Computer Crash

ArmonArmon Join Date: 2005-03-09 Member: 44595Members
edited March 2005 in Tech Support
<div class="IPBDescription">Only when I u se d3d or gl</div> AMD Anthlon™ XP 2800+
VIA/S3G UniChrome Graphics
512MB DDR

I dont know what to do, my entire computer restarts when the game crashes. I've tried reducing resolution and such so my monitor wouldnt freak out. Nothing has worked so far, but I need some help. I'm sure its as simple as me having a crappy video card, but sometimes I can get it to run a t least like 20 mins before crashing, so I think it may be something else. Help! This happens with all games like counter strike and half life, unless I use software, but since it's not supported by NS...well you see my dilemma.

And if there are video drivers to help, could you tell me which ones to download? I have no idea what to get.
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Comments

  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    google you video card and download from their webby.

    Also, describe the crsh.

    full reboot and you have to power off/on? (heat problem)
    just magicly reboots? (hidden BSoD)
    Crash to Desktop?
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  • ArmonArmon Join Date: 2005-03-09 Member: 44595Members
    It's a magical reboot, ill be playing and then my computer like does the same thing as when you choose to restart your computer from the shut off menu (windows). I don't know what a BSoD, or what you said, is. I have googled my video card and i go to the site, but theres alot of drivers for video cards and im not sure which to get, I don't want to some how screw up my video card with the wrong driver update. If thats a heat problem, acn I solve that by just getting a better video card, or would I have to get more fans?
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  • Lt_PatchLt_Patch Join Date: 2005-02-07 Member: 40286Members
    First things first, Armon, the Via/S3G UniChrome chipset is an onboard graphics solution, normally just used when the manufacturer needs a generic onboard graphics card. If you want to update the drivers for it, then you'll really need to get them from the motherboard manufacturers website. If you don't know the <b><u>*EXACT*</u></b> make and model of your motherboard (you'll need these to get drivers) then go to <a href='http://www.lavalys.com' target='_blank'>Lavalys.com</a>, and download Everest Home edition. Go to the motherboard tab, then onto the motherboard sub-section, and it'll tell you the exact make and model. It'll even tell you their website, in your local language settings. Get updated drivers for everything from there, not just graphics drivers. Install them all, and see if that makes a difference.

    BTW, the BSoD is the Blue Screen Of Death, and is used to describe the colour of the background on which fatal error codes/STOP codes are displayed. If you're running Win98/WinME, then BSoD's are never invisible, they actually halt Windows, and wait for a response from you. If you're running XP, then they can automatically restart the PC, with a tell-tale flash of blue, then nothing. To disable this, Right-click on My Computer, then click on Properties. Click on Advanced, then under "Startup and Recovery", click on the Settings box, then make sure there isn't a tick in "Automatically Restart". Click OK, then OK on the System Properties page. Now when Windows generates a STOP code, it'll halt on it, instead of restarting the PC. Post up what the error message says, and I'll see if I can help you further.

    Also, if you want to upgrade from the UniChrome, then check to see if your motherboard has an AGP slot. If it does, then get a good AGP based card, an FX5700 256MB model should suffice for your spec PC. If it's PCI only, then either get an FX5200 128MB model, which is the best card you can get on PCI, or chuck the motherboard, and get one with AGP.

    Hope that all helped
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  • ArmonArmon Join Date: 2005-03-09 Member: 44595Members
    Ok, Thank you for everest link, it helped me find correct driver updates, and my problem is solved! Updated my chipset, video and sound cards, so everything runs really well! Thank you Lt Patch for the link, and thank you Thansal for helping me clarify my problem.
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  • ThansalThansal The New Scum Join Date: 2002-08-22 Member: 1215Members, Constellation
    no prob, and glad it works.

    /me points at Patch

    That man is The Man!
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  • Lt_PatchLt_Patch Join Date: 2005-02-07 Member: 40286Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-Thansal+Mar 11 2005, 08:49 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Thansal @ Mar 11 2005, 08:49 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> /me points at Patch

    That man is The Man! <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Hey, I do this stuff for a living! Giving tech support on a forum is easier than over the phone, seeing as most forum users have a brief grasp of computers, which is more than most people who I speak to have.

    Hmm, that could be a new bit for a signature!

    Oh yeah, Armon, if you get any more problems with your PC, just either PM me, or drop an email to me. The address is <a href='mailto:EvaKani@netscape.net'>EvaKani@netscape.net</a>, which is also in my profile...
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