New Computer Random Crashes-I'm Stumped!

[DeviantMonkey]

Hello everyone, I recently built a new computer and it is having random crashes. And when I say random I mean random - I got through two levels of L4D2 yesterday, but sometimes I can't even open Firefox without it crashing. I have tried diagnosing everything I can think of and was hoping for some external ideas.

First, my specs:
Asus Sabertooth X58 Motherboard
Intel i7 950 w/ stock cooler
6GB Corsair PC-12800
PNY GeForce GTX 460
Seagate Barracuda 1TB drive.
ULTRA 1KW power supply
Windows 7 64 bit

Now what I have tried:
Configured RAM using XMP, checked that it is on Asus's approved memory list. It runs stable for as long as I want in Memtest86.
I sent the motherboard in to Asus. They sent it back to me saying nothing was wrong.
I checked my hard drive with chkdsk, and SMART values are fine.
I had these problems before I left for a trip and when I got back my RAM CPU and Video Card were stolen. With replacement parts, the problem persists.
The power supply was used in my old computer with no problems, and the rated wattage on it makes me think it isn't the problem.
I boot Ubuntu off of a flash drive, and I still get random crashes, and my girlfriend has the exact same setup as me and her system is completely stable.
I can run a "stress test" on my CPU, RAM, Video card, and hard drive in Everest with no problems-Temps stabilize at around 80C.

My conclusions:
I don't think it is software related due to the same thing happening with two different OSes. Similarly the since Ubuntu didn't even mount my hard drive, I don't think that is the issue either.

I have tried two different graphics cards and processors. I would be stunned if they both had the same error or something.

The mobo has been checked out by Asus and they saw nothing wrong. I am inclined to trust them.

I don't think it is the power supply since it has more than enough rated power and the voltages were stable in the stress test.

I have really thoroughly tested out the RAM since random crashes normally scream RAM errors. Memtest86 overnight stable seems to disprove this though. I know i am using approved ram with its hard-coded settings too.

My question:
Can you guys think of anything else that may be causing this problem? I really can't figure out the culprit!

 

[ch33zw1z]

Swap the PSU with your GF's, exact same setup = great for testing parts ONE at a time. Since you've tried almost everything AND you have some "spare" parts, bring it down to minimum config, at ALL STOCK settings, swap out the PSU (but do NOT install it in your GF's machine)..and then commence the testing procedures..

edit: You can also try assembling the minimum config outside of the case to see if it's a grounding issue. make sure all your mobo posts are in the correct spots inside the case.

 

[DeviantMonkey]

Swap the PSU with your GF's, exact same setup = great for testing parts ONE at a time. Since you've tried almost everything AND you have some "spare" parts, bring it down to minimum config, at ALL STOCK settings, swap out the PSU (but do NOT install it in your GF's machine)..and then commence the testing procedures..

I should have mentioned in my original post, but my GF is a few states away. We actually built the rigs so we could have some bonding over SC2, haha.

I am currently running Prime95 to see what that turns up. If that fails I will try to put in my 500W power supply from my old computer.

While that is running, any more suggestions?

 

[queequeg99]

We actually built the rigs so we could have some bonding over SC2, haha.

Ahhh, isn't that cute.

But seriously, in addition to making sure that you aren't somehow shorting the board with the support pins, you might also want to disconnect all but the essential system panel pins. Leave Power On and the System Speaker connected, but disconnect everything else. I once had a problem similar to yours because there was some problem with the Reset connect (either in the bottom, the wire, or connector).

Good luck.

 

[DeviantMonkey]

Leave Power On and the System Speaker connected, but disconnect everything else. I once had a problem similar to yours because there was some problem with the Reset connect (either in the bottom, the wire, or connector).

Seems like it is worth a try. Prime95 has been running for a while now with no problems. Was it shock related? That quote almost makes me want to bump my desk in a bunch of different ways to see what happens, haha.

 

[mfenn]

First off, an Ultra "1KW" is like a quality brand's 500W. I'm willing to bet that it is the PSU, since (a) Ultra is crap and (b) you've swapped out every other part! There is an outside chance that it is the mobo and Asus was just blowing smoke up your ass.

 

[DeviantMonkey]

Prime95 has been running for a while now with no problems.

It ran Prime95 overnight with no problems. When I tried to get online to post this post, though it crashed. I am basically starting to think it works fine unless I am around to watch it, haha.

I once had a problem similar to yours because there was some problem with the Reset connect (either in the bottom, the wire, or connector).

I have removed my motherboard from my case and put it on an insulating surface (my plastic cutting board). I have also unplugged anything that isn't essential. It is just as unstable now as it was before.

First off, an Ultra "1KW" is like a quality brand's 500W. I'm willing to bet that it is the PSU, since (a) Ultra is crap and (b) you've swapped out every other part! There is an outside chance that it is the mobo and Asus was just blowing smoke up your ass.

Swapping out the power supply is next on my list. If I remember correctly though, my old power supply only has the 4-pin connector for the motherboard that goes next to the cpu. My new MB uses the 8 pin connector. Can you think of a way around this?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Prime95 = stable
Memtest86 = stable
Different OS = unstable

Anytime you initiate network activity it crashes? I would start there.

 

[DeviantMonkey]

Anytime you initiate network activity it crashes? I would start there.

That is what I thought, too. I ran with the Ethernet controller disabled in the BIOS and it still crashed.

 

[mfenn]

Swapping out the power supply is next on my list. If I remember correctly though, my old power supply only has the 4-pin connector for the motherboard that goes next to the cpu. My new MB uses the 8 pin connector. Can you think of a way around this?

Plugging the 4-pin plug into the 8-pin socket works fine. The 8-pin socket is keyed so that the 4-pin plug will only plug into one side of it.

EDIT: Another thing that I just thought of. Does it seem to crash more often at idle or at load? It could be that your voltage at idle is dropping too low. Try disabling EIST and bumping up the Vcore a bit.

 

[DeviantMonkey]

Does it seem to crash more often at idle or at load? It could be that your voltage at idle is dropping too low. Try disabling EIST and bumping up the Vcore a bit.

I never thought of that, but you are right, it is crashing much more often at idle rather than load. I will give this a try.