New system crashes =(

[Wazootymaster]

Arg... My new system initially had a cpu heat problem (probably incorrectly mounted heatsink). I just replaced it and temps are waay down, but another problem cropped up.

Essentially what happens is that one application I am running freezes. It can be explorer (vista) but sometimes it isn't. After a period of inactivity (during which I can still use other applications/move the mouse) the entire system freezes.

This happens consistently a few minutes after booting. It can happen any time from before the login screen appears to after running a few intensive apps. Processor temperature is fine. I have run with each memory stick alone and with both together.

I suspect heat because it takes longer to happen if the box has been off a while.

I had to remove the controller heatsink from my MSI P6N SLI platinum motherboard to make room for the CPU heatsink. According to the manual, that heatsink is optional and did not come installed. My motherboard temperatures are normal.

What can I do to narrow it down?

Help! =(

 

[Wazootymaster]

Yikes... my computer seems to be having problems powering on when vertical... I'll check my connections but I don't see how that could be related.