Well, yes, but it's more than likely caused by a Windows software issue (drivers). I'll just see what happens when I get my new graphics card.

You're running 64bit Vista, aren't you?

Yes, but I was with my old computer and never had a problem with this sort of thing... OK so it would bluescreen sometimes but this computer has problems booting in to Vista, before it even gets a graphical loader.

Are the HDDs in good condition? Have you tried the good ol' format and reinstall?

Yeah /

So it's always like this? Odd...

Checked for dust in slots etc? (Yes, I've ran out of ideas)

Yeah, it was treated to a can of compressed air a little over a week ago.
I'm just going to say that it is the motherboard.
I want to buy a new motherboard at some point anyway, because let's face it I'm extremely outdated by the Nforce 780i chipset now... right? Or maybe I should go with Intel's new chipset X48, or wait for Skulltrail and get a second processor? Realistically, it's got to be either a 780i for dual Geforce 9800GX2's, or an AMD chipset for 2 HD3870X2's (which mostly outperform the 8800U of today - that's my card by the way), or an Intel chipset for 2 QC's and 2 HD3870X2's or possibly 9800GX2's if it supports them. Either way, price will be: Intel > Nvidia > AMD in the chipset department.
Modular PSU would be nice. I've seen some more modular PSU's hitting 1kW and over now so I might invest in an 800W modular from Enermax or someone (never had a problem with Enermax - got through 3).
New CPU isn't essential at all unless I want a native 1333FSB without overclocking for maximum stability with some new DDR3 (in which case, ignore everything about 780i and replace it with 790i).
End of ramble.

And here I am with the nForce 4...

From what I've heard, the Spider platform sucks. Also, phenom is overpriced, underpowered and overheating (wow, complete switchover!). Personally I'd go Intel chipset and the cheapest QC from the latest range. Slap a good cooler on, add some decent DDR2 (DDR3 really isn't worth it) and overclock it like crazy. Get a decent graphics card for about £200 and a 500-600W modular PSU and be happy. But I'm not you...

I'd say that Phenom is slightly overpriced, slightly underpowered but not overheating (although there is a problem with TPM chips at the moment, they don't get hot). They are also pretty energy-efficient.

Having an AMD chipset, processor and graphics configuration sounds pretty good to me to be honest. Even though it would be lesser performance. The money saved isn't in the processor but in the chipset and graphics. I mean, a HD3870X2 can outperform an 8800 Ultra, and it costs between £100 and £200 less, depending on model. The HD3870X2's run pretty cool, too. Now that's a difference!

Well they produce more heat than the Core processors, is what I meant.

A full AMD platform is interesting, but currently Spider is a bit pants. I haven't seen much about the 3870x2s.

I do believe the temps to be the same/better.

But still, less performance and more expensive so nobody cares about them any more!!!

Well from what I've read their TDP (?) is higher, which means hotter.

I think the Phenom 9600 @ 2.4GHz will run at 30C. This is lower than my Q6600.

Thinking about it, it might have been stats for the Turion 64s, but still, I doubt they run that cool! I think the new 43nm C2 will definitely be cooler than the Phenoms.

Yeah, they're going to be sweet. Can't wait for the low end 45nm quad-core to be released. That will be the overclockers dream.

When they due for release? They've up on Scan as pre-orders.