How to diagnose a graphics card fault.

On an HP desktop.

[mack]

My system has developed a very anoying problem. I am thinking it may be the graphics card because the problem only seams to happen when games etc are being used. Although it sometimes seams to happen for no reason at all.

The problem is a constaint beeeeeeeeeeep (from speakers not bios related) and the system freezes up. Mouse wont move no contreol over system. Only thing that can be done is to power off the system and re-start.

Any ideas what this could be?

Mack.

[vincevincevince]

you're not overclocked by any chance?

[chris_f]

Shoulds like a smiliar fault I had. This could be down to overclocking, overheating or (although this shoulds strange) a driver error. Try updating the drivers for you graphics card first. I have known machines to lock and beep becuase of this.

ATOB
Chris

[mack]

Not overclocking.

Overheating is a possability, because i recently installed a 2nd hard drive, although im 99% sure the sprolem happened a few timew before I made the changes. I dont think th esystem will overheat with the new drive, it's quite well ventalated and had three fans.

Think I will take the advice and replace the driver, it may have gone corrupt.

Thanks for the replies :)

Mack.

[2oddSox]

Hi Mack,

As the others have suggested, start first with the driver for the graphics card. Strange tho' that the sound comes from the speakers and not the BIOS.

Do what you can software-wise (update drivers, flash BIOS etc), then move on to the hardware...

Another thing to maybe consider is the memory sticks. As games are memory-intensive perhaps the fault might be there.

As you probably know, the best way is to eliminate the possibilities is to swap out parts. Got any good mates with spare machines...?

(sorry for stating the obvious)

Good luck,

2odd...