Computer hangs or restarts on an irregular basis when gaming or playing mp3....Why?

[jaffa]

I have a system that either hangs or less often restarts after I have been playing games for a while. Sometimes it happens after 30 minutes and sometimes after a few hours, but normally within 1 hour. This happens no matter what game I play. The same thing is applicable when playing mp3 music....


What can be causing this issue?

Driver issue?
Other software issue?
Hardware problems? If yes, which component(s) might be causing it...

 

[myocardia]

It's either a video or sound card driver issue, it seems to me. Most likely sound card, since it's happening with MP3's, too.

 

[0roo0roo]

check for dust blocking heatsinks

 

[opmike]

What type of computer are you using? My previous computer was a HP Pavilion (blech) and it starting shutting itself off and/or restarting after heavy useage. Turned out the crappy PSU fan had seized-up, and it was overheating.

 

[dguy6789]

It is necessary for you to specify for us what the specifications of your computer are. I would recommend running Prime 95 on your PC to test the processor itself.

 

[jaffa]

Thank you for your help everyone.

I just reinstalled Windows completely and now it appears to work... Hope for the best