BSODs playing GTA IV - No Sound (Sound Card) & Laggy Video!

Baasha · Sep 12, 2011

Been having major issues playing GTA IV.

First, the sound kept getting cut during gaming. When I exited the game, there was no sound in Windows either. I had to reboot to get sound but after a couple of minutes, the sound cut off again and I wasn't even gaming then. Video playback became really laggy (YouTube played videos as if in slow motion) and there was no sound.

I had to reboot the PC several times. Unisntalled sound card (through Device Manager) and then reinstalled it as well as the latest drivers. Still had same issue when I tried playing GTA IV.

Today, I got consecutive BSODs while playing GTA IV. I've had several issues with GTA IV like missing textures, no sound, freezing (at loading screens), CTD (crash to desktop) etc. Tried reinstalling the game several times from scratch and even tried different hard drive but none of them work(ed).

I'm playing GTA IV heavily modded (Gionight ENB mod with several custom cars/weapons etc.) but my computer is a beast and it should be able to handle it easily.

My specs:

CPU: i7 990X
Mainboard: Asus P6T7 WS Supercomputer
Memory: 12GB Corsair Domintar 1600MHz
Hard Drive: 32GB SLC SSD x2 (RAID-0)
Video: EVGA GTX-580 3GB Tri-SLI
Sound: Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium HD
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 1200W
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1

The first BSOD was STOP code 0x124 and that was with stock clocks for the GPU. The second BSOD was STOP code 0x1000007e and that was with GPUs OC'd to 850MHz.

Have not had BSOD problems in many months (previous times were related to faulty GPU; returned it and got a new one as replacement).

Also, yesterday, I noticed that the Event Viewer showed the 'nvlddmkm' to have generated over 1000 errors in about TWO (2) minutes! So I reinstalled the GPU drivers (WHQL 280.26) and actually did it twice since GTA IV just crashed and I had to hard-reboot to get it working again.

I've attached the minidumps and the Perfmon report.

Please let me know what I should do to fix this.

Thanks.

seth500 · Sep 12, 2011

I need you to do a stress test on your cpu with prime95 and follow this guide very carefully:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-cpu-stress-test-prime95.html

Code:

Microsoft (R) Windows Debugger Version 6.12.0002.633 AMD64
Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.


Loading Dump File [C:\Users\Administrator\Downloads\Windows7_Vista_jcgriff2\091111-25022-01.dmp]
Mini Kernel Dump File: Only registers and stack trace are available

Symbol search path is: SRV*F:\SymCache*http://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols
Executable search path is: 
Windows 7 Kernel Version 7601 (Service Pack 1) MP (12 procs) Free x64
Product: WinNt, suite: TerminalServer SingleUserTS
Built by: 7601.17640.amd64fre.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506
Machine Name:
Kernel base = 0xfffff800`04c53000 PsLoadedModuleList = 0xfffff800`04e98670
Debug session time: Mon Sep 12 00:31:58.025 2011 (UTC - 6:00)
System Uptime: 0 days 0:00:15.350
Loading Kernel Symbols
..........................................................
Loading User Symbols
Mini Kernel Dump does not contain unloaded driver list
*******************************************************************************
*                                                                             *
*                        Bugcheck Analysis                                    *
*                                                                             *
*******************************************************************************

Use !analyze -v to get detailed debugging information.

BugCheck 124, {0, fffffa800e9b98f8, 0, 0}

Probably caused by : hardware

Followup: MachineOwner
---------

11: kd> !analyze -v
*******************************************************************************
*                                                                             *
*                        Bugcheck Analysis                                    *
*                                                                             *
*******************************************************************************

WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (124)
A fatal hardware error has occurred. Parameter 1 identifies the type of error
source that reported the error. Parameter 2 holds the address of the
WHEA_ERROR_RECORD structure that describes the error conditon.
Arguments:
Arg1: 0000000000000000, Machine Check Exception
Arg2: fffffa800e9b98f8, Address of the WHEA_ERROR_RECORD structure.
Arg3: 0000000000000000, High order 32-bits of the MCi_STATUS value.
Arg4: 0000000000000000, Low order 32-bits of the MCi_STATUS value.

