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#1
Locking up computer - CPU Vcore experiencing massive fluctuation(33%)
Hey guys,
I'm currently attempting to fix a locking issue with my newly built computer.
First and foremost I will describe the problem:
- Once every 12-72 hours my computer will lock up, displaying a frozen frame of whatever was last on the monitor.
- The lockups occur randomly; sometimes when nothing is running at all but the OS.
- All functionality is gone.
- Case fans, CPU fan, GPU fan, and mobo are all still powered.
- Computer is still generating heat (overall; haven't been able to tell part by part)
- Anything in a USB slot can still receive power. However anything new plugged into USB cannot.
- I've unplugged the DVI from the video card and plugged it back in a few minutes later, only to see the same frozen frame of my desktop (in this case, Breaking Bad in full screen).
- The only resolution is to hold down the power and restart, then all is fine for 1/2 a day to 3 days.
- On top of this, my direct replacement warranty expires in 4 days.
My specs are as follows:
ASUS P8Z68 V-Pro (MOBO)
Intel i7-2600k (CPU)
Zotac GTX 580 (VGA)
NZXT HALE90 1000W (PSU)
G.Skill 8GB 1600mhz Sniper (RAM)
ASUS PCE N-13 (LAN)
Intel 510 120gb (SSD/BOOT)
Samsung 1TB HE103SJ (HDD)
Cooler Master Hyper 212 (COOL)
Potential culprit 1
- I'm getting an odd voltage reading using my NZXT 1000W PSU. Massive fluctuations. Using Speedfan and HW monitor, the "Vcore" voltages are flying about everywhere. My ASUS board features an "EZ overclock" button in this BIOS so I thought this might be it, but set back to stock the problem still persists.
Overclocked to 4.5ghz:
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6...agessketch.png
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4834/vcore2.png
Stock at 3.5ghz
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4...nvcorenooc.png
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4250/vcorenooc.png
I should comment, in the ASUS UEFI (BIOS) window, it doesn't show the voltages fluctuating by more than a couple %. I'm not sure how that fits into the picture here. I do however feel this is the likely culprit to my freezing issue.
Potential culprit 2
The Intel SSD, since SSDs in general simply aren't that reliable (even Intel has close to 10% RMA in first year). It does figure out pretty nicely. I can't physically do anything because I'm not longer connected to a drive containing an OS, letting alone drivers for anything connected. The last image could be stored in RAM, hence why I can still see the last frame when unplug my DVI and plugging it back in. Not sure how it would explain the USB fiasco though.
Potential culprit 3
My video card (Zotac NVIDIA GTX 580). Even though I unplugged the DVI and plugged it back in, only to receive a signal, it could be that the card had that stored in it's RAM. There is nothing that points me in this direction however through testing, is it does above with the CPU/PSU.
Potential culprit 4
My RAM, simply because many people report that locking up is commonly a RAM problem. However I do not quite understand how to use MemTest x64. Is there a simpler program I can use for the same result, preferably through the OS? That or maybe a link on how I can get it to boot off a thumb drive. Thanks in advance.
So there we have it, I know it's a lot to read but I figured I'd be thorough as to not waste anyone's time with back and forths needed to attain info. I am open to suggestions on how to solve this problem as I really am not that savvy when it comes to building or repairing computers. I'm stumped and in dire need to solve this within 4 days, so I can return any faulty parts for direct exchange.
Thank you so much for your time if you have made it this far.
I appreciate any and all help!
Last edited by MarkC0; 16 Sep 2011 at 05:29.