Computer Randomly restarts while playing games...help!!?!?

[mtbiac]

First off, specs:

Intel P4 2.26b@2.9ghz
512mb pc2700 original samsung
Abit IT7
Sapphire 9700 non-pro using 3.4 cat. (updated today)
40x burner
16x dvd
80gig 7200rpm WD
40gig 5400rpm maxtor
floppy drive
4 case fans.
Hauppage WinTV tuner card
Using onboard Sound, LAN, and running dual monitors via 9700
500watt POWMAN PSU (bought this used)
Running win2k SP3

OK so here is the problem: Every time I go to play certain games, my computer randomly restarts. For example, today i was playing "enter the matrix". the game restarts almost exactly after 5 minutes or playing. I timed it, and it has now done it 4 times in a row. Tried changing resolutions, etc, nothing works. I have 2 friends and a brother who can play this game flawlessly. My brother has an almost identical system config except for a different psu and dvd-rw. My friend has a lesser setup, runs fine on his comp for 3hrs+++.

I NEVER get these random restarts doing anything. My I usually only have to restart due to instlaling new software/hardware. Doesnt restart while doing graphics intense programs such as movies, photoshop, etc. I recently reformatted, and had the problem before formatting also.

I am thinking it must be either my RAM or PSU? I am leaning towards the PSU because i bought it used although from a reputable source and its been working fine for around a yaer except for the game ordeal). The ram i bought new, samsung original pc2700.

--My 5v 12v, etc readings look fine, and nothing weird happens when the comp restarts. I've also had it freeze on me a few times, and sometimes the game will just randomly exit to desktop....

Any ideas?? Any tweaks I can try? I have already tried running without overclocking same thing... the WEIRD thing is that this only occurs in some games. I can play Microsoft Rally challenge or NFS HP2 for hours without problems.... PLEASE HELP!!!

Thanks for your help,
Mike-

 

[Wiktor]

Maybe try running those games with your computer case cover off, that would eliminate the possibility of overheating. You may have driver probles though, or it may be your psu.

 

[mtbiac]

so the RAM problem has been ruled out since nothing else cuases any problems whatsoever except these few games??

trying the heat thing as we speak...

 

[Wiktor]

Yes I think so, but you can always, take your RAM sticks out and put them back in, or borrow RAM from yout friend.

 

[mtbiac]

well i just ran the game without the side panel and it didnt help at all.

any other suggestions?

 

[mtbiac]

OK- I installed the 3.2 cats and now the game just quits to my desktop instead of rebooting.

I also tried to run 3dmark2001SE, quit to desktop after a few minutes just like the game.

I also tried running it with the case off and a Large fan blowing right into the case, still quits to desktop after a few minutes.

PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[mtbiac]

update: ran Sisoft Sandra 2002 and everything went fine and the benchmarks matched up normally...what could be the problem??

:cries:

 

[gf4200isdabest]

bad PSU is my guess...Just cause you have a 500W doesn't mean it's good. Go to your local computerstore and try out a different one.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

there have been some issues with that game from what i have read. have you upgraded your version to 1.52?

does your system crash on any other game as well? i'm still leaning to it being an overclock/heat issue. mine will do the same if it gets too high. my max temp readout while my cpu is at 100% is 47C. now, i have an epox 8k5a2 and it doesnt read off the die, so thats not 100% accurate. anyway, if i let the ambient get too warm (or forget to dust out the heatsink after a few months) that temp can hit 50C easily and then my system will reboot as well.

one quick way to determine this is to reset your cpu to default speeds and try it out.

deadseasquirrel

 

[mtbiac]

yeah i will have to try that. hmm I just ram Prime95 and it stops after 2 min"hardware error detected"

man this sucks...

also going to format and install XP pro later tonight...

any more idea/help would be greatly appreciated

PS: could my network have anything to do with it, possibly??

Thanks!

 

[Krk3561]

Hmm, lets put this together. You are overclocking, you're computer is unstable, and Prime95 will not run.

If you cant tell whats wrong you are dumb.

 

[dmw16]

Yeah, this seems pretty clear to me too. If you are overclocking and your CPU is not acting right then the first thing you do is un-overclock. I am willing to bet that putting that 2.26Ghz back at 2.26Ghz would fix your problems. You didn't mention cooling. You may want to try aftermarket cooling. I would suggest an Alpha 8045(or whatever the one for the 478 socket is called, 8092 or something?). Just a big fan blowing on it doesnt mean great cooling. You need good airflow through that heatsink. Another suggestion is bumping up your voltage. My suggestion would be to download some kind of cpu stress test - prime95, which you have already downloaded - would work just fine. If you really want to overclock I would start with good cooling and your cpu at 2.26Ghz then slowly step up your FSB. WIth each step run through that program for a few hours and then maybe 5-10 loops of 3dmark2k1 and then bump the FSB. If you get instability and it doesnt seem to be temps then try upping the voltage.
-doug

 

[mtbiac]

right, right. but i have already un-overclocked and its still unstable....this is the dilimma. yeah, if i was overclocking and unstable i would let you slap me, heh

help?

 

[mtbiac]

also- when i first got the comp it was runnin prime95 and 3dmark for about 2 days straight, no probs (at same time). And yes, i have the Alpha 8045 or w/e its called.

this is really weird...

 

[Krk3561]

Try loading the default bios settings. If that doesnt work, do a repair install of windows.

 

[mtdew46]

Random reboots often indicate a bad power supply. Maybe you could download a program like 'Motherboard Monitor', and when it crashes to the desktop, you could look at your voltage levels and see if they dropped (memory runs on the 3.3v line I do believe). If your memory does not get sufficient voltage it can cause memory errors.

 

[dmw16]

I would also say that motherboard monitor would be the way to go. check out your voltages and get back to us on the boards with your voltages.
-doug