I have a NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS video card (255 MB) using 301.42 driver.
I assume this is at the "entry level" to run OpenCl NVIDIA 100 app. for AstroPulse? I periodically get messages in log that 256 MB needed for this app (apparently when GPU is being used by another system component).

So far, whenever I leave my PC idle for 20-30 minutes, or maybe just listening to streaming music for that long, when I return to my "office" my system has rebooted and is waiting for me to complete the log-in process. I will then get the Windows message that a BSD (serious error) has occurred due to video driver problem. MS Knowledge Base gives several suggestions, which are rather basic, like checking that have newest driver version and such. I have preference to only use GPU when computer is idle (not using mouse or keyboard).

I'm using XP Pro on a Pentium IV machine. Working well with the CPU apps, as well as the Seti@Home GPU app, when available. Since receiving my latest NVIDIA GPU task 9/5, only 03:20:21 has elapsed, despite leaving the PC idle for at least a couple hours a day since then. I've had 2 previous NVIDIA tasks error out prior to this one. I can tell the GPU is being used when the SETI screensaver really slows down and looks more like a slide-show than a smooth, continuously moving video.

Is it feasible to give this app more time with my system? I assume if I don't allow GPU use, I won't be able to use the S&H GPU app either. Thanks for any ideas.

IIRC you'll need to run an older client and older Drivers to get your system to run Wu's on tyhe GPU. I'm not an Nvidia guy so you'll need one of the guru's to fill you in on exactly what is needed

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In a rich man's house there is no place to spit but his face.
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I suggest - don't use the screensaver (any 3D screensaver) while you compute on older GPUs
In Windows screensaver settings select (None) (instead of BOINC)

You don't say anything about the CPU and GPU temperatures

If CUDA apps work OK and only 'OpenCL NVIDIA 100 app. for AstroPulse' causes errors/BSOD - better disable getting AstroPulse tasks

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- ALF - "Find out what you don't do well ..... then don't do it!" :)
 

I suggest - don't use the screensaver (any 3D screensaver) while you compute on older GPUs
In Windows screensaver settings select (None) (instead of BOINC)

Thanks to all of you for your ideas. No more crashes/BSOD since I changed my screensaver. Using the stock Windows XP one rather than totally blank, which doesn't tax the system much, apparently.

My CPU temps are ranging from 61 to 87 degrees C while doing light PC work (mostly in the 70s range). When GPU kicks in when not using the PC, the fan goes into high gear, so temps must be in the higher range then (high 80s I think). Without GPU crunching, GPU temps are in the 70s as well (though in a couple-hour sample of routine work, the range is 70-89 degrees C.

I'll keep a periodic eye on things so system contines to run smoothly. Thanks again for the help.

PS I got a pop up a couple days ago from NVIDIA that a new driver is available. Didn't look at the details yet, however.

I think 87°C is very high for Pentium 4 - they are usually rated for up to 70-75°C (unless this is some Mobile/laptop chip rated for ~90°C)
http://pclinks.xtreemhost.com/
http://pclinks.xtreemhost.com/elec.htm#intel_desktop

Are you sure the heatsink is clean from dust?

You may use TThrottle to protect CPU and GPU from overheating:
http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/forum_thread.php?id=68948&postid=1277084#1277084

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- ALF - "Find out what you don't do well ..... then don't do it!" :)