power supply - Computer "blacks out" when playing games

07
2014-07
  • Perplexed

    Ok, I know there are a few similar posts here but I wanted to lay out my scenario specifically.I have a Dell XPS 8300 ~ 2 years old.In my quest to make the PC more game ready (Battle Field 3), I decided to upgrade a few parts.

    Firstly, and this was not part of the game prep, I wanted to install an SSD, I chose a samsung (840 series).I then consulted some guys at the computer store who recommended the Radeon Sapphire HD 7850. After installing this GPU I tested out BF3 and ~ 30 mins into the game the screen goes blank (monitor goes into sleep mode) and the audio turns into a constant buzzing. I have to hold down the power button to shut down and then turn it on again. This happens every time I play BF3 and sometimes its after 30 mins sometimes after 1 hour.

    I searched the internet and downloaded OCCR, HWMonitor to check the temperatures etc.3DMark test also ran successfully without issues (before I upgraded PSU)I found that the CPU would reach 70+ degrees. As the computer goes down I cannot record the temperature at the exact time of failure.

    The GPU temperatures were always around 33 degrees when idling.Also, I tried runningg the game with the case open just to ensure it doesnt heat up as much, but still the problem occurs.Went back to the computer store and they thought that maybe the Dell PSUis not powerful enough, so I bought another and installed.

    Feeling certain that this was the problem I fired up the game again. This time in ~ 15 mins the problem occurred again!The Dell bios is pretty basic and does not give me the option to change shutdown options in the event of temperature rises.

    Anyway, I am at a loss now and have no idea what the problem could be.

    My specs:

    • Dell XPS 8300
    • CPU: i7 2600
    • RAM: 16GB
    • GPU: Radeon HD7850
    • PSU: Corsair TX750M (old one had max output of 348W)
    • Storage: Samsung 250GB SDD 840 series
    • OS: Windows 8 Pro

    *The game is NOT cracked, it is a paid for official copy.I am attaching screen shot of HWMonitor during PC idling (not sure how helpful that will be!)

    Any help appreciated.

    thanks,

    KS

    FRAPS output:

    2013-07-05 22:17:24 - war3
Frames: 33661 - Time: 588842ms - Avg: 57.165 - Min: 0 - Max: 69

    enter image description here

    enter image description here

    • Answers
  • Homer Simpsons
    • Battle Field 3 does not work under windows 8 (Memory Leak). Downgrade or reinstall to windows 7

    Requirements

  • Carl B

    Looks like it could be a compatibility issue.

    When I upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 7, I had issues with some software (games) running in the new Windows environment. One solution that worked was to run the program in Compatibility mode. Since the game worked in XP, I selected that mode and everything worked fine.

    Here is the link to Microsoft and some pertinent steps to try for compatibility issues/corrections with Windows 8.

    windows.microsoft.com

    Apply a compatibility mode

    If you know the compatibility mode that your app needs to run, here is how to apply it: 1. From Start, enter the name of the app you want to run in compatibility mode, and in the search results list, swipe down or right-click to select the app, and choose Open file location.

    1. In File Explorer, swipe down on the app or right-click it, and choose Properties.

    2. In the Properties dialog, choose the Compatibility tab.

    3. Select the compatibility mode and other options you want to apply, and then click OK.

    In addition to different operating system compatibility modes, you can also run apps in reduced color modes or with administrator permissions. You can apply the settings for everyone who uses the computer or only for you.

  • Perplexed

    Thanks for your assistance. I have now resolved the issue by installing BETA drivers for the GPU.


    • Related Question

    crash - Constant crashes in windows 7 64bit when playing games
  • z -

    I've tried everything I can possibly think of in trying to fix this problem and I'm totally out of ideas, so any help would be appreciated:

    The problem: whenever I fire up a game, it works for a short while with no problems and then it would crash. Either its a hard crash, forcing me to reboot, or windows would report that the display driver has stopped working and recovered. Here is a list of things I've already tried:

    1. Drivers - tried the latest drivers (catalyst 9.12) as well as the stock drivers that came with the video card. Also have the latest BIOS/chipset
    2. Memtest - Ran Memtest86+ overnight, had no problems, the windows diagnostic tool also does not find any problems.
    3. Overheating - Video card/cpu temperatures are well below peak (42 and 31 Celsius receptively)
    4. PSU Voltage - CPUID shows that the voltage levels are all above what they should be. The PSU itself is only roughly 16 months old and is a good model.
    5. HDD - No errors when checked
    6. GPU - Brand new (replaced previous card since I thought it was the problem, apparently not)
    7. Overclocking - Everything is at stock levels, memory voltage is set to manufacturer's standard

    Specs:

    • Motherboard: ASUS P5Q Pro
    • CPU: Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0 ghz
    • OS: Windows 7 home premium 64 bit
    • Memory: Mushkin Enhanced 4GB DDR2
    • GPU: Sapphire HD 5850 1GB
    • PSU: SeaSonic M12 600W ATX12V
    • DirectX: DX11

    Event Viewer after a crash always has these logged:

    A fatal hardware error has occurred.

    Reported by component: Processor Core Error Source: Machine Check Exception Error Type: Bus/Interconnect Error Processor ID: 1

    The details view of this entry contains further information.

    A fatal hardware error has occurred.

    Reported by component: Processor Core Error Source: Machine Check Exception Error Type: Bus/Interconnect Error Processor ID: 0

    The details view of this entry contains further information.

    A previous card that I had (4850x2) also had these errors, so I changed video cards, but the same thing is happening.


    • Related Answers
  • Kythos

    A few things come to mind with the errors you've posted, the cpu may not be seated properly causing issues under full load, or windows 7 is having issues with power management because a new feature is cpu core parking.

    It's unlikely a problem with the core parking but just to be sure you can go into the power options and set everything to the maximums, (not very green but it could get the job done).

    You can also re-seat the cpu, make sure you have some thermal grease on hand if you wish to go that route.

    Short of that I would recommend running a bios update which can be obtained here

    I included the afudos utility but you should be able to just copy the file to a usb stick and use the asus easy update from the bios itself.

    The latest bios is version 2102

    Edit:

    I just did some further research and found 2 people that ending up correcting their issues. One removed the x-fi pci sound card and the second disabled the on-board nic through the bios and added a usb based net card. Both people had the same error log issues and bsod problem, unfortunately it looks like a matter of trial and error to discover the culprit.

    Best of luck!

  • William Hilsum

    I know you said you checked, however when ever I have dealt with a problem like this, 90% of the time, it is a faulty PSU or graphics driver. Lastly, it can be a driver combination - for example some other dodgy hardware with a rubbish uncertified driver.

    600W is high for a single GPU system, but still, it may be worth swapping it just to test.