BSOD While Streaming/Downloading/Gaming, Mostly DRIVER_IRQL Messages

Okay, I just started the Prime95 test again, we'll see how that ends up. Hopefully I don't have to replace the card, but I always have my laptop if need be. Thanks a lot for the fan monitoring/adjusting program, I'll install that right away!

I'll let you know as soon as the test finishes. Does it notify me when it's done or does it keep running infinitely?

So apparently, according to that program, my CPU and Mobo are @ 154degrees Celsius, is that normal? Seems a bit hot.

Picture of what I'm seeing is uploaded.

That's incredibly high, the computer should have melted into a puddle or burnt your house down at that kind of temp! I think speedfan is giving a false reading!

Try comparing it with Real Temp - CPU temperature monitoring, Core Temp or Speccy - System Information - Free Download. See what readings they give.

Regarding Prime95, it should switch off after an error but I cannot confirm this. Watch the temps closely during the test using multiple programs and if the temps get too high (over 90 degrees) or Prime95's been running for over 2hrs, stop the test.

Stephen

Okay, haha. I thought it was just a little off. I already had Core Temp installed, it's a personal favorite actually. It's reading the four cores at 53, 44, 42, 49 which is good from what I understand.

Prime95 is still running without error. I'll report back in about an hour or if it crashes, whichever happens first.

A hit on Prime95! I'll quote what it says.

Worker #3

[Jun 23 13:36] Test 5, 5300 Lucas-Lehmer iterations of M14155777 using type-2 FFT length 800K, pass1=640, Pass2=12280
[Jun 23 13:36] FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4
[Jun 23 13:36] Hardware failure detected, consult stress.txt file.
[Jun 23 13:36] Torture Test completed 24 tests in 41 minutes = 1 errors, 0 warnings.
[Jun 23 13:36] Worker stopped.

Ok, that confirms we have some kind of hardware issue here. Graphics card is looking to be the most likely suspect. I'm packing up for the night now so will post back in the morning.

Okay, thanks a ton Stephen! I look forward to your advice!

I agree that things appear to be pointing to graphics, but it may be masking the true problem. I would suggest that you remove all but one RAM module and test. Sometimes, DirectX based crashes are due to memory issues. The Prime95 message may also indicate memory.

Run the same Prime95 test with only one module in the system and see if the hardware message occurs again. If it does, try the module in another slot. If you have problems in all slots with the same module, try another module in each slot. Test all slots and all modules until you find a good slot and a good module. Test all modules in the good slot to find any bad modules. Test all slots with the good module to find any bad slots.


Remember to avoid static damage to your PC while swapping out memory modules. As you add and remove hardware, follow these steps for ESD safety:

1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working. If you do not have an anti-static workbench, desk, or pad, you can use your computer tower/case by finding a metal hold in it, such as a drive bay.

Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.




Also, for the stress.txt file: stress.txt (Overclockers Australia Forums - View Single Post - Prime95 stress.txt file ???)

STRESS TESTING YOUR COMPUTER

BACKGROUND
----------

Today's computers are not perfect. Even brand new systems from major
manufacturers can have hidden flaws. If any of several key components such
as CPU, memory, cooling, etc. are not up to spec, it can lead to incorrect
calculations and/or unexplained system crashes.

Overclocking is the practice of increasing the speed of the CPU and/or
memory to make a machine faster at little cost. Typically, overclocking
involves pushing a machine past its limits and then backing off just a
little bit.

For these reasons, both non-overclockers and overclockers need programs
that test the stability of their computers. This is done by running
programs that put a heavy load on the computer. Though not originally
designed for this purpose, this program is one of a few programs that
are excellent at stress testing a computer.


RESOURCES
---------

This program is a good stress test for the CPU, memory, L1 and L2 caches,
CPU cooling, and case cooling. The torture test runs continuously, comparing
your computer's results to results that are known to be correct. Any
mismatch and you've got a problem! Note that the torture test sometimes
reads from and writes to disk but cannot be considered a stress test for
hard drives.

You'll need other programs to stress video cards, PCI bus, disk access,
networking and other important components. In addition, this is only one
of several good programs that are freely available. Some people report
finding problems only when running two or more stress test programs
concurrently. You may need to raise prime95's priority when running two
stress test programs so that each gets about 50% of the CPU time.

Forums are a great place to learn about available stability test programs
and to get advice on what to do when a problem is found.

