Solved Custom Build BSOD after two fresh W7 Installs

[epete]

OK, I just uninstalled the entire list of Gigabyte titles listed in the post above. Now I need to understand how to find where new 0X124 errors are logged and maybe how to try and stress the PC to see if the problem is resolved.

 

[Pauly]

1. all IOBit SW have been uninstalled. (are there any programs that you think are worth wile for keeping a system clean or should I just forget about these utilities all together)?

2. Where will I see the 0X124 error show up? How to I clear this so I will know this has occurred after making changes.

3. I think the Memory is not the issue, given all I have done so far. The sticks are firmly in the sockets and locked.

4. I have removed the side panel and used a can of air to blow out any dust. Can I use any fan to blow inside to rule out overheating? I believe my Gygabyte BIOS provides temperature readings, Cant I use that to determine if something is overheating? Not sure what levels the temperatures should not exceed.

5. I have very few components connected to the motherboard. Microprocessor w/ Stock heat sync and fan, 4 memory sticks, graphics card and SSD. Note that the SSD is not screwed down to the frame. Is this something that needs to be done to rule out 0X124?

6. As far as the BIOS settings go, I have not tried to overdrive anything and the only changes I made were the values given to me by G.Skill Tech Support while debugging the RAM. I assume the values they provided were the best parameters to use.

7. On the Battery, Do I simply remove it and confirm it has the proper voltage with a voltmeter?

1 - Good that you uninstalled it, IMO I don't really bother with software like this as I don't install/uninstall software etc that much, if you are going to use a utility like this CCleaner would be the recommended one just use it wisely !!

2 - 0x124 is the code given in your dump file and merely tells us what kind of crash caused the BSOD which in your case points to a hardware related crash (although not necessarily faulty hardware as mentioned before)

3 - I would agree that memory seems ok

4 - Cleaning out dust is good, bios will give you temp readings but you can only see these at boot not while machine is running, install a hardware monitor tool like Speccy, it has a portable version so doesn't even need to be installed and will give you loads of information about your system but most importantly will give you temperatures for CPU,Mobo,GFX,HDD etc all on your desktop, the best way to prove (or disprove) temperature problems is to run a stress test like Prime95 while using speccy to monitor temps. Temp should rise (probably highish depending on what CPU you have) and level out and hold steady with the test running, terminate immediately if temps rise to high and do not leave alone while test is running you will know in a few minutes if temps will level out or overheat

5 - SSD fixings should make no difference as long as you make sure the plugs are on properly and the unit cannot move into contact with other components/circuitry which generally they cant if they are in bottom of case (I have a couple of machines with SSDs laying in the bottom)

6 - I would assume the values given by the tech would be the optimum settings, if you want to double check just have a look at the stickers on the ram sticks you should see the values on there being the same as they told you

7 - Batteries rarely go flat but if they do it just means the bios would reset if machine lost power ie unplugged from wall there is a piece of software that will give you the battery voltage HWinfo but can be unreliable sometimes for battery voltages, if you want to try it use this instead of speccy as it will also give you all the temp readings as well

 

[epete]

Running the Primew95 test now. I selected Blend Test as it looks like this was the most complete. Speccy summary is already giving me a red 95 Degree C Temp on the Core 17 4790 (I am color blind but think it is red). The test have not run a full 2 hours yet and no failures on any of the 8 worker self test windows. I am assuming it is ok to continue the tests as the CPU fan is spinning.

 

[epete]

The system froze about 40 Minutes into the test with no failures listed in Primew95. I let the system sit in its frozen state for 10 minutes than held the power button until it shut down. The machine is back up with just Chrome and Speccy open typing this and the Processor Temp is back down at 32 Deg C.

 

[epete]

I am starting the Prime95 again and using the small FFTs option. I am not expecting to see anything different and wondering if i need to buy a cooler and thermal paste. I am not sure how careful I would have to be in cleaning the old paste off. I am probably getting ahead of myself.

 

[Layback Bear]

I would highly recommend shutting down your system before it gets to 95C.
Their is no need to do those test for hours.
Your system during testing will get to it's max. temps in 10 to 15 min. or less under what ever load it has put on it.

If you are going to do those test I highly recommend getting better CPU cooler.

 

[epete]

Thanks. What is the probability that after replacing the cooler, I still have the BSOD problem? I guess this should be done anyway given the tests prove the system can reach this temp. Thanks. I will monitor this thread in case there are any other tests I can run while I am shopping for a cooler. Is there a specific type or brand of Thermal grease I should purchase along with the cooler?

By the way, this is my system less the cooler. I plan on purchasing that cooler

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/epete/saved/#view=Z3y9TW

It isn't clear if Thermal paste comes with it as it is shown in one of the pictures but not listed in the description

Amazon.com: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2): Electronics

 

[Layback Bear]

The cooler most likely comes with thermal compound.

