Another A8N-SLi problem, IE errors and random reboots

[nitro28]

I was doing fine for a while. Now I am getting random reboots while I am on the net or in a program. The screen just goes black and reboots the computer. I am also getting an error in Internet Explorer that says it must shut down immediately. None of this was origianally happening. What do you think, something not stable a driver, I haven't flashed the bios from the original on the cd??? Help

 

[Dethfrumbelo]

Random reboots are usually the result of a bad/underpowered PSU, bad power connector, or bad memory.

Run Memtest86+ first.

Then you can try to remove all extraneous components, opticals, PCI cards, etc., leaving only CPU/memory/video/HD and see if that helps. While you're at it make sure all your connections are good and everything is seated properly.

Check your BIOS settings for any whacky stuff.

 

[nitro28]

I manually set the mem to what it said it could handle at ddr400 2-3-2-6. I will run memtest. I have the hyper x kingston 1Gb kit. Do you think those are to agressive? If I do get mem errors what should I relax the timings to?

 

[Insomniak]

Yeah, memory was going to be my suggestion. Make sure it's fully seated, getting enough voltage, and try loosening the timings, and bringing it back to stock speeds if it's overclocked.


You might also want to make sure your CPU has enough voltage.

 

[nitro28]

my vcore is 1.39V, 12V is 11.77, where do I see the ram Voltage? I am not OCed.

 

[Insomniak]

Ok bud, if we're gonna do this, let's do it right.

First off, list your system specs please. Everything, including Power Supply and PCI Cards, and OS.

Next, there are a number of ways to determine your RAM voltage - vDIMM is the most common, and it should be in your BIOS under "dRAM configuration" or whatever setting (don't recall exactly). However, to make gathering information easiest for those of us who wish to help, you should probably get a system info utility, like SANDRA, which can be gotten here:

http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=177

It will tell you pretty much everything about your system and then some. It'll help us get info quickly.

So, do those for us, and then come back and we'll proceed.

 

[nitro28]

Ok here are my system specs:

A64 3200+ Winchester
A8N-SLI
Kingston Hyper X (512x2) in slots A1 and B1, rated at 2-3-2-6 at DDR400 ("supposedly) Memory is set at this.
Seagate 120Gb SATA
Fortron Blue 500watt PSU ATX 2.0 Dual 12V rail 15AMp + 15Amp
(2) BFG 6600GT OC's with latest nvidia driver on website
No PCI cards
Zalman 7000 A/Cu
A Pacific digital CD-RW
PAcific digital DVD-RW
original bios from ASus CD, chip set drivers from website, but it said they were dated 12/1/2004
3 case fans 80mm
No OC
OS WIn XP PRO with current updates
I will download what you suggested and then get back to you when thats ready. This should at least get us started.

Thanks,
J.

 

[nitro28]

Got the Sandra installed and ready to go.

 

[Insomniak]

First thing I would try is running memory at looser timings, something wide open and safe, like 3-4-4-10. See if that changes anything. Check your memory voltage as well (through the BIOS, like I said - it's under CPU PnP, and then dRAM configuration - there should be a setting called vdimm. If your BIOS is at default values, it will probably be auto. Change to manual overclocking and specificy the correct voltage for your RAM - this should be what it's rated at on the package, for HyperX I'd guess between 2.6 and 2.8 volts).

Next, open SANDRA, and double click the "Mainboard Information" icon, and wait while it analyzes your system. When it's done, scroll down to the "voltage sensors" and see what all the rails on your PSU are reporting. Give us that info back here, if you would be so kind.

We'll go from there, if that doesn't help the problem.

 

[nitro28]

Here is what Sandra said for the Voltages
CPU 1.39V that seems low?
+3.3V 3.28
+5V 4.92
+12V 11.42
-12V -1.83
-5V -8.78
Standby 4.81

I will go check the mem voltage now. The weird thing is that I have now been on this computer tonight for 3 hours and it hasn't done it again. But earlier it was every few minutes.

 

[nitro28]

Got my mem set manually to 2.6V as it stated in the spec sheet.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

I think the problem may be with the PS. I have read several posts of problems with dual rail power supplies on this board. 15a x 2 rails is still just 15a on the 12v. The minimum stated requirement for this board is 18a. For running SLI, I would recommend at least 24a. My antec550 has 30a on the 12v.

Thats a very nice power supply, but I would trade it for a higher amp rated single rail power supply.

 

[Insomniak]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
I think the problem may be with the PS. I have read several posts of problems with dual rail power supplies on this board. 15a x 2 rails is still just 15a on the 12v. The minimum stated requirement for this board is 18a. For running SLI, I would recommend at least 24a. My antec550 has 30a on the 12v.

Thats a very nice power supply, but I would trade it for a higher amp rated single rail power supply.

I also noticed his 12v rails are running borderline...11.4v....technically that's within the acceptable 5% variance, but JUST BARELY.

Nitro, do you have a stronger power supply, or rather, a power supply with more amps on the 12v rail laying around? If so, try hooking it up.

My theory is that your 12v rail is just getting clobbered...let's look at all the stuff on your 12v:

2x6800GT
3x80mm case fan
2xOptical Drive
1xHard Disk
A8N-SLI EZ Plug

I think it's just trying to give more than it has.

 

[nitro28]

Should I RMA my fortron and get this:
PSU

I do plan on overclocking to 2.4 -2.6

My system has now not crashed in six hours, 3 of it I was playing HL2, so now I don't know what to think. Only adjustment I made was flashed to 1003-005 bios and set ram voltage manually to 2.6V. 11.4 amps does seem quite low though.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

That OCZ is a great PS. It is a 20pin model, it will work fine but you might want a 24pin

Like one of these

Antec 550 36a 12v
Enermax 550 36a 12v

 

[john6305]

Hi, noticed this thread and was wondering if someone could tell me if my PS is giving enough power. I've had random reboots, lock ups at windows startup, and corrupt OSs. I've had to reinstall Windows 9 times.

My setup is:

MSI K8N Neo4
AMD 64 Athlon 3200+
MSI 6600GT 128MB
Thermaltake 420W Purepower 20pin + 4pin
40GB HD WD 2MB 7200
200GB HD WD 8MB 7200
1GB MUSHKIN RAM PC3200 512x2

My Sandra rating for voltage is :
Voltage Sensor(s)
CPU Voltage : 1.44V
Aux Voltage : 3.42V
+3.3V Voltage : 3.14V
+5V Voltage : 5.16V
+12V Voltage : 2.01V
-12V Voltage : -14.75V
-5V Voltage : -6.11V
Standby Voltage : 4.61V
Battery Voltage : 3.12V

Please help! Thanks.