Constant BSOD Errors. All The Time

[Wishmaster]

If unsure about all the settings, or how to adjust them, the best bet would be the
"Reset to Opitmized Defaults" option in the bios.

I would still run Memtest as well, just to be sure theres no issues.

 

[legend86]

^^
Thank you so much. I just wanted to get the system back to default in BIOS before I ran the Memtest. I'll try this now.

EDIT:
Ok, I went back into BIOS and set the DRAM Frequencies to set Automatically instead of Manual. So instead of running at like approx. 573Mhz, it's running at approx. 430Mhz and the timings are now back to 5-5-5-15 instead of 5-7-7-20

 

[Dave76]

Hello,

Are you using Memtest86+ as recommended by CarlTR6 on Post #6?

When having issues it is best to return the BIOS to default settings.
Did you have the settings at default the first time you started the computer?

After you re-set the BIOS to default, what are the RAM timings (first four) and DRAM voltage settings?

You should D/L your motherboard manual, Asus M4N78 PRO here.
Read the section on your CPU and Memory.

From the website:

Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+/AM3 CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to ASUSTeK Computer for the memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).

From manual:

This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 256 megabit (Mb) chips or less.

This will need to be checked.

Your RAM is on the recommended list, at 5-5-5-15 and 2.1v.

From your manual:

Due to AM3/AM2+ CPU limitations, only one DDR2 1066 Dimm is supported per channel.

Supports one pair of modules inserted into eithor the blue slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration

Confirm which slots your RAM is currently located.

Read the BIOS section in your manual, the CPU and RAM settings are in the AI Tweaker Menu section 2.4.

Let us know the:
CPU voltage
CPU/NB voltage
DRAM voltage

Can you D/L CPUZ?
Open CPUZ and take a screen shot of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory and SPD tabs, use the Snipping tool, Start button> All Programs> Accessories> Snipping Tool.
Save to a convenient place.

Then post using this method.
How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums.

This will give us the basic info, in one easy to read post.

 

[legend86]

Posting from my iPod touch as I am running the Memtest reccomended by Carl.

The first time I booted the cpu, the BIOS was at default. We overclocked CPU and RAM afterwards. I am running 2x2GB sticks. One in the blue slot and one in the black slot. I did not default the entire BIOS before running the current memtest. Just turned the DRAM Frequencies back to Auto.

I have CPUz and will post back in the morning as the test on the first stick is currently on pass #4 and its 2:45am where Im at. Haha, Thank you!

 

[Dave76]

Hopefully it will pass the memtest86+.

My guess is there will be a couple of settings that will need adjusted.
When you OC the CPU it will affect the FSB (Front Side Bus) which in turn affects the RAM.

Which slots are your RAM sticks in, DIMM A1 and DIMM A2, the numbering system is from your MOBO manual.

Let us know what the DRAM Frequency and NB Voltage is set at.

 

[CarlTR6]

Dave, Petey and Wishmaster, thank you very much for the help.

 

[legend86]

Ran the first Memtest on Stick 1. 15 Passes, No errors.

I also found out how to default my BIOS back to stock settings after the Memtest. But for your info, my CPU WAS at:

CPU Ratio: 15.50x
FSB Frequency: 215
PCIE Frequency: 100

CPU Voltage: 1.3875
CPU/NB Voltage: Auto
DRAM Voltage: 2.100V

Everything, as of now, is turned to Auto.

My RAM is inserted into DIMM_A1 & DIMM_A2.

I have attached the photos of CPUz. FYI, because I just finished Memtest, I have only ONE stick inserted into DIMM_A1

 

[CarlTR6]

Good work, legend. I presume you are going to test the second stick now?

I have one question. I just want to confirm that you updated ASACPI.sys Thu Aug 12 22:52:52 2004 to a version dated 2009 or 2010?

 

[Dave76]

If memtest86+ passes on the second RAM stick, and your still getting BSoDs then update your BIOS to Version 1205.

 

[legend86]

Good work, legend. I presume you are going to test the second stick now?

I have one question. I just want to confirm that you updated ASACPI.sys Thu Aug 12 22:52:52 2004 to a version dated 2009 or 2010?

Ok, I know I did this step. ASACPI.sys in System32/Drivers IS stamped from 2009 now. However, I did a search for this system file in the System32 subfolder and stumbled across another ASACPI.sys file. But this one is located at System32/DriverStore/FileRepository/atk2000.inf_x86_neutral_b17c6a10719e3b19.

