My graphics card overheats and locks up the screen in games. Does the graphic card fan turn on only when playing games or is it always on? if it isn't always on, is there a way to keep the fan running at all times? any other way to prevent this problem?



For example, if the computer has been sitting overnight and i turn it to play some c-strike, it works fine. but if the computer has been sitting at idle for a couple hours, and i try playing a game, the game will start to freeze.

all input is appreciated.

 

you sure its the graphics card and not the processor? Add some more fans. That can never hurt.

 

The Fan is always on, try removing the videocard then getting a can compressed air and dust the agp port and the card itself then reseat it. That has solved alot of mysterious reboot and heating issues for me good luck!

 

it may be the processor that is locking up...too much heat builds up when you play games like CS if you have an AMD processor (i play it alot)...also the graphics card fan should always be spinning...if that's not the issue...then it is your power supply...not having enough power for the graphics card and processor will make them both heat up faster...causing it to either freeze up or your computer automatically restarts...

things you might want to upgrade:
1. power supply
2. more fans
3. koolance.com

if no, try downgrading:
1. front side bus
2. underclocking processor
3. lower hardware (graphics card) acceleration