Google Earth complete freeze (not at splash)

[Betel]

Google Earth completely freezes my Debian Etch system with all fglrx-drivers, 8.41 and older (except those that don't even get past the splash screen, like 8.40).

The computer stops responding to ping over the network.
I've only had GE working with the open source drivers, but painfully slow.

The freeze happens every time, if I use GE for a minute or two, and usually seems to be triggered by moving or tilting the globe while GE is downloading.
Otherwise my system never freezes however I misstreat it.

I can't find any posts describing this problem anywhere. Does anyone recognise this?

Debian Etch 4.0
Linux 2.6.18-4-k7
AMD 2500+
ATI Radeon 9600 XT
Epox 8K9A7I

[Kano]

VIA Chipsets can have AGP problems more often than NV. Try AGP 4x in BIOS.

[Betel]

Thank you for the fast answer.

I've switched to AGP 4X and GE doesn't seem to freeze anymore with 8.37.
It does freeze with 8.41 but it isn't recommended for my card.