Problem with 3-D video games locking up computer

BuddyLee · 04-03-2005, 11:16 PM

Specs
ATHLON 64 3000+CPU
WD 80GB 7200RPM 8MB SPECIAL
512MB PC3200
ABIT AV8 939PIN VIA K8T800 MB
RADEON 9600XT 256MB AGP8X
350W power supply

Brand new computer just purchased one week ago from cyberpower systems, and I am having problems with 3-D videogames locking up during game play. The computer locks up bad enought that I have to hit the manual restart button. I have the latest direct x drivers as well as catalyst drivers for the videocard.

Can someone please help me thanks.

Call of Duty in 1024x768

**UncleMacro** · 04-03-2005, 11:51 PM

There are a whole lot of different things to try but first on the list should be using SMARTGART to slow down your AGP port from 8X to 4X and disabling fast writes if necessary (thorough instructions are here).

Your machine is new and so probably doesn't have driver problems, but if the AGP slowdown doesn't work you should probably install motherboard chipset drivers from here. You could also make sure that your catalysts are installed properly by uninstalling them, booting into safe mode and running DriverCleaner and then reinstalling Catalyst 5.3 downloaded from ATI.

dai · 04-04-2005, 01:05 AM

i think it would have been a good idea to have paid the extra for the upgraded power supply options that they offer, 350w is on the low side these days and looks generic from the amount of dollars they ask for to upgrade
look at the label on the side of the p/s and post the brand and the watts each line puts out

04-03-2005, 11:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
BuddyLee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3 OS: Xp	Problem with 3-D video games locking up computer Specs ATHLON 64 3000+CPU WD 80GB 7200RPM 8MB SPECIAL 512MB PC3200 ABIT AV8 939PIN VIA K8T800 MB RADEON 9600XT 256MB AGP8X 350W power supply Brand new computer just purchased one week ago from cyberpower systems, and I am having problems with 3-D videogames locking up during game play. The computer locks up bad enought that I have to hit the manual restart button. I have the latest direct x drivers as well as catalyst drivers for the videocard. Can someone please help me thanks. Call of Duty in 1024x768

04-03-2005, 11:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
UncleMacro TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,133 OS: Vista SP1 My System	There are a whole lot of different things to try but first on the list should be using SMARTGART to slow down your AGP port from 8X to 4X and disabling fast writes if necessary (thorough instructions are here). Your machine is new and so probably doesn't have driver problems, but if the AGP slowdown doesn't work you should probably install motherboard chipset drivers from here. You could also make sure that your catalysts are installed properly by uninstalling them, booting into safe mode and running DriverCleaner and then reinstalling Catalyst 5.3 downloaded from ATI.

04-04-2005, 01:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,763 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	i think it would have been a good idea to have paid the extra for the upgraded power supply options that they offer, 350w is on the low side these days and looks generic from the amount of dollars they ask for to upgrade look at the label on the side of the p/s and post the brand and the watts each line puts out