Problem with lockups!! Warning: Very advanced issue

[Razorox]

Ok so I got this new computer a couple months ago, and ever since I got it, it always locks up during graphically intense applications for about 10 seconds, then it will suddenly start working fine again. It does this pretty randomly - about every 1-30 minutes. It is a hard lockup, The sound will stop, or will loop, and u cant ctr-alt-del or anything. I've updated my graphics drivers to the most recent WHQL certified version, I've updated my mobo drivers, and flashed my mobo bios. After I flashed the BIOS, it seemed to work fine for a couple hours, so I thought it was fixed. Then the next day it started locking up again, so I'm assuming it was just a fluke.

System info:

Windows XP Professional

Athlon 64 3200+ Socket 754

Asus K8N-E Deluxe

WD Raptor SATA 74GB 10000rpm 4.5ms Seak

1GB OCZ DDR400 Dual Channel EL

BFG Tech Geforce FX 6800 GT OC

Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS

Ok now my hypothesis was that it had something to do with the video card since it only happens during graphically intense apps. (ut2k4, world of warcraft, and half life 2 to be specific) I have also played some less demanding games such as warcraft 3 and it runs fine. Also no problems while surfing, downloading, watching movies, music etc. Only during newer games. I really have no clue what the problem could be, I'm guessing maybe video card, but I would have no clue what the problem is. I guess it could also be the sound card? Memory? or maybe motherboard/harddrive compatibility? Throw me a bone here guys, I need something to work with! ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

UPDATE: Ok I have also tried:

-forcing Serial ATA DMA mode, for the IDE controller.

-Updating IDE controller drivers to most current version

[gryphon]

just an innitial question [ besides a request to post your directX diag file ]. . which windows version are you using ?

[Megashrap]

  Is the cpu/fsb etc. overclocked? And have you tried to re-install an older graphics driver vers. to rule out any probs with newer one it? And have you tried it with the graphics card at default settings(not overclocked).

[Razorox]

The windows version is stated in my original post gryphon (windows xp pro).

- cpu/fsb are stock speeds

- I've tried 61.xx drivers, and the most recent WHQL certified drivers

- Yes my graphics card is running at stock speeds as well (it is overclocked at the factory)

Most recent of my futile efforts include:

- swapping my video card with my old one (ti4200) and it didnt fix it, so i think we can rule out the video card now

- tried switching pci slots for sound card

- tried setting sound to 5.1 instead of headphones

- reinstalled sound drivers

- changed sata cable to 4th master instead of 3rd

- changed ram slots

- tried using only 1 DIMM

- changed RAM voltage to 2.7v

Im really lost as to what the problem could be guys... :(

DxDiag attached:

[attachment archived by Gobalopper]

[Megashrap]

  I'm sure Gryph or Nyarl will help ya.  But after reading over it somemore I can't help but ask, is there an overheating issue maybe?  Just asking cause it can be an overlooked culprit.

[Razorox]

All temperatures are running within normal perameters

CPU 39

[gryphon]

Did your computer ever function ok after you have bought it ?

Not shure if you have a true 64bit CPU, although there is a special Windows version for 64bit CPU's. . that's what I was refering to for your Windows version.

Have you tried running 3d benchmark programms ?

[Desert_Eagle25]

All BIOS frequencies and whatnot are set to default right?  Nothing overclocked?

Have you tried replacing your ram?

[Nyarlathotep]

To make sure it's no overheating, take off your computer case and try to see if it still happens.

While you're at it, try having an external fan blow cool air inside.

[Megashrap]

All temperatures are running within normal perameters

CPU 39

[Nyarlathotep]

Next to my previous suggestion, make sure you update your motherboard chipset drivers.

[Marcel71]

To make sure it's no overheating, take off your computer case and try to see if it still happens.

While you're at it, try having an external fan blow cool air inside.

And while you did already so much trouble, u might as well put your computer in the fridge  ;D

[owwl]

i think it is the ram problem  , same as me  iif i play over 10 to min  ,everything seem to slow dowm

[erjin999]

So how did you work out it was RAM ? Did you fix it ?

[AMIgaBot]

try that RAM on other comp, maybe  they is spoiled?  or that wirus problem :s

[Atomic Mitten]

To Razorox: This might seem a funny question but what keyboard do you have ?

If you have a Saitek keyboard there are known problems with this Harware.

Otherwise it's your sound card, try the patch for the Audigy ZS on creative's website.