I've got some serious problems during encoding...

[Lars17]

Well, as the topic says: I've got some serious problems when I try to encode a movie.

I have an Athlon XP2400+ 2,0GHz PC with winXP Pro build2600, so the processor shouldn't really be the problem I think, but before I can get any help perhaps I should explain what the problem is:

Well, first of all, it doesn't really matter what program I use to encode (I've tried to encode to VCD using TMPGEnc and to just re-encode a DivX-file in VirtualDub, and the same problem occurs).
The problem is, that when I try to convert a file or re-encode it, using VBR (in TMPGEnc) or Multipass (in VirtualDub) the computer turns black midways during the encoding. The computer's still on, but it shuts off all programs and I have to restart the computer in order to be able to do anything. At first I thought that perhaps there was some kind of power setting, but I've changed that a hundered times, without any luck - still turns black.
I even tried letting the computer just be black for several hours before re-starting it in case the computer continued the encoding, but it didn't. All programs are shut off, including the encoding.

I've checked the computer usage, and it is on 100% all the time - could this be the problem?
I only have 256MB RAM, could this be the problem? Not that I really think that, because my old computer, which was a 400MHz pentium II, only had 256MB RAM as well, and that managed to encode VCDs in VBR without any problems and the screen did not turn black on that one.

I'm totally blank as to what this problem could be, and therefor I hope someone's able to help me out. I feel like I've tried everything, but to no use, so if anyone has had this problem as well, or know what to do to fix it, please let me know before I turn crazy!

In advance, thanks! :P

-Lars17-

PS: I didn't exactly know which forum to put this question in, because it's not a direct problem about encoding itself, but more a computer issue.. I think... so therefor I put it here.

[Craig Tucker]

100% cpu usage is normal when encoding video so that is not the problem directly. How big is you PSU, did you build this yourself or was it store bought. Have you monitored your chip temperature to see how hot its getting.

[bugster]

Sounds like a CPU overheating problem to me. Try taking the cover off and using a standard desk fan to help cool it whilst encoding. If this allows the encode to finish, its overheating.

If you bought this PC as a fully built system, take it back as it shouldn't do this.

[Lars17]

Thanks a lot for the help...
Over-heating was the problem. So, I'll have to get another fan I guess...
Took off the one side of cabinet and everything worked like a dream.. I even took it to the extreme and used a 5-pass encoding to test, and everything went perfectly.
The PC was already built, but I've upgraded some parts, so that's probably the reason why it's got to warm. I didn't really consider that possibility, as I don't know too much about building a PC.

Well, anyway, thanks for the quick response!

Now I can finally encode movies again.. hehe..

-Lars17- 8)