Debugging Details:
------------------


BUGCHECK_STR:  0x124_GenuineIntel

CUSTOMER_CRASH_COUNT:  1

DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID:  VISTA_DRIVER_FAULT

PROCESS_NAME:  System

CURRENT_IRQL:  0

STACK_TEXT:  
fffff880`0411d6f0 fffff800`04f15c59 : fffffa80`0e9b98d0 fffffa80`0a382b60 fffff8a0`002449d0 00000000`00000000 : nt!WheapCreateLiveTriageDump+0x6c
fffff880`0411dc10 fffff800`04df5f57 : fffffa80`0e9b98d0 fffff800`04e702b8 fffffa80`0a382b60 00000000`00000000 : nt!WheapCreateTriageDumpFromPreviousSession+0x49
fffff880`0411dc40 fffff800`04d5d5d5 : fffff800`04ed1ae0 00000000`00000001 fffff8a0`00244948 fffffa80`0a382b60 : nt!WheapProcessWorkQueueItem+0x57
fffff880`0411dc80 fffff800`04cda001 : fffff800`050f3d00 fffff800`04d5d5b0 fffffa80`0a382b00 00000000`00000000 : nt!WheapWorkQueueWorkerRoutine+0x25
fffff880`0411dcb0 fffff800`04f6afee : 00000000`00000000 fffffa80`0a382b60 00000000`00000080 fffffa80`0a365b30 : nt!ExpWorkerThread+0x111
fffff880`0411dd40 fffff800`04cc15e6 : fffff880`03f31180 fffffa80`0a382b60 fffff880`03f3c1c0 00000000`00000000 : nt!PspSystemThreadStartup+0x5a
fffff880`0411dd80 00000000`00000000 : fffff880`0411e000 fffff880`04118000 fffff880`0497c5e0 00000000`00000000 : nt!KxStartSystemThread+0x16


STACK_COMMAND:  kb

FOLLOWUP_NAME:  MachineOwner

MODULE_NAME: hardware

IMAGE_NAME:  hardware

DEBUG_FLR_IMAGE_TIMESTAMP:  0

FAILURE_BUCKET_ID:  X64_0x124_GenuineIntel_PROCESSOR_CACHE_PRV

BUCKET_ID:  X64_0x124_GenuineIntel_PROCESSOR_CACHE_PRV

Followup: MachineOwner
---------

11: kd> lmvm hardware
start             end                 module name
Mini Kernel Dump does not contain unloaded driver list

Please let us know the results of the test..

Thanks

Seth

Baasha · Sep 12, 2011

Hi Seth,

I ran Prime95 x64 for an hour (1:10 to be precise) and it passed without any errors. I do not have time to test it for 6+ hours since I have to be monitoring temps (I'm not at my computer for that long).

The one hour test shows my OC to be quite stable (have run it before with Blend Test also). This test was just Small FFTs and the temps (using RealTemp GT) rose to 82C (maximum on sixth core). That is pretty hot but my case if really dusty and I haven't cleaned it in about 4 months. I need to take it apart and re-seat the CPU, CPU cooler, GPUs, Sound Card, RAM and clean everything thoroughly. Will find time to do that soon.

For the time being, I have attached the results of the Prime95 test below.

Also, it should be noted that last night, after I made this post, I uninstalled the NVidia GeForce driver (WHQL 280.26) and installed the Quadro 275.89 WHQL drivers.

GTA IV still gave me a "FATAL ERROR" but I never got any freezes and/or BSODs.

However, the problem is still NOT solved so I'd like to get to the bottom of this. I am mainly concerned about my GPUs (if any of them are faulty).

Do the minidumps point to the CPU being faulty? From what you've posted above, that's what I read but I'm not sure. I've never had any CPU issues while benchmarking, gaming, and or doing productivity work (video editing and 3D modeling/rendering). My CPU seems to be quite stable at 4.41GHz @ 1.30V (v-core) and 1.275V (QPI/DRAM).

