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"What's happening?"

My PC runs fine when doing everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processng, images, etc. However, rarely the program (such as PSP) crashes, but this has happened only three times in about 500 launches. It occurs when I just select a button - any button - such as the picture tubes or whatever.

Next up, a use a database program called 4D - the thing is, it too crashes after lauching, but only when it is the first program loaded straight after Windows.

Onto games. When loading games, there are times when nothing happens - yes, I have double clicked on the icon, and there is a small amount of disk activity - all it takes here is another double click and it sometimes work. It's a problem as such, but it is getting on my nerves.

Finally, onto the games (we're talking full screen ones)themselves - sometimes, I can load the game, and it plays fine up to a certain point - and then the game just freezes, with a reset the only option. Other times, the game freezes, but the sound makes a continual high pitched noise as well, piercing my eardrums in addition to p***ing me off.

So, can anyone suggest what's happening here? I'm beginning to think it has a conscience and wants me only to do serious stuff like programming.

I have this sort of problem as well. I keep a house fan on the side of my case and it keeps the computer alot cooler and it doesnt crash. But in this hot weather it is prone to crashing after 7 or 8 hours. Building a whole new computer in a few days so hopefully my new PC wont have these sort of problems.

I would definatly go for a PSU. Try and get a good make 2 of the best are Enermax and Antec True Power, go for the 430watt model as then you will have a decent PSU to support any extra hard ware.

If it's one of those from quietpc.com then yes it will be virtually silent, all the parts they sell are rated for the minimum possible noise whilst still being very good quality. Although you pay through the nose :O/

Zalma are indeed a damn good brand, and going on reputation it'll be as good as silent and be very reliable. I wouldn't spend the money myself, but I can certainly see the appeal of zalman products.

Personally I just go with drowning out the sound of my PC with music =)

You could of tried changing/reinstalling newer drivers.... but i havent heard of Zalman PSU's before...

It says it's ultra quiet. I bought it from quietpc.com.

Icarus wrote:
> Hey, is a Zalman 400W PSU worth £106? Well, I bought it anyway.


It had better solve world poverty for £106, or at the very least make absolutely no noise whatsoever. Zalman are a quality brand and that unit may outlive your dog, but £106 is an unbelievable sum to spend on a PSU :O(

Hey, is a Zalman 400W PSU worth £106? Well, I bought it anyway.

Icarus wrote:
> But I think I know the problem; it could be the 200W PSU


You don't say...

And Windows XP is NOT unstable, since it only crashed once with my old PC. However, I might change my mind after installing SuSe next week.

Athlon 2100+ XP
512MB DDR RAM (single slot)
GeForce 3 (Winfast)
Plextor COmbo CDRW/DVD
Samsung HD
Audigy

But I think I know the problem; it could be the 200W PSU - I read somewhere that modern Athlons require PSus above 300W, so can these symptoms be related to a lack of power?