Curse

Woutsie · Dec 09, 2005, 08:25 PM // 20:25

I don't really know what's going on...
I think something is overheating in my computer...
I don't have pictures of GW but I have 2 of CoD2:
http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?i...hot00049ht.jpg
http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?i...hot00068gr.jpg
The problem in GW is that it sometimes just freezes my computer for a few seconds or completely freezes and i have to restart my computer manually, or just gives me weird black things on my screen. I can't really explain, I'm just getting black thingy's on my screen sometimes (and only when I'm playing GW, so no other games)
Ever made a video when filming your desktop screen on the background? You see black flashes on your screen, only when you look through your videocamera, well, that's a bit like it... Hope you know what I mean

But the flashes aren't that long, it's like 1, 2 or 3 flashes and then it's gone and freezes or stutters for a bit...
PC specs: P4, 2,40 Ghz, 768 RAM, Geforce mx4
I have updated my graphics card updated to 81.95 (latest drivers)

Akilles · Dec 09, 2005, 08:35 PM // 20:35

looks like overheating to me, I would see if you video card has a fan to cool it and if it does maybe the fan is broken and not spinnin'

if it is the take out the card so you can check the heatsink for built up dust in the sinks and blow it out, the fan may be spinning but no air is moving through the sink to cool. Also this allows you to re-seat you card (taking out and putting back in) The sink may not look dusty in the case but I it very well could be.

Also I doubt you overclock, but if you do, back it down.

Woutsie · Dec 09, 2005, 08:41 PM // 20:41

Don't do overclocking

But I am using a table-ventilator ( http://www.pr.nl/upload/webshop/CN214.jpg ) I opened my case, put the ventilator close to the opening of my case and i see the temperatures go down, not much, but they go down..
And yes, there is indeed alot of dust in my case, haven't opened it in like 3 or 4 years... I will take a look, maybe tomorrow...
But, how do i know for sure i am not going to hurt myself? Like electrical shocks or something... If my graphics card is overheating, won't it be hot when i touch it?

Akilles · Dec 09, 2005, 08:47 PM // 20:47

unplug everything EVERYTHING! then you open the case, and ground yourself on the insde of the case, not the computer parts. You wont hurt yourself but with the cold weather you may have built up static on you and you can short out your system with a shock from you. make sure you cant shock anything to be safe. All you will mess with is your video card so that is easy. I highly recommend getting an can of air to blow out dust, Dust is a puters enemy. Overheats things alot. Just take out the card blow out dust from heatsink and put back in. If you are un-comfy with goin inside ur case then get a friend who knows about that stuff to do it.

and no, it wont be hot, when you shutdown and unplug let it sit for a few mminutes to cool, anywho, overheating will be on the chip of the card, not the whole card.

Woutsie · Dec 09, 2005, 10:01 PM // 22:01

Okay, i'll try it ASAP

But can dust cause overheating?
Anyway, i basicly don't really know 'where' the graphics card is located, but i'll put on some gloves and clean out every single of dust i find

hope that will help... dont wanna spend another 100 € on a good card, just bought 512 ram, dvdwriter, ...

Old Dood · Dec 09, 2005, 10:08 PM // 22:08

You do not need gloves...just make sure you are grounded before touching. Also after you power your computer down....unplug...then push the power button and the "trickle charge" will drain too.

I use a shop vac with some special computer attachments. They are just small versions of regular shop vac tools. They work wonders.

Woutsie · Dec 10, 2005, 10:28 AM // 10:28

K.
I opened my computer today, and indeed, LOTS of dust... Can't imagine how much dust was in there ^^ I cleaned out 90% of the ventilators and removed my gfxcard and replaced it. Hopefully it's all fixed now.
Started Speedfan to check my temperatures and they are all good, but i'm not playing a game right now, so we'll see

Anyway, if this didn't work, thanks alot for helping me

Woutsie · Dec 10, 2005, 01:40 PM // 13:40

I've played GW and counterstrike source and no sign of overheating anymore...

Thanks alot guys!

Old Dood · Dec 10, 2005, 02:16 PM // 14:16

It always amazes me how fast dust can build up. I have the newer Dell BTX style case with the big air vent in the front. I can feel fuzz and dust build up on that quickly. Then again in the winter time that can make a difference too. With dry air and closed up homes and all.

Dust and dirt are any kind of electroncs worst enemy next to power surges.

Woutsie · Dec 13, 2005, 04:35 PM // 16:35

Still no sign of overheating over the past few days, but the temperatures are going up again...

I noticed this while playing GW, finished a bonus in a mission and the game freezed for 5 seconds... Had this problem too when my cpu was overheating.
I'm gonna open my cpu tomorrow again, and try to clean any dust again...

aron searle · Dec 13, 2005, 04:43 PM // 16:43

how many case fans you got?

I had a similar problem, due to a crappy case.

I now have 1 front 120mm 1 back 120mm and a side fan blowing onto the card/processor area?

Woutsie · Dec 13, 2005, 05:10 PM // 17:10

Got 1 fan.

dimirpaw · Dec 13, 2005, 05:13 PM // 17:13

Maby get some cooling in there? Extra fan? New Case?

pegasux · Dec 13, 2005, 07:51 PM // 19:51

another thing to look at, how far is the back or your system from a wall? Make sure you have adequate space there to allow for the heat to disapate when it leaves the case. You should definately have at least 2 fans, 1 front 1 rear.

Woutsie · Dec 13, 2005, 08:14 PM // 20:14

Yea, its standing pretty close to the wall.
If i take of my case, will that help a bit?

snapp · Dec 13, 2005, 08:20 PM // 20:20

might try cranking down your graphics settings as well, that could be straining your card.

Woutsie · Dec 13, 2005, 09:18 PM // 21:18

http://img389.imageshack.us/my.php?i...ntitled6zp.jpg
A pic of my temps (using Speedfan)
As you can see temp2 is in red with a flame, this is when i am play a game.
I dunno what temp1, 2, 3 and 1 is ... So i dont know what should be what....