Computer keeps shutting off while playing bf2

[supernewbiee]

I posted this on gamefaqs board and gersson pointed me this way. He has been extreamly helpful troubleshooting my problem.

When i play bf2 for about 30-45 min my computer shuts off by itself. Could this be because of overheating or drivers?
Specs:
MSI PT880 Neo Motherboard
Pentium 3.0 Ghz
Cooler Master Hyper 6 heat sink
Ati 9800 Pro 128 MB video card
1 GB Ram

I have the newest drivers for my video card.

gersson suggested a few things that I try. The were to run memtest, which i passed. Then run Prime95, also passed.
He then said that it could be my PSU. I told him what kind I have and in this: http://www.fastlanehw.com/reviews.php?i=88&page=1 review it says that it has a weak 12v line. So far that seems to be the problem.
Next he suggested that I get Everest to check my GPU temps as well as other temps. I tried to dl the trial version but it didnt work so i got my hands on the Corporate edition. I ran 3dMark06 with Everest open.
What do I do with Everest after 3dmark is complete?

I would really like not to spend the $90 on a new powersupply, but if it comes down to that i might have too.
Thanks again gersson for your help.
I'm not sure if this is in the right forum, sorry if its not.

 

[secretanchitman]

could be overheating of the video card (doubt its the cpu unless the heatsink isnt attached properly or there isnt enough airflow for the dust/heat to come out), or even the video card drivers could be messed. does this only happen while playing bf2 or any other game? well...a nice 450W quality psu is only around 50 bucks from newegg (fortron 450W).

edit: sorry, i forgot to WELCOME you to the forums!!!

 

[supernewbiee]

I just tried playin cs:source and after about 10 min it shut off. I never though of the airflow. I have the antec lanboy case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129145
It might be a little crammed but doesnt seen to bad.
Only other thing I can think of is the drivers like you said. When i first bought bf2 it never did this. Ive been playin cs:source ever since it came out and never had this problem.

 

[sniperruff]

probably overheating. if you have OC's, back them off. get accurate temp readings. open case while computer is running and watch if all fans spin.

but what PSU do you have in there?

 

[supernewbiee]

Its a Coolmax Taurus 400W powersupply. Computer isnt overclocked. Ill try playin again with the case open next time.

edit: just tried playin cs:source. Its getting worst and worst. As soon as the server info popped up computer shut off. This is with the case open. All fans were spinning.

edit 2: I tried downgrading my video card drivers from 6.6 to 6.2 and still no luck.
Everytime my computer shuts off I have to flip the switch on the power supply to off, wait a little bit until my computer is completely dead, then flip it back on and turn the computer back on. If I try to just hit the power button nothing happens.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: supernewbiee
Its a Coolmax Taurus 400W powersupply. Computer isnt overclocked. Ill try playin again with the case open next time.

edit: just tried playin cs:source. Its getting worst and worst. As soon as the server info popped up computer shut off. This is with the case open. All fans were spinning.

edit 2: I tried downgrading my video card drivers from 6.6 to 6.2 and still no luck.
Everytime my computer shuts off I have to flip the switch on the power supply to off, wait a little bit until my computer is completely dead, then flip it back on and turn the computer back on. If I try to just hit the power button nothing happens.

"Its a Coolmax Taurus 400W powersupply. "

for the sake of your entire computer, i urge you to get the forton PSU that secretanchitman mentioned in his post.

 

[supernewbiee]

hahahah, that bad???

 

[bob4432]

get a new psu. i am running my current rig in sig in the original lanboy with no problems and i live in phx, az where my computer room is usually 83F+. make sure your machine is dusted too, don't want dust clogging everything up.

get a fsp(fortron) 450W and you should be good to go for some time. personally, i wouldn't push your rig (play games) until you get a new psu, you don't want something to pop.

and remember it is not the price of the psu that counts, but the quality, and fsp, enermax, enhance, seasonic and imho antec are all decent (although i have been reading about antec issues, but i guess i have been lucky).

 

[Slugbait]

I realize you said you checked all the fans...but double-check the fan on the videocard. If it's sticky (or dead) there's your culprit.

Amazing the number of videocard fans dying these days...

 

[supernewbiee]

I was sure to check the video card fan. I was thinking that it died also. It's still running good.
Ill probably end getting the forton 450W PSU. For about $50 it seems like a great deal. Looks like no games for a while. Really sucks especially when im on a short break between summer sessions.
Thanks for the help everyone and for the PSU recommendation. I thought I would spend about $90 on a new one.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: supernewbiee
I was sure to check the video card fan. I was thinking that it died also. It's still running good.
Ill probably end getting the forton 450W PSU. For about $50 it seems like a great deal. Looks like no games for a while. Really sucks especially when im on a short break between summer sessions.
Thanks for the help everyone and for the PSU recommendation. I thought I would spend about $90 on a new one.

anytime and welcome to the forums

 

[thescreensavers]

get a new SPU ASAP, check the fan on your video card sometime the power connector is not in all the way or needs a little jiggle