PC Restarting

L

Lydon

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For some reason my PC screen randomly goes black and then my PC restarts when in the middle of playing some games.

For example, in Savage 2 when I get to a certain part of the loading screen, the PC just restarts. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to make it past that stage, after which is proceeds to restart regardless.

Earlier I installed the Tortuga demo and lo and behold after around 10 minutes of play my PC just restarts.

I have no clue what's going on but it's getting very frustrating. Even worse is that Savage is so fun :( lol. Any ideas as to what the problem could be?
 
P4 Dual Core 3Ghz
1024MB RAM
GeForce 7300GS

Need an upgrade but it exceeds minimum specs on both games.
 
could be a driver issue, do you have the latest? Maybe overheating could be playing a part? How dirty is the card?
 
I reckon:

The PC is overheating. Which can be caused by (amongst others):
- Unseated CPU fan
- Dirt on one or more of the fans, thus causing it/them not to spin properly
 
Could be a video driver issue, could also be either your mobo or GFX card on its way out...I had the same problem, turned out to be the GFX card. Good Luck!
 
A way to test overheating. Turn on your PC and let it load Windows. Leave it in that state and see if it overheats. See for maybe 2+ hours. If no reboot then, flag heat as an issue.

A second test would be to see if there are video tests that are not CPU intensive. This should eliminate an video related issues.
 
Thanks I'll try that.

Dirt isn't the issue...had the dirt blown out recently. Funny thing is it does nothing when I'm playing Guild Wars and the majority of other games...just those two.

EDIT: Graphics card drivers are the latest too.
 
then it's looking like a software issue if it's only 2 specific games. Maybe some game files are corrupt or the settings are too high (especially in the shader area).?
 
maybe service pack? what windows you running.

and what about your watts on PSU?
 
Lydon said:
Thanks I'll try that.

Dirt isn't the issue...had the dirt blown out recently. Funny thing is it does nothing when I'm playing Guild Wars and the majority of other games...just those two.

EDIT: Graphics card drivers are the latest too.
Click to expand...

reload directx
 
wcoetzee said:
reload directx
Click to expand...

I think that could actually be the problem. Savage did come with some DirectX package it installed regardless of the fact I had the latest. I'll try that now.

I'm running XP Professional SP2 for the record :)
 
Lydon said:
I think that could actually be the problem. Savage did come with some DirectX package it installed regardless of the fact I had the latest. I'll try that now.

I'm running XP Professional SP2 for the record :)
Click to expand...

install sp3 while you at it
 
Dang well it's not DirectX. Tried installing the latest version from the MS site but it said I already have it.

I've asked Savage support if they could determine if there's a problem with my PC or the game. No reply yet though and its been a few days.
 
The PSU would not be something I would disregard as being the problem. After the load shedding incidents at the back end of last year, my PC would after running for some while decide to reboot.
 
milomak said:
I reckon:

The PC is overheating. Which can be caused by (amongst others):
- Unseated CPU fan
- Dirt on one or more of the fans, thus causing it/them not to spin properly
Click to expand...

Yeah I had a machine with CPU heatsink that wasn't properly fitted...

Lydon, if your machine crashes/restarts quicker each time, then it could likely be a heating issue
 
Thanks for all the help guys. The Savage 2 techie also said it's most likely an overheating issue. Now the question is - what to do about it. My innards of my box is cramped as it is. I doubt there's space for another fan. The stupid thing x_X
 
Case Modding, drills holes in the case and get 2 or more long thread screws and then put a new fan on there. Did mine at the top of my other case, works like a charm as that case is very cramped. Also why not make a window on the side of the case and install a 120cm fan. or if its got one, then find or make another whole on the side or in the front.

Or invest in a bar freezer and put it in there :p
 
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