Computer randomly locks up even during memtest86

LJOE182 · 30 Nov 2011

So I had an issue with my computer randomly locking up, so I decided to reformat. After reformating and doing updates I get to installing SP 1 for windows 7. After it restarts a few times it get to the last step when it freezes. Fantastic. So I decide to run memtest86 to see if my RAM is the culprit. Running memtest86 on one stick of RAM and everything is going well until about 10 and a half minuets when the computer locks up. Keyboard doesn't respond (can't esc, can enter config, nothing) just like when I was in windows.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I recently flashed my BIOS but it flashed properly. I used an in windows utility provided by MSI.

OS (when I get it working): Windows 7 x64

Specs:

AMD Phenom II X6 Black Edition 3.2Ghz
GTX 570 HD
MSI 890FXA-GD65
2x 4GB g. Skill RipJaws DDR3-1600
Corsair AX850 PSU

Edit: Happened again doing a memtest. This time only took 2:39 to freeze and lockup. Going to test the other stick in a different slot to see if that changes anything (nope a different slot with a different stick still locks it up). Unplugged all peripherals and ethernet from PC and still crashes. Unplugged the hard drive's SATA cable and memtest was able to do 2 passes.

writhziden · 30 Nov 2011

Do the following:
1. Shut down your computer
2. Once the computer is turned off, unplug all power sources (AC Adapter then Battery)
3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds
4. Plug power sources back in (Battery then AC Adapter)
5. Turn your computer back on
This will reset your software connections between the BIOS and hardware, and it will also clear any memory corruption in the temporary memory (disregard the battery statements if you are using a desktop and not a laptop).

writhziden · 30 Nov 2011

Given that you've moved things around, I'm guessing you already powered off, so you probably already reset the software between the BIOS and hardware and cleaned the temporary memory. Did you try one stick in both slots, and then the other stick in both slots?

LJOE182 · 30 Nov 2011

Just followed your directions and running another memtest. It is a desktop, sorry for not specifying. I have tried both sticks in different slots, still locking up at different times. I got one stick to got through 2 passes before it locked up. I understand that memtest goes on indefinetly until stopped.

Memtest locked up again. ;(

writhziden · 30 Nov 2011

LJOE182 said:

Just followed your directions and running another memtest. It is a desktop, sorry for not specifying. I have tried both sticks in different slots, still locking up at different times. I got one stick to got through 2 passes before it locked up. I understand that memtest goes on indefinetly until stopped.

This is true. The other thing to try is resetting your CMOS by going into your BIOS and selecting reset to defaults, saving, and then exiting.

LJOE182 · 30 Nov 2011

Cleared the CMOS via the button on the back of my MB. Set BIOS to run default settings. Running another memtest.

writhziden · 30 Nov 2011

LJOE182 said:

Cleared the CMOS via the button on the back of my MB. Set BIOS to run default settings. Running another memtest.

Just for future reference, resetting the BIOS to defaults clears the CMOS; you didn't need to do the first step. :) Each one works equally well. See: How To Clear CMOS (Reset BIOS)

LJOE182 · 30 Nov 2011

I meant that when my PC booted up it asked me to run setup or load default settings pressing F1 and F2. Thank you for the help writh.

writhziden · 30 Nov 2011

LJOE182 said:

I meant that when my PC booted up it asked me to run setup or load default settings pressing F1 and F2. Thank you for the help writh.

Ah, ok. No problem; glad I could be of assistance.

scrooge · 30 Nov 2011

locking up trouble can also be caused by heat. have you checked your cpu heatsink fan to make sure it's working right?
also check your heatsink and make sure it didn't somehow come loose from the cpu.

scrooge