I had a similar problem with an ATI 3870 where the fan wouldn't keep the card cool. Turns out the card was faulty and had to be replaced.
You might want to consider that as an option. Especially when you say the color went crazy; that’s definitely an indication of an over heating card.
My opinion.
Mixing memory will cause system instability problems. I would agree with Rik55, remove the 2GB of G-Skill and see what goes. And since you have mixed memory, are you also over clocking? If so that too can cause problems, especially if you have mixed memory.
Good catch on the mixed memory rik55. I missed that in his system specs.
When i was running XP 32bit, I only had the 2GB (1x1GB) of G-skill RAM. Then i upgraded to Windows 7 64bit, i tried playing Empire Total War but the game kept rebooting 5min into a game.
I then bought 2x2GB of Kingston Ram. The computer store (Online Computer Store - Umart online® Your one stop Computer Shop for computer parts,notebook and new system) tested my computer with it and said that the RAM will work fine together. But I soon realised it doesn't. I have just used the 4gb kingston to see if it does screw up and it has, but now with the graphics card driver update, i shall try it again :)
I will let you know how it goes,
Thanks again gentlemen!
Joe
Ok so with just running the 4GB of Kingston RAM, the computer crashed during Call of Duty MW2.
Also the GPU got to 82 degree's C and it froze and went all spastic.
Would this come down to cooling? I got a Mid ATX case, with a stock AMD fan with heatsink on the CPU and a fan at the rear of the case.
I also have a Silverstone 540watt PSU
PS: I am not overclocking the RAM..I have not done anything in the BIOS.
Cheers
With all the issues you're having with the video card why not just RMA it? You could try pulling the heat sink off the processor and re-lapping it with a fresh coat of thermo paste, but that requires skill and know-how. Again, I'd look at an RMA, especially if you've done quite a few things and the card is still acting up.
As a side note - I still say that mixing memory isn't a good thing. I'm almost certain that if you ran memtest - Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool you'd pop up with errors.
It’s always best to keep your memory matched – brand, timings, voltage, speed; especially voltage and timings.
As for your power supply, maybe, depends on the power supply. You can check my system specs, and I've never had an issue.
My two cents.
Thanks for the advice :)
what do you mean by RMA?? Buy a new one? lol
In reference to mixing memory, I fully understand what you mean. Which is why I made it clear to Umart that I don't want RAM that will stuff up my computer. And yes I did do a Memtest and there were no errors.
As stated before, for a while I had been running 2x1GB of G.Skill DDR2 Ram and then i upgraded by adding an extra 2x2GB Kingston DDR2 Ram.
The G.Skill specs are: F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK, PC2-6400, CL4-4-3-5, 2.0V-2.1V
The Kingston Ram specs are: KVR800D2N5K2/4G , 4GB 800MHz DDR2 Non-ECC CL5 DIMM (Kit of 2)
Standard 256M X 64 Non-ECC 800MHz 240-pin Unbuffered DIMM (DDR2, 1.8V, CL5)
(I got the Kingston details off their website and i just typed what was written on the G.SKill RAM.
Thanks, I hope this can help.
PS: Computer still crashes in games with only Kingston RAM which therefore rules out a RAM problem correct??
Return Merchandise Authorization. If the card is still under warranty you call the manufacturer's tech support and explain your problem, they in turn will solve the problem of give you an RMA number or code authorizing you to return the item for a replacement or repair at their cost. Some vendors make you pay shipping there, and they ship back to you for free. Find out that info as well, and find out what your shipping options are? For example, If you ship the item over night, they will do the same on their end, at their cost. This helps in getting your item back faster. Ask!!!
As to the RAM, If you feel comfortable that everything is the same between to two brands, well, you have to live with it.
Good luck.
haha, i am not gonna live with my computer crashing during games, It's just not acceptable =P I really do want to get to the bottom of this.
Thanks or elaborating about RMA. The only problem is, my card is about 2 years old now, I don't think Nvidia (or Leadtek or Winfast) offer lifetime warranty's for the 8800GT's. Maybe I should just buy a newer card? I would but if computer crashed during a game of CoD with the new card, I would not be happy lol.
Would come down to COoling? Getting a better heatsink and Fan? Getting a 120m fan instead of my 80m at the rear of the case??
Thanks again
I've pretty much exhausted my suggestions here. You could try some of the things you're suggesting as you know what you have, we don't. If you feel you want to try some different cooling methods, give it a try. Once those thing are exhausted, if things remain the same... you'll have a decision to make.
And a phone call to the manufacturer about the RMA isn't going to hurt anything. The most they can say is no, which is what you expect anyway. But... you never know.
Good luck.
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