GTA IV, being so heavily modded, seems to be conflicting with something but if it's a hardware issue, I should be having issues in other games/programs as well right? The only issue outside of GTA IV is the sound; it cuts out and any video I play (WMP/YouTube etc.) becomes laggy and requires a reboot. Could a faulty CPU/GPU cause that? I have disabled all of the "HD Audio Device" on the graphics cards. Since I'm using on-board sound now, I enabled that but the three GPUs' HD Audio Device (HDMI ports) have been disabled via Device Manager.

Please let me know what I should do next.

Also, if I get any other BSODs or freezes, I will update you with information from them.

Thanks.

seth500 · Sep 12, 2011

Do the minidumps point to the CPU being faulty? From what you've posted above, that's what I read but I'm not sure. I've never had any CPU issues while benchmarking, gaming, and or doing productivity work (video editing and 3D modeling/rendering). My CPU seems to be quite stable at 4.41GHz @ 1.30V (v-core) and 1.275V (QPI/DRAM).

Well Baasha were looking for a hardware issue and since your cpu passed those minor tests and you have done it before I'm gonna say that the cause is not that.
GTA is a very demanding game on the computer it takes a lot of resources and power to run it. This could be a Memory issue, PSU issue, or the Video card or cards themselves, thats what the first dump is telling me but the second dump is pointing toward a driver called nvlddmkm.sys which is your Nvidia video driver. Now make sure you have updated to the latest driver for your card.

Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers

If the latest driver doesn't fix the issue then start running a test on your memory following this guide:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

Also if I'm seeing this right a EVGA GTX-580 3GB Tri-SLI is a 3 video card computer am I correct? If this is the case I would test each video card separately like I would ram sticks one at a time. Make sure each card is seated nicely and firmly in its place. Once you have done that play the game with just one card in at a time and see if the issue goes away. You can also test each card with a burn in test and gpu stability test with Furmark from here:

FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net

Dust and stuff can cause many issues inside the psu and alike as you already know make sure everything is clean and dust free it can cause BSOD's as well if it's really dirty and also make sure the computer has enough power to run all your hardware by using this psu calculator:

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator

GTA IV, being so heavily modded, seems to be conflicting with something but if it's a hardware issue, I should be having issues in other games/programs as well right? The only issue outside of GTA IV is the sound; it cuts out and any video I play (WMP/YouTube etc.) becomes laggy and requires a reboot. Could a faulty CPU/GPU cause that? I have disabled all of the "HD Audio Device" on the graphics cards. Since I'm using on-board sound now, I enabled that but the three GPUs' HD Audio Device (HDMI ports) have been disabled via Device Manager.

Please let me know what I should do next.

Also, if I get any other BSODs or freezes, I will update you with information from them.

Thanks.

Many of those questions are answered in my first paragraph but one other thing I would check is the GTA website or where ever they have patches and stuff and see if any are available for the game and your operating system. For you Sound issue please check the Realtek website for audio driver updates:

Realtek

Let me know what you come up with if you have any memory errors the stick or sticks will have to be replaced before we can go any further.

Thanks

Seth

Baasha · Sep 15, 2011

Hi Seth,

Have some updates since the last post.

First, I encountered two BSODs while playing GTA IV and both were BCC 0x116. This was highly worrisome because that BCC points to the GPUs themselves (hardware).

I proceeded to remove the soundcard and then re-seated it and that issue seems to have been resolved; no sound cutting out and/or laggy video.

However, the BSODs (0x116) and missing textures/freezing issues in GTA IV are still yet to be resolved. I removed all three of my GPUs (EVGA GTX-580 3GB) and tested each one by itself.

The first card seems to be perfect; ran GTA IV and benchmarks without any hiccups at stock clocks, at 850MHz (1.088V), and at 900MHz (1.100V).

The second and third cards however, had some issues even at stock clocks in GTA IV. There were missing textures and the game froze on several occasions (LOADING screen etc.). The Unigine Heaven 2.5 benchmark, interestingly, ran fine at stock and OC'd settings (as described above). 3DMark 11, however, crashed at start-up and didn't even run! This was for BOTH the 2nd and 3rd cards.

