Constant BSODs the past week or so

Chimi · 16 Feb 2015

So I got the new CPU, Motherboard, and Video Card put in. All three are brand new and just bought this weekend. I wiped all of my hard drives completely and reinstalled Windows. Everything has been going perfect and then I got a BSOD while browing with Google Chrome. Not sure if it's related to the others or if it was just bad coincidence to get a BSOD.

After installing the new hardware, I immediately updated every driver I could find. But maybe I missed one or the log is saying something different.

essenbe · 16 Feb 2015

Chimi, your dump file lists very little info other than all indications are that it was caused by your Video Card or the Drivers. As I recall, many of your previous ones listed the Video card too. Logic would dictate the, assuming there is nothing wring with your new hardware, the problem lies in something you transferred over from your old machine.

I would suggest you to see if you have a friend or could some way find a video card to borrow, so you can test and see if the card is the problem. The best test would be to see if you have a friend who would swap cards with you, and you use his card and he uses your card. The results of that could tell us if it is the card or another problem.

If you do find a card, be sure to uninstall all drivers before you swap. Follow the guide I gave you, and when uninstalling, uninstall all Nvidia Graphics drivers but be sure to uninstall the Graphics Driver last. It will tell you to reboot. Instead of rebooting shut down and do the swap, then start up and install the new drivers you have already downloaded.

Chimi · 16 Feb 2015

Unfortunately I just moved to a new area and I don't know anyone really around here. I can tell you this is the third video card I have tried. I had an old video card hat I tried using and I continued to get the blue screens that looked like video errors.

When I did the install this weekend, I treated it as if everything was new. I wiped all three of my hard drives and deleted their partitions so it would be like they were just out of the box. I even left them unplugged except for the SSD to ensure Windows installed itself on just the SSD. The only things that aren't new in my system is the SSD and the Power Supply. I'm not sure if either of those are at fault but I've replaced the CPU, motherboard, video card, and RAM (about three months ago) and the BSOD is still happening.

I don't even know if the SSD could be the problem but one of my hard drives is completely empty so I guess I could try to install Windows on that and leave the SSD unplugged to see if I continue to get the same issue.

I mean, is it even possible the PSU or SSD could be the problem and if so, which is the more likely culprit? I think I have a spare PSU if need be as well.

essenbe · 16 Feb 2015

Do you have the latest firmware update on the SSD? With Video cards, the drivers, the card, the Motherboard and the PSU are about the only factors involved. So, you have replaced the Motherboard and still have the same problems, have new drivers and have tried a new card. To me, that leaves the PSU as the only thing left. I wish there were some way you could borrow one just to test. I don't want you to spend money on a new PSU only to find out that was not the problem.

If you do decide on another PSU, I can give you some good suggestions.

If you decide to try the clean install on the new hard drive, just install the OS, the Motherboard drivers, Video Card drivers downloaded from Latest NVIDIA ForceWare Video Drivers Windows 7 and Microsoft Security Essentials (Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows) Try running it that way. With the Motherboard drivers, make sure you download them from the Manufacturer's Web Site and do not use the disk. The web site has much more current drivers than the disk does. Plus do not install any of the Manufacturer's utilities or other programs they offer, just necessary drivers. Do all the Windows Recommended and Important updates and run it that way for a few days just to see if you still have problems.

Chimi · 16 Feb 2015

Yeah, I have the latest firmware. According to the Crucial website, the most updated firmware is still from 2013. I confirmed the firmware I have through the hardware ID and it matched the one one the Crucial website.

As for the PSU, I'm most likely going to get a new one anyway. So I'd definitely be open to your suggestions. Blue screens aside, I decided to go out yesterday and buy the MSI 970gtx card to go with my new CPU and motherboard. Just felt dirty having this new CPU and motherboard and an old 570 video card in it.

My power supply now is a couple years old. It seems to power the 970 fine but I feel like I might be pushing the PSU a little too close to my comfort. The 970 recommends 42 amps and my current PSU is at 52 amps on the 12v. While that is still under I don't like that it's so close to each other. Especially when I see new PSUs in the 80+ amp range.

Then again, that might just be me overthinking it as well.

essenbe · 16 Feb 2015

if it makes you feel any better, Graphics card Manufacturer's tend to overestimate the PSU. Understandably so as they do not know what else you have installed or the quality of your PSU. As for PSUs, never skimp on the PSU, it is the heart of your system. It powers everything in your system and can also take everything in your system out with it if it goes. I always recommend, Seasonic, Corsair XFX or EVGA. EVGA has some great prices right now and an excellent warranty. I always buy more than I need. I think any PSU operates at top proficiency at around 65-70% of their max and that also allows plenty of room for upgrades later on. Higher quality PSUs while the do cost more, have protections built into them that keep them from damaging the rest of the system if they fail. The higher end ones are really worth the money. I have used Corsair for years because of their quality. I use the HX or the top of their line, AX models. I am probably going to buy a new one soon. I will probably go with Seasonic X series or their Platinum series or with EVGA. Those are my best recommendations.

Chimi · 16 Feb 2015

So I ended up going with the EVGA SuperNOVA 850w G2. I stopped by the store and they had them on sale for $125 so I snatched one up after reading great reviews about it.

I guess if this doesn't work, the only thing I haven't replaced now is the SSD and the actual Computer Case, hah.

I'll let this run for a few days and let you know if anything happens. Hopefully not though, fingers crossed.

essenbe · 16 Feb 2015

Sounds like a good deal on the PSU. Good job. Hopefully that was your problem and everything will go great for you. Please keep us informed.

essenbe · 19 Feb 2015

Chimi, how's everything going? Are you still having problems?

Chimi · 21 Feb 2015

Hey Essenbe, I can tell you that since putting in that power supply, I have not had a single BSOD. It's actually been quite amazing. Not only have I not had any BSOD's, but it seems with this new PSU my entire system is incredibly quiet and just runs super smooth.

With that said, I want to thank you again for the time you put in the past few weeks helping me with this. This has been an ongoing issue for me the last few months that has been driving me crazy and I really appreciate you helping me out through the process.

Thanks again.