Keep getting random crashes and BSOD on new system...HELP ME PLEASE!!!

[AndroidVageta]

Well...my system seems screwed somewhere and I just can't locate the problem.

Specs:

Windows Vista x86 SP1 (fresh install)
Intel E5200 @ STOCK
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R (used 5a BIOS, using beta 7a BIOS now having same problems)
OCZ Gold 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800
PNY 9600GT 512MB

After market coolers on CPU and GPU...correctly installed...so no heat issues causing instability for a fact.

System runs pretty well...however when ever I game or am installing a game (sometimes) my system will either just straight up freeze - forcing reboot, or will BSOD. However, this doesn't seem to be the case with all games, as Fallout 3 worked for hours. I think its a RAM issue...I used to be able to overclock my CPU to 3.8ghz or more (wouldn't boot anything past 4ghz, typical I think?) then it would BSOD every now and then. Now the system won't overclock hardly at all, and if I can get it to o/c at all system is really unstable, even at a low 2.6ghz (12.5x multi x 208mhz).

My main worry is that the RAM is just bad...I haven't been able to run it at 400mhz no matter what I do, even messing with the multiplier and running CPU at stock speeds at 400mhz RAM. However, Windows Memory Diagnostic hasn't found any issues with the RAM after running for 4 hours now (as of typing this on my laptop). Would Memtest be any better?

I don't think the motherboard is messed up, of course I have no solid way of testing it...know anything that might help?

Graphics card should be fine...used it in a HP system for a couple months with no issues what so ever and all benchmarks work fine with no glitches (Vantage, Far Cry 2, Crysis). I'm getting a ATi HD4780 in the mail tomorrow so I will be able to tell if its a video issue tomorrow.

Could it be the CPU? I mean, as far as I'm concerned a CPU either works or it doesn't...and I haven't pushed any hardcore voltage or high as hell clocks with it...and its been properly cooled the entire time via a MASSCOOL 8WA741 with load temps at 4ghz never passing 55C (when it would overclock) so I can safely assume its not the CPU.

Thats about all the info I can give, so if anyone knows what the issue could be I would really appreciate it. I have an RMA for the RAM via Newegg right now ready to be returned. Should I just assume its the RAM and get a new set and go from there or hold off until I know the definite problem?

Also, I'm a complete n00b when it comes to O/C Intel C2D, so it might just be a setting issue, however when I have O/C (at default fail-safe settings) all I did was mess with the FSB and multiplier, adjust RAM and CPU voltages a little (never past 1.4v for the CPU and never past 2.1v for the RAM, which is the recommended voltage according to OCZ...BIOS automatically set 1.8v for the RAM at 200mhz.)

 

[phaxmohdem]

Sounds kind of like a RAM issue to me as well. Download memtest (note: that with 4GB of RAM you will have to run several instances of memtest to test all your available RAM) and let it run for a few hours. Should be able to help you diagnose it a little better. Also try running some programs that only stress the CPU, memory, or video card independently to try and narrow down the cause. (You might pop the ram and out re-seat it or stick it in the other RAM slots.)

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: phaxmohdem
Sounds kind of like a RAM issue to me as well. Download memtest (note: that with 4GB of RAM you will have to run several instances of memtest to test all your available RAM) and let it run for a few hours. Should be able to help you diagnose it a little better. Also try running some programs that only stress the CPU, memory, or video card independently to try and narrow down the cause. (You might pop the ram and out re-seat it or stick it in the other RAM slots.)

How can you run several instances of memtest in DOS?

 

[AndroidVageta]

Windows Mem. Diag. hasn't found anything wrong...yet I've been reading that its no where near as good as Memtest (wasted a damn DVD on that shyte). I'm going to set up Memtest to run tonight before I pass out...any specific options for Memtest I should be aware of? Don't know how to set anything like that up to test it fully.

And like I said, I'm pretty sure its not the video card, which won't even matter by tomorrow, unless the HD4870 is DOA (fingers crossed).

CPU as well I'm not that worried about...I mean, if the CPU is bad then it shouldn't work at all right? Plus, I've never heard of bad Intel CPU's (DOA), at least not frequently enough to really think that's the issue.

