Computer basically shuts off when playing CS and BF1942

[OREOSpeedwagon]

It normally does this when I'm playing CS but has a few times when playing BF1942. The computer will still be running, but the game will freeze for a few minutes and then the monitor shows that "This message means your monitor is working correctly" like it displays when the computer is off but the monitor is on. I don't know if it's a video card issue (Radeon 9800pro 128mb 256bit) or what, but the only thing I can do when this happens is restart the computer.

Any help will be appreciated, thanks

 

[montag451]

have you got any other progs running in the background?

what psu are you using?

how many sticks of RAM have you got, and what are they?

Lots more details pls

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

i've had zonealarm running in the background the whole time this has happened (since about a month after I built my computer) and recently have had winamp running playing music in the background to listen to while i'm playing.

i can't find the paper that came with my case from newegg that had all the info on it but on the PSU it says 200W/330W.

512mb Corsair, it was what was recommended in that RAM guide thread that was in GH I believe.

 

[montag451]

I think that that 200/330w means that it is happy to give you 200w, and if you beat it with a stick, you might get 330w.
Your Radeon itself will be using up a large percentage of that 200w, [probably about 30%].
Definitely, if this psu is a 200w, definitely definitely get a more powerful psu.

Look for Antec, or a named brand [i would probably avoid Enermax for the time being - lots of posts concerning them recently].
A psu doesn't just supply power, it also takes hits from surges that otherwise will be passed down into your system. VERY important

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

ahh, that would explain why this only happens when the Radeon is using the most power. What kind of wattage would you recommend for a new power supply?

 

[montag451]

More the brand than the wattage.

I was recently looking at a Tagan 480w that tickled my fancy

3 yr warranty!!

Or a well known brand - Antec for instance

 

[montag451]

Sorry,
Just found this while i was dribbling, and havent had a chance to read it yet

http://www.hardwarezoom.com/vi...ntent.jsp?ReviewID=186

 

[imported_jzimo]

I got an Aspire psu for $60. Has 500watts and can do 34amps on the 12v rail which is very good.

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

would 350W-400W Antec work alright do you think?

btw thanks a lot for the help man, I really appreciate it

 

[imported_jzimo]

Antec makes good psu from what people tell me but I belive your paying $60 too much because it has antec on the psu. I decided to save $60 and get the aspire which I have been very happy with. To anwser your question a 400w antec would work.

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

how does this one look?

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-148-009&depa=0

 

[imported_jzimo]

Looks good to me.

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

looks like all good reviews to me. I guess that's the one I'll go with. thanks for all the help!

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

I ended up ordering this 500W Aspire PSU and LANed all night Friday night with no troubles! Thanks for the help guys