Computer runs great...except when gaming.

redayejones · #1 June 3rd, 2007, 08:51 PM

Computer will freeze with a high pitch constant squeel when playing any kind of decent game such as MX vs. ATV Unleashed, Microsoft Flight Sim X, Agatha Christie MOE, Fire Department 3 and Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006.

This can happen anywhere from 30 sec. to 2hr.+ into the games.
Reset via the front panel is the only way out.

Note this does not happen with the Misses internet type games such as Dynomite or similar games from Big Fish Games and so on. Nor does it happen when burning DVDs or Cds, watching videos, playing music etc...

Heres what I've tried.
Ran McAfee, Spybot, and Ad-Aware and fixed any problems as always.
Completly cleaned all fans, screens, intakes and so forth including CPU cooling fins.
Checked for any updates for Windows and hardware.
Removed side case cover and pointed small desktop fan at graphics card.
Ran Windows memory diagnostic.
Checked hard drives for errors.

I dont think overheating anywhere is an issue.
Could I be infected with a virus?
I've read some things about Sound Blaster cards. Should I try taking it out and going with onboard sound and see if my problem stops?

This machine has run games flawlessly in the past. I"ve been scratching my head for about a month with this now and I"m running out of ideas.

l337_GuY · #2 June 3rd, 2007, 11:19 PM

It really sounds like overheating. The motherboard usually makes a high pitch beeping sound, Or beeps rapidly when the PC has reached excessive heat.

Try downloading Speedfan, Play a game for about 5 minutes and post back the temps.

redayejones · #3 June 4th, 2007, 05:18 AM

Thanks for looking! Here are the temps...

Temp 1 32c
Temp 2 28c
Temp 3 45c
HD 0 33c
HD 1 33c

l337_GuY · #4 June 4th, 2007, 05:35 AM

Well they look all good.

What is the model and wattage of your PSU?

Is the squeel coming from inside the PC (motherboard) or speakers?

redayejones · #5 June 4th, 2007, 05:57 AM

The PSU is an OKIA brand from Newegg, about 2 months old.
Wattage is 650.
The squeel or whine comes out of the speakers.

PCCam · #6 June 5th, 2007, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redayejones

...when playing any kind of decent game such as MX vs. ATV Unleashed, Microsoft Flight Sim X, Agatha Christie MOE, Fire Department 3 and Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006...

You call those good games?

l337_GuY · #7 June 5th, 2007, 04:45 AM

I would try removing your soundblaster card, May be the issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCCam

Quote:

Originally Posted by redayejones

...when playing any kind of decent game such as MX vs. ATV Unleashed, Microsoft Flight Sim X, Agatha Christie MOE, Fire Department 3 and Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006...

You call those good games?

I think he means graphics wise, When he say's "Decent". And btw, What is to you what someone may prefer to play, or call a "good game". Your opinion is your opinion.

redayejones · #8 June 5th, 2007, 05:04 AM

Thanks 1337 GuY, I will try it and post back.

redayejones · #9 June 5th, 2007, 10:51 PM

Upon removal of sound card I noticed the power plug from PSU to mainboard was not fully seated. After a quick reroute of some cables and a reseating of the plug it seems to be running OK with the sound card in.

Thanks for your time 1337GuY, and to all at this forum who have helped in the past.

l337_GuY · #10 June 6th, 2007, 05:03 AM

Good to hear. Your Welcome

redayejones · #11 June 7th, 2007, 01:33 AM

The problem continues. I went ahead and removed the sound card and enabled the onboard sound, now its freezing with the blue screen of death.

Any suggestions?

l337_GuY · #12 June 7th, 2007, 04:36 AM

What message are you getting? Like the error code, and any file names associated.

redayejones · #13 June 7th, 2007, 08:00 PM

I've been using MX vs. ATV Unleashed to test with. On the first try the motorcycle started driving crazily on its own, such as in circles and full throttle for about 30 seconds. Then the screen (and computer) froze. No graphic distortion or squeeling. I could still see the game screen perfectly.

On the second instance the motorcycle did the same thing and after about 30 seconds the machine locked up and displayed a blue screen without any text or graphics.

This all happens within 5 minutes of gameplay. Also note that the hard drive activity light stays lit after the crashes.

I will continue to test and post back any different results.

redayejones · #14 June 7th, 2007, 11:31 PM

Just tried my old Sound Blaster Live card and got the same results as stated in begining of thread.

Its starting to look like this is not sound related...?

redayejones · #15 June 8th, 2007, 12:39 AM

Returned Sound Blaster Audigy to case installed latest drivers.
Removed all ATI software and drivers and reinstalled with windows drivers only to get the same lock-up and high pitched squeel coming from speakers.