Civ4 turns my computer off

[Arkaeyn]

Playing with the 1.52 patch, every now and then, my computer will just shut off. Click, boom. Have to press the on button to get it back going. This only happens with Civ4, and it has been happening with more and more frequency lately. Used to happen occassionally in 4-5 hours sessions. I just had to restart after 15 minutes of play.

My processor has been running hot - I'm going to apply some new thermal grease. Will that help? Will getting a new video card help? This is insane.

 

[Zanmato]

Depends on the CPU to determine what is 'hot'. AMDs can run as highly as 60-70 degrees without problems. Might not be a CPU issue though, could well be a developing power issue or just a game issue. Could you post your spec or dxdiag file so others can look over your setup. Do you know what the power supply output is too?

 

[Arkaeyn]

The computer is fairly new, I built it myself. I'm running a P4 2.66, and I've seen the temp as high as 77, after Civ crashes (it usually seems to be around 60, which I'm told is warm for a P4). Power supply is 450 volts.

It is also possible that I did something wrong while wrestling with a video card I can't get to work and flashing the bios. The problem does only occur with Civ4, but Civ4 is the only thing I've run on the computer that might take up all its power.

 

[Zanmato]

Yep, 77 degrees is getting near critical for P4s, could possibly damage the CPU if you carry on. Civ4 is one of the most intensive CPU games I've seen, usually running at 95-100% (on my machine at least anyway). The computer will shut itself down to protect the CPU, the power supply is ok. Consider getting a better CPU fan/heatsink. Arctic coolers are generally quite good but I'm sure you'll come across a few recommendations if you look around. The most expensive resort of course is to upgrade the CPU.

 

[Zydor]

The comment below is in addition to your hardware heating issue.

The card in the Dxdiag is a Geforce2, I note you are having problems with Video card fitting. Firaxis coded a fall back for the Geforce 2 to make up for its limitations - the fallback is slow and a little precarious, putting more work on the CPU, but not much else they can do - doubt they will support Geforce2s for much longer

Therefore take into account that the CPU will be working harder than usual due to the fall back coding, which will increase cpu workload significantly (therefore increase to a degree cpu heat level). Therefore once you got the rest of the hardware stable, need to test with new card before "relaxing" as the GeForce2 issue will have increased the heat problem

Regards
Zy

 

[Arkaeyn]

I just got the CPU new, so I'm not going to be upgrading THAT. I'll try to get some lint-free cloths so I can apply my grease.

Ah, I understand, Zydor. I've got an ATI Radeon 9550 that won't work, which is annoying me. That should help once I figure out what to do with it, then.

 

[kris55]

When i used to have P4 processors, i did notice something. If the fan is on the wrong way up (i know it sounds silly) it makes it very hot, as hot as yours, when i turned mine round it made it go to 40oc. I know it sounds silly but it worked for me!

 

[Zydor]

Some good build sites that may help you - ferret around, follow throlinks etc

http://www.overclock.co.uk/customer/home.php

http://www.perfexltd.co.uk/forums/index.php (this sometimes a bit slow to load- ok once in - good helpful guys in there)

http://www.guru3d.com/

http://www.tomshardware.com/index.html

http://www.chillblast.com/home.php?source=google

http://www.omegadrivers.net/

EDIT : 1 more, http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/

Regards
Zy

 

[Arkaeyn]

When i used to have P4 processors, i did notice something. If the fan is on the wrong way up (i know it sounds silly) it makes it very hot, as hot as yours, when i turned mine round it made it go to 40oc. I know it sounds silly but it worked for me!

Interesting, kris, I've fiddled with the motherboard a few times and may have rotated the fan. I'll fix that when I get in there again. Gotta go out and get lint-free cloths. Radio Shack, probably?