PC Freezes While Playing/Editing Video and Gaming

[ecomog]

Ram is pretty loose with voltage. Have you even tried leaving it at 1.65? According to Newegg, that RAM should be run at 1.65. You could even run it a little higher for troubleshooting.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231510

I've tried both 1.65 and 1.5. Never tried high than that though.

Well actually on the manufacturer's page they note 1.65v for 2133 and 1.5 for 1600

http://www.gskill.com/en/product/f3-17000cl9q-16gbsr

edit: Tho if you're still having issues w/1.5v at 1600 or 1333 not sure what then -- timings? Match the timings shown -- try using the XMP profiles

I'm seeing someone on newegg that notes :Motherboard BIOS reports that this is DDR3-1600 MHz memory with 11-11-11-28 timings at 1.6v, not DDR3-2133 at 1.65v with 9-11-10-28 timings as advertised.

Does not work at 2133MHz (x10.66) -- motherboard BIOS reports an "overclocking error", even though motherboard BIOS supports this speed.

So they used 11-11-11-28 @ 1.6v / 1600

When I set the timing to auto, it runs at 11-11-11-28. I've tried running things with both that, and the usual 9-11-10-28

 

[Shmee]

Though you have tried different RAM, to rule out that RAM isn't the culprit, run memtest from a boot CD/USB. Next, use something like hirens or a disk scanning software to scan the HDD, make sure it isn't going bad.

Also, though the CPU appears to pass stress test of prime and IBT, try stressing something like the memory controller or the PCIE controller, which is also on the chip.

I remember once, I was working on a new build, but it would freeze once in a while. Turned out, something on the i5 CPU (I think it was a dual core with HT, socket 1156 forget the number) was defective, probably either memory controller or PCIE controller. Thing is, the CPU passed stress tests. A new CPU fixed the problem though.

 

[ecomog]

Though you have tried different RAM, to rule out that RAM isn't the culprit, run memtest from a boot CD/USB. Next, use something like hirens or a disk scanning software to scan the HDD, make sure it isn't going bad.

Also, though the CPU appears to pass stress test of prime and IBT, try stressing something like the memory controller or the PCIE controller, which is also on the chip.

I remember once, I was working on a new build, but it would freeze once in a while. Turned out, something on the i5 CPU (I think it was a dual core with HT, socket 1156 forget the number) was defective, probably either memory controller or PCIE controller. Thing is, the CPU passed stress tests. A new CPU fixed the problem though.

I've run memtest before with no issues, and I've scanned all of my hdds. How would I go about stressing the PCIE controller?

I disconnected my cd drive, and ran the system with only one stick of RAM, and only my C drive connected, and still had a freeze. I even tried using the one stick of RAM in each of the 4 slots and had the same result.

 

[Ketchup]

Ecomog, I don't know if you noticed this, but there is another similar thread on the forums right now:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2340392

symptoms are a bit different, but it is interesting that you both has Asus boards, you both returned them, and you both got boards back with the the same issue you had before.

One thing I am curious about on yours: when Asus sent you a board back, did they make any reference to finding anything wrong with the first one? and are you sure they didn't send your same board back?

 

[ecomog]

Ecomog, I don't know if you noticed this, but there is another similar thread on the forums right now:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2340392

symptoms are a bit different, but it is interesting that you both has Asus boards, you both returned them, and you both got boards back with the the same issue you had before.

One thing I am curious about on yours: when Asus sent you a board back, did they make any reference to finding anything wrong with the first one? and are you sure they didn't send your same board back?

I actually was able to return the board to newegg, got a refund, and bought a brand new board from a local computer store.

I just checked out the other thread. Problem is a bit different but it looks like he hasn't found a solution either for his problem.

 

[bigboxes]

Looking at the RAM you have now it appears to be quad channel. Sandy Bridge uses dual channel RAM, and while yes quad channel should work fine perhaps your mobo is picky. How did running the system with difft RAM configs work out -- any better with difft RAM, less sticks, or lower speeds / voltages. What RAM voltages have you tried and what have you been using with @ 2133 ?

