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Question

Why is my computer shutting down during game play

by Nov 6, 2011 9:21PM PST

I have an AMD Athalon IIx4 640 3.gig w/ 4. gig memory computer. I play Frontierville on Facebook alot. I am having trouble with computer shut down in the middle of the game. It doesn't blue screen it simply shuts down. POOOF!!!! gone. Then I have to restart the computer. I am running Windows 7 64 bit OS. What can the problem be and how can I fix it???? This very annoying. I can surf the web and play other games for hours without any events. So I am wondering if this is a computer problem, or a game problem. Please help any advice would great

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3 Posts
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Answer
Shutting Down
by Nov 7, 2011 12:47AM PST

Shutdowns are usually the result of overheating of the CPU/GPU. When temps get high, the CPU will generally throttle back to the lowest speed. When temps go beyond a safe level, the machine will shut down. Download a utility that will measure operating temperatures and CPU speed and monitor during game play. I don't know how demanding this game is, so don't know what to expect. If it is not demanding, there could be a problem with the fan and/or heat sink. If the fan isn't running on high speed during the game, go to the Dell Diagnostics (F12 at the boot screen) and run the diagnostics.

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Answer
PS
by Nov 7, 2011 12:51AM PST

Good program to use for monitoring is RMClock; it's free.

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Answer
Shut down
by Nov 7, 2011 10:48PM PST

Prior poster alluded to heat which some and much of the time can be the culprit and AMD processors are noted for running hot. Also, depending on what you are using for VID RAM might be the issue in conjunction with the capacity/capability of your PSU. The first thing to address would be heat (cooling fans etc.) but it could be a combination of heat and insufficient PSU capacity, in which case you would upgrade the PSU and perhaps add more cooling. Good gaming!!!

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