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Rant

My computer goes crazy ! Please help !

Jan 4, 2015 1:09AM PST

Hello I have a major problem with my pc

Everytime I skype and I play a game with my friends my pc goes crazy. Let me explain:

1. Without warning every program stops (skype,steam...) and I get ''Has stopped working'' error for each one of them.
2.All text (from word,chrome or desktop) begins to shiver and changes color fast.
3. I cant open any problem and I have to shut down my pc by restarting with the button on my case.
Also everyone that is in a call with me when this thing happens ( on skype) hears a very loud static sound.

This happens when I stay for more than 4 hours on the pc or sometimes even after 2-3 hours.

I am planning to change my CPU soon. Will that help?
If no, what else can I do to fix this?

Discussion is locked

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Since it works for hours at a time
Jan 4, 2015 1:12AM PST

I'm thinking it overheated. Since no details are given (laptop, desktop) I have to be generic in my answer. Try cleaning it with canned air (so many YouTubes on how.)
Bob

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Agree with Bob...
Jan 4, 2015 1:16AM PST

get the cheapest work done first. After that we can look at further problems.
Dafydd.

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Specs
Jan 4, 2015 1:18AM PST

Im sorry I was in a rush here are my specs .
Windows 7 Ultimate
CPU: AMD Phantom II x3 710
4 gb RAM 64-bit OS
GPU: Nvidia geforce gtx 260

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+spec
Jan 4, 2015 1:21AM PST

Its a desktop btw

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What are your temperatures? Do you know?
Jan 4, 2015 1:26AM PST

If you don't know what your temperatures are, you can download SpeedFan from here
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php and it will tell you. It sure sounds like you have an overheating problem as others have said, so get the covers off and blow that dust out. If you haven't done that in over a year (you didn't say how old your system is), that is very likely a problem. Based on your hardware, it sounds like it could be several years old.

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Tried to clean it
Jan 4, 2015 1:24AM PST

I have this problem for 4 months I did multiple pc cleans as showed on the internet. The error kept on coming

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Since it's a desktop try the cheap test.
Jan 4, 2015 1:59AM PST

Remove the case cover and point a fan at the open box. However I'm finding boxes like that are often less than 100% stable. If the usual doesn't fix it then we are swapping CPU and boards.
Bob

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how old is the motherboard?
Jan 4, 2015 7:54AM PST

That static sound would almost immediately make me suspect "bad caps" on an older motherboard. Capacitors help smooth the ripple out of zener created direct current from AC current. Visual effects were often observed at the same time, more so on CRT monitors, but also the discoloration you mention was seen on LCD monitors. They can also fail in PSU.

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PC Cleaning
Jan 9, 2015 12:33PM PST
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Overheating
Jan 10, 2015 9:37AM PST

It appears you are overheating. Try upgrading cooling, streamlining airflow, and if you are overclocked, my decrease those settings. If you have a Laptop try not to position it on clothing, sheets etc. If you have a desktop, clean out the fans, and components and make sure everything is working fine,