The ASUS Essentio CG5290 is a mid to high-end desktop computer designed for use with gaming and other high-performance applications. Because processor and memory-intensive software consume a lot of resources, the hardware in the CG5290 works on overdrive when running these programs. If the CG5290 freezes up while playing high-definition videos or running games or other applications, the hardware could be at fault.
CPU Temperature
The ASUS CG5290 comes with a quad-core Intel Core i7 central processing unit; the processor features hyper-threading, which allows the i7 to perform up to eight tasks at one time. Because the CPU is a high-performance device, it utilizes a lot of energy, and therefore outputs a significant amount of heat. If the heatsink assembly is not dissipating heat well enough, or if the CPU is overclocked, the processor can overheat and cause the CG5290 to freeze when running CPU-intensive programs.
Video Card
The Essentio comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260, a dedicated video card that the computer uses to render graphics. The card performs 2D and 3D rendering and supports Microsoft DirectX up to version 10; as such, the computer should have no problem running most games. If the software associated with the card, however, is defective, the computer might freeze when playing high-performance games. Upgrade to the most recent software release for the GTX 260 to correct bugs in the device code. The software can be found on the ASUS or NVIDIA website.
Motherboard
The motherboard acts like the central nervous system; it uses a complex configuration of electrical circuits to send data to, and retrieve data from, the devices connected to the ASUS Essentio. Since the motherboard is responsible for transmitting information and power to the internal and external hardware components, if the motherboard begins to fail, the computer will freeze in the middle of operation and may suddenly shut down or display a blue screen.
Network Device
Some computer games -- particularly massive multiplayer online games, or games running co-op modes -- require an Internet connection to run. While rare, if the network card or its associated driver are faulty, the computer may freeze or crash when playing online games. If you're using a wired connection, connect to wireless Internet, or visa-versa, and then test the game. If the computer stops freezing, the network card is responsible. Upgrade the card to the latest driver, or replace the card, if necessary.
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