Just to eliminate software as a cause I would go back to Joe Hobart's suggestion of installing a second (parallel) version of XP on this computer.

And just on further reflection: what is the environment of this computer?

I find these temps to be either incorrect or else unusually low:

Motherboard - 22C, 72F
CPU - 22C, 72F
Aux - 23C, 73F
WDC WD800BB-00FJA0 - 35C, 95F


For example your room must be in the low 60's F.

I guess, the floor is pretty cool though and the computer is on it.

Oh yeah, forgot about that parellel thing. Hmm, that could mess things up, couldn't it?

BTW I should probably tell you, the BSODs have certainly toned down! I mean last night I had two in games and today I had one after quitting a game and going upstairs for a second. I mean, I can actually play some games and have fun. The crashes are still there, just not as serious or crazy.

Oh screw it, I crashed within 4 minutes of a game.

Why is there no one in the world that knows how to determine a motherboard, PSU, or processor fault? That turd that calls himself a "technician" didn't even do anything, yet I paid him $46 to sit on his ass and whistle a tune.

I don't know Staples but I assume it is basically a large retail outlet.

Is this where you bought the computer? Is there any warranty?

Otherwise if you want precise mechanical testing I would suggest a High Tech repair shop.

Although it might be cheaper just to get new parts and test them out for yourself.


I am still puzzled that your CPU runs so cold (ironic as that seems).

Oh yeah, forgot that I crashed while typing. Just remembered that the message was never submitted :/

No, I bought the computer from MDG, a manufacturer in Canada. Much like Dell in their cheap service and products. I should see about getting the computer to them. My father and I got an advertisement in the mail from them about a "free thermal fluid and processor fan" check offer since he bought his computer from MDG as well. The brochure showed a man holding IDE cables inside of a computer and had his hand firmly planted all over a video card. That's great assurance from MDG - "bring in your computer and we'll put ESD all over your brand new $200 video card".

Staples is called Staples Business Depot. It's a retail franchise in Canada and they specialize in office equipment. They also have a computer technical department and also sell computers.

Forgot to mention the crashes. Whole plethora of 'em.

Played KOTOR II for 2 hours or so. Then I was on the web for about 15 minutes. I crashed within a minute of watching a Google video from the Quake 3 forums. It was win32k.sys and I think it was either DRIVER_IRQL or IRQL. Rebooting caused an ntoskrnl.exe BSOD before XP loaded up and then while I was typing here, a PAGE_FAULT. These were all in punishment for all the gaming I got done without crashing.

I would recommend the reinstall (parallel) of XP.

This would rule out a software problem.

If the crashes continue then you would know it is hardware.

Then it is either finding a shop that is capable of changing out your hardware or doing it yourself.

I would try a new CPU first.

I don't know where else to go

Of course if there is any warranty involved just send it back to MDG.

No, warranty was only for a year, meaning it ran out August 12th, 2005.

Wow, 199 posts and still no resolution. Must be a new record