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I just installed a NVIDIA GE Force 9800 GTX in my system along with a 730 w power supply. Everything runs fine until I get in a game. I was playing Battlefield 2, and the monitor went into power save mode at random. It did this every time I played the game, with no pattern that I could follow. The computer isn't shutting down, just acting like it's hibernating. Any ideas on how to fix it?
It could be something as simple as a settings issue or as complex as an overheating problem. Let's troubleshoot this from the easiest to the more difficult solutions.
Monitor Settings
It's possible that when you are gaming your system is putting it in Power Save mode. Have you checked your monitor settings? Go to a blank spot on your desktop and right click on it. Choose Properties. Now under Screen Saver on the bottom, find Monitor Settings and choose Power. You can check several of the tabs and make sure that your monitor is not set to hibernate under any of the power situations.
Refresh Rate
If you are still getting into power save after you've adjusted the settings, then we need to look at other possibilities. You can check the refresh rate on your video card by going into Control Panel and then Display. Click on Settings and then Advanced. Choose Adapter and set the refresh rate to 60 hz.
Is your computer an Open Invitation for HACKERS? Download free version of Sparktrust Inspector to identify vulnerabilities and problems on your computer (and even your WEBSITES)!
Since you've just installed the card, I'm assuming that you have the latest drivers installed, but I have to point this out. Many times, updating the drivers for the video card, or monitor if you have one, will stop the system from powering down while gaming.
Overheating
It's possible that the new card or new activity is causing your system to overheat. You can monitor what is going on in your computer by downloading a program such as Everest diagnostic software. This can help pinpoint if you are having a problem with internal heat. You can check around your computer to make sure that you are giving it the best possible airflow - nothing is blocking the vents, it isn't sitting on a soft surface, and there is adequate airflow both above and below the machine. Make sure the room is cool enough and that it is not sitting in the sun.
You can clean the dust off the vents to improve flow - if this was an older card, I'd recommend taking the card out and making sure there is not dust on that as well. If the card is causing overheating, you can get a fan that goes directly into a PCI slot that will fan the video card directly.
Because this is only a problem with gaming, I'm guessing that you probably have a driver or heat issue. If you need any additional help, please let us know. Include any error messages that you may be receiving so that we can pinpoint the problem.
Is your computer an Open Invitation for HACKERS? Download free version of Sparktrust Inspector to identify vulnerabilities and problems on your computer (and even your WEBSITES)!
Kat Delong | June 8th, 2009
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