Brand New Computer Still getting crashes with Civ4

[Ryan_paco]

I have a brand new HP desktop
it is not yet connected to the internet, and probably won't be for some time
here is the best stats I can give you off the top of my head:
1gig of ram
RadeonX1800GTO
400 watt power supply
Dualcore processor (intel 3.?)

I have been playing Bethesda's Oblivion with little or no trouble, so I figured Civ4 would play smoothly as well.
I am running the game with graphics set to high.
I started a large map and I was able to play fine for quite a while.
soon I began getting CTDs about 5 minutes after I loaded my game
now Instead of getting CTDs my computer restarts entirely and gives me the message that microsoft has recovered from a serious error.

I read the FAQ and I will make those minor changes... but I guess Im wondering why this happens and if there is anything else I can do to prevent these crashes

 

[crunch]

could be graphics card overheating
open up your case
monitor gpu temperature if you can
magic ini file option to try: SetMaxFrameRate=60 (or less, 40)

 

[Ryan_paco]

Setmaxframerate = 60 didnt help

I thought my video card was pretty good
will reducing the settings help?
will downloading the latest patch help?

 

[Artosoft]

Setmaxframerate = 60 didnt help

I thought my video card was pretty good
will reducing the settings help?
will downloading the latest patch help?

Latest patch (v1.61) may help you.

But I agree that setmaxframerate = 60 will release CPU from its 100% workload. It's mean CPU's temperature will decrease.

Your VGA card is more than enough for Civ4.

Regards,
Arto.