Q: I recently built a new computer and i have a recurring problem in which my computer shuts down instantly while playing games after about 10 minutes with the graphics set to max. Im currently using an ASUS P5N-D motherboard, a Corsair 550W power supply, an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 processor, a 200gb hard drive, a Geforce GTX 260 graphcis card, 4GB of corsair memory, and only one disk drive, i've checked the temperature of my cpu while playing games and it reaches a max of about 120C, im not sure if its shutting off because the BIOS thinks it is too hot, or the power supply is not big enough to support the computer, help me if you can please, im also using windows XP if that does anything
A: The corsair vx550 can handle +12v combined max of 492w / 41A it is NOT the power supply! http://www.corsairmicro.com/products/vx.aspx It is overheating, to see if it shuts down when force-cooled by opening up the side panel, and getting a box (or oscillating) fan blowing in towards the CPU / GPU, it may help a little but your best bet bet is to get a decent CPU cooler like this one, almost a requirement for quad-core they run hot. ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134 $32 cheers