computer thermometer

computer thermometer

computer freezing due to graphics card or processor?

for a while now, my comp will randomly freeze at times. I dont have a thermometer to check temps of individual components, but ive narrowed it down to the cpu and graphics card. The cpu fan doesnt seem to be putting off any really hot air, but when i shut the comp down after freezing and touch the graphics card, it seems fairly warm. the smaller cpu fan attached to the mobo puts off some hot air too though.

intel core 2 duo
msi geforce 8800gt sli-capable

reading the reviews for my msi geforce 8800gt graphics card, it stated that sometimes freezes up system. This is leading me to believe that it is the culprit to all my freezing mishaps. but im still not ruling out the cpu.

im thinking of upgrading both eventually, but i was wondering which one to buy first, the graphics card or cpu. i want my comp to stop freezing first and foremost. plz put in opinions, input, advice, whatever. thnx

how did you 'narrow it down' to cpu and graphics card?

what makes you think that its not just an OS or software error?

You can set the bios to monitor the temp of the cpu and shut down the machine if it o/heats. This will indicate if it is overheating. If the fan is functional and the vents on the machine are not obscured, (and you are not overclocking) it should not be overheating.

if you are overclocking, tune your machine down slightly

you can run something glike this

http://www.soft32.com/download_26552.html

or this
http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=1194for the gpu

to monitor the hardware temps

You will know its the gpu if fails while running games. Gpus do not overheat when doing desktop graphics because they are not under load for 2d rendering. They only run hard when rendering 3d.

If you want to rule out a hardware error, make a disk image and then make a new install. if the new install doesnt hang, the old os setup was what was at fault.

You may find its nothing to do with your hardware!

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