Games causes computer to shut down

[Guest]

My computer is a desk top. Every time a game is play and lately music, the
computer shuts down. This only occurs with games and music.
I thought it could be a heat problem from the computer being on for so long.
But the length of the time the computer is used for other activities is
sometime longer than when playing games.

The games we are playing are on different internet sites and also some that
have been downloaded.


I am using windows XP.
1024 MB
3.4GHZ

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Donna,

It could be a heat problem as you suspected, since
graphic applications cause more heat than other activities.

Hardware issues can cause freezing, black screens and other
errors. Also, your drivers should always be kept up to date.

Try the following steps one at a time to try and resolve the issue.
I hope this helps. Please post back if you have any questions!

1. Update DirectX and your Chipset, Sound, &Video Drivers:
For all Video / DirectX / Game and Hardware Issues, I have a
Checklist of Solutions at: http://NibblesNbitsVideo.tk

2. Dust your fans, vents and components using a 1/4" paintbrush
and a hose vacuum. Use compressed air for hard to reach places.
Set a housefan to blow cold air into your case to expose an over-
heating issue.. If it works add more fans or replace defective ones.
Use this Motherboard Monitor Utility: http://mbm.livewiredev.com

3. A faulty power supply can cause STOP errors, random reboots,
and black screen lockups. One way to test for that is to check the
wattage sticker on your power supply and then calculate your need
http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/ (Min. 350 for gaming)

4. Test your RAM using: http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

--
Cheers, Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
MS Games Help and Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=gms
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________



Donna Wrote:
=================
| My computer is a desk top. Every time a game is play and lately music, the
| computer shuts down. This only occurs with games and music.
| I thought it could be a heat problem from the computer being on for so long.
| But the length of the time the computer is used for other activities is
| sometime longer than when playing games.
|
| The games we are playing are on different internet sites and also some that
| have been downloaded.
|
|
| I am using windows XP.
| 1024 MB
| 3.4GHZ

 

[RobertVA]

My computer is a desk top. Every time a game is play and lately music, the
computer shuts down. This only occurs with games and music.
I thought it could be a heat problem from the computer being on for so long.
But the length of the time the computer is used for other activities is
sometime longer than when playing games.

The games we are playing are on different internet sites and also some that
have been downloaded.


I am using windows XP.
1024 MB
3.4GHZ

Make sure the case vents are unobstructed and that the computer is not
operated in a cabinet that would allow heat to build up.

On a warm day you would get uncomfortably warm quicker jogging than you
would at a casual walk. A similar situation exists with your computer.
While checking email or relatively ordinary web sites the computer's CPU
and video accelerator don't have to work very hard. Those components and
sometimes the CD and hard drive have to work harder to maintain a
constant flow of media or three dimensional graphics. The extra effort
generates additional heat. If the ventilation fans can't pull the heat
out of the case fast enough the protective functions of many computers
will shut them down without warning.

Run some monitoring software to see if you case, hard drive, CPU and
video accelerator chip are overheating. Some computer manufacturers
include such software in driver & utility disks that come with the
computer or motherboard. Some manufacturers make the software available
in the support or download area of their web site.

If you feel comfortable opening your computer you can verify that the
various fans are working and clean away any dust that might be keeping
air flow separated from your system's components. You might also find
mounting points in the case where additional ventilation fans can be
mounted. The add on fans are available at many computer dealers and
acquire power from the leads that supply power to the CD drives and hard
drives.