Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > General Homebuilt > Computer crashes!

Computer crashes!

Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - Computer crashes!

Tom's Hardware: Over 1.4 million members in 6 different countries available to answer all your high-tech questions. Sign up now! Its free!
Ask the community Add a reply
Word :    Username :           
 
crazyguy_60   03-07-2009 at 06:47:04 PM

When I'm playing certain games (Call of duty 2 + 4 and Crysis), my PC that I built can crash. It happens very rarely, with Call of Duty (and too be honest I'm not too bothered about these games) , but it happens A LOT with Crysis. Every twenty minutes my PC crashes whilst playing this game.
I have turned down the quality from the recommended High, down to Medium/High, and now down to Medium. I downloaded ATI's updates and took the side off my computer. It still crashes. I think that when I turned the resolution down, it didn't crash, but it was so terrible I turned it up again from 800 X 600 (out of desperation ;) ) to 1440 X 900 (my current resolution).
Could there be any other issues? Please help me I REALLY want to play Crysis :bounce: :bounce: :lol:

Add a reply
Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.
crazyguy_60   03-07-2009 at 07:12:14 PM
- 0 +

PS I have an E8400 and HD 4850, neither of which are overclocked, but have been in the past.

Reply to crazyguy_60
Proximon   03-07-2009 at 09:04:32 PM
- 0 +

Probably a memory issue. Go in to the BIOS and make sure the memory timings and voltage are set where they are supposed to be.

------------------------------ My Guide to choosing parts
A big list of recommended parts
Troubleshooting Guide w/links
 Reply to Proximon
shortstuff_mt   03-08-2009 at 01:36:03 AM
- 0 +

Could also be a heat problem. What are your idle and load CPU temps?

After you set the RAM timings as Proximon suggested, I'd download memtest86+ and run it for a few hours to test for RAM errors.

Reply to shortstuff_mt
crazyguy_60   03-08-2009 at 12:36:22 PM
- 0 +

Idle: 37 min - 40 max - 38.5 celcius avg.
Load (Crysis): 49 min - 65 max - 57 celcius av.
I don't know how hot is when it crashes.

Reply to crazyguy_60
jsc   03-08-2009 at 03:28:14 PM
- 0 +

Does the system run OK when you are running regular 2D apps? Does it crash only during games?

IF so, that is also a sign of an inadequate power supply.

Reply to jsc
crazyguy_60   03-08-2009 at 03:36:38 PM
- 0 +

Yep, it's fine with 2D applications, only with 3D games. This is my power supply:
Hiper M-Power 630W, 18 Amps.

Reply to crazyguy_60
crazyguy_60   03-08-2009 at 04:04:42 PM
- 0 +

I plan on upgrading to an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400, HD 4870 and a new PSU.
However, if my power supply isn't good enough, I will get that ASAP. Would this be a good choice?
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/650 [...] ctFeatures

Reply to crazyguy_60
Proximon   03-08-2009 at 10:09:22 PM
- 0 +

The Hiper is actually 50A on the 12V rails. The 18A refers to overvoltage protection on a specific rail. It's not an awful brand, usually adequate but generally not recommended due to better units available.

Here are a few things you may need to get numbers for your RAM and accurate temps:

CPU-Z
Real Temp
HWMonitor

------------------------------ My Guide to choosing parts
A big list of recommended parts
Troubleshooting Guide w/links
 Reply to Proximon
crazyguy_60   03-09-2009 at 09:00:37 AM
- 0 +

I used RealTemp to find out CPU temperatures, and ATI Overdrive to find out GPU temperatures (60 degrees idle/70 - 79 degrees under load). My symptons are exactly the same as people with the same problem. I do believe I need a better PSU.

Reply to crazyguy_60
Proximon   03-09-2009 at 09:31:09 AM
- 0 +

Well, it's certainly not near the load limit for the PSU, but it could have bad V-droop or ripple.

Something like a Corsair 550VX would work well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] &Tpk=550VX

------------------------------ My Guide to choosing parts
A big list of recommended parts
Troubleshooting Guide w/links
 Reply to Proximon
Ask the community Add a reply
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > General Homebuilt > Computer crashes!
Go to:

There are 755 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Forum map
Bestofmedia Forum ©
2000-2009 Bestofmedia Group
Page generated in 0.328 seconds
Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Related Topics
See all relatives topics
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
How do I win badges?