PC reboots frequently in games after upgrade

[H22A]

Have upgraded my machine from an AthlonXP 1700+ with GF4 Ti-4200 to Athlon (Barton) 3200+ and a Leadtek GF 6800nu (non ultra).

Since upgrading, the machine frequently reboots in games (Half-Life2 and NFSU2) or when the screensaver is running. This isn't a lock up where the screen freezes, the machine just reboots itself and once back in Windows you get the "system has recovered from a serious error" message.

I am wondering if it could be the PSU. My current one is a 300W unit with max 15A on the 12V line. I know that the 6800Ultra is supposed to have huge power requirements, but I thought that the NU was OK with a 300???

Running latest drivers (66.93).

What do you guys think?

 

[spherrod]

I would say PSU, Ram or temperature - do you know what temp your CPU is getting to when in games? There should be a diagnostic utlility that came with your motherboard to give you a general idea, you should also do a full memory test from here

http://www.memtest86.com/

If both those check out fine, then PSU would be most likely candidate (it probably is IMO). Are the reboots only happening in games? Do they happen if you leave the PC switched on in Windows for any period of time? Depending on the quality of your PSU you may need a new one, a good 450W or something like that. There's people on here who know a lot more about PSU's than me though, so I'll let them bring their expertise to bear

Cheers

Steve

 

[H22A]

Yep, CPU gets to about 61C (141F), idle is around 55C (131F), ambient case temp goes up to around 29C (84F).

The reboots aren't limited just to games, but they only happen when a DirectX app is running, ie. game or screensaver. SO they only seems to happen when the vid card is operating under load.

I've ordered a new PSU (Tagan TG480-U01 480W) , hopefully that'll do the trick....

 

[spherrod]

Those temps shouldn't be a problem - let us know if the new PSU solves the problem

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: spherrod
Those temps shouldn't be a problem - let us know if the new PSU solves the problem

 

[H22A]

New PSU is in and reboots have stopped... Woohoo!!! Played HL2, Sims2 and NFSU2 (all sequels...wierd) not one reboot.

The Tagan TG480-U01 is a quality piece of kit too.