Strange system shutdown in middle of game ?

[Zorachus]

I am sure most of ya have read my questions and comments last week about me installing Vista64-Ultimate on my system in signature which is pretty good and has been reliable 100% when I had it under Win2k. Only new item is my Athlon64 FX-60. On setting up Vista64-Ultimate I had quite the trouble to get her up and running solid, but after I got all the newest drivers and patched she was working fine as sunshine :)

I was just bragging to my Brother who also has a new Vista64 build how stable mine has been this last week, and how much I love it, well I spoke a little too soon :)......Was just playing my brand new game I installed GuildWars Nightfall, had it running at full options 2560x1600, was playing nice, for like 10 minutes, then out of the blue with no warning, the whole system restarted :eek:......It tries to go back to POST screen, but it just hangs there, not doing anything ? The whole system is on and running but not moving forward to load up......I turn the power off, turn it back on, it says CMOS needs to reset itself for CPU speed or something, I go into Bios and it reads all is right like it should be, I exit bios and load up Windows, then asks to start up normally or safe mode, I go into normal, and here I am with no problem anymore ?

What could have happened ?

[djnes]

Sounds like a possible overheating issue. Do you have your processor overclocked?

[digital_exhaust]

I turn the power off, turn it back on, it says CMOS needs to reset itself for CPU speed or something

If you are o/c'd at all, take everything back to stock, and that will likely solve your problems. If not, it is very likely a heat issue. I would take a pretty good look at your hsf mounting and make sure all is well there.

[Zorachus]

Sounds like a possible overheating issue. Do you have your processor overclocked?

No but in bios it show it at 45-50c at idle ? I dont think I put the paste on right, on my Wifey's system I bought the Zalman thermal paste and brush to apply it, and her 4400+ with a Thermaltake from Frys is like 32c in bios.

Will this same fan help, plus the new paste
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835106073

[Dual]

In my experience random restarts have been caused by memory problems. I'm thinking that Vista is stressing your memory more than Win2k and thats the problem.

[Zorachus]

Actually I am thinking of getting this cooler, just wondering how hard it is to install on my Abit AN8 Fatality, do I have to remove the motherboard and secure a bracket underneath it ?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRatingReview.asp?DEPA=0&Type=&Item=N82E16835118004&SortField=0&SummaryType=ALL&Pagesize=&Page=2

[Zorachus]

In my experience random restarts have been caused by memory problems. I'm thinking that Vista is stressing your memory more than Win2k and thats the problem.

I have Corsair XMS Platinum series, pretty good stuff I thought ??

[djnes]

I have Corsair XMS Platinum series, pretty good stuff I thought ??
The brand has nothing to do with whether or not you have a bad stick. Good memory can go bad, or be shipped bad. Memtest will tell you quickly.

[Dual]

Why not go for the Zalman 9700 then? I don't think it costs that much more.

[Dual]

And usually you don't have to remove the motherboard for the Zalmans (for AMD). That's one reason I like them.