AAARGH! Persistent video card-related freezes

[Ty Webb]

I've had a ton of PC problems lately, resulting in a near total rebuild of my system. The most recent problem is a complete freeze of the system after playing a video game for around a half hour or so. This has happened with Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2, and Battlefield 2. It does not happen when playing an older game like Age of Empires 2, which does not require 3D graphics acceleration. It also does not occur during DVD playback.

Here's the system info:

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: 939M2
System Model: 939Dual-SATA2
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 354MB used, 3075MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: RADEON X800 GTO
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: RADEON X800 GTO AGP (0x5D4F)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5D4F&SUBSYS_1600174B&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6601 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/21/2006 23:46:46, 256512 bytes


I'm running a 450W power supply. The problem has occurred with AMD Cool'n'Quiet enabled and disabled. I'm running two case fans, plus the CPU, power supply, and video card fans. I also tried playing the games with the case cover off and a large box fan blowing directly into the case, but the problem recurred.

When I replaced my motherboard a while back, it didn't fit the spacers on my case perfectly. Consequently, it's set back from the face of the rear plate less than half an inch. However, this is enough to prevent me from using the single screw to secure the bracket on the video card to the case. I don't think this is a problem with the way the card is seated, however, as I have no other display problems at all. I only get the system freeze after a relatively short period of gaming.

Like I said, I tried playing with a large fan blowing right into the case and it didn't work. But could it still be a heat problem? I don't know how to access temperatures in BIOS. I'm afraid I'm more or less a total noob when it comes to system tweaks and settings.

I'm a hair away from throwing this computer out the window. This is just the last in a long, long string of expensive problems which I thought I'd finally licked for good (with a nearly completely new system).

[ski]

The problem may be heat related. But we'll need some temperatures to see if that's the cause.
To get into BIOS, look at the 1st or 2nd startup screen for a key to press(usually Del) to enter either Setup, CMOS, CMOS Setup, etc.
Once there, you'll see a main menu. Look for an item titled 'PC Health Status' or similar, press the arrow keys to highlight it, and press Enter.
The CPU temp should not exceed 60 C, and the system no higher than 40 C.
If the CPU temp is higher than 60 C, then make sure its heatsink and fan are dust free. If that does not help, then a more powerful cooler(heatsink and fan) may be required.
I doubt that the system temp will be higher than 40 C if the case is removed, and an external fan is running.
To exit Setup, press the Esc key until you're back at the main menu, highlight 'Exit without saving' or similar, press Y at the prompt, and press Enter.

If the temps are ok, then reduce the games' settings(lower resolution, no AA and AF, etc.). If that works, then the video card may be overheating. Make sure its fan is running at the correct speed, its heatsink is securely mounted, and its fan and heatsink are dust free.
If no luck, then try a different video card. If it works, then your card may be either be defective, or the power supply may not have sufficient punch if the replacement card is less powerful.
If another card has the same problem, then it's possible that the card's hold down screw is required to keep it securely seated.

[Ty Webb]

Thanks for the info! I'll try that when I'm back home in front of the computer.

I really hope it's not just the hold-down screw, as there's just no way to attach that and I'm not sure how else I could secure the card. (How on earth could my new motherboard have the same form factor as the old one, but not fit all the spacer holes?) The vertical travel that the lack of a hold-down screw allows is tiny. Also, wouldn't the card becoming improperly seated produce other display problems? Like I said, the only way I've been able to reproduce the system freeze is playing a graphics-intensive game.

[ski]

You're welcome.
I'm leaning toward overheating as the cause. But I've learned long ago to never leave any stone unturned when troubleshooting computers.

[Ty Webb]

Even with the cover open and a box fan blowing directly on it? Phew. Those would be some serious heat problems. Would one of those dual PCI slot fans solve the problem if it was directly below the video card? Or are we talking case modifications? This case doesn't have great airflow, as there's just one intake fan on the side and one exhaust on the rear.

I hope you're right, though. Heat problems I can fix (I hope).

[ski]

Do you have another video card that you can use to swap out the current one?

[saphalline]

Hmmm... Interesting problem...

It could be driver-related. What chipset does your mobo have? Does it have the latest driver? Or it could still be a hardware problem, but if that's the case then I'd rule out heat in favor of a defective vid card. Try ski's suggestions and see where you get. A different vid card to test would be a good thing to try.

[Ty Webb]

GAAAAAAH! I can't take it!

Trying to get into the BIOS setup to check the temps, the keyboard failed on me. It's a Logitech cordless and the batteries are fine. Nothing I try works. That's it! I'm done! This computer has been nothing but a headache since day one. I'm going to the other forum to ask for recommendations on a new, RELIABLE desktop.

Thanks to both of you for your input. If you have any suggestions for the new computer, please look for my thread and offer them.

[azzey]

Hmmmmm.... I wonder if the keyboard failed, or it froze in the CMOS! Replacing the CMOS battery couldn't hurt.