To answer your question I prefer Arctic 5.

A little more information worth a read.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/vl/intel_app_method_vertical_line_v1.1.pdf

 

[epete]

Thanks. I actually needed another item to get me over $35 for Prime free shipping. The Artic 5 got me to $37. Thanks for the advice so I get it right the first time. Will read the instructions you supplied as well. Very nice!

 

[Layback Bear]

Any questions just ask. We are open 24/7/365.

 

[epete]

Installed the new heat sink. It is really nice and fit perfectly. I followed the instructions as outlined in the Artic 5 pdf you provided with the single line oriented the same way noting the PIN 1 Triangle marker on the CPU. I am running the Prime 95 Tests again and now the cores are reading from 64 to 68. I would have thought there would be better temp control to keep it below 40 but it is improved.

OK, now while II am typing I am seeing 90 degrees.

So I cleaned off the old thermal paste with a pre wet alcohol swab so it was clean. I did not touch the CPU to make sure it was clean. I also did not touch the heat sink after removing the protective plastic where it interfaces with the CPU.

Temperatures have now dropped to 67-72. So maybe this is ok? Maybe the thermal paste will improve over time as noted in the Artic 5 document?

 

[Layback Bear]

Under Prime 95 and your hardware those temps have improved considerable. My understanding you went from 95C down to 72C.
That is a huge improvement.
I would say you have your cpu cooling working as it should with your setup.
Seldom if ever will you ever work your cpu as hard as Prime 95 does.
I see no need to do any more cpu temp test.
You could monitor your temps while using your computer normally.

To clean off old thermal compound I use the coffee filter with the alcohol.
Coffee filters leave no lint or any thing else.

It's very important to always clean off all of the old thermal compound on both surfaces before installing the new.

Arctic 5 will work better in about 100 hours of use but just a little.
Maybe 1 or 2 deg C.

*Could you put what case and power supply you are using in your specs.

When you are using a Air Cooled cpu cooler the air circulation in the case is very important.
A picture of the inside of your case would be helpful if you can.

A little note: When posting temps please include ambient temp also.

 

[epete]

I am diabetic so I have a large supply of individually wrapped flat cotton sheets pre-moistened with alcohol. These were lot loose cotton balls dipped in alcohol. I used three swabs to make sure all of the old paste was removed. when it dried, I used a can of air to ensure no additional dust settled. I have built systems before (three) but have never replaced a an installed heat sink before. One of the other systems I built also has a high CPU problem. Is that normal for stock heat sinks or am I installing them wrong?

The Prme95 has now been running for 1 hour and 28 minutes. No failures. I assume your comment that I don't have to test the CPU temp means I can stop Prime95.

I have updated my system specs

Ambient Temp is approx 68 degrees F, that is what my thermostat is set to.

So is there a good chance the CPU temp was the root cause for my BSOD and 0X124 error?

Are there other tests to run or is it time to put the system together and give back to my daughter and see if that has resolved her problem?

 

[Layback Bear]

I don't know of any stock cpu cooler that I would use.
I surly would not use a stock cooler and Prime 95 together.

Whether your temps was the root cause is unknown at this time but it is possible it was.
I try to remember their maybe more than one problem on any system that is having a issue.

Just use your system in a normal fashion for a while and let the good folks here know how things are working out.

 

[epete]

OK, great. I do really appreciate all of this help. You guys are great! I will keep this thread as unsolved until we have confirmed stability.

 

[epete]

Since I am dealing with thermal problems, I should also mention I haven't seen the case fans turn on since starting this testing in January 2016. Both sides have been removed with outside temp around 68 deg F. Maybe they have not has a need to turn on due to low temperatures, but would be nice if there was some software that I could use to manually turn on to confirm they are connected to the mother board correctly.

 

[Layback Bear]

Their should be fan headers connections on your motherboard. Sometimes they are labeled system fans on the motherboard.
Look in your motherboard manual.
You case fans should run all the time the computer is on.

I personally run all my fans off the power supply at 12 volts all the time the computer is on. Their are 14 fans. Of course to run 14 fans at 12Volts they must be quiet fans or you will think you are at a air port.

 

[epete]

Thank you

Pauly / Layback Bear

It has been a little over a week with no BSOD. Thanks so much for your help. It is much appreciated. You guys are many more times helpful than support from PC Component manufactures and allow novice PC builders to successfully build a stable system. I have also learned a lot from you guys. Thanks again.

 

[Pauly]

That's great to hear, glad you got it sorted

 

[Layback Bear]

The difference is we are here to help if at all possible.