Weird Loading Pauses

[Jihforce]

Alright, I've been having this "problem" for quite some time now.
This is what basically happens.
When I'm playing any graphic intensive game, it will start up fine, I'd be playing for say 10-20 minutes or so, then the game frizzles, the audio seems to get stuck, then I look down at my HD light and I see it going insane (either writing and/or reading data) for about say about 10-15 seconds. Then the game continues as if nothing has happened. Then 10-20 minutes later, it does it again.
What do you folks think this might be?

Specs:
AMD Athlon 1.27 ghz. (odd number I know)
256mb PC150 SDRAM
32mb GeForce2 MX420(?)
7200rpm 40gb Maxtor HD.
Windows 2000 Pro

I do have Norton Internet Security & NAV running so i'm not sure if that's an issue or not.
Cuz i have a dual p2-400 that has the same software installed but doesn't have the same problem laggy problem.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
Speculations too! :)
Thanks!

[DoPeY5007]

does the game require more RAM then you got?


I would think it is your swap file spinning the drive...

[Jeffbx]

Disable all background services - virus scanner, firewall, indexing service, scheduled services (scandisk, perhaps?) and see if the problem goes away.

[Jihforce]

Originally posted by DoPeY5007
does the game require more RAM then you got?


I would think it is your swap file spinning the drive...

You know, I was kind of thinking the same thing.
My other system has 512mb whereas my game machine as 256mb.

For some games it does do it, for others, it doesn't. Mostly for games like diablo, dungeon siege and gta3 it will do it.
For sports games like nba live, nhl hockey and madden football, it doesn't. It doesn't really do it for other RTS that I play as well.

[Jihforce]

Originally posted by Jeffbx
Disable all background services - virus scanner, firewall, indexing service, scheduled services (scandisk, perhaps?) and see if the problem goes away.

Hmmm, I might try that. That could be a problem too. Thanks for the advice!