Please help desperate

[Dia]

Ok this is my 3rd build. Mainly I build gaming rigs. But I cannot figure out this problem that im having.

The system runs stable and fine until I go to play a game.

The problem I have is ill be playing counter strike source for example and itll be fine. Then after about 20-40 mins the game will lock up and ill hear a looping sound (usually the last sound I heard before the lock up). Itll continue to lock up for about 10 seconds then continue to play. I thought this was just a cs engine problem with an update or something but then it happened when I was playing F.E.A.R one night. This problem doesnt constantly happen but it does happen often. Often enough that every time I play im starting to place bets to see if its going to do it tonight or not.

system specs are:

asus P5gd1-vm
intel 530j 3.0 lga 775
2 gigs of pqi ram
msi 7800 gt
aspire 550w cameleon psu
western digital caviar 160 gigs
asus dvd rom 16x

But like i said the system runs stable no error messages. The problem I have is with games locking up for 10 secs with looping sound and its not all the time.

Anyone know what this might be?

PS I do have all latest drivers

[Cricket]

How's the case cooling?

You're using the on-board sound?

Do you have another compatible power supply you can swap in to test with? Aspire PSUs aren't all that great.

Did you already test the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic utility?

Did you test the RAM yet?

Scanned for viruses and malware yet?

Cricket

[flanzig1]

Could be the PSU starts to flake out when under load. If you look at the PSU thread in General Hardware, you'll see that Aspire PSUs are not considered to be quailty supplies.

[Dia]

Originally Posted by Cricket How's the case cooling? You're using the on-board sound? Do you have another compatible power supply you can swap in to test with? Aspire PSUs aren't all that great. Did you already test the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic utility? Did you test the RAM yet? Scanned for viruses and malware yet? Cricket

Yea i have a hiper type r im gonna test with, the only reason why i got the aspire is cause this is a portable lan gaming case and could only fit a certain size PSU before it rests against the optical drives. So that aspire was my best solution for a PSU. But if the hiper fixes teh problem ill be cutting this case so the psu can fit.

as for ram i pulled one of the gigs out and ive been running for a day or so. Probably wait a week and then swap it for the other stick.

The hardrive works fine ive been watching the LED light on the case its being accessed at a normal rate.

This is a brand new build there is no viruses or malware.

case is cool as well as cpu.

and im still using the onboard sound.

[Dia]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 Could be the PSU starts to flake out when under load. If you look at the PSU thread in General Hardware, you'll see that Aspire PSUs are not considered to be quailty supplies.

Yea I know about aspire making crap products. But due to limitations on this case I wanted to use I had to get that aspire chameleon psu due to the size, amps, and watts it was producing.

The reason why i used such a pain in the ass case design was becuase when i go on trips i dont want to use a laptop that can barely run a poker game. So I found this fragbox/lan case that could fit normal components. But i didnt realize aspire left little room for a normal sli certified PSU.

So when i test with the hiper psu i got in my other system. If it proves to fix the problem i guess ill be modding a case which i dont know if im happy about but its more experience i guess.

[Nav]

dont always believe what the manufacturers tell you when it comes to wattage, amps and what not. As heat goes up, the amount of clean power goes down. The ratings for your psu may have been taken at a lower temperature, such as 25 degrees ( al lot of companies do this). Best thing to do is to get a power supply from a reputable company. Ive always used enermax and never had any problems with them. the xclio (never used it) is also highly recommended. btw, i had the same problem on my sister's computer. It was overclocked and the psu couldnt handle the load when playing sims 2 (it was a generic psu, my sister is a cheapskate). Ive always been told to never trust thousands of dollars of equipment to a psu that will flake out on me. Best bet is to try another psu and see if theat helps. good luck.