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Can't Stop the BSOD

A

aplefka

Lifer
I tried to merge this issue into my other thread but got no replies so we'll see if I just start afresh with all information if that will help.

First of all, specs:
Mobo: ASUS M2N-E SLI
CPU: Athlon 64 X2 5600+
RAM: 2 gb DDR2 800
Video Card: MSI NX8600GTS 256mb
OS: Win XP Pro SP2
PSU: Thermaltake TR2 (430w)

History:
I've had so many problems with this computer (it BSODed on first bootup when I bought all the parts brand new last October) it's not even funny. I just got it working again after getting back a third board. I ran memtest on these sticks way back in November and found it wasn't the RAM. The motherboard has been RMAd twice, first time because of the BSOD issue, second time because the board I got was DOA. I've RMAd the video card as well but they sent me the same one back. The PSU tested fine at Fry's.

Problem:
I just installed Madden 08 since I got it recently and thinking I would test out the system since Madden 07 was one program that would always BSOD. Sure enough 08 was the same. I got the file c5601.sys on one and no filename on the other. Both minidumps were corrupt.

Yesterday I tried to run Nascar SimRacing, another game that would always crash, and it lasted longer than normal, but eventually crashed. The filename given for that one was nv4_mini.sys, which upon further investigation is a driver file. I found a thread on Google from another site that I haven't read all the way through yet but started with some of their first suggestions. I updated the drivers to the most recent ones for this card so that shouldn't be it.

I just want this computer to do what it's supposed to do but apparently that's too much to ask for. I've never had a computer that I built myself give me so many problems. I can't check any of the minidumps because they're all corrupt.
 
Glad I did not see your post before I built mine, knowing nothing & only with forums help. (started & works great)
 
Originally posted by: law9933
Glad I did not see your post before I built mine, knowing nothing & only with forums help. (started & works great)
Click to expand...

It's usually a rather uneventful process. I just got lucky.
 
"I updated the drivers to the most recent ones for this card so that shouldn't be it."
I have read of the most recent drivers to malfunction & dropping back fixed their problem????
 
(a link) Not really, it would take a lot of searching at different forums. If I am mistaken, what does it hurt to try if you wanted. (newest drivers can't have bugs?)
 
I would say their psu tester is a piece of crap, nothing more then a LED for each leg.
Try the PSU in another box if you have one, and try the other box's psu in this one.
 
Not possible. I do remember someone saying something about a volt meter a while back and that I could get one at Radioshack (or similar electronic stores) and using that to test it. Any experience with this?

Edit: law9933, I'll dig around on that more, but the guy says he's using a 5200 which is pretty old so that may just be a compatibility thing with newer updates to the OS.
 
The program Everest (free) will give you some of the voltages, Computer>Sensers. I use volt meters, the old style with a needle-not digital seem more reliable. A simple little one $20? Should be able to find the PSU & plug voltages on the internet, also how to use a meter
 
those programs are horribly inaccurate, and they recommend calibrating them with a multimeter in the first place.

Yes, a multimeter will tell you a bit about it, more then any software can, but not always enough to diagnose a bad psu though it helps a lot compared to not using one.

Google for an image of the voltage pinout of an ATX power supply plug, and test the voltage +5vSB, +12v, +5V while the system is under load. Be very careful to not touch the voltmeter probes onto anything electronic inside the case while testing. At the very least, test +5v and +12v from a molex plug while the system is under load. Anything outside a ~5% error rate ever is bad, ~10% is very bad.
 
I still don't really feel comfortable going through all that. Are you recommending I do something like this (obviously not adjusting it, just using the multimeter to test it)?
 
if you are at your wit's end and are not comfortable doing the necessary troubleshooting steps, I suggest you take it to a certified repair shop.
 
More like this, step 5. & this "Google for an image of the voltage pinout of an ATX power supply plug, and test the voltage +5vSB, +12v, +5V while the system is under load." Similar but way simpler, only a 4 wire plug.

http://leoricksimon.blogspot.c.../atx-psu-diagnose.html

The meter should come with instructions plus I or others can help. (it is easy once you get the basics)
It is a good home tool also, check fuses (car), bulbs, appliances.
 
Originally posted by: law9933
More like this, step 5. & this "Google for an image of the voltage pinout of an ATX power supply plug, and test the voltage +5vSB, +12v, +5V while the system is under load." Similar but way simpler, only a 4 wire plug.

http://leoricksimon.blogspot.c.../atx-psu-diagnose.html

The meter should come with instructions plus I or others can help. (it is easy once you get the basics)
It is a good home tool also, check fuses (car), bulbs, appliances.
Click to expand...

Ah okay that looks a little easier than trying to do what the other one was.
 
Nice find, law9933. If you do this, make sure your system is running hard... say running an instance of prime95 and atitool in test mode should do it. Defragging at the same time will make it prettymuch a full load.
 
Thank you jaqie, it should make the testing look pretty simple once the meter basics are understood.
You seem to know PCs quite well, I only know about PCs by studying the great info the pros give on forums.

aplefka
Unless it is only a flunky, when you buy a meter, I would think they could give a simple-quick howto demo.
 
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