The currently popular stability test programs are (sorry, I don't have
web addresses for these):
Prime95 (this program's torture test)
3DMark2001
CPU Stability test
Sisoft sandra
Quake and other games
Folding@Home
Seti@home
Genome@home

Several useful websites for help (look for overclocking community or forum):
Overclockers: The Performance Computing Community for Overclocking Hardware and How to Overclock Information
Ars Technica
HARDOCP - HardOCP Computer Hardware Reviews and News
AnandTech
Tom's Hardware: Hardware News, Tests and Reviews
PC Overclocking, Modding and Building | Sharky Extreme
Also try the alt.comp.hardware.overclocking Usenet newsgroup.

Utility programs you may find useful (I'm sure there are others - look around):
Motherboard monitor from livewiredev.com - dowload music Resources and Information.
Memtest86 from Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic
Cpuburn by redelm: http://pages.sbcglobal.net/redelm/
TaskInfo2002 from Iarsn - High Quality System Software


WHAT TO DO IF A PROBLEM IS FOUND?
---------------------------------

The exact cause of a hardware problem can be very hard to find.

If you are not overclocking, the most likely cause is an overheating CPU
or memory DIMMs that are not quite up to spec. Another possibility is
you might need a better power supply. Try running MotherBoard monitor
and browse the forums above to see if your CPU is running too hot.
If so, make sure the heat sink is properly attached, fans are operational,
and air flow inside the case is good. For isolating memory problems, try
swapping memory DIMMs with a co-worker's or friend's machine. If the errors
go away, then you can be fairly confidant that memory was the cause of
the trouble. A power supply problem can often be identified by a significant
drop in the voltages when prime95 starts running. Once again the overclocker
forums are a good resource for what voltages are acceptable.

If you are overclocking then try increasing the core voltage, reduce the
CPU speed, reduce the front side bus speed, or change the memory timings
(CAS latency). Also try asking for help in one of the forums above - they
may have other ideas to try.


CAN I IGNORE THE PROBLEM?
-------------------------

Ignoring the problem is a matter of personal preference. There are
two schools of thought on this subject.

Most programs you run will not stress your computer enough to cause a
wrong result or system crash. If you ignore the problem, then video games
may stress your machine resulting in a system crash. Also, stay away from
distributed computing projects where an incorrect calculation might cause
you to return wrong results. Bad data will not help these projects!
In conclusion, if you are comfortable with a small risk of an occasional
system crash then feel free to live a little dangerously! Keep in mind
that the faster prime95 finds a hardware error the more likely it is that
other programs will experience problems.

The second school of thought is, "Why run a stress test if you are going
to ignore the results?" These people want a guaranteed 100% rock solid
machine. Passing these stability tests gives them the ability to run
CPU intensive programs with confidence.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
--------------------------

Q) My machine is not overclocked. If I'm getting an error, then there must
be a bug in the program, right?

A) The torture test is comparing your machines results against
KNOWN CORRECT RESULTS. If your machine cannot generate correct
results, you have a hardware problem. HOWEVER, if you are failing
the torture test in the SAME SPOT with the SAME ERROR MESSAGE
every time, then ask for help at mersenneforum.org - it is
possible that a recent change to the torture test code may have
introduced a software bug.

Q) How long should I run the torture test?

A) I recommend running it for somewhere between 6 and 24 hours.
The program has been known to fail only after several hours and in
some cases several weeks of operation. In most cases though, it will
fail within a few minutes on a flaky machine.

Q) Prime95 reports errors during the torture test, but other stability
tests don't. Do I have a problem?

A) Yes, you've reached the point where your machine has been
pushed just beyond its limits. Follow the recommendations above
to make your machine 100% stable or decide to live with a
machine that could have problems in rare circumstances.

Q) A forum member said "Don't bother with prime95, it always pukes on me,
and my system is stable!. What do you make of that?"

or

"We had a server at work that ran for 2 MONTHS straight, without a reboot
I installed Prime95 on it and ran it - a couple minutes later I get an error.
You are going to tell me that the server wasn't stable?"

A) These users obviously do not subscribe to the 100% rock solid
school of thought. THEIR MACHINES DO HAVE HARDWARE PROBLEMS.
But since they are not presently running any programs that reveal
the hardware problem, the machines are quite stable. As long as
these machines never run a program that uncovers the hardware problem,
then the machines will continue to be stable.

Question about that: Should my computer be fine booting with only 2GB of RAM (I suppose this would be fine since there are still very low-end computers out there with that, but just want to be sure)? When Prime95 was running, there were four "workers," do those signify my four RAM sticks? If so, should I start with the proposed faulted stick first?

Your computer will be absolutely fine booting with only 2GB of RAM, it'll be slightly slower than usual but not much. And regarding Prime95, I as far as I know those workers don't represent your RAM sticks so start by booting with only the far left stick, then the next one and so forth but keeping note of which ones you've tested. Run Prime95 for 1-2hrs per stick.

Stephen