Possible Graphic Card Problem

[Zaevion]

Ok...I have a question. Whenever I turn on a game, specifically ANY game, after about 30 - 45 secs...the entire PC almost freezes up...like it cannot process the game. I know my computer is more than capable of running games, here's what I'm running:

Intel P4 1.7 Ghz
NVidia GeForce2 MX/MX 400 64mb graphic card
Standard Intel Integrated Audio sound card
512 mb Ram
Windows XP
DirectX 8.1

Does this sound mostly like a graphic card problem? If so, can anyone help me here in whats going on? I've been to www.windowsupdate.com and have the most up to date drivers for XP, but I can't run games...???

[Budfred]

It certainly sounds like it is something to do with the graphics card, but I would wonder if it could be heat. You might try running the computer with the case open and a small desk fan blowing on the video card to see if the problem goes away.

[mjc]

Could also be drivers, DirectX version, motherboard drivers etc...

Wht games and what version of the video card drivers. Just because Windows update says your drivers are ok doesn't mean they are, MS doesn't make the drivers for your video card nVidea does....

[gwallen4]

...the entire PC almost freezes up...

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Could you explain further.

The latest driver for your video card can be found here:

http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp

The latest version of the Detonator software is 41.09.


Budfred also had a good idea about heat. Your bios may have some way of checking your CPU temp - look there after your next crash.

Also most games have forums where you can commiserate with other gamers having the same problems.

[ski]

Also, make sure that the video card is fully inserted.
Sometimes it will creep out of its slot.

And check that it does not raise out of its slot when the hold down screw if fully fastened.