Trainz crashing computer

[CRQ4125]

I have TS12 61388. When I run a train in driver, at any given time my computer will crash to a light purple screen, and must be restarted. It only does it in "Driver" mode, usually about 10 minutes into it or so. I've tried reinstalling trainz, underclocking my cpu, adjusting fan speeds, but it always wants to crash. It's weird, because no other program will do this. Any suggestions?

 

[HiBaller]

Not having your computer specs in front of me, I might guess that it is your video card. The light purple screen probably means it is NOT a operating system crash. Either it is overheating, or can't handle the load that Trainz places on it - especially in Driver. You mention cooling fans, but did you clean the fan on the graphics card? A lot of people miss that one.

Bill

 

[JCitron]

Yup sounds like hardware to me as well. Please post your specs, but here's a few things to think about.

It could be that your video card is failing, Period. I had that once with an old EVGA 270. It initially occurred only in Driver. Later on it started happening all the time, and then one day I had cyan and magenta squares floating around with other symbols and stuff instead of letters.

Also check your power supply. If you are not getting the proper voltages, your video can get a bit wonky.

If this is heat, definitely shut your computer down, open up the side and clean out the dust and lint. This will clog fans and cause many components fail, and can actually end up causing an expensive computer replacement once the CPU crashes.

John

 

[CRQ4125]

You guys are absolutely right. I tried BurnIn to load my computer, it failed almost instantly. The GPU went straight up to about 90C

As for my specs, here's what I got

Gigabyte Z68xp-UD3P
570GTX
8GB Kingston HyperX DDR3
Intel SSD 120GB

 

[HiBaller]

The 570 GTX is a fairly new card and should be up to handling Trainz. I see that the maximum temperature for the GPU is just 97C, so if yours spiked to 90 and died, then there might very well be a cooling issue. I'd recommend powering down your computer and pulling the card. Then carefully clean out the cooling ports and fan blades. My video card(s) all have access to the fan by lifting a sheet metal cover over it. I can't tell from the tiny photos of yours if that is true also. In any case, some long-handled cotton swabs might help.

You might also see if there are any cards next to your card. If so, then can you move them, or, failing that, add additional cooling directed solely at the GPU/card assembly? When I upgraded to my current video card, I added a fan at the back of the case that pulled in air and ran it across the opening in the card. My GPU temperatures went down by 10-15 degrees C and I've not been bothered with video problems again.

My house is heated by an oil furnace and because of this a slight oil deposit is laid down on various surfaces in my house. Because of this, I clean my computer cases about every 6 months, using a bit of alcohol on a swab to clear the oil residue from fan blades.

Bil

 

[CRQ4125]

Went through and did a complete cleaning. Also tweaked my Trainz settings a bit, and now my graphics card maxes out at about 71 degrees. Thanks for the ideas guys

 

[HiBaller]

Excellent! happy to hear that.

Bill

 

[JCitron]

That's great, but still running a bit warm. If I were you'd I'd add in an additional fan or two if you can to your case.

John

 

[HiBaller]

I agree with John. A couple of years ago, I went out and bought 3 of these things and installed them in my computers. It gives me total control over every fan in the case (less, in 2 instances, the CPU fan). I didn't buy from this company, but here is what I bought:

http://www.xoxide.com/akust-525baysixfancontroller.html

Here it is at NewEgg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3TR1H73367

It works great. When I get ready to run Trainz, I just turn the knobs for the in & out fans and step up the flow.

Bill