[MonsterZero]

Hi guys, as the title mentioned, I've been experiencing problems running games. My computer randomly started freezing during game play some time ago and I've been running down my options about what to do. Let me start by stating my specs.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.67 GHz
Nvidia Geforce 8800 GT 512MB
6 GB of system RAM
550W stock power supply

Drivers are all up to date, so that shouldn't be the issue. I'd long been experiencing random warnings during startup stating "System Fan has failed. Service to avoid system damage." I cleaned the computer several times and I was continuing to get the message so, foolishly, I decided to do nothing about it.

The freeze usually occurs some time after the game has started up, and it takes longer to freeze up when I set the graphics settings lower for the game. I've been monitoring my system temp and my CPU usually comes in around 50 degrees C, which seems normal, but my GPU comes in around 80-90 degrees C while simply idle. To test if the card overheating was the issue, I let the computer cool down while turned off and then started it up. I then ran StarCraft II and the computer actually never froze for the entirety of the game. My guess is it didn't have time to heat up to whatever critical temperature it is that's causing it to freeze up.

My worry is that the long term overheating of the computer has ruined my GPU, and it is now generating more heat than it is intended to. The GPU fan is running at around 30%, with 35% being default, so that shouldn't be an issue. However, I'm worried that perhaps the case fan or power supply fan is no longer working correctly and so the pc is no longer venting heat adequately.

Anyways, what would you guys suggest I go about doing in order to fix my computer? (I apologize for the long post)

 

[Markgg88]

Does that Power Supply have a brand name? If it's a no name one it's likely the cause of your freezes along with the GPU temps. 80-90c while idle is just plain bad, makes me question whether the fan is actually spinning.

 

[MonsterZero]

My mistake, the power supply is actually only 450W
It is a CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W
Here's the url to the PSU info
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Since the GPU is indeed running way too hot, what are my options? Will it need replacing? Should I look into replacing fans first to see if that cools the pc down adequately? Also, I get the feeling 450W is much too little power for my rig, but why would the power supply start causing problems now? (I've had the pc in its current state for >2 years)

 

[Markgg88]

Although Corsair PSU's are top quality, 450 w is indeed a little low for that setup, I'd want at least 550w. But for now, we need to take care of that temp issue. Check if the fan is running properly. No matter how dusty any system can get, there is no way any GPU should be hitting 90c while idle, regardless of how many fans you have.

Once this is sorted out, i'd upgrade the PSU to a 550w unit. Either stick with Corsair, or get a Seasonic-XFX core edition one.

 

[koala]

Your graphics card should be around 40C at idle, and 60-70C at full load. 30-35% fan speed is too slow. Set it to automatic or increase to 60%.

Your 450W (33A/+12V) is too low for an 8800GT. You need a good quality 550-650W with 40A/+12V minimum.

Check the fans to make sure they're all spinning (case, PSU, CPU, graphics).

Clean out any dust from the case, especially around the heatsink, fans, card slots and air intake vent.

EDIT: Sorry, Mark. We keep overlapping. I'll leave this one to you. :smile:

 

[Markgg88]

It's cool Koala, you have more experience than I do. Please jump in at any time, you're a Mod here after all! :grin:

 

[MonsterZero]

Well I just adjusted the fan speed on the GPU to 60% and that dropped the idle temps to 68 deg C. Improvement, but still way too hot.
Tomorrow I'll open it up again and see if the case fan or power supply fan isn't working correctly. Thanks so much for the feedback so far guys, hopefully I can get this figured out without dumping a whole bunch of money in the process.

 

[Markgg88]

Sounds good. Keep us posted.