Can you run Prime 95 blend test without issues? Intel Burn Test?

There's no such thing as dual-channel ram or quad-channel ram. The ram is all the same, just set up in different configurations by the motherboard and utilized by the cpu.

 

[ecomog]

Lol, I suggested a similar thing on the last page. That board doesn't have an IGP out, so he can't do that. He'll need a brand new board.

I dunno, maybe it is some house wiring fault, I guess...but that would apply only to much older houses. Maybe his hardware just can't get along.:hmm: One last hope is installing a Linux distro on a spare hard drive with everything else disconnected and seeing if the Linux OS freezes.

Tried installing Ubuntu but kept getting an error when trying to install the bootloader so I gave up. Ended up reinstalling Windows 7 to another HDD to test things, and it froze again.

I'll test the PC at another house to rule out house wiring since I'm not sure what else to do at this point.

 

[crashtech]

What about memtest, have you tried that?

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Tried installing Ubuntu but kept getting an error when trying to install the bootloader so I gave up. Ended up reinstalling Windows 7 to another HDD to test things, and it froze again.

I'll test the PC at another house to rule out house wiring since I'm not sure what else to do at this point.

Did you try just running off an Ubuntu live USB? You shouldn't have to actually install anything.

The only thing to do at this point is to try a different motherboard model or a different CPU. You've tried everything else. I seriously doubt it's the wiring in your home.

 

[ecomog]

Did you try just running off an Ubuntu live USB? You shouldn't have to actually install anything.

The only thing to do at this point is to try a different motherboard model or a different CPU. You've tried everything else. I seriously doubt it's the wiring in your home.

I ran it off the cd, but since I'd have to actually play a game to ensure a crash, there was only so much I could do without actually installing the OS.

 

[crashtech]

I see now from the OP that you did run memtest, did you run the bootable one for an extended period?

 

[ecomog]

I see now from the OP that you did run memtest, did you run the bootable one for an extended period?

Yeah, I ran it for about 8+ hours with no errors reported.

 

[crashtech]

Very interesting! So it will run something without freezing. This means the motherboard is most likely at fault. Loading a more advanced OS loads more drivers and exposes more functionality, most of which is located onboard the mobo.

 

[Ketchup]

Very interesting! So it will run something without freezing. This means the motherboard is most likely at fault. Loading a more advanced OS loads more drivers and exposes more functionality, most of which is located onboard the mobo.

At this point, I am inclined to agree.

 

[thewhat]

Did you test with HCI memtest?
Also, when running P95, did you select large FFT?

If you don't do this, the RAM and the memory controller won't be tested properly.
See here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2195063

 

[ecomog]

Very interesting! So it will run something without freezing. This means the motherboard is most likely at fault. Loading a more advanced OS loads more drivers and exposes more functionality, most of which is located onboard the mobo.

Is it really possible for 2 motherboards to have the exact same problem though? Is there any chance it could be the CPU instead? That's basically the only thing I haven't replaced at this point.

Did you test with HCI memtest?
Also, when running P95, did you select large FFT?

If you don't do this, the RAM and the memory controller won't be tested properly.
See here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2195063

Everytime I ran P95 I used "blend". I'll try running it again with large FFT selected.

Also, I haven't tried HCI memtest, but I'll give that a shot as well.

 

[crashtech]

Bad CPUs are very rare in my experience, but it would be wise to rule it out if possible. You may wish to send it to someone you can trust for testing, if you don't have another rig handy in which it will fit.

 

[ecomog]

Bad CPUs are very rare in my experience, but it would be wise to rule it out if possible. You may wish to send it to someone you can trust for testing, if you don't have another rig handy in which it will fit.

The only option I have is to take it to a PC repair store and have them run some tests. Unfortunately I don't have another board that supports that CPU.

Also, ran HCI memtest for almost 3 hours with no errors reported.

