ATI 5850 freezes computer

[AuraofMana]

Just built a new machine from scratch with a terrible error [Windows 7 Professional x64]. Basically what happens is that sometimes when I am alt tabbing into or out of a game, the computer would freeze with the screen locked on the last moment (usually black due to alt tabbing into a game without Exclusive Mode). This mostly occurs on Heroes of Newerth. I've also notice that this happened once while loading when playing Starcraft 2. The strange issue is that I've been playing Dragon Age on this computer for 10+ hours since built, and has never encountered this issue.

The only way to get out of this issue, it seems, is to just forcibly power down the computer by holding the power button. I've tried waiting, but the computer just won't respond for 2-3 minutes so I gave up on it recovering by itself.

A similar thread that describe my error is: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-d...something.html although I don't think it has anything to do with the browser like some of the replies suggest.

Found another similar issue here Sapphire 5850 freezes PC - Guru3D.com Forums. I haven't even bothered to OC my CPU and GPU yet (although ATI Overdrive is defaulted to be on). I actually ran Prime95, CPU Stability Test, and Memtest last night and nothing came up. However, something interesting is that if I run 3DMark Vantage, nothing errors, but if I run Video Card Stability Test, the freeze issue occurs. I've also been monitoring my GPU temperature while doing that, and it freezes around 62C, so I really don't think it's a temp problem (could still be, but 62C seems like an okay temperature, although the reading could be off).
Was wondering if anyone have any idea what to do at this point :/ I already tried using Driver Sweeper in Safe Mode to wipe all drivers, and then reinstall the latest one (10.8, which has overscan not remembering issue, which is why I previously kept 10.7). The issue is still there and I don't know what to do.

Here are some info:
DXDIAG: ------------------ System Inf - Anonymous - WBisJ3Nw - Pastebin.com
DXDIAG 64 bit: ------------------ System Inf - Anonymous - rD9yRrJM - Pastebin.com
Spec (via Speccy): Summary Operating System - Anonymous - 3KKgtbcb - Pastebin.com

Here is also my spec in my User CP:
System Manufacturer/Model Number N/A OS Windows 7 Professional x64 CPU Intel Core i7 930 @ 2.80GHz Bloomfield 45nm Technology Motherboard EVGA 141-BL-E757 (Socket 423) Memory 6.0GB Triple-Channel DDR3 @ 795MHz (7-8-7-20) Graphics Card(s) ATI Radeon Sapphire HD 5850 Sound Card Realtek High Definition Audio Monitor(s) Displays MT276 @ 1920x1080 Screen Resolution 1920x1080 Hard Drives 977GB Seagate ST31000528AS ATA Device (IDE) PSU Thermaltake TR2 W0388RU 600W ATX 12V v2.2 Case Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Cooling Stock Intel CPU Heatsink Keyboard Logitech G19 Mouse Logitech G500 Internet Speed N/A Other Info N/A

Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance ^^

 

[CarlTR6]

Hi, and welcome to the forums. Does the freeze generate dumps? If so please upload them.

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

It sounds like it is a video adapter driver issue.

 

[AuraofMana]

Hey.
No, it's just a screen freeze because I can't find a crash dump (C:\Windows\Minidump).
Also, I've been using this card for 6 months or so on my older setup, but never encountered a similar problem. However, after all those tests I did, it seems like the card is the one at fault here.

 

[CarlTR6]

Same card, different system. Still sounds like a driver issue unless the card has gone bad. I suggest that you experiment with different drivers beginning with the latest down to about the next 4 or 5. Download these drivers to your desktop, install one and run your system. If you still have the problem, try the next driver and so on. If that doesn't work, you may have to try a different card.

 

[AuraofMana]

I applied a hotfix that fixed a problem I don't even have (so now the driver version is 10.8b), and ran Video Card Stability Test again. This time it went to 74C at 3~ minutes and just set around that temperature. This is better than crashing around 30 seconds at 62C so I think the driver fixed something...

Then I turn on Heroes of Newerth, and even before the logo, the comp gets frozen. I tested again on SC2 and DA:O, no issue.
Now I am not sure if this is a GPU issue or HoN issue...

 

[boateye]

Hello, this is boateye from the thread you first posted on. Well if it's any help, i think i found out my problem. and since we have almost identical systems, maybe this will help you

I recently reinstalled my computer on a new HDD, just to start fresh, and i noticed that i only got this freezing problem after i installed the drivers for my mobo. I have an EVGA X58 FTW3.

