Desktop artifacts and Reboots

[jrz895]

So I recently upgraded my mobo to a MSI nf750 - G55. I also threw in an AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition OC @ 3.4ghz, and 2x4GB Patriot Gaming Series DDR3 1333. It also includes my two 9800GTX+ SLI and Liquid Cooling system (Thermaltake Kandalf LCS). Now I ran this system through Prime95 with no stability issues. The cpu's Multiplier and Voltage were the only things changed (Multiplier @ 17 V@1.3875). At idle the cpu runs @ 16C and at load it runs 30C. The motherboard runs idle @ 36C and load @ 56C. Now right away im sorta worried about the mobo temp. While playing some games, the system decided to reboot on its own. So i checked the computer to find out a fan was unplugged. So I plugged it back in. A few hours of gaming later, the game crashes to the desktop with artifacts scattered everywhere. Now is this a heat issue? And if so, should I take out a video card because they run kinda Hot. The power supply is an Antec TPQ-850 850W.

 

[aced]

Given the Prime95 stability, I'd guess video cards. Monitor their temperatures. This is one option:

http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163

What's the cooling setup on the video cards?

 

[jrz895]

stock fans........ But in my earlier setup with my asus m2n sli deluxe this never happened and they ran the same. When I get back home ill let u know the temps.

 

[jrz895]

Actually now that I remember the BFG runs at 53 idle and the PNY runs 60 idle. Is this a problem and if so should I take one out??? Also there is an open PCI slot without a cover between the two cards. Could this lead to overheating somehow???

 

[jrz895]

BUMP

 

[jrz895]

OK. Right now my mobo is idle at 41C, CPU is idle at 16C, Video Card 1 is idle at 47C, and Video card 2 is idle at 57C. Now can somebody tell me if any of these idle temps are too hot???

 

[aced]

Dude, chill. And your video cards too.

 

[jrz895]

Hehe. Sorry. Im just desperate for an answer. You think its the video cards??

 

[aced]

Yup. Watch the card temperature while playing games. And get some cool air from outside the case blowing over those cards.

 

[jrz895]

Yeah I believe i figured out the problem. One of my video cards which ran very hot was right below a heatsink on the motherboard making it VERY VERY HOT! I took out the video card and the motherboard temp went down drastically. Idle runs around 34C and full load on 46C. Think I better install a side fan on the case pointing at that heatsink because it was also out of reach of the airflow. Thx for your help!

 

[jrz895]

Best answer selected by jrz895.