This ASACPI.sys file is stamped 2004. Also in this same folder is atk2000.cat (stamped 2004), atk2000.inf (stamped 2004), and atk2000.PNF (stamped 2010)

What are these and would this be any cause for error??


Yes, I'm getting ready to test the second stick. Quick question though. Stick 1 was tested in DIMM_A1. (its original position) I was thinking about testing Stick 2 in DIMM_A2. (its original position) If Stick 2 comes back with no errors, can we effectively say that both sticks AND both slots are not faulty? Therefore removing the need to test Stick 1 in A2 and Stick 2 in A1. And would I need to check slots B1 and B2 even though I don't use those?

 

[richc46]

Hello,

Are you using Memtest86+ as recommended by CarlTR6 on Post #6?

When having issues it is best to return the BIOS to default settings.
Did you have the settings at default the first time you started the computer?

After you re-set the BIOS to default, what are the RAM timings (first four) and DRAM voltage settings?

You should D/L your motherboard manual, Asus M4N78 PRO here.
Read the section on your CPU and Memory.

From the website:

Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+/AM3 CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to ASUSTeK Computer for the memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).

From manual:

This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 256 megabit (Mb) chips or less.

This will need to be checked.

Your RAM is on the recommended list, at 5-5-5-15 and 2.1v.

From your manual:

Due to AM3/AM2+ CPU limitations, only one DDR2 1066 Dimm is supported per channel.

Supports one pair of modules inserted into eithor the blue slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration

Confirm which slots your RAM is currently located.

Read the BIOS section in your manual, the CPU and RAM settings are in the AI Tweaker Menu section 2.4.

Let us know the:
CPU voltage
CPU/NB voltage
DRAM voltage

Can you D/L CPUZ?
Open CPUZ and take a screen shot of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory and SPD tabs, use the Snipping tool, Start button> All Programs> Accessories> Snipping Tool.
Save to a convenient place.

Then post using this method.
How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums.

This will give us the basic info, in one easy to read post.

Excellent, rep given

 

[CarlTR6]

Good work, legend. I presume you are going to test the second stick now?

I have one question. I just want to confirm that you updated ASACPI.sys Thu Aug 12 22:52:52 2004 to a version dated 2009 or 2010?

Ok, I know I did this step. ASACPI.sys in System32/Drivers IS stamped from 2009 now. However, I did a search for this system file in the System32 subfolder and stumbled across another ASACPI.sys file. But this one is located at System32/DriverStore/FileRepository/atk2000.inf_x86_neutral_b17c6a10719e3b19.

This ASACPI.sys file is stamped 2004. Also in this same folder is atk2000.cat (stamped 2004), atk2000.inf (stamped 2004), and atk2000.PNF (stamped 2010)

What are these and would this be any cause for error??

Those are backup copies of the original drivers. For now you, you don't need need to worry about them. Should you ever do a repair install, those old drivers may be reinstalled. The drivers do not load from that location. The 2009 version in the main Drivers folder should do the trick.

Yes, I'm getting ready to test the second stick. Quick question though. Stick 1 was tested in DIMM_A1. (its original position) I was thinking about testing Stick 2 in DIMM_A2. (its original position) If Stick 2 comes back with no errors, can we effectively say that both sticks AND both slots are not faulty? Therefore removing the need to test Stick 1 in A2 and Stick 2 in A1. And would I need to check slots B1 and B2 even though I don't use those?

You can test it in A2. If it fails, retest it in A1. If it fails again, you will know it is the stick and not the slot. You don't need to test the slots you are not using - except for your own satisfaction.

 

[legend86]

Finished Memtest on stick 2 in slot A2. 7 Passes, 0 Errors.

Don't know why my first Memtest on both sticks came up with errors. I guess I'll stick to the defaults for everything for now and see if I get any more BSODs. The CPU was only OC'd by .3Ghz so it was more for show than actual performance.

I would like to thank everyone who helped me on this issue. I know I was probably annoying all of you to death! Haha. But with your help, hopefully now I'll be BSOD free.

Glad I found a place with good people to get some answers from as this is my first ever home build.

 

[Dave76]

It's best to check all the RAM slots, this will tell you if there is a MOBO or controller fault.

If both RAM sticks pass in their original slots then fails in another slot, this indicates a slot failure, or controller problem which may be corrected by adjusting the RAM settings.
If RAM stick #1 passes in slot A1 but fails in slot B1, then test RAM stick #2 in slot B1.

