That sounds like something else other than prime95, or that prime95 is crashing the system, which is odd. Have you checked for an updated version? - Prime95 (64bit) - 25.11 Download - EXTREME Overclocking. this the 64-bit version. That's the one I'm using without issue.
Sygnus, I will give that one a shot. The interesting thing is that this freeze has occurred before as well (while NOT running Prime95), but I have never managed to figure out the cause.
~Lordbob
If you've been having freezes prior to using prime95 then I can pretty much guarantee prime95 will fail now if run. In this instance it will confirm what you already suspect – the system isn’t stable. I would be trying to figure out what’s going on there instead of worrying about prime95.
Memtest your memory.
My two cents
i7 930 @ 4.2GHz/1.33v
CPU-Z Validator 3.1
Your Alienware should come with Intel's Extreme Tuning Utility.
Dell's Alienware Club forum, IXTU
Dell recommends only using the AutoTune feature and that you choose the 1st option, "Stay within the manufacturer's limits".
If you decide to use the Manual Tune feature, users should be knowledgeable about advanced PC hardware settings. Improper settings can permanently damage the PC.
Sounds like that's what you want, Manual Tune feature, the disclaimer sounds like it lets you do more than the BIOS will.
Intel’s new Extreme Tuning Utility - Here is a quick review with some screen shots.
Read about this a few days ago, most were saying it's the same as most mobo OC'ing utilities, ok for a small OC but not good for higher OCs.
If it lets you have a few things to play with it might be helpful, or looks like it might be a good monitor/info utility.
EIST is Speed Step, it's likely CoreTemp and CPUZ may not be programed for your CPU.
The CPUZ snip showed a multiplier of 30 at 4GHz and 1.056v, that's really good low voltage, haven't seen any X980 OC'ed specs so was wondering if that is normal.
The IXTU app might be good for getting the true system readings under various loads.
Hi Dave, CPU-Z and Core temp does work with those chips. As for the voltage, yeah 1.056 is very good. I asked about it earlier, but didn't get much info since he said he has limited access to the BIOS.
As for the 30 multiplier, since the chip is unlocked, 30 is very possible, and would be normal on that chip. Not to mention that achieving a 4gig OC on it really isn't all that hard. I can do 4+ gigs with my locked i7-950, so an unlocked i7-980x doing it is nothing.
Having that low CPU voltage definitely keeps temps down and I'm betting he could push that chip higher, 4.3 or more? But with limited BIOS options I wouldn't push too much.
So I ran MemTest86+ for a few hours (only 2 passes) and it came back clean.
To be honest, I think the motherboard might be a bit borked, but I don't know how to tell.
The thing is that it normally works just fine.
~Lordbob
Does the board have any diagnostic lights?
Also, you can check your BIOS to see if it keeps a record of issues the MB is having. Most motherboards usually keep such a record in the BIOS; you might check the maintenance section of the BIOS, should be something like a log.
