0x0000005c in most games and more!!!

Dave76 · 13 Jul 2012

The HD6970 runs fine in the other computer (#2), the HD5830 runs fine in your computer.
Let us know how the ATI drivers from the #2 system run with the HD6970 in your system.

What brand and size of PSU is in your fiancee's computer?

Rothko · 13 Jul 2012

That's right. Both computers run fine with the GPUs swapped over (except for the obvious graphical performance drop in my games!)

I found that I was still running beta drivers from when I was trying different drivers so I completely uninstalled them, cleaned up any remnance and then installed the latest CCC and drivers (the same as on #2) and the system crashed as usual.

With the 6970 back in my computer, I also ran through the troubleshooting steps for the common TDA error but they didn't change anything. Sometimes the computer lasts in game for longer than usual and I'm so hopeful that something has worked but then, as usual, it crashes...

The PSU in the #2 computer is the Enermax EL620AWT (620W) that I tried in my computer a few days ago with no success.

The monitor attached to system #2 is VGA (1680x1050) whereas mine is DVI (1980x1200). Not sure if this makes much difference but hope you would.

I have swapped the GPUs back around again (6970 into #2 and the 5830 in mine) and will continue to game on both to see if one crashes.

Thank you for your perseverance!

Dave76 · 13 Jul 2012

Try installing the same driver as in #2 but, don't install CCC or uninstall it.

Test for crashes.

Have you checked the CPU and GPU temps during gaming?

If you changed PSUs previously, did the #2 system crash with your KRPW-PS700W, did you connect it?
If both systems run the same with both PSUs, then we can rule out the PSU.
When you swap the graphics cards, both systems are stable, the only problem is with the 6970 installed on the Asus P8Z68 Deluxe, correct?
That rules out the graphics cards and drivers.
Which leaves the likely suspect the motherboard.
Let's make sure all the settings have been checked before RMA'ing the motherboard.

Lets give the new RAM a couple adjustments.
From post #14:

7) Checked voltages in BIOS Dram=1.5000...1.5003; VCCIO=1.050...1.062; CPU=1.152...1.158

All other BIOS settings are at default/stock, correct?

Bump the DRAM voltage to 1.550v
Bump the VCCIO voltage to 1.120v

Try and re-create the crash scenario.

Rothko · 16 Jul 2012

I changed the voltages as you advised but sadly the system still crashed. I couldn't select exactly 1.120v for VCCIO so I used the next voltage down.

I found a program that logs all sensor activity right up until failure (and a little after it seems in my case). The program is called HWiNFO64 and attached are the logs for two crashes that happened this evening.

It was interesting that when running HWiNFO the computer crashed much more quickly than when not running anything in the background. It still gave the same type of crash though - background music only, blank screen, audio loops and turns to a buzz.

BTW When I reinstalled the OS I had a crash that was slightly different from usual. It crashed the usual way but that time the GPU fans went full speed and the motherboard gave an error signal (long - short - short - short). Another reset and the the computer started normally. Not sure if this is useful info I just want to give you a full picture.

Thank you

Rothko · 16 Jul 2012

Oh, I forgot to add. I have not yet tried the KRPW-PS700W in the other computer running the 6970. I will try that tomorrow.

Dave76 · 17 Jul 2012

Your motherboard beep code for (long - short - short - short) is - No VGA detected.

Take out your graphics card, inspect the slot for debris or dust and clean with alcohol, also the pins on the card.
Re-seat card, be sure it is fully seated, sometimes you have to push on them pretty hard.

If cleaning and re-seating the card doesn't help then it may be a motherboard issue.

The HWiNFO64 logs confirm that GPU Fan, GPU Clock, GPU Utilization, GPU VRM Voltage, all dropped to 0 or near 0 at the end of the logs.
This is consistent with a bad connection or bad motherboard slot.

Run the exact same test scenario with the other graphics card installed, this will help with determining the cause.

Rothko · 17 Jul 2012

I checked the slot and card for debris and dust and cleaned both but the system still crashed.

I have also tried the GPU in a different PCI slot on the motherboard with no success.

I'm getting 3 types of crash:
1) Black screen - normal sound then sound loop and buzz - nothing can be done except reset
2) As (2) but the card fan is full speed. Resetting the machine gives the MB error code 1 long 3 short. Turning the machine off for a few seconds and then back on starts it normally.
3) Instant reset. This has only happened a couple of times. The computer suddenly resets.

I have attached the HWiNFO64 log from when I had a (3) crash. Not sure if it's helpful but just in case.

I tested the KRPW-PS700W and it ran the other computer fine with the 6970.

Dave76 · 17 Jul 2012

No indication of any anomalies in the log.

You have tested the Ram and bought new RAM, tested GPUs and PSUs in system #2, checked the two PCI slots in your motherboard.
The issues with the GPU in two different slots, as well as the above testing, indicates the motherboard is the problem.

If it is still under warranty you can RMA it.

Let us know what you decide to do.

Rothko · 18 Jul 2012

I bought a new Motherboard and had the same crash.

I am really at my witts end with this...

Is there any chance that the CPU could cause such problems? We really do seem to have tried everything else.

Unless I have been really unlucky and managed to buy several bad components...

How about the power supply coming into the apartment?

I'm now getting errors in OCCT running Linpack and PSU tests (attached)

Rothko · 18 Jul 2012

OK, just had a couple of new crashes. This time the desktop froze up forcing a hard reset.

One was whilst running OCCT and the other just as OCCT finished running a CPU Small Data Set test. OCCT found no errors on either run but the whole computer froze up giving me use of the mouse for a few seconds and then nothing. Kind of similar to the in game crashes.
These crashes happened while a different GPU was in the system. The only things that are the same as before are the CPU and PSU.

I have put the Enermax PSU back in this computer and plugged it in in different area of the apartment just to double check before I go back to the shop and trade my new motherboard in for a new CPU...