Technical advice on my PC.

starman9000

starman9000

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Sorry if this is the wrong forum, but this is PC game related.


Anyway, my computer has started to lock up or restart when I am playing games. The latest example is during Tron 2.0. It will run fine for a while and then just restart (the whole system). From the reading Ive done, it seems I may need to flash my bios to solve the problem, but I really dont want to do that.

Does any one have any other advice on what may help? I dont have the fastest machine, but it seems like it should be good enough. Im running a machine with and AMD 2000+ chip, 512 Ram, a Geforce4 MX 420 video card with 64 mb RAM.

As far as the bios, I dont know much about it, but one of my analyzing programs said the SMBIOS/DMI version is 2.20 and should be at least 2.30.
 
if it restarts by itself when you play games, one possible problem is that it's overheating. You might wanna try leaving the side of your computer open if it is overheating.

Flashing bios is a very easy process. just go for it.

Try to get latest drivers as well.
 
[quote name='maxflight']if it restarts by itself when you play games, one possible problem is that it's overheating. You might wanna try leaving the side of your computer open if it is overheating.

Flashing bios is a very easy process. just go for it.

Try to get latest drivers as well.[/quote]

Overheating may be it, I just got a new desk and the ventaliation is bad, so Ill try that tip before doing the bios thing. What would be considered too high a temp?

And thanks for the tip.
 
Its probably overheating like maxflight said. You should buy a spray bottle and spray the inside of your PC with water next time you play a gme, that should cool it down.
 
I'd also agree with the overheating as a possible issue... however I'd still go software first in Troubleshooting - update/flash your BIOS, update video card and sound card drivers, scan for spyware (I've had spyware crash games before, never restart though) and make sure you are keeping 90% memory free when you start the game to make sure it's not just a weird memory issue. Also check for viri, the Sasser has like 10 variations now and most of them will reboot the computer, although generally with a warning and within a few minutes of starting the computer.
 
OfHell'sFire said:
I'd also agree with the overheating as a possible issue... however I'd still go software first in Troubleshooting - update/flash your BIOS, update video card and sound card drivers, scan for spyware (I've had spyware crash games before, never restart though) and make sure you are keeping 90% memory free when you start the game to make sure it's not just a weird memory issue. Also check for viri, the Sasser has like 10 variations now and most of them will reboot the computer, although generally with a warning and within a few minutes of starting the computer.
Click to expand...

Seems like the overheating did it. I opened the case and its running smooth now. I may still try the bios, but Id like to read up a little more on it. All my drivers are updated and Im pretty sure Im virus/spyware free.

What program do you use to keep tabs on your mem usage? Also, do you have any sites that explain the process of flashing bios?
 
I don't know off hand, I'd start at your PC manufacturer's website, it usually seems to be the most reliable information for your particular board/BIOS... otherwise Google it.

I have had overheating problems as well, if you have any other vents on your tower, you could always just install an extral fan on the inside of the case, that's a fairly cheap fix... otherwise, taking the case side off will also work :p
 
Overheating is most likely the cause as you have found out. I wouldnt flash the bios at all if its running smooth now.

I would look into adding another fan or checking teh current fans and make sure they are all plugged in.

You can find temperature programs all over the place for free. They even go as detailed as togive you a history so you can see what temp it restarted at.

If you want some serious good help and good solid info go to PC Mechanic I think its www.PCMECH.com

Their forums are here. Great solid advice Also use the search its probably been discussed.

Heres a link to their forums:

http://www.forum.pcmech.com/index.php?s=57192d0d12a7c52e7710b0d70beebdcc
 
I have found that there is some sort of malicious program that is attacking my version of Jedi academy. My firewall pointed it out but i have to fully block it from starting. It dose the same thing that you mentioned above but when i disable the program i can play without it doing that.
 
[quote name='int80h']Its probably overheating like maxflight said. You should buy a spray bottle and spray the inside of your PC with water next time you play a gme, that should cool it down.[/quote]

Ok, I hope no one took that seriously, but I wouldn't put it past some.
 
[quote name='SteveMcQ'][quote name='int80h']Its probably overheating like maxflight said. You should buy a spray bottle and spray the inside of your PC with water next time you play a gme, that should cool it down.[/quote]

Ok, I hope no one took that seriously, but I wouldn't put it past some.[/quote]

Well I read it on the internet so it must be true!!!!
 
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