PC Locking up: Plz Help

[qu1k_sh0t]

I think it has to be either some heat problem that only arises while gaming, my PSU or my software itself.

I have just finished running two full passes on Memtest2.11 with zero errors being found. I have also just bought myself a 40cm desk fan that I am going to sit aiming at my CPU, Nbridge an Sbridge as I game now. As well as running different temperature logging files. So I can see if it really is heat causing the problem.

Could this be caused by a dodgey driver somewhere in windows? A small anomaly I have noticed when I click shutdown the rig takes anywhere from 1 - 4 minutes to turn the pc off.

 

[qu1k_sh0t]

Alright well a nice update with tests performed.

Current setup.
Problem: While gaming the pc will just lock up after a random amount of time.

Intel QX9770 with Gigabyte Gpower2 cooler
Asus Striker 2 Formula
1 x 2gig DDRII 800 Transcend memory
Seagate 620 HD
Creative XFi Gamer sound card
Zotac 9800GTX Amp edition
Aerocool 620watt psu

I have run a tonne of tests. The most important ones being Prime95 for a full hour. With all four cores running at 100% the CPU didn't get higher than 60degrees and did not lock up or freeze at all.

I have also run memtest for a full pass twice over with no errors being reported.

I have swapped out my gfx card, both my Asus 9800GTX+ and my Zotac card were causing lock ups after random periods of time. My previous set up ran with the same components without any problem whatsoever.

I think that my northbridge or southbridge may be over heating, as I recently stuck a 40cm desk fan in the side panel and it seems to have stopped the locking up. I played for nearly two full hours without a crash. What software can I use to check my north and southbridge temps?

 

[chickenbeef]

Everest

 

[Subversion]

i had a very similar problem, altho my pc kept resetting. turned out it was one of the bridges on my mobo, for me a desk fan also temporarily eased the problem - had to replace the mobo to stop it though.

 

[Conradl]

Definitely MOBO overheating then. Did you attach fans to the bridge heatsink? If not try add a small fan for local cooling....

 

[qu1k_sh0t]

Definitely MOBO overheating then. Did you attach fans to the bridge heatsink? If not try add a small fan for local cooling....

That is the plan tonight, I will be getting myself two small fans for the north and southbridge and then I would like to see if it still locks up. If it does I will have to replace the board. As I LAN often, I won't be able to run a desk fan on the side all the time haha.

Thanks for all the help btw

 

[Tun@]

However +- half an hour into the game it just freezes and I get a ringing noise coming through my speakers/headphones.

I am out of ideas as to what would cause this thing to lock up.

This might sound stupid but weren't those creative X-FI sound card drivers problematic for a while? Has that all been fixed now or not?
What about uninstalling the sound card driver and see if it still locks up

 

[qu1k_sh0t]

This might sound stupid but weren't those creative X-FI sound card drivers problematic for a while? Has that all been fixed now or not?
What about uninstalling the sound card driver and see if it still locks up

Hey man, I have not had a single issue with my sound card even with my old board. To be honest, I am almost convinced it is heat related on my bridges.

Sticking the desk fan in the side almost proves that to me. If I run with the fan this evening again and have no lock ups. I will have to visit some way to optimize air flow in the chassis.