Computer can't play some games

[GJK]

Thanks in advance for any tips,

When playing some games (mostly newer ones at that), my system will freeze in play. It doesn't happen until I've been playing for 10+ minutes at times and not at startup (ie, when the game goes to 3d mode). I have 2 harddrives that I swap out as my C drive, one with Win98SE and the other with Win2k. It happens the same way with both.

I've grabbed the latest drivers for video, sound and flashed the bios. The latter seemed to let me play a couple of minutes longer.

I just bumped up the system to 512mb RAM, and it still occurs, but again I seemed to be able to stay in game just a bit longer.

System specs:
PIII 450mhz (genuine Intel)
512mb RAM
plenty of drive space on both drives containing the OS
Radeon VE video
Sound Blaster "Live" 5

When the game crashes, it doesn't crash to desktop, but freezes "in game" often with the sound echoeing. I have tried swapping sound cards, I have an older Monster sound 3d that is supported in Win98 only, and the game crashes the same way under that configuration.

This has just become an issue, under "newer" games. Is my 450mhz just under powered? I am able to play several other games in 3d mode without this problem.

Any tips on what else I might try are appreciated.

GK

 

[DAPUNISHER]

It could be heat related since it happens when the system is under heavy load for awhile, what are your temps like idle and heavy load? If the heat isn't a problem you may need to tweak your bios settings, I would start with fail-safe defaults to see if it stabilizes and bump up the CPU vcore if your board/bios supports it. Let me know how it's going.

 

[GJK]

Thanks for the reply DaP...

I agree, it seems that it would be an overheating issue, that's what I would diagnose as well. However, MBM (latest) is reporting my chip sensor running at 89 degrees F. I set the alarm to go off if it runs over 100, which is very realistic. I just downloaded and installed this per your suggestion by the way, but I have monitored the heating before from CMOS thinking the same thing. Anyways, I just played 30 minutes of Silent Hunter II, the longest I've ever been able to play that game, and it only concluded because I was sunk. However, I rebooted and shut down all running apps, saw my CPU temp at 83 degrees this time and then started "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" and it didn't get through the into (as it sometimes does) before locking the system. No heat alarm ever went off.

Strange thing too, It may lock if I'm using the mouse or just sitting there reading the game manual...no activiity. Really seems like a heat issue, but the sensors say not. Maybe the video card or sound card themselves are overheating?

Again, this only happens with newer games (probably an obvious indication that I'm underpowered). I can run Tribes, Quake 3, PGA Tour 2000, Stronghold, No One Lives Forever ok, but if I try and play Max Payne, Silent Hunter II, Wolfenstein (latest) it locks eventually.

I haven't tried to play some of the "semi" latest games lately (NOLF for example) guess I might try and see if the issue is new to those as well.

Thanks again for the interest and any hints,
GJK

 

[Mitzi]

Possibly a heat issue, to rule out heat try taking the side panel off your case and run the game.

After turning the machine on, take a look inside the case and make sure all your fans are working (especially the one of the processor). If all the fans are still working and the PC still crashes then I would say heat is not to blame - if it doesn't crash with the side panels off then you need to look at getting some case fans etc.

Good luck.

 

[KGB]

Which Monster sound card are you using?
Which drivers are you running for it?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

<< Again, this only happens with newer games (probably an obvious indication that I'm underpowered). I can run Tribes, Quake 3, PGA Tour 2000, Stronghold, No One Lives Forever ok, but if I try and play Max Payne, Silent Hunter II, Wolfenstein (latest) it locks eventually. >>


That is quite possible, what are the recommended(not minimum) system requirements for RTCW and Max Payne? I doubt if your temp readings are that inaccurate but try Mitzi's suggestion to eliminate it from the mix. Also, did you tweak the bios settings to see if that helped? Anyways, I believe your "underpowered" thinking is sound and you may just need an upgrade. Keep us in the loop

 

[GJK]

Thanks everyone who has responded so far.

I have had the side cover off of this machine for some time now (months) because I swap hard drives depending on if I want to game (Win98) or work (Win2k). I also have an additional fan inside the case and it's in a well ventilated area. I haven't seen my temps rise above 90 degrees yet. It may during an actual game...but I have the alarm to go off at 100 degrees which I still don't think is excessive.

On the Monster Sound...I used it to see if it was my Soundblaster Live 5! card and it still locks up. The drivers are the last ones that they put out for the card some time ago. It is not supported in Win2k, so I only tested it in Win98. That's ok though, I'd rather keep the SB Live instead.

I haven't tried the BIOS tweaks yet....I will try and do that tonight or tomorrow and keep you all posted.

As I mentioned (I think), I just bumped my RAM up to 512mb and was able to play a full scenario of Silent Hunter 2. Other games have crashed since.

I'll check system specs requirements on the games, I think I'm within the specs, maybe close on Max Payne).

Thanks again all....I'll tweak the BIOS and if that doesn't do it, I'll just start saving the $$ for a new board/chip...guess it ain't that much anymore

GJK