PC crashing while gaming. GPU overheat?

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blade12

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 29, 2005
Messages
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Hey, I have a 6800GS, opteron 144 w/ Epox 9npa+ Ultra and everytime I load up C&C3Tiberium Wars, my pc crashes after ~30 mins in. I have been trying to figure out what could be causing it for a few days now.

I came to the conclusion that my videocard might be overheating but there is one problem with that theory. At idle temperatures, the ambient temp stays at 42 degrees C with core temp at 52 degrees celcius, according to Rivatuner. I changed my gpu's cooling about a year ago by buying a Arctic Cooling Accelero X1( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186001 ). I read through a whole load of reviews and MOST of them say the Accelero keeps videocards at ~60C under full load. If that's the case, it shouldn't be crashing my whole computer. Is there anyway to find out my gpu's temp while playing any game?

Things I tried so far:
-I tried different drivers thinking that maybe the drivers have a problem with C&C3TiberiumWars. It didn't help.
-I underclocked my CPU back to default, thinking maybe my cpu is overheating. It didn't help.

Thinking of trying/possibilities:
-Underclocking GPU under default speeds to see if it helps.
-Putting a large external fan next to my pc case to help in air circulation. I already keep my side covers open completely so putting a fan on the side won't be a problem.
-Maybe my 6800GS is dying? I bought it last january of 2006 when it first got released.
-Any other ideas?
 
Try leaving your case open and give it a go. If it doesn't crash get a better cooler.
 
could be alot of things. powersupply, mobo, ram, videcard, virus, etc

run burnin tests for specific componants,

open your case and aim a big fan inside, if it still dies its not your average overheating, and itll be detectable outside of gaming.

then run a ram test

then a cpu test

then maybe a 3dmark.

if it still doesnt die, it could be a driver issue or just the game.
 
Ocean said:
could be alot of things. powersupply, mobo, ram, videcard, virus, etc

run burnin tests for specific componants,

open your case and aim a big fan inside, if it still dies its not your average overheating, and itll be detectable outside of gaming.

then run a ram test

then a cpu test

then maybe a 3dmark.

if it still doesnt die, it could be a driver issue or just the game.
Click to expand...

I forgot to include my PSU but I got a decent stable powersupply - Enermax Liberty 500W. My mobo(epox 9npa+ ultra) is only 1 year old and hasn't caused any problems yet. I am going to try putting a fan on the side right now and go try it.

What should I use for ram test/cpu test?
 
alright, I put an external fan next to my case and everything worked fine for 1 hour. Overheating was the problem and it seems like the fan has solved the problem but I still got no idea what is overheating. I think it is the videocard or RAM, most likely videocard. I guess I will just use the external fan from now on everytime I play some game. thanks
 
blade12 said:
alright, I put an external fan next to my case and everything worked fine for 1 hour. Overheating was the problem and it seems like the fan has solved the problem but I still got no idea what is overheating. I think it is the videocard or RAM, most likely videocard. I guess I will just use the external fan from now on everytime I play some game. thanks
Click to expand...

Try reseating the cooler?
 
the ramtest will heat up your ram, and not your videocard. so you can rule out your ram or cpu that way.
 
oh, and since you leave your case open anyways.

CLEAN OUT ALL THAT DUST FROM YOUR HEATSINKS.

compressed air, or a straw from a hyperventilated gamer, your call.
 
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