 

[crashtech]

The only option I have is to take it to a PC repair store and have them run some tests. Unfortunately I don't have another board that supports that CPU.

Also, ran HCI memtest for almost 3 hours with no errors reported.

I'd test it for you for free if you paid two-way postage, but it might be difficult to place that kind of trust in a stranger. There's a thing called Heatware by which members receive ratings from others to build trust. You can use it to help determine if those with whom you might deal can be trusted.

 

[Ketchup]

... it might be difficult to place that kind of trust in a stranger. ..

Especially when he appears to be so blue, lol.

 

[BUTCH1]

I've read the thread so I'm guessing you've tried switching power supplies and had the same result?, since you've lowered everything back to stock and are still having problems one of the first post's was what I would do, run the minimum of ram, no optical drives, ect. I've had a bad DVD drive lock up a system on me. The post suggesting memtest is also a good idea, if all that fails might be tome to RMA the MB..

 

[THRiLL KiLL]

did some research on the mb.

1. this board is super picky about memory. i saw the 2gb version of your memory on the "approved" list but not the 4g version. did the memory you test with, was it on the list? http://support.asus.com/QVL.aspx?SLanguage=en&p=1&s=39&m=P8Z68 DELUXE&os=&hashedid=n/a


2. Multiple people with the same issue solved it by turning on xmp. However the trick was, they enabled it and then re-installed windows.

3. i have been in this hell myself. my issue was memory voltage. (which has been mentioned before)

 

[crashtech]

Odd that it would run memtest without errors if memory was the problem.

 

[ecomog]

I'd test it for you for free if you paid two-way postage, but it might be difficult to place that kind of trust in a stranger. There's a thing called Heatware by which members receive ratings from others to build trust. You can use it to help determine if those with whom you might deal can be trusted.

If I can't find a solution for this I might have to take you up on your offer.

I've read the thread so I'm guessing you've tried switching power supplies and had the same result?, since you've lowered everything back to stock and are still having problems one of the first post's was what I would do, run the minimum of ram, no optical drives, ect. I've had a bad DVD drive lock up a system on me. The post suggesting memtest is also a good idea, if all that fails might be tome to RMA the MB..

Yeah, bought a brand new PSU back when I thought my old one was the issue. I tried running the system with the optical drive disconnected, and only one stick of ram, and it still froze. I already got a new board thinking it would solve the problem. I ruled out the board being the issue since I've had the same problem with 2 of them

did some research on the mb.

1. this board is super picky about memory. i saw the 2gb version of your memory on the "approved" list but not the 4g version. did the memory you test with, was it on the list? http://support.asus.com/QVL.aspx?SLanguage=en&p=1&s=39&m=P8Z68 DELUXE&os=&hashedid=n/a


2. Multiple people with the same issue solved it by turning on xmp. However the trick was, they enabled it and then re-installed windows.

3. i have been in this hell myself. my issue was memory voltage. (which has been mentioned before)

According to the official RAM product page (http://www.gskill.com/en/product/f3-17000cl9q-16gbsr), the ram is on the QVL. I've tried 2 other brands of RAM that were on the list, and I've had the same result. I've gone through multiple configurations in the bios (XMP included) and I still get freezes. As far as voltages, I've tried 1.65, 1.5, and even lower...still the same result unfortunately.

EDIT: I've now been running HCI Memtest for 12 hours...no errors reported.

 

[THRiLL KiLL]

According to the official RAM product page (http://www.gskill.com/en/product/f3-17000cl9q-16gbsr), the ram is on the QVL. I've tried 2 other brands of RAM that were on the list, and I've had the same result. I've gone through multiple configurations in the bios (XMP included) and I still get freezes. As far as voltages, I've tried 1.65, 1.5, and even lower...still the same result unfortunately.

EDIT: I've now been running HCI Memtest for 12 hours...no errors reported.

yes but after configuring xmp, did you reinstall windows? or just boot into allready installed windows?