Multiple BSOD's. I'm Lost.

Dave76 · 23 Apr 2011

Was your system at idle when you took the Core Temp readings?

Even if it wasn't, those temps are high. AMD's max temp for your CPU is 62°C.
Have seen overclocked AMD CPUs running at mid 40's.

AMD Phenom™ II X4 955

When putting a load on your system it will generate more heat, when the heat becomes too high the CPU will start to throttle down, if that doesn't help it will shut down.
This may not be your only issue but, needs to be resolved before any more troubleshooting.

AMD CPUs usually run very cool.
Are you using the stock CPU cooler?
Have you checked or changes the thermal paste between the CPU and cooler?

With your system shut down, see if you can rotate the CPU cooler, don't move it more than a fraction of an inch.

If it moves it is loose, it will need to be taken off, cleaned and new thermal paste applied, then the cooler re-installed.

Wildcard187 · 23 Apr 2011

That snip was taken while I was replying to this thread. No unusual load. This picture is while I've been playing Eve Online for about 2 hours. Eve or Rift are about the heaviest loads that I put on it at once. As you can see, it is very steady, not alot of temp change.

I am using the stock cpu cooler and the stock fan cooling system that came with the computer when I bought it.

I will test how tight the fan is to the cpu here shortly. If I do find that it is loose, what should I use to clean if before applying more thermal paste and is it still the rule to use about a pea sized drop of thermal paste when applying it?

Dave76 · 23 Apr 2011

The above graph shows much better temps.

Keep checking the temps to see if they are consistent and if the CPU cooler is loose.

what should I use to clean if before applying more thermal paste and is it still the rule to use about a pea sized drop of thermal paste when applying it?

Alcohol for cleaning and yes a pea sized drop of thermal paste.

Wildcard187 · 25 Apr 2011

Just a quick update. I've added 8 gigs of memory to the 4 I already had. I ordered some just in case my memory was bad, but after my Memtest run, I just added it in instead.

I've replace the stock cpu cooler with a Corsair H50 Liquid cpu cooler. It is keeping the temps on my cpu at about 44C. I think the problem is that when I pulled off the stock cooler, there was no thermal paste on it. It was completely dry.

I've only had the computer up and running for about 15 minutes so far since I've made the upgrades. I'll post back with an update in a day or so if nothing happens or as soon as a problem pops up.

Dave76 · 26 Apr 2011

No paste, that should have been hotter, good thing you found it.

Is the 44°C with the system at idle?

AMD CPUs usually run very cool, should be 30°C.

What is the CPU temp under load?

Wildcard187 · 26 Apr 2011

I ran it for 3 hours last night with Eve Online. The temp never got above 44C. I put it to sleep last night. When I woke up this morning, I didn't check the temp right away. 20 minutes later I did and it was sitting at 39C at idle. I'm not using Artic Silver as the store I went to didn't have any. I'm using something else. I'm hoping that it will cure a bit and drop the temps a bit more. Not sure if it will, but something I heard that it might. As I'm writing this the temp has gone from 39C to 41C.

Dave76 · 26 Apr 2011

Hopefully the paste will cure and the temps will drop some more.

Keep checking the temps.

Have you had any more crashes?

Wildcard187 · 26 Apr 2011

Under load tonight it was between 43C-45C.

I have not had a crash since the change. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

If my temps continue to fall and I don't get any more crashes, then this will probably be the last time I post here. Thank you so much for the help. I really do appreciate it.

It is places like this that keep me a PC fan and away from the MAC's.

Dave76 · 27 Apr 2011

You're welcome.

Glad to hear it is running stable for you.

If you get a chance, let us know if it's still running stable in the next 4-5 days.

Wildcard187 · 02 May 2011

Update.

My core is now running about 40C under load, stays at about 35C at idle. Sometimes less.

I haven't had a BSOD since I changed out the CPU cooler. I still have the hanging issues when I start up the computer, but I don't have the problem if I wake it up from sleep mode. So I just leave it on for the most part. Only been shutting it off for updates.

Thanks again for all the help.