run Prime95 or OCCT for 5-10 mins just to make sure your PSU doesnt crap out when the CPU requires more power. those 2 programs put your CPU at 100% load.

if your PSU craps out when the CPU needs more power, it probably craps out when your GPU needs more power for games.

Guys, it's not necessarily an issue with his video card. I read over the entire thread, and I still don't see what brand or exact model of PSU he's using. Just because you tested another PSU and it did the same thing doesn't mean that's not the problem. Just because a PSU is 650 watts doesn't mean it provides good, consistent power and enough amperage to stay stable under load.

What I've seen happen sometimes is that when a PSU doesn't have enough amperage to drive the GPU properly under load (like gaming), the whole system will shut right down. I've had it happen to me. So unless that's a really high-quality name-brand 650watt PSU you're using.. that could still be the problem.

So exactly what brand and model is this PSU?

hartsickdiscipl

hes right

check if the fan on the video card is working. if you want to speed things up, borrow a video card from another computer. you said "we" in another comment so im sure the other guy has a computer and is willing to help.

or you can continue to look for possible problems. dont install another os yet. its so unlikely that the os is causing this.

No bit of a misunderstanding, i CAN boot into windows for as long as i want. i mean im typing all this to you so far on the actual pc. its only when i start playing GAMES! I cant run bioshock or borderlands or anything game like for longer than MAX a minute or two if you push it. An yeah i know those fans and heatsinks are pretty useless. Im thinking about buying a new set of those just in case, though my CPU temp is arounf 30-35 and thats pretty ok i reckon. And 3 of us applies the grease together, like a bunch of veteran surgeons, i promise you we did it properly lol. Ok well im gonne install another OS today which i have, prob XP(iv heard some people that just got windows 7 had a problem like this) but if its not that then ill def change the GFX and heat sink and fan Burmercia

ok, that changes the situation. go download a program called Prime 95 or OCCT. run that for about 5 mins and see if you computer shuts off.

if it doesnt shut off, your video card is probably the problem. i dont think its your PSU because you already tried a different PSU and this only happens when you play games.

i just bought a 4850 for a different computer and the computer freezes and the monitor goes white/yellow/grey after 30 minutes. if i bump the fan to about 40-50% then it is fine.

make sure the fan on your 9800 is actually spinning since thats easy to overlook. if it is spinning, download a program called EVGA Precision and manually change the fan speed to about 50-60% and run a game. if that doesnt work then you are SOL and better hope you have an EVGA or XFX card so you can get a replacement.

I am still willing to bet that its your CPU heatsink not making proper contact with the CPU. If you are using the stock Intel heatsink, make sure it is properly secured because those heatsinks are really hard secure. Also, if you are using the stock Intel heatsink, make sure you spread the thermal paste around yourself since the pushpins arent able to provide enough force, so the pea in the middle will not work. Also make sure you only put A LITTLE. Too much will make it fail.

You can also boot into your BIOS and leave it there for as long as it can. You said you can only boot into Windows for about 1 minute so see how long it can boot into BIOS for.

Make sure you plugged in the 20 pin + 4 pin connector for your motherboard and didnt leave out the 4 pin.

I really doubt your 650w PSU has gone bad. And Im sure the second PSU you tried was powerful enough and wasnt bad.

iv checked heat over and over, its not that. regreased every component, extra fans the works, temps are all normal. RAM iv also checked, one stick at a time, then the other, the swapped. Def not that....thats the thing, if i cant seem to able to pinpoint the problem. like now im almost completely lost because my hardware and temp is all fine - with the exception of maybe the PSU... who knows?Burmercia

What do you mean by regreased? Theres only one component that needs greasing and thats the CPU.

Wow dont listen to these nubs. It is most likely your CPU thermal paste. I am willing to bet a virtual $20 bill. First make sure your CPU heatsink is properly secured and isnt loose. If thats not the problem then go buy some Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound, remove your CPU heatsink, clean off the heatsink and the CPU and apply the Arctic Silver 5.

Arctic Silver has instructions on their website explaining how to apply the thermal compound. You can also watch Youtube videos. Remember not to put too much. Only a small amount is needed.

I know someone who had the same problem just last week. He went out and bought a brand new PSU, then called me when the computer continued to shut down. I brought over my Arctic Silver 5 and fixed it in 10 minutes.

Seriously if you guys dont know what youre talking about dont comment. Some of you guys are blaming the OS and drivers. Its better to not comment than to be useless. Imagine he listens to you guys and goes out to buy some new hardware.

[QUOTE="erglesmergle"]

Man TC, you really have to be reading some really old threads to be coming up with those CPU coolerrs. Those are old.

NotAFurry

its still inferior.

[QUOTE="04dcarraher"][QUOTE="Dogswithguns"]Consoles got great games for and no need to upgrade the hardwares.... PC on the otherhand.Dogswithguns

Seriously, PC they only push the graphics so far. how far are they gonna go? - I believe they gonna have to stop at some where.

When PCs stop pushing the limits, consoles will have stopped a long time ago. Wherever a console is at that moment, PCs will ALWAYS be steps ahead.

If you guys read his wiki page, he really did earn his money. Kinda reminds me of the Godfather.