New computer build and nothing but trouble so far....please help :)

[adam533]

I really need your help and hope that somebody is able to assist me in this problem. I just recently built my third computer and it has been nothing but trouble so far. I started Monday morning and still am not up and running yet. At this point I am not exactly sure what the problem is to be honest - which is why I hope somebody here can help me

**This is a long post but wanted to include all the details -- again thank you for any help, it is extremely appreciated **

SYSTEM SPECS:

MOTHERBOARD
Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58

CPU
Intel Core i7-950 3.06GHz

RAM
Corsair XMS3 240 Pin DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
2 Gigs X 6 Sticks for 12gigs total

GRAPHICS CARD
EVGA GeForce GTX 460 1GB


PROBLEM(S):

Where to start...

The system boots up and runs Windows, it is the errors I am getting within Windows that is the problem. To start with, when I tried installing a video game on Monday (the day I built the machine) I was getting the CRC error. I tried to install again and got the same error at the diffent point. The DVD was brand new and there were no scratches. (Windows had just installed correctly from the same drive also). I swapped that drive out and put in another and the game installed fine. Thought it was all set at that point...

Then today I was transferring some files from my old drive and suddenly got a Blue Screen of Death (never got a BSOD on my last build in the four years I used it so it was odd to see again). The BSOD error was Memory_Management. I ended up getting this error three times within the next two hours. Decided that I may have installed some wrong drivers and noticed Windows was running sluggish so figured I would just reinstal Windows 7 since I didn't have anything on the drive yet.

As I was installing Windows I got an error that files could not be read from the DVD and I had to abort and start over - frustrating but did not think much of it. I then got another BSOD this time saying Cache_Management. Finally I was able to get Windows to install and started installing my drivers one by one to try to figure out the problem. I also removed the RAM from the system and put it back in (different order) and made sure everything was in tight. Things seemed to be going along well so decided to install the video game again. This is the game that I got teh CRC errors before but installed fine when I swapped the drives. Well this time I got the CRC errors again only this time right at the end of the install.

I then moved onto testing the RAM using Memtest. Right from the start of the test I had multiple errors showing up and figured that had to be it - the memory has been bad the whole time. I let it run for 2 passes and in total had almost 1500 errors for each pass!!! (each took about one hour). Decided I would test some more, this time one stick at a time.

Each stick ran the test without any errors at all. I then tested one stick in each of the slots and still no errors at all. I then tested three slots and no errors again. Finally I tested the other three slots and the machine would not even POST. So I went back and filled in all six slots again and ran the test - this time I have no errors at all (before I had 1500 on each pass).

** ONE LAST THING **
I am not sure if this is normal or a sign it could be my MoBo. When I first plug in the powercord it takes extra time for the computer to start. I will push the power button and the fans will start then stop, then about 3 seconds later teh computer will boot normal. If I restart, shutdown/startup it is fine - this only happens each time after I have unplugged/plugged in the power cord. Is that normal???


CONCLUSION:

I am completely lost and really need your help. This is my work machine and will do what I can to have it up and running for Monday. I will be around and can run any test or post any logs that would help.

ANY HELP YOU CAN OFFER WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

Thank You!

 

[usasma]

Please provide this information: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

 

[Golden]

Can you also list the PSU you are using please?

 

[adam533]

Please provide this information: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

I believe all the BSOD's occured earlier in the day prior to me reinstalling Win7. The other occured during the install. It was after the resinstall that I got the errors in Memtest. I have included the files though because I *think* there was one after - please forgive me as I am fighting the flu at the same time.

I am going to use the computer now in the hopes of another one appearing, which I am sure it will.

 

[adam533]

Can you also list the PSU you are using please?

Meant to include that. I am using an Antec Earthwatts 700.

 

[CarlTR6]

Your dump file was not included in your upload. Can you zip and upload that mini dump?

How many passes are you letting Memtest make? Most of us recommend at least seven passes.

I also found obsolete driver loading on your system. Out of date drivers can cause memory corruption and BSOD's. If you can get booted, update this driver.

ctac32k.sys 7/2/2008 - Creative AC3 Software, Creative Audio Driver, Creative Worldwide Support

 

[adam533]

Your dump file was included in your upload. Can you zip and upload that mini dump?

I included all the files that were generated from that software, is the mini dump located somewhere else on my system? Did not see it mentioned in the link.

Sorry for not knowing, this is all new to me.

 

[adam533]

* Quick update *

Just tried installing Medal of Honor (trying to force a blue screen right now). Did not get a CRC error but instead an error stating that "The cabinet file CookedP1.cab is corrupt". This is a new DVD drive, so does this lean it towards a problem with the RAM.'

Again, the first time I ran Memtest it had over 1500 errors for the first pass. I then reseated the RAM and got 0 errors on 2 passes.

 

[pparks1]

I have a gut feeling that it is your RAM. I would get that RAM switched out and perhaps go with 6GB and see if things run fine.

Seems strange that you are installing games to your work machine!

 

[adam533]

I have a gut feeling that it is your RAM. I would get that RAM switched out and perhaps go with 6GB and see if things run fine.

Seems strange that you are installing games to your work machine!

I am going to let memtest run again overnight. Is it okay to have it run with all six sticks in and will I be able to tell from the results which slots had the errors?

regarding the games, 90% work, 10% fun machine - haven't played a PC game in two years and decided to splurge with the new computer Mostly it is all Photoshop and Lightroom though

 

[adam533]

** Quick Update based on my last post **

I setup Memtest to run overnight and right off the bat there were 200+ errors (in the first few seconds). Strange since when I ran it for 2+ hrs earlier there were no errors reported.

