BSOD with different reasons: hardware of driver issue ?

Hi Experts,

I have been investigating for a while now and I'm still stuck with no explanation.

I just bought a new desktop choosing every component and I have BSOD coming randomly, most frequently during video games / video editing. Sometimes i don't even get a blue screen but a freeze and i have to reset the machine.

I was suspecting hardware issue but the following tests ran without issues:

memtest at boot (overnight for each memory module). Currently i'm running with only 2x8Go modules out of 4 because 2 of them show some errors
seatool for HD check
furmark for GPU check - temperature stable after about 10min run (78 degrees)
prime95 for CPU - no error and temperature stable using speedfan after running for about 10min (67 degrees)

my config is:
biostar z87 3d
i7 4770k (3.5Ghz)
16Go corsaire vengeance (originally it was 32)
gigabyte 780 gtx
ssd 250 samsumg
wd 1To 7200rpm
tp-link wifi network card tp-link
running under windows 7 ultimate

Appreciate any feedback to narrow down where the issue could be coming from !

Please find the zip with data collected (I left only the most recent dumps)

thank you !
Ludo

You've built yourself a pretty nice system. I must say, I'm a little jealous.

Your blue screens are all over the place, but they all show memory related operations. That isn't to say they're caused by the physical RAM in your system though because there are a lot of components that are involved when memory is accessed, from where it's accessed, if it's cached, etc.

Without consistent crashes it's going to be rather difficult making a determination via crash dump analysis. What I can say that I'm fairly certain of is it's not driver related. It does indeed appear to be caused by hardware.

To be honest, I'm not really up on Biostar. I've never used their boards. I stick pretty much to the enthusiast class of Asus boards.

The Intel process and Corsair memory are top notch. I'm surprised you had issues with 2 modules of memory since Corsair is some of the best on the market. The only thing I would suggest is that you buy your memory in dual sets (16GBx2). Many motherboards (I mean A LOT) don't jive well with quad sets.

The Samsung SSD is top of the line (as long as it's the 840 Pro model).

Gigabyte is well known. I've not had any of their graphics cards but I've read good things about them. I personally use EVGA.

One thing you didn't include is your power supply. Many people overlook this component when building a machine. But IMO, it's one of the most important components to invest in. Can you provide some details on the PSU?

So, with all that said, next steps? I would start stripping your system down to basic components. You've already started by pulling two modules of memory. Remove everything else you can too. Audio cards, network cards, video cards (use onboard if you can.. although I don't think the Core i7 4770k integrates a GPU), etc.

If you can strip it down to the lowest components you're going to make the target much smaller. I know it's a lot of work and is time consuming but it's a necessary step in diagnostics.

Hi Peebee,

thanks for your valuable answer.

I agree that the easiest would be to be able to test each component individually. unfortunately i don't have any spare hardware, so besides the memory module i can easily swap myself, for the rest i'll need to go to a shop i guess...

Regarding my PSU, indeed i forgot to mention it. It's a Corsair CX600M. Supposedly enough for my config, especially it's not overclocked.

Also regarding the memory:
1/ i originally bought by pair of 2, i exchange one already that failed the memtest
2/ I'm also surprised that i have 2 more failing now... especially because when i check the result, besides the different memory address that failed, the others columns display same information: good/bad values. What are the odds for that happening !? So i'm thinking if this could be the MOBO...

Also something i didn't test yet is to update the BIOS. They released a new version last feb, i was keeping this at last.

And the SSD is the 840 from samsung indeed. I used seatool to test it along with the WD.

It's really weird most of time i can use the computer for hours with no problem and then get 2 BSOD within 30min.

If the data collected can't really help, then it seems i have no choice but go to a shop for checking.

mangaforall said:

Hi Peebee,

Also regarding the memory:
1/ i originally bought by pair of 2, i exchange one already that failed the memtest
2/ I'm also surprised that i have 2 more failing now... especially because when i check the result, besides the different memory address that failed, the others columns display same information: good/bad values. What are the odds for that happening !? So i'm thinking if this could be the MOBO...

Also something i didn't test yet is to update the BIOS. They released a new version last feb, i was keeping this at last.

I'm glad you provided this information because it sounds more and more like a motherboard issue and not a memory issue.

Hardware has come an enormous way but the chances of a single module failing is still possible. But the chances of a module failing, then once it's replaced, more memory errors, is pretty slim.

I think the BIOS update is definitely worth a shot. I would try that first since it's the easiest and most cost effective test. If that doesn't work, then I would put your memory in a friend's computer if possible. Run memtest there overnight or as long as you can. I suspect the memory will be clean, and if so, I would take a serious look at the motherboard.

One last piece of info... Since the Core i7 4770k's have integrated memory controllers it's certainly possible the issue lies in the silicone of the processor. So don't discount that. But the memory controller is just a small piece of the memory subsystem.

Is prime95 a good tool to test the i7 ? (using small FFT) This was my understanding reading here and there diagnostic procedure.
I just used it for about 15min but i might need to test for longer time.

I upgraded the BIOS already ==> funny thing is after i install their tool under win7, i need to reboot and got a BSOD before i can actually reboot. I had to remove/re-isntall since it didn't install properly the first time.

I'll see if i get BSOD today. Also will try to check with a friend my supposedly defective memory.

I might just re-install my genuine home edition but the reason i changed is because it's limited to 16Go RAM
Besides, i got a BSOD as well while installing the home edition the first time.
Nevertheless I understand your point.