Computer Reboots when switching between desktop & games, HELP!!

[lnsomnia]

This just started happening when I installed my new video card, an ATi Radeon 128mb 8500 Video Card. Not LE. It doesn't have a consistent pattern either, sometimes it will reboot, and other times it won't. I've downloaded latest drivers from ATi's website for this card. Any idea's or suggestions are appreciated The game it does it the most is High Heat Baseball 2003.

Windows XP Pro
AMD Duron 950mhz
ATi Radeon 8500 128mb
320mb SDRAM
WD 10 GiG Hard Drive AC310100B
Samsung 10 GiG Hard Drive SV1022D
WD 80 GiG Hard Drive WD800BB-00CAA1
Hitachi 6x DVD-ROM GD-2500

 

[Peacekeeper100]

Here is what KGBMAN told me

The first thing you need to do is uncheck the "auto-reboot" option.
Right-click on My Computer and select Advanced->StartUp & Recovery.
What is happening is that XP encounters a system error (BSOD) but reboots itself because that option is selected.

Next, check your Event Log for some clues as to what is causing your system to fail.

It seems windows xp reboots whenever it gets a blue screen error. Then when the blue screen comes up put the error into Microsofts Knowledge Base. I did read something about a problem with the Radeon's last time I was searching the knowledge base. When it asks you to pick software say search all. None of my problems were under XP yet, but there were under Windows 2000 or other sections.

 

[LiLithTecH]

I have found that most issues with AMD Durons & T-Birds (and Athlons)
are inadequate Power Supplies.

If you do not currently have a 300watt+ PSU installed(350w minimum), random reboots
are an everyday occurance with the amount of power drawn buy the current
crop of ATI/nVidia AGP cards and Ram chips.

High Heat is a very graphic intensive game and would tend to push the video to the edge.

 

[Peacekeeper100]

Yeah I didn't notice the fact that no PS rating was given. Power could be an issue especially since you have 320Mb of memory and 3 HD's. I would think you would want 300W min, 350W would be best. The new video card could have just put you over the edge.