GeForce 8600 GTS problems - PC Help Forum - Free Computer Help, Windows, Hardware, Software and more!

foh123 · #1 1 Week Ago

Hello!

First off, excuse my english since it's not my native language.

Problem is that games keep freezing after a few minutes of playtime and i'm worried it's due to my GeForce overheating although i am not entirely sure.

PC specifications:

Gigabyte GeForce 8600 GTS 256 DDR2 (Silent Pipe 3 - passive cooling)
Intel Core 2 Dual E8200 2.66 Ghz
2 GB DDR 2 Patriot
250 GB Samsung
Gigabyte S775 P35-DS3P motherboard
550W Chieftec
Flatron 17˝ LCD

I've tried a few different drivers and am currently using the .21 version for the 8th nVidia series. All of them acted the same way. I also have DirectX 9.0c installed.

The side panel of my PC is off and the room temperature is about 18-20 Celsius.

The weird thing is, not all games freeze. I can run Oblivion easily for 10+ hours with decent graphic settings, same for GTA: San Andreas. Some games though freeze up in a matter of minutes, like Call of Duty 4, NFS: Underground 2 (which we all know is graphically far less demanding than Oblivion for example), Titan Quest etc.

I also read on a few websites/forums that this model should not overheat so easily and it should be normal to have around 80 degrees Celsius temperature.

I don't really know what could be wrong so i would appreciate any suggestions on locating the problem and any possible solutions.

Thanks in advance!

Lord Chance · #2 1 Week Ago

Originally Posted by foh123

Hello!

First off, excuse my english since it's not my native language.

Problem is that games keep freezing after a few minutes of playtime and i'm worried it's due to my GeForce overheating although i am not entirely sure.

I also read on a few websites/forums that this model should not overheat so easily and it should be normal to have around 80 degrees Celsius temperature.

I don't really know what could be wrong so i would appreciate any suggestions on locating the problem and any possible solutions.

Thanks in advance!

Hello Foh123,

It is very possible that you have a heating problem. Heating not just on your video card but ram and processor as well. Leaving the case open is a bad practice because it does not let the air flow properly over the motherboard and components. You want to draw air in from the bottom front and out through the top rear of the case. The more air you can flow the better. If you do not have fans for your case then use a room fan with the side of the case off. I know I said it was bad practice, and it is, but we do what helps. Also make sure the heatsink for the processor is clean and the fan is running.

LC

Lord Chance · #3 1 Week Ago

Oh and please forgive my bad manners for not Welcoming you to PC Help Forum. You will find this this the nicest place on the web to find computer help. Terrific people Hengis and his staff are. Nice and helpfull Users as well. Enjoy your stay Foh123!

LC

Cobracon · #4 1 Week Ago

Hello foh123,

I'd say that 80C (176F) is overheating. I just installed an EVGA 8600GTS SSC (factory overclocked) and was alarmed to see it idling @ 64C. I opened the nTune utility and changed the fan setting from Auto to Manual, then set the fan to run @ 100%. The temperature dropped immediately to 56C. My case has very good air flow, so some experimentation is in order so I can reduce the GPU's fan speed in the future.

zinglebarb · #5 1 Week Ago

Originally Posted by Cobracon

Hello foh123,

I'd say that 80C (176F) is overheating. I just installed an EVGA 8600GTS SSC (factory overclocked) and was alarmed to see it idling @ 64C. I opened the nTune utility and changed the fan setting from Auto to Manual, then set the fan to run @ 100%. The temperature dropped immediately to 56C. My case has very good air flow, so some experimentation is in order so I can reduce the GPU's fan speed in the future.

you do realise passive cooling means no fan dont you

If you are concerned and its a big block on it id carefully screw an 80mm fan to the block. However I do not think its that. Are the crashing games fully patched legal versions?

Cobracon · #6 1 Week Ago

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

you do realise passive cooling means no fan dont you

If you are concerned and its a big block on it id carefully screw an 80mm fan to the block. However I do not think its that. Are the crashing games fully patched legal versions?

Yup, you're preaching to the choir, as I understand passive.

My point is that passive cooling doesn't appear to be enough, based on the stock cooling solution which is obviously much more effective and very quiet even @ 100%.

foh123 · #7 1 Week Ago

Thanks for help. I'll try to use a fan, hopefully it will help.

The games are well..patched, but not exactly legal. Should work though since my friends keep runing them.

My friend said it's better to have the side off because it keeps the interior at room temperature and heat doesn't build up in the case...does that make sense to you guys or is it vital for me to close the case down?

Also, if it's of any help, i successfully ran 3D Mark06 without freezeing or crashing. Dunno if it's an indicator or not.

zinglebarb · #8 1 Week Ago

I do not think its heat I think its something other . Have a look in event viewer and see if they are as I expect errors in the exe files

Lord Chance · #9 1 Week Ago

Originally Posted by foh123

Thanks for help. I'll try to use a fan, hopefully it will help.

The games are well..patched, but not exactly legal. Should work though since my friends keep runing them.

My friend said it's better to have the side off because it keeps the interior at room temperature and heat doesn't build up in the case...does that make sense to you guys or is it vital for me to close the case down?

Also, if it's of any help, i successfully ran 3D Mark06 without freezeing or crashing. Dunno if it's an indicator or not.

With the case open you don't get the air to move over the heat sink. Sure, the heat sink draws heat away from the GPU but what then? If the case is open then the fan/fans just pulls air from the side of the case. Closed, the fan/fans draw the air thru the case helping to pull heat away from the heat sink on the GPU. Lets put it this way. The room is 20 degrees C, Feels cool. Right? Now turn on a fan and let the air move over you. You feel cooler?

The fan should help determine if it is a heat problem. Good luck!

LC