Maybe it would also help if you increased UT's cache size. The default setting is 2 mb or so, but if you have a lot of RAM you can dramatically increase your gameplay by increasing the cache size.
I have 128 mb and I set my cache size to 96. No problems and much faster loading! If you have 64 mb, you might try a cache size of 32 or perhaps 48.
You can change this in the 'Unrealtournament.ini' file in UT's System folder. Locate the file, doubleclick on it and find the line:
[Engine.GameEngine]
Directly under this you'll find the cache settings. Here you can change the value.
NOTE however that I don't know how this will work for you! My computer isn't top of the bill, but it gets close and all's well. I can't say how it'll work on your system, since I don't have the specs. UT might crash on you just the same.
If this doesn't help your problem, at least you'll have better gameplay when you've fixed it ;-)
Consistency is the defence of a small mind. (Beldin - Eddings)
[This message has been edited by ATP (edited 03-12-2000).]