PC Crashes or Freezes

[Gillianstar]

Whats up. I ve been having this problem for a very long time. My computer keeps freezing or crashing whenever i play any kind of computer game. Which include COD, Warcraft, Rise of Nations. I have absolutely no idea what is wrong. I check for spyware and viruses but they say im clean so i need help. Any thoughts?

Oops forgot to give specs. Anyway here they are

OS: Windows XP Home
Proccesor: AMD Athlon 3200+
Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce FX 5700VE 256MB DDR

Before the freezing/crashing all of the games i listed before were running fine. It just started up mysteriously. Thanks for the help!

[liam858]

Hi and Welcome to Virtual Dr.


First off we need some system info, complete specs, OS, last defrag? installed any new hardware/software recently?


Liam

[Gillianstar]

Wow that was a fast response, but i listed them. i edited the post while you were posting. So they are up there. As for the defrag i did one just yesterday.

[photolady]

Usually this is caused by heat, of the video card. Check inside the computer for any accumulated dust, and remove. Then with the side still off the case, point a small house fan toward the video card, leave it on and try your games again.

What programs/scanners said you were clean?

[Gillianstar]

Yea im pretty sure i figured out the prblem. I believe the fan on the card went out. Do you know of anyway to fix the fan? Or would i have to replace the card?

[liam858]

I don't think you can get them replaced, but i'm new to Nvidia so don't take my word, your best bet may be to buy a third party gfx cooler card, for example: http://www.arctic-cooling.com/vga2.php?idx=62 = excellent example.


Liam

[Gillianstar]

Cool thanks for the help. I will look into it some more. Thanks again for all the help.

[photolady]

Actually, you can replace the fan on Nvidia cards. I have on two of my previous cards. Actually, I just removed the stock fan and installed a Vantec Iceberg 4.

[liam858]

You're Welcome.

Thanks for verifying that Photolady, as i said i'm new to Nvidia....got this card 3 days ago....and i just learnt that.


Liam

[Gillianstar]

Cool. So im guessing i just have to unscrew and deattach it from the card? Then just follow the instructions on how to install the other fan?

[liam858]

Yep, i think so, there may be small white rubber pins that are pushed through the card that can be squeezed together and pull the fan gently to remove it, remember to lay the card down on a non conductive surface and take your time, are you going to purchase a third party card as a replacement? if so which one did you have in mind?


Liam