of 6 fans. 1 fan on the GPU, 1 on the CPU, 1 on the PSU, 3 case fans and they all work fine from what I can tell. I didn't put the CPU on myself so, I can't be absolutly sure the thermal compound is up to par. I really would hate to mess with that if I can possibly avoid it. Any guesses besides the 2 mentioned above that could cause this? And how can I pinpoint whats up? Have a happy 4th and enjoy your BBQs ;) Thanks- Gordon

07-04-2005, 12:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
UncleMacro Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,127 OS: Vista SP1 My System	That sure sounds like an overheating problem but it's hard to be sure. The first thing I'd do is run MemTest86 to test your RAM. Then I'd run Prime95 as described here to make sure your CPU is okay when heavily stressed. While you're running Prime95, fire up ThrottleWatch to make sure that your CPU isn't getting so hot that the thermal throttling kicks in. If your CPU can run Prime95 without thermal throttling kicking in then your CPU is not overheating. You could also trying running a game with the case open and aim a desk fan at the Ti4600. If it runs longer before cracking up then it may be overheating (although the desk fan tends to cool other things down too). If the fan makes things better than something is overheating. __________________

07-05-2005, 05:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
GordonNeedsHelp Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 13 OS: XP	Ran Mem Test and Prime 95 for over 13 hours each since yesterday. Both tests passed with no errors or warnings. Ran Throttle watch while running Prime95 and got no throttles or warnings. Guess that leaves the GPU as the most likely culprit. Going to try and install an older card I have and see if the games lock up again. Was going to replace the card anyway once I got everything squared away so, maybe this gives me an even better excuse to drop 4 bills on a new card. Thanks a lot. -Gordon

07-06-2005, 07:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
GordonNeedsHelp Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 13 OS: XP	Tried aiming a window fan at my GPU while running Doom3. Game ran without a hitch for a full 2 hours of run and gun. Also noticed one of my case fans (output fan below PSU) was off. I flicked it with my finger and it spun for awhile but, eventually turned off again. Guess that could have been the problem all along. Going to replace that sucker and try it without the window fan tomorrow. Thanks again for the help UncleMacro. Be cool. (cheesy pun intended) -Gordon