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Rozapox's avatar
Rozapox
12 years ago
Solved

New PC - Sims 3 Freeze on Startup

I have built a new PC, and now The Sims 3 only freezes after I click the play button/icon in the Launcher.  This occurs with a couple of other games, but I thought I would start here in my quest to f...
pc
technical issues
  • Rozapox's avatar
    Rozapox
    12 years ago

    I did not Crinrict.  Since it has been a month since I have built the PC I decided to just reinstall windows last night.  I have it back up and running now - And the Sims 3 is now working!

    I keep a backup HDD and am closer to being back to where I was with installations.  I do things manually, I don't like using Backup/Restore software.

    I am still baffled as to where the conflict was.  All games that I was having problems with are now working properly.

    I want to thank you both for your help, Crinrict and Roberta591.  We weren't able to resolve this, but it's nice to feel supported!  I consider this issue solved and closed.

crinrict's avatar
crinrict
Hero+
12 years ago

What's the operating system on that machine and what security software are you using ?

I have no troubles running my game off a SSD so that should not be the issue.

Sounds more of some other software you have on there conflicting.

Does Origin work ok ?

Rozapox's avatar
Rozapox
12 years ago

I am using:  Windows 7 64-Bit and Avast Free Antivirus

Please also note that I am using my SSD as an OS only Volume.  I do allow other smaller applications to reside on the OS, such as Mozilla and other non-game applications that do not take up much space.  I am making an effort to get as much life out of my SSD as I can.

I have all games installed on my HDD, volume D:\

Origin works perfectly fine!  I have this installed on the HDD.  I was able to install all of my Sims 3 purchases, which are many.  Origin had no problem updating everything, and the Sims 3 Launcher loads up just fine.

The problem occurs when I click the Start button on the launcher.  It starts to load, then my entire system hard locks.

Would like to edit one thing:  My SSD brand is Crucial, and not Corsair

  • roberta591's avatar
    roberta591
    Hero (Retired)
    12 years ago

    Are you over-clocking at all? If the system is doing a hard crash that means the os is probably crashing. Could be a memory problem. Is the power supply more then capable of powering the video card? It could be a timing problem with the ssd. That box says you need at least a 450W psu (I think that's low) as the card alone requires 13A at +12v when under full load. If you have an under rated or bargain basket psu that may cause problems. As it is a new system have you bench marked it? I use a program like 3dmark and run it over and over. A computer I built about four years ago would blue screen once a week (trouble shoot that one). After 2 months it started blue screening more then once a week and I finally narrowed it down to a bad memory module. I was lucky because the store gave my store credit and I bought corsair memory and haven't had a problem since (with the memory that is). I know this isn't much help but if your having trouble with other programs then it most likely a system hardware problem. It doesn't sound like the ssd because you would have problems with many programs. Not all programs use memory the same so some may have problems while other may not. The power supply may be failing under heavy load and not all programs demand the same power. The graphics card could cause lockup if it's demanding more power then the power supply can deliver and cause the computer to stop but this is less likely (but you can't rule it out. First thing you can try that won't cost anything is to swap the memory modulesin their slots. This will use the memory differently and may show a bad module (not always but a good start). If the crashing doesn't change it's time to substitute a known good power supply - preferably a name brand and of higher wattage. Make sure you have at least 13A of +12V (150W divided by +12V = 12.5 AMPS) going to the video board. Another thing to check is the bios. There may be a newer version that deals with a timing issues (just a thought but worth a check).

    hth

    • Rozapox's avatar
      Rozapox
      12 years ago

      Thank you for your replies so far!

      My PSU is an EVGA NEX750G (Gold rated, 80 Plus).  I do not overclock, even though the motherboard, CPU and memory are more than capable.  I made sure all hardware drivers were up to date, and the first thing I did after installing the OS was to install the latest BIOS for the motherboard.

      I am able to run Everquest Next Landmark literally all day (and have been doing so for the last few weeks).  This very unoptimized game (currently in alpha) peaks at 6.4 gig of memory, and my system shrugs it off.  I thank you for your memory theory, but I do not think that is it.

      I do believe there is a conflict somewhere, but am unsure of where.  Since built, this PC has been running flawlessly for 10+ hours a day - unless I try to run certain games (Including The Sims 3).  A vast majority of my games do in fact work, for hours on end.  I can exit them normally, and the system keeps going until I shut down for the night.

      I monitor the system (usage, temps and everything is within a normal range.  Is there any way for me to upload my DxDiag without wasting forum space?

      • crinrict's avatar
        crinrict
        Hero+
        12 years ago

        Feel free to waste forum space. It's easier posting the DxDiag in this thread (split up in multiple post).

        If you rather upload a file, you'll need to do that to a third party site and then link.

        Did you try turning off al background processes ?

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