CPU shut off problem

Lately, when I have been playing games (Civ IV and Battlefield 2) my PC will load the game then after about 10 minutes of gameplay it shuts off. It loses all power and I have to toggle the On/Off switch on the back of my case to get it back and running again. Every once in awhile it shuts off when no game is being played. Anyone know what is going on here or what I need to do?

 

I suspect it's time for a New PSU

 

Psu?

 

PSU = Power Supply =D

I have the same problem with my computer when trying to play BF2. Have an AMD 2800, and a Gforce 6600 installed, with only a 250 watt powersupply.

 

Is there anything else that could be the problem? I have a 300 watt power supply.

 

What Video Card and Processor are you using? From what i have read some Processors are more power hungry then others, that info would probably help the more experienced people around here give you a better answer, as for me, I'm a computer noob... so ill leave it to someone else to answer your question!

 

PSU = Power Supply Unit
What brand model is your Power Supply Unit?
It could be that it just doesnt have enough power for your system
What is your system specs?


How to test PSU:
http://www.ochardware.com/articles/psuvolt/psuvolt2.html

There is this too ( the above is better):
http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_getprod.php?masterid=558141&lot_id=2199826

 

Did you recently install any new hardware? I had a PC become unstable after adding a USB wireless adaptor. Replaced it with a PCI unit, and things got good again. You might also get a motherboard (temp) monitor program and see if your have some overheating problems. If you decide to clean the PC, be sure to keep fans from spinning if you blow compressed air through them.