[Graphics]Game freezes during gameplay ATI HD 5800 series

purpose

Distinguished
Sep 10, 2011
2
0
18,510
Specs
Dell XPS 9100
Intel Core i7 CPU 960 @ 3.20ghz 3.20 ghz
RAM 12.0 GB
64 bit OS
Windows 7 Home premium
ATI Radeon HD 5800 series

system is 6 months old.

Game play freezes + sound distortion for about 1-2 seconds while playing starcraft 2 and warcraft 3. Usually does this at random moments as well as during intense (if I can even say that for this system) battle scenes. I have the current drivers installed. This problem has been going on for about 1 week.

Spent some time navigating through the dell technical support system only to be bombarded with a sales pitch from dell, to buy their "software warranty"for $350+. Based from my over the phone description, the dell technician diagnosed my issue as an software issue. Before saying yes and getting suckered into shelling out more money on this already over priced system, I decided to turn to the people of TH for their advice.