My computer keeps on freezing when i play PC games but i can't seem to pinpoint the problem. I had to format and reinstall XP because it froze and all my dll files got deleted. I installed a new ATI radeon 64mb PCI card before the format and and started freezing so i took it out but the problem pesisted. Even when i was formatting the computer froze. I'm currently using a S3 savage 4 32 mb video card. I don't know what to do. Please help.

P3 500 You may need a BIOS upgrade. Be sure that your system fan / case fans are running to maybe rule out overheating. Did you run the xp compatability check? XP Readiness Test Of course if the machine isn't currently up and running the test is a moot point

Yea just upgraded the BIOS and still freezes. For sure it's not over heating because it even freezes right when i turn it on for first time in day. Any other suggestions? P.S the link doesn't work

Could be your motherboard or RAM as well. I’ve built a number of computers and seen bad RAM cause your type of problems. Also, regarding motherboards, there are boards that are more stable than others. In a nutshell, it usually amounts to the number of capacitors around the CPU. These caps keep the voltages and data lines clean. They very often go bad due to heat. You see these types of failures in TV’s too. If your CPU generates too much heat, these caps can start to cook, and it leads to stability problems. You’ve tried a new vid card (which would have been my first suggestion). I would try putting in a another stick of RAM (borrow it if you have to) and see what happens. If still bad, I’d bet it’s the mobo. Good luck, John O

XP Readiness Test: http://www.pcpitstop.com/xpready/default.asp Try installing with only ram, hard drive, cd-rom and graphics card installed. Remove all other cards, set the BIOS to user defaults. Once installed, add a card/device at a time to try and narrow down the problem device. LL

In addition to what they are saying you also might want to check the rating on your powersupply? I've seen and had this problem in XP which may or maynot be associated with you and the infamous infinite loop. Its been known to happen on pentium boards on rare occasions. If your ps cant maintain enough power to all the components this can and will cause system instability. I would say if you have less than a 300watt ps then you may want to upgrade (ideally 400+watts)or remove components to relieve some stress. This could be a simple solution that may save you lots of time and possibly money. -Late