I then checked the Bios and changed the XMP setting to Profile1. That changed the settings based on the details of my RAM (Seen here: Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1333C7 G)

Memory Frequency (Mhz) 1333
DDR Voltage 1.65v
Timing: 7 7 7 20

The Default settings were
Memory Frequency (Mhz) 1066
DDR Voltage 1.5v
Timing 8 8 8 20

Running Memtest with both settings Default/Auto and Profile1 had immediate errors show in Memtest.

I currently have it running all night at the Auto settings (610 errors so far at Test 4). All six slots are filled, will I be able to tell which slots the errors are coming from in the morning?s

Thanks again for all the help, it is always appreciated!!

 

[CarlTR6]

Yes, run it with all sticks in and preferably run it from a cold boot after your machine has been off for a little while. If you see error before you go to bed, you can stop Memtest.

Edit, you posted while I was typing. You definitely have a RAM problem. Remove all sticks but the one in the first slot. Run Memtest on it for seven passes. If it passes, mark it as good and test the next stick in the same slot. Repeat until you have tested all sticks in that first slot.

Next, take a known good stick and test each RAM slot with that stick.

 

[adam533]

Yes, run it with all sticks in and preferably run it from a cold boot after your machine has been off for a little while. If you see error before you go to bed, you can stop Memtest.

Edit, you posted while I was typing. You definitely have a RAM problem. Remove all sticks but the one in the first slot. Run Memtest on it for seven passes. If it passes, mark it as good and test the next stick in the same slot. Repeat until you have tested all sticks in that first slot.

Next, take a known good stick and test each RAM slot with that stick.

Okay, first slot being furthest away from the cpu? Need to pull up my manual online to double check

Should they each run for 7 passes even if it shows an error right away (or within the first few passes??)

 

[spyknee]

Your using a QPI board now. See how the cpu MHz and ram MHz change with each other depending, get the hardware set right.
For now, 1 stick only in the slot closet to cpu. Run memtest to make sure its OK.
Your profile 1 is Corsairs specs? Thats what you need to set bios too. Defaults are just so the thing will POST.
Your CPU should be at GHz and voltage of manufacturer.
Disable or remove sound card.

What you want first is the mobo with cpu, 1 stick ram, vid card, and HDD. To POST and run stable.
Now if you have issues with the ram, set only the timings on auto, MHz and voltage factory specs!
People have had issues with XMP rams??????????

As you can see I have given some conflicting advice, I'm not disputing what has been offered here. I'm just relaying what I did for my X58.

Is bios FW up to date?
Disable any green funtions in bios.
Select standard where availble.
See if your HD has a diagnostic boot disk available.

 

[adam533]

I tested each stick last night for 7 passes each, all using the same slot. No problems except for one stick hundreds of errors appeared right away. Thought that was the culprit and let it run for a full pass. Then decided to remove/add the stick again in the same slot and ran the test again. This time (same stick, same slot) no errors appeared for 7 full passes.

After testing each stick I put all six back in and ran the test again. This time all the errors appeared instantly again.

I am now testing three sticks (not including the one that did show errors) to see what results I get.

They are all the same model type, but I am not sure which three came together since I have swapped them a few times now.

Could this possible be a motherboard issue, reading the sticks wrong? I only wonder since I have run the test on all six sticks at once and got no errors and have run it and got errors. Same with that individual stick (errors right away and another time no errors for 7 passes).

 

[Darryl Licht]

First off since this is a new build, do you know what ESD (Electro Static Discharge) is, and did you use ESD precautions as you built this system?

A small static discharge could harm a mobo or RAM enough to display the strange symptoms you describe.

ESD damage is very difficult to diagnose, and it either kills a system completely, or can appear and disappear as your symptoms appear to do.

Also, did you purchase parts online or locally?

 

[adam533]

First off since this is a new build, do you know what ESD (Electro Static Discharge) is, and did you use ESD precautions as you built this system?

A small static discharge could harm a mobo or RAM enough to display the strange symptoms you describe.

ESD damage is very difficult to diagnose, and it either kills a system completely, or can appear and disappear as your symptoms appear to do.

Yes, I fully understand what that is. I use one of the wrist straps whenever working on the computer. I make sure the hardware is stored properly when not being used also.

I am still in my return period with NewEgg. If this is a problem that is difficult to figure out would I be better swapping my RAM and Motherboard while I still can?

 

[Darryl Licht]

You posted as I edited... yeah it sucks when you order everything for a build online and have these issues.

11 years ago on a build I had a bad mobo... kept exhibiting all types of strange errors. I had purchased the mobo at a local computer show and after I got home I noticed that the mobo had been previously installed and removed... apparently they found it bad and returned it to inventory. I took it back and demanded a replacement, they gave me one and the system ran fine for the next 9 years!

Worse off is neweggs return policy! Dont get me wrong... I love the egg, but when you have an issue like this it totally sucks.

Some other things to try... remove and reseat everything... every add-on card, cpu, cable, everything... Hell tear the system back apart and rebuild it completely... Did you drop a screw into case? Many possibilities here...

 

[adam533]

Okay, I will take it apart and build again later today. One question though, I am using the stock heatsink for the CPU. Is it okay if I don't remove the CPU and heatsink from the mobo when doing this? I don't have any thermal compound and have never used it honestly.

It seems from looking at New Eggs return policy that I should be fine as long as it is within 30 days. Hopefully they are not difficult to deal with in that time frame.

 

[Darryl Licht]

No they are not difficult to deal with but the restocking fee they will try and hit you with is!

As for the CPU/heatsink... I would remove them too. Just dont mess up what little thermal grease is there.