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I just got a brand new Gateway with a nice 22" moniter three days ago:

Specs:
AMD Phenom 9550 (operates 2.2GHz, 2 MB share, L3 Cache, 3600 MHz HT 3.0 Bus.)
6 GB DDR2 Memory
ATI Radeon HD 3450 Video
640 Gig hard drive (hehe)
EDIT: Windows Vista 64 Bit Home Premium


I tried uploading Sims 2 which is a relatively old game (released in 2004) with basic graphics compared to some new PC Games. My computer crashed very quickly once I started to play, probably within 15 minutes. The screen went black, my PC remained running but my desktop never re-appeared. I had to shut my PC down with the manual button which is bad for the computer. I couldn't understand this. I learned though that my ATI Radeon HD 3450 Video isn't one intended for gaming. But I still think it should play them. I turned all the settings on the game to the absolute low which made it look dreadful. I still had the exact same results - crashing relatively quickly. I also tried another game which my friend let me borrow - Medieval 2: Total War which crashed after around 5 minutes. Do I need a power supply or something? Do I need an entirely new graphics card? I have all my drivers installed and everything. I hope this is something which can be resolved without having to buy new merchandise as this was a Birthday gift from my father...I don't think I'm about to ask him to buy me another gift.

If you have any questions about the problem ask them.


EDIT: Should I try this?
http://www.pchelpforum.com/pc-games/...sta-games.html

Anybody?

Hello I am not sure if the problem is that you are running a 32 bit game on a 64 bit Vista.

You may need to run in compatability mode.

I just tried your suggestion by disabling visual theme and desktop composition. The only thing that changed about the crash with Sims 2 was it took around 15 minutes. When it crashed it rebooted...or it showed me the Gateway start-up screen but never got past that (I had to hold manual shut-down, then start-up). I'll try this on one other game.


I haven't tried bleuhaze's option so far. I'm not sure what re-installing Vista would do exactly...

Try running compatability wizard.

Do this:
Open the Program Compatibility Wizard by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Use an older program with this version of Windows.

Do NOT reinstall Vista that is NOT an option.

You are running a 64 bit OS and the game you are using is for a 32 bit OS.

URG. This didn't work. I set it for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Did nothing.
It may very well be my GFX Card. The thing is if anybody is familiar with the game Medieval 2: Total War, there are two modes in the game. Campaign mode and Battle Map. Campaign mode is very basic and simple. Battle map takes a lot of rendering and good graphics. I made it through two battles which were around 15 minutes and 10 minutes. Then it crashed when I got to the Campign mode...That just baffles me. I've posted the same thing on another forum and have gotten some responses.

Most people said my card wasn't good enough for the games, and also my 22" moniter causes me to need better resoloution - and a better video card.

This well could be your GPU or a temp problem,over heating on higher spec games.