When I first read your post I thought of a typical heat issue. If you need a sound card then move it to another slot. Otherwise use the on board if you can Then try another graphic game to test the vid card. If it games good with a serious game i.e. UT2k3 or Half Life type game then heat is not the cause. If it does hang up in few minutes remove the side cover and use a fan blowing in the case while using the sim. If it then works its time to move more air through the case[8D] You've got a strong rig and if the PS is not up to par that to can cause lockups/BSOD's'