Seemingly random BSOD issues - Head hurts from banging it on the wall

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  1. Posts : 26,867
    Windows 11 Pro
       #31

    My biggest question is how can you pass Prime95 with a bad CPU core? That's what Prime95 is, a stress test for the CPU. You should get a BSOD or at the least a core shutting down.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #32

    I can somewhat agree, Ess, but even you guys state that Prime isn't infallible... I'm about half-an-hour into a two hour (?) Prime test right now... I'll post some screen shots once that's done. I suppose if it doesn't come right out and smack me in the face with a big fail sign, I could've misinterpretted the results on the last run, but now I'm intrigued... especially in light of BR's findings. I just finished a memtest, too, and it says... wait for it... "detected no errors"... lol... I appreciate all y'alls help on this, and I'll post some results in a couple of hours.

    -JAM
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 26,867
    Windows 11 Pro
       #33

    Be sure and watch your temps. Don't let it overheat. Core temp will tell you the stress and temps of each core. Most people run it for 12 hours. But, I would think a bad core would show up sooner than that. But you are right, no test is infallible. Memtest isn't either, but they are the best tests we have.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #34

    Six hours it is... and please don't think I'm criticizing the tests. I'm somewhat flustered with this machine, but it's had a good long run, so I can accept that. Replacing the processor on a board with no life (or upgradability) left in it would be folly, in my opinion, so I'm probably at looking at a new machine. I'll be posting results later this evening... y'all have a great day!

    -JAM
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 26,867
    Windows 11 Pro
       #35

    Don't worry about criticizing the tests, I've done so numerous times. Prime is used mainly by overclockers to determine stability of an overclock. I've passed 12 hours and had a BSOD opening internet explorer. A CPU can withstand all the stress you can give it and fail on a light load or anything in between.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       #36

    Agree that hardware tests aren't conclusive, sometimes you need to run the tests a few times and/or different tests on the same components.

    When you ran the RAM test, was it memtest86+?
    There are several tests called memtest, some better than others, memtest86+ is recommended.
    How many passes did you run?
    Minimum of 7 full passes is required, this will take several hours and most people don't run them very long.
    Each memtest86+ pass runs different tests, so it is crucial to run 7 full passes.

    What are the CPU core temps, from 'CoreTemp', while at idle and under load?
    Is your CPU a quad core?
    Have you 'Unlocked' any cores?
    Max temp for your CPU is 75°C.
    AMD Phenom™ X4 9550

    If you want to run an additional CPU stress test you can run OCCT.
    OCCT stability checking tool
    Run the CPU:OCCT test for at least 30 minutes (1 or 2 hours is better), be sure to monitor your CPU and GPU temps.
    Set the time before you start.
    When its done, pass or fail, it will make some graphs. Post these here as they are useful for analyses.

    Sometimes errors from these tests can be fixed by adjusting settings in the BIOS.

    Can you download CPUZ and post a snip of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs.
    For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.
    How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums
    Go to your BIOS and tell us what the CPU, RAM and the CPU integrated memory controller voltages are.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #37

    I made a 6 hour run with Prime... I don't have this machine OC'd or tweaked or anything, so I figured that would be enough... maybe... maybe not, but this run turned up no problems.

    Attachment 243427

    During the Prime test I monitored the temps, but the CPU never got over 62C and plateaued around 58C for most of the time.

    Attachment 243429

    The memtest I ran (most all morning) was the Windows version, and I ran through different iterations as suggested in other forum posts. I've got to download and run the 86+ version either when I get done here or in the AM. This is a cap from the event viewer after I completed testing this afternoon.

    Attachment 243426

    You can probably surmise my core temps from one of the above images... it is a quad-core, nothing is unlocked, and while I could be mistaken I don't think it's ever reached 75C... 62C during the prime test, but it'll idle in the mid-to-low 30s most of time.

    Attachment 243430

    OCCT results will have to wait until tomorrow or at least later, as my ISP oversold their service and will not upgrade their equipment, so if by chance all 6 of the subscribers in my area get on at once, the download speed slows to worse than dialup... but I will run the test and post results as soon as I can.

    I think the BIOS is a lost cause, too... it's from 2008 and there ain't too many upgrades readily available for the Bengel board.

    And the CPU-Z caps are below:

    Attachment 243423

    Attachment 243424

    Attachment 243425

    Attachment 243428

    Thanks for the input and I'll be checking back later on... I've just about written off this machine, but if you have any additional input or advice after reviewing this data, it's more than welcome... thanks.

    -JAM
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #38

    Well, well, well... it only took 36 minutes to shut the test down. It didn't throw a BSOD or anything... I had the test set to run for 1 hour, but something (error detected on core #3) triggered it to shut down early. I'm attaching all of the images the program made and let me know if you need any more info from me.

    -JAM

    Attachment 243439

    Attachment 243440

    Attachment 243441

    Attachment 243442

    Attachment 243443

    Attachment 243444

    Attachment 243445

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    Attachment 243450

    Attachment 243451

    Attachment 243452

    Attachment 243453

    Attachment 243454

    Attachment 243455

    Attachment 243456

    Attachment 243457
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,171
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #39

    I'm not sure of all the details that have already been posted concerning your BSOD dumps and stuff, but at this point you may as well do some extended diagnostics on your hard drive:

    Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure

    CrystalDisk is great, but really only shows you current SMART status.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #40

    I've not thrown my hands up in disgust yet, though processor issues may force me to do just that at some point still... sigh. I'm performing different/recommended tests all over again, so it may be a bit before I can post back any updates. I'm also trying to fit work into my scenario, too, so thank goodness for the KVM... and thanks again for any/all of your advice!

    -JAM
      My Computer


 
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