 

[Gillbot]

I've never seen any options in memtest, it usually just starts running on boot up. Let it run overnight at least and see what you get.

 

[krose]

Methinks he meant MemTest for Windows

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: krose
Methinks he meant MemTest for Windows

interesting, never heard of it. I have always used these:
Memtest86+
Memtest86

 

[AndroidVageta]

Yeah, really...is Memtest for Windows reliable and accurate? I was thinking of just using Memtest86+.

 

[Gillbot]

No idea, the standard for most memory manufacturers is the DOS based ones I linked above. If you have a windows stability problem, troubleshooting RAM issues would be impossible.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Yeah thats true...BSOD while testing LOL. OK well, Ill Memtest86+ tonight and get back tomorrow with the results...I am almost certain its the RAM...atleast, I hope it is...

 

[Tweakin]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
No idea, the standard for most memory manufacturers is the DOS based ones I linked above. If you have a windows stability problem, troubleshooting RAM issues would be impossible.

I didn't know you could run a DOS based application in Vista...especially since it is running a modified NT Kernal.

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Tweakin

Originally posted by: Gillbot
No idea, the standard for most memory manufacturers is the DOS based ones I linked above. If you have a windows stability problem, troubleshooting RAM issues would be impossible.

I didn't know you could run a DOS based application in Vista...especially since it is running a modified NT Kernal.

You don't, memtest works via bootable CD, USB stick or floppy. It loads it's own bootloader and launches the app.

 

[Tweakin]

Originally posted by: Gillbot

Originally posted by: Tweakin

Originally posted by: Gillbot
No idea, the standard for most memory manufacturers is the DOS based ones I linked above. If you have a windows stability problem, troubleshooting RAM issues would be impossible.

I didn't know you could run a DOS based application in Vista...especially since it is running a modified NT Kernal.

You don't, memtest works via bootable CD, USB stick or floppy. It loads it's own bootloader and launches the app.

I knew there had to be an answer...thanks. I've always ran the windows versions, except with my DFI board and it was built into the bios.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Just a quick lil somethin somethin...

After two passes on Memtest86+ there are no warnings or failures...however...when I go into the configuration (press C) then Memory Sizing and select BIOS-All...its just a bunch of errors...1700+ in total then my computer locks up forcing restart.

Was wondering if anyone with good memory could try this out and see if they get errors too...only reason I ask is because I get the same errors using both sticks or each one individually. Same amount, etc. Just want to know for a fact if its Memtest86+ or if it means that both sticks are equally bad.

Thanks guys!!!

ALSO just a add on...was playing Crysis (1.2 patched) and the game out of no where shut down and Vista said that the nVidia driver failed followed by a BSOD caused by the driver...however, previous BSOD was not caused by this, this was a first. Just adding that in there.

Could this all be caused by a virus or something? I don't have net on the PC currently but I do have a number of games that I got via Bittorrent...however, Kaspersky hasn't found anything, but I haven't updated it yet either...running version 6.0 that came on the Gigabyte CD with the motherboard.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Is it possible that the RAM could be perfectly fine? I mean, I know that not all RAM plays nicely with all motherboards/CPU's...Memtest86+ been running since 6pm and its 220am now, over 8 hours with no errors except whats posted above. Could it just be a incompatibility issue and not something actually wrong with the hard ware?

Could it be the motherboard? Bad memory controller or is that built in the CPU? CPU bad?

Is there any way to test driver stability? The nVidia driver issue mentioned above has me worried, but I'm getting a HD4870 tomorrow, so if it is nVidia it won't be much longer.

Also, I found that I can overclock decently (although nothing really rock solid as far as I can tell) as long as I have the RAM running lower that 340mhz (rated to run 400mhz?) and the multiplier at 12.5. Could it be that the FSB is getting too high for the CPU to handle, I mean, at 400mhz that gives my CPU a 1600mhz FSB...from a stock 800mhz...could that cause issues? Anyone have overclocks that should be stable on a system like mine, suggestions that is?

I don't know guys...I just want a solid system (overclocked ofcourse) and so far its been so-so...which isn't good enough for me.

 

[blackpanther26]

What dose the BSOD say?

