Wierd reboot issue when gaming without Vsync

[BluSky]

Hi everyone. I wasn't sure whether to post this here or in general hardware but I think its more of a graphics issue.

I have an issue where if I play any game in full screen mode without vsync switched on, my computer will hard reboot within about 30 seconds. It doesn't happen if I have vsync switched on and it doesnt happen if I play in windowed mode. Also If I start a game in windowed mode without vsync and then maximise it the game plays fine. It is only if I start the game in full screen mode with vsync off that this occurs.

Windows notes in the event viewer that the system has shut down improperly but does not give a reason

My current setup is:
Core 2 Duo E6850 @ 3.0ghz
4gb DDR2 800mhz
Asus P5k-e Wifi / AP
150gb WD Raptor HDD (windows drive)
500gb WD 7200rpm HDD (data drive)
ATI Radeon HD5850 1GB
Enermax 900W PSU (cannot remember exactly which model but will check later)
Samsung Syncmaster SM2333 Monitor (1920x1080)

I had the same problem using my old 8800GTX as well. The 5850 is running the latest catalyst drivers and I have swapped out the ram already with no luck. The motherboard BIOS is also up to date.

Really at this point I am completely stumped and I am really hoping you knowledgable folks here can help me out.

Thanks in advance! and sorry for the sheer length of this.

 

[Plec]

That is a very strange and specific problem.

You mention that your 8800 had the exact same problem was it able to be 'temporarily' fixed in the same way via starting the game in windowed mode?

Have you tried any other card in the MB other than the 2 stated? Although given that the ones you have tried are both different makes and brand i'm guessing the result would probably be the same)

Your BIOS is upto date but are the MB drivers (chipset) upto date too?

 

[Leeroy123]

I said that last line to my mrs when we met !

 

[BluSky]

Hi thanks for your reply

Yes the 8800 was exactly the same and could be 'fixed' in the same way. I have never tried another card in the MB as the 8800 was part of the original build and the 5850 is my most recent upgrade so I don't have another one to test. I might have an old FX5200kicking around somewhere but that's it.

Good point about the chipset drivers, I am not sure but I will check later

 

[mmj_uk]

Does removing your overclock help?

 

[Plec]

Does removing your overclock help?

I think he's running at stock mmj_uk looking at his spec list - E6850 @ 3GHz.

 

[BluSky]

Hi yes I am running everything at stock speeds.

 

[mmj_uk]

Oh right I presumed the @3ghz was because it was overclocked.

If you go to system properties > advanced system settings > advanced (tab) > settings (startup and recovery) there is an option under 'system failure' labelled 'automatically restart', untick that and next time it crashes it should give you a BSOD with hopefully some clues as to the cause.

 

[BluSky]

That is a very strange and specific problem.

You mention that your 8800 had the exact same problem was it able to be 'temporarily' fixed in the same way via starting the game in windowed mode?

Have you tried any other card in the MB other than the 2 stated? Although given that the ones you have tried are both different makes and brand i'm guessing the result would probably be the same)

Your BIOS is upto date but are the MB drivers (chipset) upto date too?

So now it is the weekend and I finally have some time to look at this, I have updated the chipset drivers and the problem seems to have gone away. I just managed to play about 10 minutes of dragon age 2 - vsync off - without a crash (which is more than I ever managed before) I will test it more thoroughly later to be sure.

Also as per your suggestion mmj_uk I have un-ticked the automatically restart box so hopefully if the problem does occur again I will have something to work with.

Thank you all for your help!