Random BSOD x124 caused by hal.dll

Arc · 30 Oct 2012

Jakeulas said:

So back to the drawing board. I'm looking at the processor. Trying to decide on replacing my x6 t1100 with the x4 965 BE or a FX4170.

Any thoughts? It'll be for surfing and gaming.

First, determine it preciously which parts of your hardware are existing, not new. The cause of the crash should be within it.

Af first, stress test the processor, to make it sure that is is the source of the issues or not.
Hardware - Stress Test With Prime95

And, as it is during gameplay, check the Graphics card, too.
Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

The new case .... whats about the power supply? If it is inadequate, it may result into a 124 during gameplay.

Jakeulas · 30 Oct 2012

I've ran both CPU and gpu tests. Cpu ran 7 passes with prime95, successful. I've ran furmark on my GPU for 30 min no problems with a temp maxing at 80°c. The only other component is the power supply, a Xion 700w, that was used before.
So should I start looking at a power supply? How can I know if it's going bad? I can still use the pc for watching video and surfing the web for 4 hrs no problem, but 30min into a gaming session of GW2 and it's BSoD.

Thanks for your insight and help.

Arc · 30 Oct 2012

I guess Britton30 will guide you nicely with PSU tests, he is a topmost expert in those fields.

Jakeulas · 30 Oct 2012

Thanks ARC. I just ran across this in some reading.

While other things may cause a "Blue Screen of Death," such as improperly installed updates or drivers, this symptom will often occur at random, as opposed to after a scheduled event such as a program update or virus scan. This problem occurs because the hard disk is not powered down in a way the computer expects and data errors occur.

Sounds like my problem. I will investigate further. Come next payday, I will look into a new PSU, before processor or videocard.

imMolyko · 30 Oct 2012

I have almost the same problem - gw2 is a pc killer :)
Tomorow i LL check a local computer store, they have some testing stuff, and multimeter to monitor the voltage and ampers on the mobo.

Try using the IGP ( GW2 should be work lowest settings with 1366x768 i tried too) if its works
Then : Vga or psu is can be...

Britton30 · 30 Oct 2012

I would recommend any of these PSUs or something very close, stick with Corsair, Seasonic, they are very respected.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

The CPUs you listed are all nearly the same in performance I think. I tried an FX4170 and was not impressed, I went back to a 964 Black Edition.

Jakeulas · 03 Nov 2012

Hey Britton30 and Arc,
So last night a buddy tells me to try a program called OCCT, to test the PSU. It appears it runs the CPU and gpu to 95-100% and measures the voltage. I ran it for about 10min, nothing appeared to be out of place. So I just put the PC to sleep like I do most nights, but this morning before work I went to turn it on and nothing. No boot, no lights, no fans, nada. Is this finally the answer, my PSU died?

Arc · 03 Nov 2012

Jake, in the current situation you must to try with changing the PSU at first, provided the power connections are ok.

Jakeulas · 03 Nov 2012

Well, I unplugged my pc to get things moved around and to pull out the PSU, before my new one arrives. But decided to plug it back in a give it another shot. It started up, ran for about an hour then froze, no BSoD. I checked the side of the PSU, its a Xion 700w with a 12v rail at 25amps. Isn't that low? For a gaming PC shouldn't a single rail get like 60amps or better?
I ordered this one.
I hope this fixes it.

Britton30 · 04 Nov 2012

Xion is not a good one. You see the Corsair you ordered has 62A on the single 12V rail. Xion probably has 2 or 4 12V rails which is why the Amps are so much lower.