Any clues for random lockups?

[FastHotRod]

I need some advice...

I currently have a Creative Labs TNT2 Ultra and I have been having random lock ups in various games. (UT, Motocross Madness 2, Dirt Track Racing) I have done various things to try and isolate the problem, like re-load and change various video drivers, audio drivers, etc...

Needless to say, I am stumped. I thought that maybe my system was getting too hot, so I installed 2 fans in the side of the case to let in some nice cool air. Nope. Tried the fan-into-the-open-case trick. Nope. So I figure that maybe I have some other conflict... with drivers somewhere?

So before I totally rip apart my machine and start replacing every dang thing, I thought I'd ask for some advice. This machine is new from the ground up, but maybe I got some bogus part causing me some grief?

Here's what I have: Athlon 700 (w/paste and single fan heat sink), FIC SD-11, 2-128 meg (PC-133) sticks, Maxtor 20 Gig HD, Creative TNT2 Ultra, Creative SBLive!, Creative (isa) 56K modem, Athlon approved 250 watt power supply, etc....

I am not O/C'ing (yet) and I need to have my system stable before I start playing around. Any suggestions? I have a few machines that I can swap parts between to make sure that the components are legit. I have tried re-installing Win98 and Win 98 se but the problems seem to be the same...

Also, if I do decide to replace the TNT2 Ultra, which video card would be the better choice: Prophet GeForce SDR ($149) or Prophet GeForce II MX ($149)?? Should I save my $$ and buy the GeForce II DDR?

Thanks for any advice and constructive criticism!

Fast Hot Rod

[drn]

i would bet that it is your power supply for sure i have built many sys with the Athlon two of them had Athlon approved power supplys in them and they both had random frezze ups as well then i upgraded to a 300 watt supply and now things are fine

[FastHotRod]

I'll throw a Fluke on the power supply and check the voltages. This power supply was listed as an "Athlon approved" unit, but maybe I just have too many pieces connected to it? I have extra power supplies, so I'll throw some of the fans ans stuff like that on it and see what happens.

By the way, my last lockup during Motocross Madness II was a BSOD with and error @ 0028:C00051ef VXD VMM (01) 00041ef .... as if I know what THAT means!?!?! Guess I gotta go back to school! Anyone have any ideas about that one?

Thanks!

Fast Hot Rod