Hey there, I have a few questions in which I would be
very grateful if someone could help me with...

Here are my Computer Specs:

Processor: Pentium II 400mhz (Gigabyte)
HardDrive: 8 GB
RAM: 384 MB
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 2 GTS 32MB
Sound Card: SoundBlaster Audigy X-Gamer 24Bit

Here is my Problem:

I have had a problem ever since I can remember with
my computer. For what I can only describe as a mystery,
my computer keeps on freezing and locking up on me while trying
to play games using either OpenGL or Direct3d. It used to happen the odd time.. once a week.. once every few weeks.. but now it happens every
time. It used to happen sometimes half an hour into the
game, or maybe even 3 hours into the game.... but now it
happens every time within the first 5 minutes. Games
are absolutely un-playable unless I use the basic 'software mode'. I can't even run the special video demos that come with new video and sound cards without it locking up on me. I'm sure you know when I say 'software mode', just how much worse it looks then when using OpenGL or Direct3d.

I have upgraded my video card from a RivaTNT to a
RivaTNT with two Diamond Monster 3D Accelerators, and now
to a Nvidia GeForce 2 GTS 32MB but still have this same
problem. The soundcard has also been upgraded from a
SoundBlaster 16 to a SoundBlaster Audigy X-Gamer 24Bit.

I have re-formatted my computer from start to finish
with the most recent monitor, video and sound drivers on several
occasions, and yet still this keeps on occurring.. Most
people I tell this too have never seen such a thing...
especially with the amount of RAM I have installed, and
the types of Video and Sound Cards I use.

Do you have any ideas why this is happening?
Do you know of any way to solve this?
Is it my motherboard which is causing this problem, or maybe an overheating problem?
Is it a BIOS fix that needs to be done?
Are there any special patches or tools which can fix
it?

I had a problem like that and tried all kinds of things. I finally went to Control panel, Display, Settings, Advanced, Performance, and adjusted Hardware acceleration down a knotch. I don't know why it worked but it did. Try it and see.

When you are freezing up, are you getting the BSOD, or any specific error messages? Is it happening with a specific game...perhaps at a certain point in play?

In this regard, have you checked to see if there are any known issues or patches for these games?

Have you taken a look at what's running in the background <Ctrl+Alt+Del> and tried shutting down everything but Explorer and Systray. It could be that it's not a RAM problem, as you mentioned you have plenty, but rather a software conflict.

Another possibility due to the strain on the processor during game play is that you have a heat related problem going on. The fact that it is recurring with more frequency could mean that something is becoming more sensitive to the heat being generated. Does your MB have a probe for monitoring the PSU and MB temperatures?

Sounds like you've spend considerable time under the hood...have you checked your heat sink for dust etc...



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May all your dealings in life be win/win!

Whyzman

Used to have this problem with the older K6-2 units I was running. The only way I could solve it or get around it was to dis-able CACHE (Memory Cache) in CMOS.

Just a shot.

BTW... Welcome to pcGuide.


Luck.

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....How long is a minute... depends on which side of the Bathroom door you're on. ......Indecision may or may not be my problem......
..........

[This message has been edited by ranchdog (edited 12-09-2001).]

Disable your video card's anti-aliasing feature, if it has this.

Check your video card's specs.
It may be designed to run at 2X and/or 4X AGP, and it may not be backwards compatible with 1X AGP.
If this is the case, then it may not work properly with your older MB, which is possibly designed for 1X AGP only.
If so, then you will either have to use an older card, or upgrade the MB.

If your video card will run at 1X AGP, or at 2X AGP and your MB supports this, then the card may not be compatible with your AGP slot's power specs.
Some of the newer cards use 1.5V, instead of 3.3V, and your MB's AGP slot is rated for 3.3V.
If your card is rated for 3.3V, then it's possible that it may be drawing more power than the slot can deliver.
Try an older card and see if that helps.
If it does, you will have to upgrade the MB to use a newer, more powerful video card.

Also, make sure the memory is the type that's compatible with your MB.
Today I was all set to buy a 128MB PC100 SDRAM 16Mx64 DIMM from Crucial at a local outlet for $8 after rebates.
But when I checked my MB's specs, it said that a 16Mx64 single side DIMM is not recommended.
Instead it recommends using a 8Mx64x2 double side DIMM.

You can try a lower bus speed.
Sometimes the memory is more stable at a lower than rated speed.
Or remove a stick or two of memory and see if that works.