Since you re-set BIOS to default, have you ran memtest86+ with both RAM sticks installed?
IF you get a failure it means the RAM settings in BIOS need adjusted. Usually a voltage bump for the NB will help.

Let us know the results before you change any voltage settings, you need to be very careful with the NB voltage setting.

 

[CarlTR6]

Follow Dave's advice; he is very knowledgeable in this area.

 

[legend86]

It's best to check all the RAM slots, this will tell you if there is a MOBO or controller fault.

If both RAM sticks pass in their original slots then fails in another slot, this indicates a slot failure, or controller problem which may be corrected by adjusting the RAM settings.
If RAM stick #1 passes in slot A1 but fails in slot B1, then test RAM stick #2 in slot B1.

Since you re-set BIOS to default, have you ran memtest86+ with both RAM sticks installed?
IF you get a failure it means the RAM settings in BIOS need adjusted. Usually a voltage bump for the NB will help.

Let us know the results before you change any voltage settings, you need to be very careful with the NB voltage setting.

I have not ran a test on both sticks at the same time since returning BIOS to default. I will run a memtest on both sticks in slots A1 & A2 tonight and post back in the morning.

 

[legend86]

Ok, sorry for the delay guys. I ran a memtest 2 nights ago, then went out of town for a couple hours the next day. When I came back, my computer was off. Weird to say the least. Ran one again last night. 7 Passes, 0 Errors.

Another question. My sticks are now running at 800Mhz at 5-5-5-15. Any way I can get it to it's rated 1066? Is it worth it? According to ASUS, they say my MOBO is compatible for this mode.

And this comes from the G.Skill forums:

Please be aware that at this point in time 1066MHz support is not guaranteed on every motherboard and CPU. Unfortunately, some boards have a better BIOS than others and as such will offer superior support for a 1066 mode. A few steps to get the best results when attempting 1066 mode.

1. Ensure your motherboard has full Phenom II/1066MHz support from the manufacturer and that you are running the latest BIOS.

2. Do not try to achieve 1066MHz via overclocking the bus or the memory via the 800MHz divider, you will NOT be able to achieve the speeds in this way as the internal memory controller (IMC) timings will still be too tight. Hence, you must first enabled 1066MHz mode specifically to relax these timings.

3. Ensure the memory timings are set loosely enough to accept these speeds. My recommendation would be: CAS 5, TRCD 6, TRP 6, TRAS 24, TRC 30 and a TRFC of 195us or 52-55 (depending on how your motherboard lists it).

4. Max voltage you should ever need for this mode is 2.0v. If you are still noticing instability, 99% of the time it will not be solved by increasing vdimm further past this point. Most of the time 1.9v should suffice for stability with most 2x2GB modules at these speeds and timings.

5. 4GB and 8GB are entirely different animals on this platform and should be treated as such. 8GB will add extra heat to your CPU via the IMC and will also put extra stress on the board. The two primary variables to keep in mind when going from 4GB to 8GB on an AM2+ system are heat and voltage. The former will increase as a side effect of the extra memory and will need to be dealt with in the form of active cooling over the memory and/or better cooling of the CPU. The latter will most likely need to be increased to maintain stability. When going to 8GB, test first, and if it is found to be unstable where previously 4GB was stable, look to gently increase CPU-NB as well as motherboard NB voltages. Increase by .025v increments on CPU-NB first. Do not increase more than .075v at stock CPU-NB speeds as it is unnecessary. If you are still seeing instabilities, look to increase the motherboard NB voltage by the same amount.

6. Always test BEFORE trying to boot into Windows. This will save you a lot of headaches, assist you in the troubleshooting of the issue, and most importantly...it will save your Windows installation! Run Memtest86 for at least 10 loops of test 5 to test initial stability and at least 60 passes to test more thoroughly.


As always, your mileage may vary, but in following these steps you should be able to increase your chances of being able to run 1066 mode.

http://www.gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=723

 

[CarlTR6]

I'm glad to hear that your RAM has passed with no errors. Dave will have to answer your questions about the RAM timing and speed.

 

[Dave76]

Ok, sorry for the delay guys. I ran a memtest 2 nights ago, then went out of town for a couple hours the next day. When I came back, my computer was off. Weird to say the least. Ran one again last night. 7 Passes, 0 Errors.

