New PC showing Blocks and complete lockup (Pic included)

[rtc0523]

I recently built a new PC for my friend. Everything pretty basic.

Specs

Acer S200HLAbd Black 20" 5ms LED
HITACHI HDS721050CLA362 (0F10381) 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBPK
Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
BIOSTAR H61MGC LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

I built it at my house got it all setup and running fine with Win 7 and then hooked it up for them. About a week later they start to see this on their screen which is followed by a total lockup of the system that can only be fixed by powering down the system.

What Ive done so far.

Hooked it up at my house and ran memtest. I saw similar effect in memtest where it was blocks with smiley faces of some sort inside them. Computer completely locked up had to restart. Other than that memtest detected no error in the ram.

Updated BIOS to newest version. I left the PC running for 24 hours after updating BIOS without any problems. Sent it back to their house and the problem is still occuring for them.

I do not know what else to try at this point other than returning the mobo or CPU. Im not even sure what would be at fault in a Sandy Bridge CPU.

 

[essenbe]

I'm sure you downloaded all of the graphics drivers from Biostar's website. Also, try going to Intel's website and they will scan your computer for needed drivers/updated drivers. You might also run Furmark video test.

 

[jlhawn]

due to the graphics being built in the cpu you should try what essenbe suggested and look for newer intel drivers for intel hd graphics. if no luck there then i would replace the cpu.

 

[rtc0523]

I had initially only used the drivers on Biostar's site. I just updated to the newest ones on Intel's site. I am running the Furmark video test but I'm only getting 1FPS. I dont see any artifacts though and it looks to be ok I think. The temp reading is just saying 0 C and not changing so I cut the test off at 10 mins. Anything else I run to try to make sure those blocks do not come back.

 

[jlhawn]

I had initially only used the drivers on Biostar's site. I just updated to the newest ones on Intel's site. I am running the Furmark video test but I'm only getting 1FPS. I dont see any artifacts though and it looks to be ok I think. The temp reading is just saying 0 C and not changing so I cut the test off at 10 mins. Anything else I run to try to make sure those blocks do not come back.

Google Luxmark V2.0 and download and run it.
it's a much better program.

 

[rtc0523]

I was finally able to repeat the effects on my screen after running a CPU Stress test with prime 95. The PC completely locked up so I tried to take a pic with my phone and when I was about to take it the blocks disappeared. However the PC was still completely locked up. I took a pic to show where I was at concerning prime 95 and temp wise. I used the blend test.

 

[essenbe]

Do you have another temp monitoring program? I'm not familar at all with that CPU, but those seem to be quite low temps for running Prime95. Try running Core Temp and see if you get the same readings. The readings may be correct, but they seem low to me. Also, have you set everything in bios to defaults? If you are overclocking, stop until this gets sorted out.

 

[rtc0523]

Yes everything in BIOS is default. This PC was built for someone to basically surf the net and teach their kids to use the PC. So nothing was overclocked at all. I'll try running prime95 with Core Temp and see how it works out.

 

[rtc0523]

Ok ran it again this time with CoreTemp. First time I left the room for a minute came back the PC was completely off. 2nd time it blue screened on me but it locked up and didnt finish dumping. 3rd time I was able to get a dump file. It points to PCIIDEX.SYS. I attached the dump.

I forgot to mention that I saw that block effect again for a split second right before it BSOD'd.

 

[essenbe]

What were your temps when you were watching core temp? Also, I am going to ask to transfer this thread to Crashes and Debugging. They are the experts at reading dump files and solving these kind of issues.

 

[rtc0523]

It was around 38-40 C.

 

[essenbe]

Could you list the complete specs of the system? Try remving all but 1 stick of ram and see if that helps. If not remove everything that is not required for the system to run. Try running it that way for a while. If the problem is resolved then, start adding the disconnected items back 1 at a time. Run the system for a while after each reinstall. You will be able to tell which component is causing the problems. Also, how long did you run memtest86? How did you install Windows and where did you get it? Are all of the parts new?

 

[rtc0523]

SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner SATA Model SH-222BB/BEBE - OEM
HITACHI HDS721050CLA362 (0F10381) 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBPK
Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz
CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
BIOSTAR H61MGC LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
HEC 6C11BB Black 0.8mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

I had to get the newest version Memtest and after it finishes 1 pass it stops. I couldn't find anything to change that setting to let it keep running anywhere. Win7 is just one I got with student discount. It's late now but tomorrow I will try taking out a stick of RAM and disconnecting the DVD drive. Its really the only thing hooked up that isn't needed. And if you have any tips on how to make memtest continually run I will put it through a longer test.

 

[writhziden]

Memtest86+ sometimes will not run to completion if there is a lot of corrupted memory in the system. It also won't run to completion if the CPU, motherboard, PSU, or a memory module is bad.

To rule out corrupted memory, follow the steps to use hard reset to resolve hardware and software issues (works for all computers, not just HP Pavilions). See if you are then able to run Memtest86+

 

[essenbe]

I told you the experts were here, You have one of the best now.

 

[rtc0523]

Thanks for the help. I did the hard reset process and then ran memtest. It had 0 errors and the was about 40% done for its completion bar and then this happened.

Not sure what to make of that. I don't know if thats ram but Im going to pull a stick out and see what happens.

 

[writhziden]

While you are in the case, make sure all cards and modules are properly seated. Your PCIIDEX.SYS crash indicates that your hard drive may not be connected properly. It also indicates a hardware problem related to your PCI slots, so check your hard disk connections, PCI cards, graphics card, etc. and make sure they are firmly in place.

Make sure you practice safe ESD procudures during the process of checking, switching out, or removing components. For ESD Safety, follow these steps:

1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
2. Unplug all power supplies to the computer (AC Power then battery for laptops, AC power for desktops)
3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to close the circuit and ensure all power drains from components.
4. Make sure you are grounded by using proper grounding techniques, i.e. work on an anti-static workbench, anti-static desk, or an anti-static pad. Hold something metallic while touching it to the anti-static surface, or use an anti-static wristband to attach to the anti-static material while working.

Once these steps have been followed, it is safe to remove and replace components within your computer.

 

[essenbe]

I am curious if this is a chipset thing. I cannot run memtest86 either. I have about the last 4 or 5 releases and have tried each one. My computer runs just fine, but I have found a few monitoring programs that just do not give correct values or operate correctly. Excuse the camera being out of focus, I have a cheap camera and am not a photographer even with a good one. but after 6 passes of memtest86, this is what I got.

View attachment 200373

 

[writhziden]

Could be a BIOS bug or BIOS settings. There are recommendations for updating the BIOS to see if the manufacturer knows about the problem. If it is already updated, then the problem will probably remain until the motherboard manufacturer finds out about it. There are a couple places I found this information:
!u7U! weird symbols but no apparent errors [Archives] - Canardpc.com
No memtest errors but still getting artifacts - Overclockers Forums


I should also mention that if the system is not performing as expected, the artifacts seen in Memtest86+ could still be due to a hardware problem.

 

[essenbe]

I have downloaded the version 4.2 that was referred to in that article from www.memtest.org. I'll give it a try and let you guys know. I have the next to the latest bios. The latest bios will not even boot with my Logitech G510 keyboard attached. Tech Support gave be a beta bios to try ad it was worse. I went back to what I had. I'll have to run it for a pretty good while, so it may be tomorrow.