Windows 7: New build BSOD on startup

Hey guys, I just built a computer on Monday with the following specs, all parts are brand new:

AMD Phenom II x4 965BE
Sapphire HD 6970
MSI 870A-G54
2x2GB Corsair RAM
Antec 650W PSU



So, my computer has been running fine until yesterday, while playing Fallout:NV, my computer BSOD(0x000000a, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) and then it would BSOD on bootup every time. I could also only boot into safe mode about 50% of the time. I ran memtest a couple of times and it reported no errors, and I also tried removing each stick of ram and testing it that way, but the computer still BSOD. I tried reinstalling my ATI CCC and graphics drivers, but still BSOD. I finally gave up and reinstalled Windows 7 Ultimate x64. Today, however, the same BSOD message appeared, and I once again cannot boot into non-safe mode. Please help?

I also cannot run perfmon /report, I get the error message: "The system cannot find the path specified"

Welcome to SF.

Update video driver:
Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\vgapnp.sys (6.1.7600.16385, 28.50 KB (29,184 bytes), 7/13/2009 7:38 PM)

Thanks a lot for the quick response! Could you help me in how exactly to update the video driver? I've tried reinstalling the ATI Catalyst drivers multiple times, and I can't anymore due to only being able to boot into safe mode. Once again, thanks!

EDIT: Additionally, trying to go through Device Manager says that my VGA drivers are up to date.

Don't use device manager to check/update your drivers. Go to your motherboard or the programs website. Far, far better method.

I looked at four dumps and all the crashes occurred during booting or shortly there after. You also mention the you get BSOD's in the Safe mode. This can indicate a hardware problem. Do you have another known good power supply you can try?

I also recommend that you test your RAM with Memtest 86. Follow the instructions in this tutorial: RAM - Test with Memtest86+. Run Memtest from a cold boot after your computer has been off for an hour or two. Let it run for a minimum of seven passes. This will take 6-8 hours. If you see errors, you can stop the test. Post back with the results.

Thanks Carl, I unfortunately do not have an extra PSU to test my build on, but all of these components are new. Could it be the PSU? I have also ran memtest with no errors last night, but I will run MemTest x86 again.

Thanks

EDIT: Lemur, I tried updating the motherboard drivers by going to the MSI 870A-g54 website, but I cannot install the ATI system drivers in safe mode.

Because it's a new system, I don't mind doing a fresh install of Windows. I've noticed that the initial BSOD only occurs when my GPU is under full load (running Fallout:NV / Crysis), though checking through the Catalyst Control Center, I was only at around 55 degrees C. Could it be a problem with the 6970 or the Catalyst drivers?

Thanks again everyone

It could be a problem with CCC; that would not be the first time. Create a restore point. Download your video drivers. Uninstall your current video drivers and reinstall without CCC. You can use Speed Fan or CPUZ to monitor your temps.

Thanks Carl. I ran MemTest86 overnight - 12 passes, no errors. I'll try uninstalling CCC and see if that allows me to boot

Thanks for reporting back. That probably means your RAM is OK. I say probably because Memtest is not 100% accurate. I have seen it not find errors when, indeed, the RAM was bad. Be sure to let us know how your systems does without CCC.