Help with system instability!

[TalonFyre]

Ok, here's my problem
Everything runs fine when nothing intensive is happening : GF3 Ti 200 (240/500), 1.6a @ 2.4 (1.5v - Asus motherboard tends to overvolt so it's actually 1.55v as reported by Asus Probe), DDR375 (2.65v).

Anyways, the system crashes during QUAKE III ARENA. I play it 1024x768 with everything up. It hangs within 2-3 maps of gameplay. Actually, it crashes on SOF2 also. Another Q3A engine game. It doesn't crash on Warcraft III. Something tells me that WC3 isn't as intensive on the system as the Q3A engine (which takes resources if you have em). Also alot of idle time in WC3. No constant heavy graphic/cpu work.

Just did a RAM diagnostic testing blocks and a bunch of different patterns/groups using Docmem 2.0. It can't be that.

It crashes all the same with the CPU at default voltage and even at 1.6v (+.01v). It can't be that.

Just moved around the video card memory overclock from 500 to 490 and back to 500. Crashes both ways.

Haven't moved the video card core speed yet. That COULD be it. It seems less likely because it's not overclocked that much higher than default (200 Mhz) and the +.01v boost to AGP should help it out.

My guess is that Q3A, being the resource-hogging, system-pushing, universal benchmarking tool it is, is sucking up all the power when I run it and get all cRaZy with my Q3 bot whacking. Cuz two hard drives, an extended-length ATX mobo, a P4 overclocked 800 Mhz over-spec, overclocked GF3, overclocked DDR RAM, and 2 system fans just might be too hefty for my measly 300-watt PSU.

So I'm gonna check out the video card core and replacing the PSU (400-watt being shipped now). Anybody got any other ideas what it might be?

 

[Duvie]

Everything runs fine when nothing intensive is happening

Well that seems to retty much sum it up!!! Have you ran a stability test on it like prime95???

How do you know it was stable at 1.55v in asus??? Had you tested it???

What are the specs of the ram???

What OS??? After crash and subsequent bootup have you seen an error report with xp or read the log in win98???

Not enough info....Either tell me you have stress tested this cpu 1.6@2.4 or you need to go do that first...Also make sure you didn't install OS while you were already oc'd to the max...

 

[TalonFyre]

Wow, Duvie, you really like those question marks in sets of three!!!

Anyways, sorry for leaving out that info. I've run Prime95 for about 4 hours without any errors. The CPU runs at about 120F at full load. The Samsung RAM is the CTL version rated for CL2.5 @ 333 Mhz and CL2 @ 266 Mhz. I'm running WindowsXP. On the subsequent bootup, I checked the event logs and found nothing relating to the previous crash. No, I didn't install Windows while overclocked. Before I even started any overclocking, I installed WindowsXP on default settings and stock speeds (1.6 Ghz / DDR266) minimizing the risk of errors and data corruption while installing.

But anyways, I fixed the problem already. It was the GF3 Ti 200's core being set too high. Seems like to my GF3, 240 Mhz and 230 Mhz is the difference between live or die. Or crash or fry....something like that. Q3A now runs endlessly in my bot whacking sessions. Still need that new PSU though...

 

[Mikki]

Also make sure you didn't install OS while you were already oc'd to the max...

Hey Duvie, I'm very curious about this because...well...I just did it. I haven't run into any problems yet but I was wondering how that would affect my system. I actually installed WinXP at 166fsb, which I haven't got totally stable yet (oops).

Cheers!

 

[Duvie]

It is not recommended, but if you have proven stability at that speed you should be fine....

Overall it is just a way to try to rule out factors in the event of instability....

I have had messed up os's by installing with aggressive ram timings or pci speed out of spec...

 

[Wingznut]

Fwiw, I never setup my PC when overclocked... What's the point of that, anyway? It's not like everything installs faster.

Talon, why do you think you need a new PS? 300w is not "measely." I have a 2.4ghz, GF4, DVD, CDRW, 2x40gb, etc... all running on a 250w PS.

It's more about the quality of the ps... not the quantity. Especially since you've already found the issue, and your system is stable now.

 

[TalonFyre]

Yes, the quality of my 300 watt PSU is great. In fact, I believe it can actually output a bit more than what its rated for. It's quite heavy (I read somewhere the heavier the better due to more capacitors or something like that). It even feels heavier than my new 400 watt PSU. But yea, I realized that my 300 watt doesn't seem so measly, especially after I read Anandtech's review on Shuttle's SS51 XPC (P4 2.4, DDR333, 120GB WD-8mb, and GF3 on a 200 watt?? CrAzeE!)

 

[Mikki]

Thanks for clarifying that Duvie, I didn't have a reason for doing it that way, I just did it.

Wingznut PEZ, same thing, didn't have a reason for it, I just did it. I guess I was looking at it from the other side ---> why shouldn't I?