Game freezes for about 10 seconds all the time

[Badgerwithagun]

I've looked around and can't find the answer to this particular freezing problem.

Roughly every 10 seconds HL2 will freeze with looping sound for about 10 seconds. It happens all the time - even when I first load up the game and I'm just in the menus. It also happens in the CSS menu so I'm thinking it must be all Source games (although I haven't even bothered trying to actually play CSS yet but I'm sure it will happen then too.)

System specs:
AMD X2 4400+
Sapphire x1900XTX
1.5GB RAM
Asus A8R32 MVP Deluxe
Onboard sound - Realtek HD Audio ALC882 Codec

Anyone know what to do? The game just isn't playable as it is. If any more info is needed just ask.

[Barney Fife]

Try playing game with sound card see what happens.

Good Luck.

[Badgerwithagun]

Thanks for the reply.

I tried playing with a Creative Sound Blaster Extigy that I was using for my laptop and there was no change. I've been thinking about getting an X-FI anyway.. you reckon there's a chance that would help?

[Barney Fife]

Did you Defrag the disk after installing HL2?

[Badgerwithagun]

Nope. I'd reformatted and reinstalled everything just a few days earlier.

[Barney Fife]

Defrag disk. Right-click My Computer, Manage, Disk defragmenter, Choose the right drive, Analyze it and defrag, reboot and play, see the difference.

Good Luck.

[blinking halo]

I have the exact same problem! But my computer is brand spanking new, so why would i have to defrag it? theres hardly anything installed on it..

[Barney Fife]

Did you check and see if defragment is needed?

[halem111]

hey dude i have almost same rig as you and i have EXACT same problem every 10 or so secs it freezes with looping sounds even in menus.
I have asus a8r32 mvp with amd 4400 and 1 gig platinum ram.
did u get your problem sorted because i really want to play hl2 ep1