Random Computer Restarts and Crashes

[Minsk]

Hi

This only happens when I am playing games, and it seems to be only the newer games that cause the problem, but my computer randomly restarts while I am playing. It does not seem like there is a certain period of time before it restarts.

My computer is the following:

MB: Chaintech 7vjl EZ
CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2100+
RAM: 512MB DDR
Video: Excaliber RADEON 9600 pro
HDD: 1xSeagate 80gb 1xSeagate 120gb
CD/DVD: 1xAopen 52x24x52 cd-rw 1xDVD-ROM 4x

The psu is 320watt max and I also have a PixelView PlayTV Pro.

I think the problem may be a hadware conflict, but I may be wrong. If anyone can help me, that would be great.

 

[RyanOldw83]

Do you have onboard video that you havent disabled?

 

[Minsk]

No i do not

 

[Vassil3427]

Is the PSU a generic one? If it is that may very well be your problem. I used to have random restarts until I finally got enough money to purchase a nice Antec 400w PSU...BTW(wattage isnt all that matters, though that PSU may claim to produce 320w, if its generic it probably doesnt produce nearly that)

 

[Minsk]

how do i tell if it is generic or not?

 

[Vassil3427]

Open up the case and tell us what brand is on it. Or just answer this question, did you purchase the case, and it came with a powersupply already installed? Was it rather cheap $50 or under??

 

[Minsk]

I brought this case and it did have this power supply.
Its an Olympus ATX-320W/P4/Dual Fan

 

[Minsk]

and it was $130 (new zealand) about $70 US

 

[Minsk]

i have no idea. 512 ddr is all i know

I think the problem is overheating, as it only happens while im playing games, ie. using more cpu, and i have a fairly poor cpu fan.

 

[ekÆsine]

yes definately get a more powerful power supply. if this doesn't clear up your memory try underclocking your system.