Very tricky hardware issue... please help me guys :)

[Cuda1447]

Specs: Gateway computer with custom parts. Running windows 2000
1.7ghz P4
Radeon 9800 Pro
256MB RD ram


The problem: I run the game UO (Ultima Online) now Ive run it on this system for a long time prior to this and never had any problems. About 2 months ago I had this same problem that Im currently having (only with CounterStrike). What happens is I'll run the game for awhile, and then it'll just FREEZE completely. The whole computer freezes. I have to restart it, and upon restarting it I get no video until I restart it 2 or 3 times and wait a couple moments. It seems if I leave my computer off for a longer period of time my games will run longer before they freeze up my entire computer. Before when this happened I thought it was a bad PSU, so I replaced it. The problem went away. Until now, I thought maybe my new PSU went bad. So I replaced it with another good one Ive got lying around. Did nothing. So I figured it was my video card (since Im having video issues it seems). I replaced my Radeon VE 64MB with the Radeon Pro 9800, along with updated drivers. No go. Im still freezing up.


Can someone please shine some light on this for me? I believe it is a hardware issue, rather than software simply because after turning off my computer and turning it back on I still get no video, so I have to restart it 2 or 3 times, and wait a few moments before I get video again. Makes no sense to me.

 

[mechBgon]

What brand and model of power supply is it using now?

 

[Cuda1447]

I was using a 350 Watt Antec, that didn't work well. Now Im running some crap that gateway gave me. Im sure it can't be the PSU if they are both not getting the job done. The Antec is only a few months old anyway.

 

[johnjkr1]

MechBgon, power supply warrior, strikes again!

What temps are you getting on your cpu?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: johnjkr1
MechBgon, power supply warrior, strikes again!

Now be nice, I was just checking to see if it was a FongYiPow 100-watt junker with seven LED fans or something You know they're out there.

Cuda1447, since the problem appears to be repeatable, how about opening up your case and aiming a house fan into it, to see if lots of cooling changes anything?

 

[Cuda1447]

I don't know my cpu temps. Someone told me I could check in my BIOS screen, but there is nothing in there. Anyone know any other easy way to check? I will try the big box fan next to my case technique right now, and I'll let ya guys know if it changes anything

 

[Cuda1447]

Oh btw, Ive been running with my case off the computer.

 

[Cuda1447]

With a box fan next to the computer it seems to be running alright. What can I do to give this computer adequate cooling, without having to put a fan next to it?

 

[ForceCalibur]

Are Gateway computers like Dell ones? Proprietary motherboard and case? If not, you should replace your case with a well ventilated one and put a few nice quiet fans in there.

 

[mechBgon]

I have some Gateways at work that have a huge vacancy for a 120mm exhaust fan in the rear. Is yours like that? If so, plunk a quiet 120mm fan in the back and that ought to help If that's not the style of your case, fill us in on what its ventilation options are and what you've got already.

Some people scoff at PCI-slot centrifugal exhaust blowers, but I gave one to audiofight for his HTPC and he said his case temp dropped by 10C (he has a 9600AIW in there if I remember correctly). Those blowers are inexpensive and you could try one right below your 9800 Pro.

Also, is your CPU's heatsink clogged up with dust? If so, blow it out and that might help a bunch too