Another question. My sticks are now running at 800Mhz at 5-5-5-15. Any way I can get it to it's rated 1066? Is it worth it? According to ASUS, they say my MOBO is compatible for this mode.

And this comes from the G.Skill forums:

Please be aware that at this point in time 1066MHz support is not guaranteed on every motherboard and CPU. Unfortunately, some boards have a better BIOS than others and as such will offer superior support for a 1066 mode. A few steps to get the best results when attempting 1066 mode.

1. Ensure your motherboard has full Phenom II/1066MHz support from the manufacturer and that you are running the latest BIOS.

2. Do not try to achieve 1066MHz via overclocking the bus or the memory via the 800MHz divider, you will NOT be able to achieve the speeds in this way as the internal memory controller (IMC) timings will still be too tight. Hence, you must first enabled 1066MHz mode specifically to relax these timings.

3. Ensure the memory timings are set loosely enough to accept these speeds. My recommendation would be: CAS 5, TRCD 6, TRP 6, TRAS 24, TRC 30 and a TRFC of 195us or 52-55 (depending on how your motherboard lists it).

4. Max voltage you should ever need for this mode is 2.0v. If you are still noticing instability, 99% of the time it will not be solved by increasing vdimm further past this point. Most of the time 1.9v should suffice for stability with most 2x2GB modules at these speeds and timings.

5. 4GB and 8GB are entirely different animals on this platform and should be treated as such. 8GB will add extra heat to your CPU via the IMC and will also put extra stress on the board. The two primary variables to keep in mind when going from 4GB to 8GB on an AM2+ system are heat and voltage. The former will increase as a side effect of the extra memory and will need to be dealt with in the form of active cooling over the memory and/or better cooling of the CPU. The latter will most likely need to be increased to maintain stability. When going to 8GB, test first, and if it is found to be unstable where previously 4GB was stable, look to gently increase CPU-NB as well as motherboard NB voltages. Increase by .025v increments on CPU-NB first. Do not increase more than .075v at stock CPU-NB speeds as it is unnecessary. If you are still seeing instabilities, look to increase the motherboard NB voltage by the same amount.

6. Always test BEFORE trying to boot into Windows. This will save you a lot of headaches, assist you in the troubleshooting of the issue, and most importantly...it will save your Windows installation! Run Memtest86 for at least 10 loops of test 5 to test initial stability and at least 60 passes to test more thoroughly.


As always, your mileage may vary, but in following these steps you should be able to increase your chances of being able to run 1066 mode.

Note to AMD AM2+ users... - GSKILL TECH FORUM

That is good information.

The specific RAM timings and voltage settings mentioned here will be different for the different MOBO and RAM model configurations.
This is a good general guideline, unless your running the exact MOBO and exact RAM, these numbers will vary.

The 1066 support will depend on your motherboard and BIOS.

Is it worth it?
Depending on what you do with your computer, you will likely not notice the difference.

Just remember, any overclocking can potentially damage your hardware, continue at your own risk.

You can try it and check for stability.

Manually set the timings as per the CPUZ SPD tab for EPP#1.
Frequency 533MHz
CAS# Latency 5
RAS# to CAS# 5
RAS# precharge 5
tRAS 15
tRC 48
Command Rate 2T

Leave all other timing settings on Auto.

Check what the DRAM voltage is set at, it should be on AUTO when you re-set the BIOS to defaults.
From the previous settings, JEDEC #2, it should be at 1.8v.
Manually set it to 2.1v.

Check for stability, run memtest86+ for at least 10 passes.

If you get errors, you will need to bump the CPU-NB voltage, slowly and be careful to do these steps exactly as described in the G.Skill post.

Gently increase CPU-NB as well as motherboard NB voltages. Increase by .025v increments on CPU-NB first. Do not increase more than .075v at stock CPU-NB speeds as it is unnecessary. If you are still seeing instabilities, look to increase the motherboard NB voltage by the same amount.

When it's running stable, you can try to reduce the DRAM voltage. This may require more setting adjustments to become stable.
The first thing to do is get it running stable at recommended settings.

Let us know if you have any questions and keep us updated with your progress.

 

[legend86]

^^^
Thank you. I'll save this information for later. I think after all this I'm just glad to have my computer workin' again. Been about 4 days now with no BSODs so I'm more than happy. I've done enough tweaking and memtesting for a while.

If I ever decide to tinker around with the memory though, I'll let you guys know. I appreciate all the help you all have given me.