Ive ran my computer without any mobo drivers for a good month and had zero freezes.

I'm running the latest drivers from ATI and have had no problems. I did not OC my system except for the CPU (2.88 - 3.8 GHz). However i have not had it freeze on me in the month of everyday testing since uninstalling all my mobo drivers.

I think this is an HDD problem, because the mobo doesn't have any drivers that talk to the video card, from what i can see. Also, when the computer freezes, the HDD access light doesn't blink AT ALL. When I had my other computers freeze (for different reasons), the HDD access light would blink at a steady pace.

Ergo, I think my computer freezes only after i install the Marvell RAID controller. I have been slowly installing every other driver, the SATA 3, USB 3, and sound drivers, and testing to see if my computer freezes.

If i definitively figure out the problem i'll report back.

If it's not too late, try system restoring to a point before you installed your mobo drivers.

Also, add me on HoN! Screename: boateye

 

[AuraofMana]

Oh, that's a very weird bug. Thanks for the info though!
Do you have a list of stuff you installed that doesn't cause this? This is weird for me since it ONLY happens on HoN now (but it doesn't if I don't have mods, which is weird...)
Also, when you rolled back (I can't now, going to have to reformat most likely), did you just never installed the mobo driver? I figured I am just going to install the sound driver and LAN driver.
Also, since we have the same CPU, what is the settings you tweaked when you overclock?
And lastly, I added you on HoN

 

[boateye]

Oh, that's a very weird bug. Thanks for the info though!
Do you have a list of stuff you installed that doesn't cause this? This is weird for me since it ONLY happens on HoN now (but it doesn't if I don't have mods, which is weird...)
Also, when you rolled back (I can't now, going to have to reformat most likely), did you just never installed the mobo driver? I figured I am just going to install the sound driver and LAN driver.
Also, since we have the same CPU, what is the settings you tweaked when you overclock?
And lastly, I added you on HoN

Schwing! A new friend

For now, i just installed my logitech G15 drivers for the screen, and i overclocked my GPU to the max by ATI Catalyst. FYI ATI Catalyst's caps are extremely low. there is a very small chance that you will damage your 5850 if you max out your core and memory clocks by ATI Catalyst.

As for the CPU overclock, i used the instructions given by this video:

Intel Core i7 Overclocking - A HotHardware How-To - HotHardware

The great thing about that video is that its easy to follow and you can achieve the 3.8 OC w/o overvolting. From my understanding, not overvolting means that the worst you can do is cause your computer not to POST.

After i install more drivers and after i validate them as safe i'll let you know.

 

[AuraofMana]

Thanks boateye, what you said works

 

[boateye]

Enjoy that Overclock. I know i am. Though, if anyone knows how to oc a core i7 GPU to 4 GHz, please PM me. i like round numbers

 

[AuraofMana]

Oh, I haven't OC'd yet. I was talking about the motherboard issue. I am going to OC maybe tomorrow, if not then next weekend. I'll PM you with questions if I encounter them (probably will)
Already played a few games on HoN today with no issue. It's pretty nice ^^

Edit: are you using the stock coolers? I had a good aftermarket cooler on my older setup with a Q6600 but the size is not going to fit. I am still using the normal Intel stock heatsink (I do have Arctic Silver 5 though). I am not sure if I can OC with that. May have to buy that.

 

[boateye]

Oh ok, cool. Did you just uninstall all of your drivers or reformat your Hard Drive?

 

[AuraofMana]

I basically just reformatted and reinstalled Win7. Had to make a partition to save some stuff first then move them and remove partition and expand. Didn't uninstall any drivers before doing so since I figured reformatting will wipe everything.

 

[boateye]

Yes, a fresh install doesn't preserve drivers sans a flashed your mobo. You would know if you did.

As for the CPU OC, it's pretty self explanatory. they walk you through everything. either use a secondary computer to watch the video on or take notes.

 

[AuraofMana]

Hmm, can you give a list of settings you used for the OCing of the CPU and the ATI vid card?
Also, how much power are you using. I am only using a 600W PSU and I may need to get a new one if I OC that much or something.

 

[boateye]

The OCing the CPU to 3.8, and the GPU (through Catalyst) doesn't require overvolting, so the rise in power usage should be minimal. However, i don't know how to check my power usage, so i can't tell you for sure. If you know how to check power usage, please tell me and i'll check for you.

Also, i installed the Realtek Audio drivers, and they seem to be ok. I'll have to use them in HoN later on today to be sure.