Apr 14, 2011, 12:20 PM
Depends also on the OS.
windows XP:
BSOD's for any driver
Vista / 7:
Chipset drivers, sometimes video (others no longer in ring 0)
If a driver crashes on 7, you may see a CTD (crash to desktop) by the game.
In regards to hardware:
- Too low powered PSU (or an older PC with a bit low-ish PSU that decayed below the required needed Watt's)
- Videocard overheating, this can be CTD, can be BSOD, depends on the driver and severity
- Memory, test your memory with memtest86+ running overnight
- Hard disk, deteriorating disk damaging key files on the OS.
- CPU, most times overheating, cos of dust piled up in the cooling block.
In regards to cleaning that CPU block DO NOT USE THE VACUUM CLEANER and let the fan turn on amazing speed, there is still a coil there, and it will generate power, damaging your motherboard or the fan itself. If you must, don't let it turn around for "fun", cos that fun will cost you either a new CPU cooling fan (block), or a new motherboard.
windows XP:
BSOD's for any driver
Vista / 7:
Chipset drivers, sometimes video (others no longer in ring 0)
If a driver crashes on 7, you may see a CTD (crash to desktop) by the game.
In regards to hardware:
- Too low powered PSU (or an older PC with a bit low-ish PSU that decayed below the required needed Watt's)
- Videocard overheating, this can be CTD, can be BSOD, depends on the driver and severity
- Memory, test your memory with memtest86+ running overnight
- Hard disk, deteriorating disk damaging key files on the OS.
- CPU, most times overheating, cos of dust piled up in the cooling block.
In regards to cleaning that CPU block DO NOT USE THE VACUUM CLEANER and let the fan turn on amazing speed, there is still a coil there, and it will generate power, damaging your motherboard or the fan itself. If you must, don't let it turn around for "fun", cos that fun will cost you either a new CPU cooling fan (block), or a new motherboard.