Computer freezes and multiple BSODs

[BrotherPhatt]

Troubleshooting starter


[*]Full description of the problem and symptoms
Whenever I shut down my computer, I hear a pop/click noise, which is completely normal, but recently when I have started playing some of my games, I hear that noise and everything freezes up for 5 or so seconds, then goes back to normal. I have also been getting quite a few BSODs lately, and I believe they are related. The BSODS are usually not the same ones, but the ones I get the most are 0xf4, 0x77, and 0x7a. I can run my comp all day no problem, but whenever I start a game it does this.


[*]Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
The Comp was originally a Dell XPS 410 and it worked fine for about 1.5 yrs, but I recently
upgraded my PSU to a BFG 650W, and upgraded my old gfx card to a XFX 9800gtx+. I believe the PSU may be the problem, maybe because of compatability issues with the Dell mobo? It would make sense cause Dell are a bunch of pricks, and I heard from people in the past that you have to buy dell PSUs for use with Dell Mobos, but I thought they had gotten rid of that.


[*]Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
The freezing occurs whenever I start a game (usually Eve Online), but the BSODs seem to be random, and I cannot replicate them.



[*]I already tried these steps:
I ran memtest overnight to make sure it had nothing to do with my memory, and it did not.



[*]My software:

• Windows XP Media Center edition Sp3
• Eset Nod32 Smart Security
• Same as above, windows firewall turned off

[*]My hardware

• Dell XPS 410 + upgrades
  
• Core 2 Duo e6600 not overclocked
• XFX 9800gtx+
• BFG 650W dual rails 20A on each rail

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[hazeman]

I cannot provide assistance for you and I apologize for that-- we appear to be having the exact same problem(s).
Mine are related to gaming as well. BSODs are random and not always occurring. Most of the time, the game crashes without warning and I'm back at the desktop or I get an Executable dialog from Dr. Watson.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Are the popping noises coming from your speakers or the computer? If they are coming from the computer you PSU is screwed. replace it.

 

[imported_harshbarj]

Have you tried stressing your video card with atitool? I had an x1900gt that made odd popping and humming noises, till it died. Also try downloading a live cd version of linux and try to crash that (or install another copy of windows on another drive). Your windows install may just be buggy.

And these days dell uses many standard atx power supplies, though a few years ago that was not the case.