[ABXG]

Here are just some generalized trouble shooting tips that should help narrow down the issue (some of this is very generic while other points are more targeted):


1. Make sure your system is virus/spyware/malware free. If you use any virus/spyware scanners or firewalls you may want to report them here. I'm particularly interested any kind of "active protection" or "resident scanner" features as these features analyze files as they are being loaded or accessed to make sure nothing is wrong and *may* be cause hitching. If you need a a scanner or security sotware check out the Trend Micro Housecall scanner as well as AVG free and Spybot. I also like to use Comodo Firewall and PeerGuardian IP blocker.

2. Check your Event Viewer for any errors under the "System" or "application" tab. A lot of stuff gets recorded here, you'll be interested in any events that come up with a red icon. These problems are usually easy to trouble shoot, just Google the "Source" and the "Event number" together (EX: DCOM 10005).3. Start up 3-4 instances of Prime95 blend test so that your RAM usage is maxed out. Just use your computer normally and note any hitching that occurs.

4. Download ATITools and use it to test for artifacting on your video card. If you get any than lower your GPU's clocks, if you have lower your clocks bellow stock than there is something wrong with your video card, but not necessarily the cause of the particular problems you are having.

5. If you can easily reformat your PC you may want to try that. Install only the relevant drivers for your hardware, updates from Microsoft, and games to test. Do not muck with the registry or services, nothing. If you can do this it will pretty much answer the question of this being a hardware or software issue.

6. Find out what temperature your graphics card is operating at. Under load you should try and keep it under 100C, preferably cooler than that. You can check this through programs like nTune, EXPERTool, Rivatuner, Everest and a few others. Try using the previously mentions programs (sans Everest) to turn up the fan speed of your card. See if you have any issues with the fan at 100%, where your GPU will be as cool as can be.

7. Using a program like Speedfan, Realtemp, or Everest, ensure that your CPU is operating at under 60C at full load. If you have a CPU cooler with an adjustable fan speed you will want to turn it up to ensure this. 8. Use HDtune to scan your HDD for errors.