Computer hard/soft locks with WoW, please help!

[Nutdotnet]

This is a friend's comp, not mine.

Specs:
AMD x2 3800+
MSI Nforce3 motherboard
6800GT AGP Video Card
2gig Dual-Channel Geil Ram (4x512)

I have updated with all the latest updates, drivers for the video card and processor. I've ran MemTester for hours with no errors. CPU Temp averages 44c under load...lots of case fans so the case is well cooled as well.

Problem:
Lock-ups are erratic. Sometimes he can play for a few (if not more) hours with no problems whatsoever. Other times it locks up once every 15-20 minutes; sometimes it will do a hard-lock (have to reboot the computer), other times it will WoW simply needs to be restarted (he'll get disconnected).

Also, when he flys into a new place it seems like his connection/computer doesn't "catch-up" to the rest of the game. He's unable to type anything, can't interract with anyone/anything, ie. he has to restart. This happens much more often when he goes into highly populated places.

I'm pulling my hair out over it...I built it for him, and all he wants to do is play WoW with it so I feel responsible.

Anyhelp would be most appreciated!

 

[BigPoppa]

What connection speed does he have? Highly populated areas are notorious for lag in WoW. Ironforge at primetime is pretty difficult to play in.

What graphics settings does he have on? Make sure you're running the newest/most stable release for your graphics card.

I'd try turning his graphics settings down if he's any higher than 1280x1024.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: BigPoppa
What connection speed does he have? Highly populated areas are notorious for lag in WoW. Ironforge at primetime is pretty difficult to play in.

What graphics settings does he have on? Make sure you're running the newest/most stable release for your graphics card.

I'd try turning his graphics settings down if he's any higher than 1280x1024.

He's @ 1280 x 1024 w/ 4x Anti-Aliasing. I have more other options turned down though.

Latest and greatest drivers. 3mb connection.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet

Originally posted by: BigPoppa
What connection speed does he have? Highly populated areas are notorious for lag in WoW. Ironforge at primetime is pretty difficult to play in.

What graphics settings does he have on? Make sure you're running the newest/most stable release for your graphics card.

I'd try turning his graphics settings down if he's any higher than 1280x1024.

He's @ 1280 x 1024 w/ 4x Anti-Aliasing. I have more other options turned down though.

Latest and greatest drivers. 3mb connection.

Seems to possibly be overheating. 85 C under load

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet

Originally posted by: BigPoppa
What connection speed does he have? Highly populated areas are notorious for lag in WoW. Ironforge at primetime is pretty difficult to play in.

What graphics settings does he have on? Make sure you're running the newest/most stable release for your graphics card.

I'd try turning his graphics settings down if he's any higher than 1280x1024.

He's @ 1280 x 1024 w/ 4x Anti-Aliasing. I have more other options turned down though.

Latest and greatest drivers. 3mb connection.

Seems to possibly be overheating. 85 C under load

also, for the hell of it, check out the soundcard. my soundcard (somehow) caused my computer to erratically crash, sometimes every few minutes, sometimes every few days - i have a new one now and all is well 🙂

 

[imported_Shivetya]

First he must have the 8x.xx series of nvidia video drivers. Any of the 7x.xx drivers will cause erratic behavior with that NF3 and 6800GT.

FWIW, I have a Gigabyte NF3 board with 2gb memory and a Leadtek 6800GT. Running 7 series drivers I had to
1. Turn off write combining on the video properties enhanced section
2. UNDERCLOCK the card


After putting the 8x.xx series drivers on I am actually running smooth as silk in WOW and other games I had problems with.