Computer shuts off for no reason

This is kind of a silly issue. Its not really that bad of a problem...but its starting to worry me.

This has happened like, 6 times in the past 3 weeks. But, for no reason that I can think of, the computer just, dies. Shutdown completely, as if we lost power. I've only noticed this when ive been playing a few games...namley Just Cause 2, i really can't get very far if that dumb game keeps shutting my computer off.

My guess, is the game, or something else, is over working my graphic card, and then that causes the graphic card, to use more power from the power supply, and since my psu has a limit, it just, cuts it off?

Computer specs
Intel core2 xtreme quad 2.4ghz
4gigs ddr2
Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit

Also i would like to state, that this has happened on my friends computer also, he has Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit also..and neither of us have EVER had that problem before we had Windows 7.

 

This sounds like a heat problem,If your graphics card (you don't say what it is) is not powerful enough it will overheat and the PC will shut down for self preservation.

 

Im sorry, i totally forgot to mention that...

ATI Radeon HD4670

Also I would like to note. I can play games that are much more demanding ( like Crysis, or even the new Starcraft 2) and no problems whatsoever

And... i did recently install the drivers off my Disc that came with the card, instead of using the drivers from ATI's website, would that be part of the problem?

 

Well your card is well up to the job.
Have you opened the tower and checked that it is clean, dust build up on the CPU heatsink and filters for the case can cause the same problem.

I am not a gamer myself but there are plenty here who are and if this is not your problem no doubt other will come in with solutions.


If you download this program and check the temps of the CPU and GPU under stress it will give useful info.

http://majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

 

When i head into town tomarrow, ill try to pick up a can of air, if i can.
( Im downloading what you send, ill post what it shows )

Last thing ill mention... I find it kind of funny, I can have the computer on for like 2 weeks, without it "shutting down" on me like that. It seems to only happen when I play that one game. I play online games example: WoW ( though i dont play that) almost 24/7 at some points and really no problem at all. Im wondering if its just that game thats causing the problem...I hope it is, because i really cannot afford to replace my computer at this time..

 

I read from other threads that some games have problems but i am not well enough informed to make a comment on that particular game.