help my computer keeps freezing

[stinkiesquirrel]

ok my system setup is:
pentium 4 2.4b
abit ic7-max3
1gb corsair xms pc3200
160bg sata seagate baracuda
nvidia 6600gt

i play fps games like halo and counterstrike. when i start to play i can usually play for a little bit before my computer freezes, restarts itself, or force quits the game. this happens with every game i play, even with 3dmark05. i know my computer isnt the best but i dont think it should have any trouble playing that games that i do. im running windows xp home and i have sp2 installed and my graphic drivers are up to date. i dont know the temperature of my computer as i run these game(i dont know how to check) but the idle temperatures on my computer are fine. everything is running stock, nothing is overclocked. ive tried to provide you with as much information as i can but if you need more please tell me and i will try to find it for you. if someone could tell me what my problem might be i would very much appretiate it.

 

[nocloud]

okay, i joined these forums just to kinda help you out.

i've seen this problem on more than one system build i've done for clients

what they call have in common...: 6600GT

apparently, there was a batch of bad 6600gt cores shipped by nvidia right before christmas.

what i would do first is put a different vid card into your computer and see if the problem goes away.

also, it could by your power supply because the 6600gt has an unusually high draw on the 12v rail.

post your power supply specs please and try swapping out the vid card.

 

[stinkiesquirrel]

thanks for your help i really appretiate it. im going to swap out my graphics card with an old ti4200 that i have layin around and see if it works. the power supply i am currently using is a piece of crap. its a 400w raidmax that i bought got 2 years ago. since then its been discontinued so i was unable to find specs, but i was accually suspicious that this might be the problem because people have warned me about cheap power supplies. ill do more research to see what i can find on the specs. thanks for your help.

 

[stinkiesquirrel]

well i plugged in my old ti4200 and played cs:s for a little bit. none of the problems happened which makes me want to think its a problem with my card, but the ti4200 also doesnt require to be plugged into the power supply so it could still be that, i just wouldnt be able to tell.

 

[nocloud]

i would suggest that you buy a larger power supply and try that. you should get a new power supply anyways. raidmax isn't really know for making good reliable power supplies.

if the problem persists with the new psu, then the gpu is definately bad.

 

[stinkiesquirrel]

ok thanks alooooot, you have no idea how much you have helped me.