Freeze when booting with more than 2 cores

MakiabelMFE · 25 Apr 2015

Hi, so basically the problem is as the title says, my computer won't boot any version of Windows IF I enable more than just 2 cores on the BIOS.
Specs:
Asus M5A97 EVO R2.0
AMD FX6100 Six-core processor (no OC)
2x4Gb DD3 1300Mhz Kingston
AMD Radeon HD 7750 1Gb
1x500Gb SSD Samsung Evo
Overcase MA-6600 600W

I'm currently posting this from this exact computer, though I have it fixed on 2 cores from the BIOS.
I've tried reinstalling multiple times, I can run Hiren's boot cd with all cores enabled and check Prime95 and all cores are running with no errors. I have MSConfig boot options unchecked for the number of processors, I've tried EasyBCD to change it aswell, I've tried with each RAM stick separate, also with another Video card, with other HDD's, I've reset to factory the BIOS also updated it to latest non-beta version, I've reseated everything. I can run the computer with all cores enabled but only in safe mode.

So basically I'm running out of options, I honestly don't know what else to do but to just ditch the processor and get a new one which is kind of a last resort solution.

Does anyone have any clue to what could be causing this?.

Thanks in advance!.

Mellon Head · 25 Apr 2015

First of all, make sure that your motherboard's BIOS is updated to use the FX-6100. I have that board and had to do an update to make it stable with my FX-8350. It's not the best motherboard by any means, but it's ok I suppose. Only update the BIOS if absolutely necessary.

The BIOS is available from here (if needed):

Motherboards | M5A97 EVO R2.0 | ASUS Global

Second, download and install the AMD chipset drivers from here:

Chipset

That might do the trick.

MakiabelMFE · 25 Apr 2015

Thanks for the quick response, both the BIOS and the Chipset are already updated to their latest versions non-beta. So that can't be the issue.

whs · 25 Apr 2015

What happens if you set the BIOS to default.

MakiabelMFE · 25 Apr 2015

If I set it to default it still won't boot, and it's also setting the secureboot mode on which I must disable, but still won't boot because its setting the Core On/Off to Auto.

Indianatone · 27 Apr 2015

One thing that I always point the finger at are no name power supplies. That PSU may not be man enough for the job. You should start by replacing it with an Enermax, Corsair Silverstone 750 to 800 watt supply. The fact you have to reduce the load to boot gives it away.
See JonnyGURU.com - Andyson N700 700W Titanium Review
As a hardware engineer most people underestimate the importance of a power supply and buy a piece of junk when you should be buying something that is energy efficient and will provide your components with steady power ensuring a long life.

MakiabelMFE · 27 Apr 2015

The thing is that this setup has been working fine for about 6 months and it started failing about 3 weeks ago plus the computer boots with all cores enabled just fine while in safe mode but it refuses to boot anything in normal mode. Could this still be caused by an dead/dying PSU?.

Indianatone · 28 Apr 2015

Absolutely. Get a new power supply from a well known and trusted brand. The sooner the better before you damage a component such as the hard drive or CPU.

Layback Bear · 28 Apr 2015

I can't find anything I can read on this power supply. (Overcase MA-6600 600W)
That is somewhat different.

I use Corsair power supplies because they work but are a bit high in price but in my opinion my computers deserve the best. One can save money on many things in the building of a computer but the power supply isn't one of them.

Two things all computers need.

1. A high quality power supply of the proper wattage and amps.
2. Proper cooling. Air or Water doesn't matter as long as it does it's job of keep things cool.

If one breaks rules 1 and or 2 you and your computer loose.

MakiabelMFE · 28 Apr 2015

Alright since I have to change the PSU at some point, I thought I might aswell get something that's gonna last if I end up upgrading to an i7 4790k (with another MB of course) at some point. So I was looking around and found the Seasonic m12II Bronze 620w Welcome to Seasonic USA it seems within my price range and with some pretty good reviews around the internet. Also checked a PSU Calculator to check again and it's fine. What do you guys think?.
Btw the reason you probably didnt find anything about my current PSU is probably because it's from an old case combo and the manufacturer also discontinued this model and rebranded it with another name.