Member Avatar for sayvari

Hi,

I have a IBM Aptiva 3153-E3N(AMD-K6-2/300 Processor with 128 mb Ram and ATI rage Pro Turbo AGP Graphics). Whenever I am playing the Microsoft Midtown Madnesss and the Monster Truck games, or any other fast moving games the Computer freezes. It is functional once again on being rebooted but on two occasions I had to reformat the Harddisk since the computer refused to retart.

Can anyone suggest if the configuration is OK or it requires some sort of tweaking?


Sayvari

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A short diagnostics primer for the freezes during fast-paced gaming reported by . Replies from , , and @J☺E correctly highlight hardware limits, but intermittent hangs under load can also be caused by drivers, overheating, memory faults, disk errors or power-delivery problems. A focused, ordered troubleshooting sequence helps determine whether repair, component replacement, or a replacement system is the right path.

Start with software checks: a clean video-driver reinstall using the vendor's official release and removal of legacy drivers, together with a review of OS event logs for repeated event IDs or shutdown codes, often reveals driver-related crashes. Memory should be exercised with a bootable memory tester for several passes, or run the machine with one module at a time to isolate a bad DIMM. Temperature monitoring during gameplay commonly exposes overheating - poor airflow, blocked fans or failing heatsinks frequently produce freezes only when load rises. Disk-health checks (S.M.A.R.T.) and chkdsk help rule out file-system corruption.

Power delivery and AGP/graphics settings are the next area: transient freezes under GPU load can indicate an underpowered or failing power supply; testing with a known-good PSU or an alternate graphics adapter helps isolate that. BIOS options related to AGP timing or "AGP Fast Write" can affect stability; BIOS updates and setting changes should be attempted only by those comfortable with the process. Short-term workarounds include lowering resolution, disabling high-end effects and closing background applications to reduce overall load.

A pragmatic order of action is: drivers -> memory -> thermal -> disk -> PSU/BIOS; an upgrade becomes justified only after the faulty subsystem is isolated. Confirm warranty status before opening the case and observe basic ESD precautions. If earlier reformatting produced only temporary relief, that pattern usually points toward hardware rather than a pure software misconfiguration. Noted Event Viewer codes or the exact freeze behavior (hard hang vs. BSOD) will guide the most effective next step.

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Member Avatar for Trezier

Hi,

I have a IBM Aptiva 3153-E3N(AMD-K6-2/300 Processor with 128 mb Ram and ATI rage Pro Turbo AGP Graphics). Whenever I am playing the Microsoft Midtown Madnesss and the Monster Truck games, or any other fast moving games the Computer freezes. It is functional once again on being rebooted but on two occasions I had to reformat the Harddisk since the computer refused to retart.

Can anyone suggest if the configuration is OK or it requires some sort of tweaking?


Sayvari

Sayv,

Your config appears to be fine for the game. I just have a few questions... does it freeze all the time at the same spots? Or random times when you have a lot going on in-game? Does your system start up the game fine and has it frozen at the startup screen for the game at all? Does the system freeze when performing any other functions or slower paced games?

This problem is hard to pinpoint because a system freeze could be a number of things. HardDrive space, memory failure, software conflicts, processor faults. Answer those questions when you get a chance and I can give you possible solution.

~Trezier

Member Avatar for steosaur(oWn)

sounds like you could use some upgrades
possibly more ram and a better processor, i would just get a new comp if its financially acceptable for you (if your not a poor mo fo like me)

Member Avatar for sayvari

Hi,

The Computer generally freezess when lot of action is going-on at random times, it does not freeze on start-up or on any other slow moving games. Otherwise functions normally when using other software.
The standard config for the Aptiva was
AMD-K6-2/300 Processor with 3D NOW technology
100MHz Front-side bus
64mb SyncDRAM/256mb Max (enhanced to 128 mb as of now)
512K/b L2 Pipeline Burst Cache
2MB Syncgraphics Memory
80Gig HDD

Does any of the above give a clue, meanwhile I would reason out other possibilities.

*****sayvari*****

Member Avatar for caperjack

Both are very graphic intence games ,you need more fire power to run them !Me Thinks!:)

Member Avatar for Trezier

Hi,

The Computer generally freezess when lot of action is going-on at random times, it does not freeze on start-up or on any other slow moving games. Otherwise functions normally when using other software.
The standard config for the Aptiva was
AMD-K6-2/300 Processor with 3D NOW technology
100MHz Front-side bus
64mb SyncDRAM/256mb Max (enhanced to 128 mb as of now)
512K/b L2 Pipeline Burst Cache
2MB Syncgraphics Memory
80Gig HDD

Does any of the above give a clue, meanwhile I would reason out other possibilities.

*****sayvari*****

Yeah,

I didn't want to be the one to say "Pull the plug on the current CPU and buy new." but it seems to be the case. The unit you currently own is suited for word processing, internet exploring, and older... low graphic games. I'm afraid anything worth playing nowaday just won't do well with your current config.

Though you may meet MIN. requirements... there's a good chance most games will just not work correctly when they get detailed or fast paced. Almost like "the straw that broke the camels back" so to speak. Depending on your motherboard and what it can take processor and memory wise, you may be able to upgrade it. But I'll be honest... I doubt you will get a significant boost and financially, it may make better sense to buy new when the opporunity arises. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news friend... Good luck either way, and if you do decide to try an upgrade... I'm sure all of us here will be more than happy to help with any problems you may have.

Regards,

~Trezier

Member Avatar for sayvari

Thank you for your opinion.

Regards,

Sayvari

Member Avatar for J☼E

this happend to me while playing some games too, after i got a new graphics card and more ram it was fine

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