Random computer crashes?

Hello,
Lately while playing many different games such as Team Fortress 2, X-Plane, and Mirrors Edge, after playing from around 10-20 minutes my whole screen will go black, the audio will continue running for about 10 more seconds then will loop the last half second or so. This has never happened until about a month ago. Please help! Thanks!

 

Hi cantaloupe. Welcome to Computer Help Forums.
I think it's overheating and the graphics card is shuting down.
Download free "Speccy" and monitor the temps especially just before you think it will shut down.
Not on startup.
http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download

 

Thanks for the reply/help. I did this and then tested it. My graphics card remained at 89 degrees celsius the entire time until it shut down?

 

Could it possibly be that I am running 2 monitors side-by-side?

 

Hi, although that temperature is a bit warm, even for a graphics card as they can run quite hot, it is other temperatures we would like to see as well please as it may be the processor is also hot.

Nev.

 

Hi further to the above advice, what Graphics card are you running?
We need to know to check safe operating temp for the card.
Card could be even hotter at time of shutting down.
Is this a laptop or Desktop.
Please post a screen shot of speccy.
Try one monitor .

 

I am running a NVIDIA Geforce GT 220 on my desktop. I opened it up and cleaned out the fan and then checked speccy with only one monitor, the idle temperature was much less (from about 80 celsius to 59 celsius.) However, that still seems like a lot? Is there anything else I can do to clean it further?

 

The graphics card temp wise is within it limits however should be running cooler IMO
The other temps are good.
Are the drivers for the card up to date?
The card is not a strong one and maybe 2 monitors is putting the card under too much load.
EG My card is a hd7700 and under the heaviest load can't get it over 65c (expensive card)
My only thoughts is to buy a second identical Graphics card and adaptor or buy a stronger card.

What wattage is your PSU?

 

My PSU is 300 watts. I updated the drives and opened up my computer again and cleaned the card more thoroughly (there were some large dust chunks in the fan and heat sink) and now its idling at about 50 degrees celsius with one monitor! I think that was the problem. However, is there anything else I can do to lower that temperature even more?

 

Hi. Please read the previous post by Starbuck.

That's why I asked what PSU. The bare min wattage PSU required for your Card is 300watt.

Could well be contributing to the problem if the PSU is at all on it's way out.
Cleaning the dust out has improved the temp.
Next I would be looking at a larger wattage PSU.

Also check the wiring harness is not impeding circulation.
An extra case fan may bring the temp down also. (cheap)

Be interested what the core voltages read. This may help us determine the condition of the PSU.
Could you open Speccy, Click on Motherboard and expand.Please post a screen shot of the core voltages as per example below.

 

Thanks for all of your replies, this is very helpful!

 

Hi. That tells me your PSU is cactus. Look at the 12v rail voltage.
Should read 12v or close.

 

Hi, DSTM is right, it is a wonder that the computer turns on with such a low voltage.
You do need a new and bigger power supply, I would recommend to get one that is at least 500 watts. (a bit bigger gives more room for future upgrade)

Firstly remove the one that is in now and let us know the full details on its label.
Dell did use some odd power supplies in the past, so if we can either see from a photo of the label, or you can write the details down, we will know better from that if a standard type will work.

Nev.

 

You definitely need at least 450 watt but 500 would be better. Bear in mind when it comes to psus though the brand is worth more than the wattage and a 500 watt generic or poor quality brand
psu will run no better. For that reason I always recommend Seasonic, Xfx or Antec HG psus which IMHO are top quality and warranted for 5 years you will see out of one.