Computer Help!!!! Please!!!

[Ian]

Hey guys, I had a party the other night, and my mame cabinet (powered by a pentium 4/windows xp) was acting very odd. And I wanted to know what you guys think, and if it has happened before.

In the middle of games the game would freeze for a few seconds, then the game would start again, but the controls would be out. I use an Ipac4. Sometimes both controllers would be pressing down constantly. When I do a soft reset, (can't get a keyboard to work either), I can go to note pad or the winnipac program, and all of the keys from the controller register.

What could be causing this? I know It happened with donkey kong, x-men vs street fighter (golden tee to some extent), and some shooter games like 1942. I have never had this happen before. Could it be that my computer is overheating? I have fans on it. Any help would be great, I really appreciate it. Thanks.

[northerngames]

if the game freeze's it has nothing to do with your ipac I would't think.

sounds like a cpu overheat problem fans are a + but your CPU heatsink is the main key to keeping it cool.

[Ian]

I have the heat sink that came with the moboard... it's an Abit. But it does look like it could be an overheating problem then huh? I'll try to get it to be cooler in there somehow... anysuggestions? I do keep it in a computer case, maybe I should open it up more.

[northerngames]

yeah if the cpu did not come with the set then it may be the problem.

get are larger aftermarket type with a fan built into it.

when you pull your heatsink off check to see if there is any discoloration on the cpu if there is then it's the problem and be sure to but some arctic paste back on it when you install the heatsink.

mine dont overheat and stay's cool but with a heatsink almost the size of my psu I guess it wouldn't.

I don't think it would fit in the average pc case either though lol.

[tel0004]

I would download a program called Coretemp.  It will display your temperatures in the task bar.  Play the game again, and if it freezes, exit your program, and see what the temperatures are.  If they are 60 C or below, you are fine, but even up to 70 degrees shouldn't be affecting you (although its not the best for long term operation. 

Once your processor gets to hot I think 100 C, then the processor speed cuts back to avoid overheating, which cold be causing problems.

I just can't imagine Donkey knog stressing a processor enough to cause heat issues on a P4.  And if it was a bad heatsink connection, I think every game would cause the same problems.

[Ian]

Hey guys... found the problem... and it wasn't overheating. It seems that my control panel top had shifted to the right, that applied pressure on the cord connected to the IPAC, so playing a heated game of Street Fighter or donkey kong, the slight moving of the control panel from the Joystick action, caused pressure on the cord, and Ipac, thus freezing the game briefly and loosing controls. Thanks for the help.