Games crashing causing computer to freeze up

[Dr. Headcrab Zombie]

Every-time I play a game, be it TF2, Starcraft 2, Borderlands or Minecraft, within 5 minutes of play time the screen goes black, the monitor shuts off and a glitchy sounds starts playing in the speakers/headset. This has been going on for more then 5 weeks. It's not my Internet because it returned to it's usual speed, it's not a virus because the moment this started happening a complete scan was done through-out the entire computer and nothing came up bad and it's not my video card because I just installed the most recent update and that did nothing.
I have no idea what is going on but the only game that plays (as far as I know) is Lord of the Rings The battle for Middle Earth The Rise of the Witch-King.
I would appreciate it very much if someone could shine some light on this problem.
Thanks in advance.

[Didzo]

Are your graphics card drivers updated?

If so, is your graphics card clean and dust free?

[Whendilin]

Are your graphics card drivers updated?

If so, is your graphics card clean and dust free?

I helped him update his drivers earlier today and I don't think he has cleaned it out yet.

[Dr. Headcrab Zombie]

I might be guessing here but could it have something to do with the fan or the "heatsink"? Do they need to be cleaned? Could this be Overheating from something?
........
Could it be a build up of dust perhaps? (If so...I'm an eegit)

[Kirby]

I might be guessing here but could it have something to do with the fan or the "heatsink"? Do they need to be cleaned? Could this be Overheating from something?
........
Could it be a build up of dust perhaps? (If so...I'm an eegit)

You should blow out every fan and heatsink in your PC at least once a quarter.


Heatsink transfers heat to air, if there's no airflow (dust mats all up in your shit) then it's going to overheat like a laptop in the middle of a rolled up sleeping bag.

[Dr. Headcrab Zombie]

I just dusted everything, even the fan, a big mess, but still couldn't get Minecraft to play for 5 minutes.
My RAM is still good, I've got plenty left.

[Dr. Headcrab Zombie]

It's a heating problem. My computer is getting too hot and crashes. It has done it on the desktop now. Couldn't play Portal 2 for 30 seconds. Looks like ANOTHER trip to PC World.

[Goffin]

Fix it yourself..  Do it!

[KarthXLR]

Sounds like a fan problem. Just leave your case open and see what doesn't spin.

[Dr. Headcrab Zombie]

Turns out it wasn't a fan problem or a overheating problem. It was the god damned graphics card....AGAIN. PC went in so I now have to wait for a few weeks. Ugh!