PC crashes whenever I try and play a game

[tomd741]

Hi guys.
Basic problem is that my computer freezes every time i start a game. I'm assuming this has something to do with the video card.

My steps so far have been to format my HD and re-install windows vista. I have not connected to the internet since re-installing windows so I am almost certain I have no viruses.

The problem occurred whilst playing a game, the computer froze and was totally non-responsive - even to ctrl+alt+del.

Sometimes when I switch it on, it loads up until the login screen which stays blank.
I have found that I can start it up successfully in safe mode.

My specs are as followed:

Manufacturer: Dell Inspiron 531
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 x2 Dual Core Processor 5600+ 2.81 ghz
RAM: 3582mb
System type: 32-bit OS
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8300 GS
OS: Vista Home Premium

If you need anymore info pls ask
Thanks

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

All your device drivers up to date?

 

[tomd741]

Yep, i downloaded the latest from the Nvidia website.

 

[tomd741]

just to confirm - downloading the drivers did not solve the problem

 

[ThaUnknown]

what power supply are you using?

 

[captaincranky]

First, a 8300GS video card is just barely more competent than onboard graphics. so if it freezes on games with very high system requirements, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Other than that, the possibility exists it might be an insufficient PSU, and/or overheating video card or CPU.

 

[tomd741]

300W power supply - I'm certain the graphics card is broken somehow, because when I plug the screen into the integrated video card port it works. I'm looking at a couple of replacements for the graphics card already but I dont really want to replace the power supply as well. Im only using the graphics card for one game and its really not graphics intensive (EVE online)