I then tried the 2nd and 3rd cards together in SLI mode (two cards). GTA IV still had many issues (missing textures/freezes etc.). Unigine Heaven 2.5 BSOD at 900MHz (1.100V).

I am starting to wonder if the VRAM on the second and/or third cards is faulty. What should I do to narrow it down further?

I see many people on the GTA forums who have highly mediocre systems playing the game modified (as I am) and having no issues at all! It is highly irksome that after spending so much time and money to build such an awesome rig, it is fraught with seemingly endless issues. I've asked on the forums and people keep telling me that I need more "RAM" or "VRAM"; they have no idea of what they're talking about; I have 12GB of RAM (1600MHz) and 3GB VRAM and THREE GTX-580s. There should be NO ISSUES in handling the most demanding tasks thrown at these cards.

Please help!

(I've attached the minidump files and the Perfmon report)

*I will also run MemTest just to rule out that possibility but I did run it in July when I had BSOD issues and it turned out that one of my GPUs was indeed faulty; the RAM was fine.

seth500 · Sep 15, 2011

In device manager Baasha do the 3 video cards show up as separate cards or just one card? I'm kind of thinking that if you have two faulty cards after having tested them one at a time that if you had them under warranty I would have them replaced if that's what the tests show. Other than that I don't know what to tell you cause if their bad their bad. Have they always caused you this issue and how long have you had them? I have got to run to work so I get back to ya as soon as I can..

Baasha · Sep 16, 2011

seth500 said:
In device manager Baasha do the 3 video cards show up as separate cards or just one card? I'm kind of thinking that if you have two faulty cards after having tested them one at a time that if you had them under warranty I would have them replaced if that's what the tests show. Other than that I don't know what to tell you cause if their bad their bad. Have they always caused you this issue and how long have you had them? I have got to run to work so I get back to ya as soon as I can..

Hi Seth,

The cards show up as three separate cards in Device Manager. I also spoke too soon about the sound issue being resolved; last night, the sound cut out again while playing GTA IV!

I'm back to square one on that. I can't for the life of me figure out why the sound keeps getting cut out; it has to be some software conflict because the sound works every time I restart the computer. I've tried reseating the card, reinstalling the drivers, and even enabling/disabling it in Device Manager to no avail.

I will call EVGA about the cards but this sound issue is driving me crazy. Any ideas on what to do about that?

I will update this thread if other issues crop up regarding the GPUs.

seth500 · Sep 16, 2011

I can imagine how crazy it makes you it's not fun in any respect. Now about the sound the only thing I can think of is the windows audio service must not be set to automatic. Check and see got start and in the search box type services and hit return the windows audio and endpoint builder should be set to automatic.

SimFirso · May 2, 2012

I got a similar problem with sound. You have found a solution?

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500 (Sandy Bridge-DT, D2)
3300 MHz (33.00x100.0) @ 3511 MHz (35.00x100.3)
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V
Chipset: Intel Z68 (Cougar Point) [B3]
Memory: 8192 MBytes @ 668 MHz, 9.0-9-9-24
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Hynix (Hyundai) HMT351U6CFR8C-H9
- 4096 MB PC10600 DDR3 SDRAM - Hynix (Hyundai) HMT351U6CFR8C-H9
Graphics: nVidia GeForce GTX 680 (p2002)
nVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 (GK104), 2048 MB GDDR5 SDRAM
Drive: WDC WD10EALX-009BA0, 976.8 GB, Serial ATA 6Gb/s
Drive: ATAPI iHAS524 A, DVD+R DL
Sound: nVIDIA GK104 - High Definition Audio Controller
Sound: Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium pro
Network: Intel 82579V (Lewisville) Gigabit Network Connection
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Build 7601
Power Tt 600w

BSODs playing GTA IV - No Sound (Sound Card) & Laggy Video!

Baasha

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seth500

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Baasha

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