The power and hard disk lights would go off if there was an overheat, wouldn't it?

No they wouldn't.

Basically the only way you would know that you system is overheating is by using Temperature Monitoring software
http://www.pchelpforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=1035.0,

Or through the temp monitor in the BIOS or by opening up the case and checking to make sure that all the fans are spinning ok and that the heatsink isn't extremely hot.

Hey, I've got a similar system to yours, except that it's a Sempron 2600 (1700mhz). I just bought it about six months ago. ...and I'm having the exact same problem you are. I've tried replacing the video card, reinstalling windows, and about every option in the bios. All I can figure out is that it runs better when I turn off video acceleration under troublshooting in the video control panel. Also, when I turn the speed down in the bios, it works a little better, too. I've done a lot of other tests, too. I also know it's not an overheating problem, or a power management problem. All I can figure out is that it's a windows compatibility problem with a frequency issue in the north side bus on the motherboard (somewhere between the processor, AGP video card, and the ram). I'm extremely close to just tossing my motherboard and buying an ASUS brand. That would fix it. The only other thing I haven't tried is using a PCI video card instead of an AGP card, but who wants to do that??

Sorry about the bad luck. You're not the only one. :banghead: If I have any luck getting it fixed, I'll let you know.

Cj

Hey Guys

It certainly sounds like an overheating issue. I had similar issues with my PC; I made it from scratch a few years ago now on a Gigabyte SINXP1394 MB with a P$ 3.06GHz Northwood chip (I think) with Hyperthreading tech. I rammed it full of SDRAM to 1Gig. of LL Corsair stuff. The first game I tried was Vice City and it kept on crashing left, right and centre! It took me ages to realise it was overheating. I thought it was pants RAM.

I have since upgraded the heatsink on the processor itself, upgraded the fan on the heatsink and installed a few variable speed exhaust fans. Now it works superbly.

First off I would recommended opening the case as much as possible when the system is running MAKING SURE that non of the internals get close to either yourself or anyone you know...for obvious reasons. If your system stays stable for longer then it will partially prove that overheating is the prob.

As a more longterm soultion I would recommend either investing in a new case or installing additional fans, either 3-pin chaps or the molex variety. I'd recommend getting hold of a Thermaltake Smart Case. If you're in the UK check out www.aria.co.uk