 

[AndroidVageta]

Well after running Memtest86+ for 18 hours there are no errors...so Im guessing its just a compatibility issue with the motherboard...

 

[faxon]

you would be surprised at how long it can run without finding any errors, especially at 4GB of memory. i ran one kit of memory i had back in 2001 in memtest86 for a week or so (tons of crashing issues in openGL games) before it found any errors. this was with on a kit of PC133 SDRAM (2x256MB Corsair). what i would do is order a new kit of ram and just drop it in and see if that fixes anything. im using a really crap XFX 680i LT for overclocking my e5200 right now, but i havent had any issues with the kits im using. i dont have a link for the 2x1gb kit since the newer batches arent as good as the old ones, but this Gskill kit is rock solid. OC is 3.2GHz, with memory running at 819MHz 4-4-4-12 2T at 1.8v. board has stability issues passed 3.2GHz, namely the insane vdroop im getting. i had to run the voltage up to 1.39 in bios to get it up to 1.36 in CPU-z OS.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: AndroidVageta
Well after running Memtest86+ for 18 hours there are no errors...so Im guessing its just a compatibility issue with the motherboard...

If it was a compatibility issue it should error. Have you tried a fresh install of your OS? You may have something corrupted, such as a driver.

 

[ElBurro]

Originally posted by: AndroidVageta
Just a quick lil somethin somethin...

After two passes on Memtest86+ there are no warnings or failures...however...when I go into the configuration (press C) then Memory Sizing and select BIOS-All...its just a bunch of errors...1700+ in total then my computer locks up forcing restart.

Was wondering if anyone with good memory could try this out and see if they get errors too...only reason I ask is because I get the same errors using both sticks or each one individually. Same amount, etc. Just want to know for a fact if its Memtest86+ or if it means that both sticks are equally bad.

Thanks guys!!!

ALSO just a add on...was playing Crysis (1.2 patched) and the game out of no where shut down and Vista said that the nVidia driver failed followed by a BSOD caused by the driver...however, previous BSOD was not caused by this, this was a first. Just adding that in there.

Could this all be caused by a virus or something? I don't have net on the PC currently but I do have a number of games that I got via Bittorrent...however, Kaspersky hasn't found anything, but I haven't updated it yet either...running version 6.0 that came on the Gigabyte CD with the motherboard.

You just answered your own question there. Some DRM when cracked causes random blue screens. This may be your issue.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Right, but theyre all games by reputable sources and teams...I'm sure they would have made note of this if these types of errors happened.

Plus, on the positive side...after switching to my new HD4780 (also typing this on my new MSI Wind...freaking sweet) the BSOD have seemed to subside...I still get a few random game crashes...but I think thats a result of the games and not hardware/drivers.

On another note though...any one have thoughts as to why I can overclock this puppy at all? Even at a repectable 3.2ghz with a 1066mhz bus system just refuses to boot...I dont know much about overclocking these new fangled processors and could use some help.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Now to add to the frustration...I installed Gigabytes overclocking utility Easytune 6 and when I select the highest overclock selection (3.15ghz 1400mhz fsb @ 350mhz with 9x) the system will boot fine and go on nice and dandy. However, if I change these settings at the the slightest system won't reboot. Even if I go back to what Easytune 6 set originally it won't boot...WTF.

So some software can overclock my CPU but the damn BIOS can't? Makes no sense!!!

 

[ShawnD1]

Originally posted by: AndroidVageta
Well after running Memtest86+ for 18 hours there are no errors...so Im guessing its just a compatibility issue with the motherboard...

If the memory is fine and it's blue screening in games, I would guess that your power supply is not strong enough. A spike in power demand can cause the voltages to drop quite a bit, and then the computer crashes.

Download a copy of OCCT and run the power supply test. If your PSU is too weak, the system will immediately crash.

 

[AndroidVageta]

Ran it for 30 mins no problems. I know the PSU says 550 but I've heard that its actually rated at 650 at 50C...so I know the power is not an issue, shes a little trooper...I'm proud of her lol.

 

[Gillbot]

Could be a bad driver, I'd suggest a fresh install of the OS and go from there.