xp crash in 3d apps (but not always)

[Charlah]

first here is some detailed info on my system:
video card = gainward ultra/880 tv/dvi 256 geforce fx 5700
athlon xp 2600+ cpu
768 megs PC2100 ddr ram
a-bit nf7-s rev. 2.0 motherboard
seagate 40 gig ide drive on a serial ata adapter
400 watt Deer power supply
windows xp pro
aopen dvd drive, lite on cd burner
(no pci devices)

here is info on the problem
-crashes at variable points in 3d applications - has crashed in soldier of fortune 2, 3dmark 2003, deus ex. I have also run all of these without a crash, and everything looking fine.
-when it crashes, the monitor turns off, and then the sound. I can reset the system, but the monitor will not turn back on and nothing responds

Things I have tried :
-Tried running only one module of memory (have tried both by themselves) and/or no cd drives
-I have tried a different power supply. This supply was brand new, though only 300 watts...I connected it to only the mb and the drive. I pointed an external fan at the computer. The results did not change for better or for worse.
-I have installed and reinstalled both display and nforce drivers several times
-updated video bios (system bios is current)
-I tried running the system with my old geforce3 ti 200...there were no problems
-hardware doctor says that all the temperatures are ok...have 3 case fans plus a fan on the card and cpu
-I have tried most of the suggestions in the geforce faq (http://go.to/geforcefaq) including taking hardware acceleration down a notch and in the bios pretty much every setting that could remotely affect the video.(agp aperature, pci latency, etc)
-checked to make sure card is seated properly, pretty sure it is

things I have not tried
-install video card in another system
-adjust memory timing (I really have no idea if this would really have any effect, I just read it suggested elsewhere)
-return the damned thing

I am hesitant to return it because it is a new item and to me it seems somewhat unlikely that it would be defective while at the same time working fine for non-3d applications.

The mb is refurbished, and I thought that perhaps it was not routing enough power to the card somehow (I really have no idea what I'm talking about)...but again this seems like an odd thing to not work, and everything else is fine

I have read suggested elsewhere that new system memory is in order...but again there is no change for better or for worse when I remove/move memory modules

I thought a new power supply might be the answer, but though I know the 300 watt one I tested with is too small, the problem did not get better or worse with it, so I don't think this is the problem.....

I'm running out of ideas, here, and I'm not sure exactly what to do..any help would be greatly appreciated

[ECA]

OK,
Ram, run a ram checker, let run continous.

What AGP speed is your board? Yes this can cause a problem. Your Mobo, may NOT be compatible with the Video card. i got the ASUS version of the 5200, and its running 2x insted of 8x, yep the mobo is only 2x max.

YEP, 2D and 3D are totally different, and use different calls. What DirectX do you have. I havent done ANYTHING from 9 UP. It was to unstable and you couldnt remove it without a re-install(think there is XP un-install).

[dang]

Was XP installed fresh on the system or did you install the hardware on a pre-existing XP install? If you did the later, re-install XP.

ECA has a good call on checking your memory.

Is your system over clocked?

Are you running your monitor at a resolution & refresh rate that is too high for it?

Is your monitor driver installed (just check and see if it comes up as generic or not under display properties)?

When I built my last system, I had something kinda similiar: I would get beeping when I went into a 3D app (random beeps, not a warning system beep.) I replaced the piece of crap power supply that came with my system and that fixed it. Too bad that didnt work for you. :(

Installing the video card in another system would be an excellent thing to try BTW. You can at least rule out the card by doing that.

[ECA]

SENCE,
you also add, that its NOT ALWAYS happening.
can i suggest a voltage conditioner, spikes, and Low power, that you may not notice could also affect your comp.
Do you have a UPC.

[neuroking]

This happened to me when the fan on my radeon 9800xt blew out. sounds like your graphics card is overheating. Try running it open, and make sure any cooling devices are secured.

[ECA]

And make sure you have good Air flow, all those cable can block airflow, and create a hot spot.

[Charlah]

Well I replaced/upgraded the card with an ati aiw 9800 pro and all my troubles are gone

[ECA]

Ya, that TV card can cause problems.
And Gainwald, hasnt really been that good.