Instability

[Majesty]

Hey geeks,

A week ago, I decided it was time for my Abit (or should I write abit now? :roll: ) NF7-S 2.0 to get the latest BIOS. So, I did it. I haven't used the batch file included in the EXE package (yes, I know, I'm a fool).

After the update, my computer shuts down and it didn't start again. "It's time to clear the CMOS" I thought. I clear it and the system starts again. Lucky me. I configure the BIOS as I remind it was and boot in Windows with no apparent problems.

I start playing Titan Quest. It crashes after a while! Hmm.. Alright. My vCore must not be high enough. Anyway, to make my story shorter, ever since the BIOS update, whatever I do, I can't play those games: Titan Quest, Oblivion (I haven't tried any other yet)! They always crash. I decided then to downgrade the BIOS to the version 26 and then back to the old one I was using... That's where I saw I was ALREADY using the latest one... Silly me. I whipped myself already, don't worry about it...

I have tried MANY things to try to fix the problem. Higher voltage for the CPU, AGP, RAM. Downclocked the CPU to it's original speed. Tested the RAM with Memtest86+. Changed the video card BIOS to it's original (the one originally on it was overclocked at 560/600).

I was able to play 1h yesterday but it finally crashed. Usually, it's crashing after 20-30 minutes. When the game is crashes, the screen is bleu and I mean blue, not a BSOD. Actually, it's the same blue color, so it probally is a BSOD, I just don't see any text explaining the problem (or trying to...).

I'm about to go Jack Bauer on my computer. Someone out there have any ideas or pointers? My computer was running stable and very well before the BIOS upgrade! I really wonder WHY my video card is now overheating? I don't get it...

My Rig
Athlon XP-M 2500+@3200+ (200x11@1.65v)
OCZ PC-3200 CAS 2-2-2-11@2.7v
abit NF7-S 2.0 BIOS 27
Sapphire X850XT PE @ Stock speed(540/590)@1.5v
Creative Labs Audigy 2 ZS
Adaptec 3940W SCSI Card
Antec NeoHE 430W PSU
3x Optic Drives
7x HD Drives
1x Floppy

edit: Mistakes

 

[warbean]

Try loading a fail safe configuration in BIOS.

Obviously your computer did not like the flash on the motherboard. Can you try swapping it out for a different one? If it works then, you can RMA.

Also try plaing without any of your other peripherals like the sound card.

 

[corkyg]

You can always reflash your previous BIOS back in.

 

[bigfil]

Originally posted by: corkyg
You can always reflash your previous BIOS back in.

 

[Majesty]

I did that already and it's not resolving the problem.

I've installed my old 9700 Pro and, even though it is slow, Titan Quest is working and seems not to crash. The problem is really the X850XT PE; it's either overheating or maybe not enough PSU juice? 16A on 12v rail ought to be enough, no?