Solved Nightmare build

[Tomrdiedrich]

I built my first pc about 1 year ago. Since the build I have been troubled by constant freezes. I have tried: disabling services one by one, updating drivers, removing excess hardware, removing all other components one by one untill it was just mobo cpu psu and hdd. I thought it was the mobo so I sent it to MSI. They said it had no problems. Then I thought it was the PSU so I bought a high quality one. Thought it was the OS reloaded from fresh. Thought the RAM, tested it for two days and no errors. I have nothing else to test! Not the temps everest says they are all fine. CPU runs under load at 32c! I need help to save my sanity and face! My wife is letting me know what a mistake it was to do this build! LOL. Please someone help me!! Even ideas are welcome. I have run out of them! Is it possible that the RAM is bad even though mem test says it has no issues? Possibly the CPU??

 

[Jonathan_King]

Hello,

It seems you've eliminated most possibilities; please run the three Prime95 tests though: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-cpu-stress-test-prime95.html

What program did you use to test the RAM? If you used the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, please run: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

I used memtest for the ram. Prime95 is currently how I am testing. The most resent test I started after last freeze was torture test with least ram. Previous ones were the one with most ram. How can you tell if RAM is overheating? I cannot find anything to measure it under working conditions.. My mobo runs 29c the cpu 33c hdd 34c. I wouldnt think it was heat, but maybe RAM heat?? I'm kinda guessing at this point!!

 

[Commodore Pet]

This sounds like a nasty one but let's see what we can do.

Quick things to try. Check all your connections to every device remove them and reinstall making sure they look fine at both ends and that they are going in securely, especially your 4 pin power to the motherboard and your main power connection. Also what slots are your memory modules sitting in blue or black? Have you tried to reset your cmos? Last question for now, are you overclocking?

 

[Jonathan_King]

RAM sticks don't typically have temperature sensors on them; you'd have to use a real temperature probe or something. However, if the motherboard and system in general isn't overheating, there should be no reason the RAM would be, as the same air that passively cools the RAM cools the board. Also, RAM chips don't generate too much heat.

When done running Prime95, run SeaTools: SeaTools for Windows | Seagate

 

[Commodore Pet]

What are the exact make and model of your memory modules? Your manual says your board only supports up to 1333 DDR3 and in your specs you have 1600's. Check your bios and see what speed are you running your ram at.

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

All connections secure. RAM is in black slots. DIMMS 1 and 2. No overclocking. bios in default. MSI loaded newest bios when I sent the mobo in to have it checked. Stumped I tell ya, stumped!! lol RAM is running at 1333MHz

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

RAM is crucial ct25664ba1339.m8sfa 2gb-pin dimm 256mx64 ddr3 2x2GB

 

[Commodore Pet]

Take a look at this. This fellow had the same freezing problem and it was your memory type that was the problem.

Solved: System Hangs on New Build - Tech Support Guy Forums

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

At this point I am starting to think it is something with the RAM too. The Prime 95 test I am running now is using little RAM and has been going for the longest time yet by far! 2.5 hrs. In the tests with alot of RAM it will not go more than 45min!! I wonder what it is about that kind of RAM?? I will keep running this test and see if it will run for long being that it is using little to no RAM. What is a good reliable RAM that has a great track record and takes a little OC abuse?

 

[Commodore Pet]

What is a good reliable RAM that has a great track record and takes a little OC abuse?

That would depend on who you ask, but I have had no problems and am quite happy with my Corsair XMS3 1600 DDR3.

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

Well RAm has come down so much in price I suppose I cannot hurt to take a shot on it. RAM and CPU are all that has not been replaced or tested by manufacturer. Worst case I have a couple extra sticks. I will post what happens with it.

 

[linux731]

In my opinion, try uninstalling everything. Uninstall your video card drivers, your monitor drivers, your keyboard drivers, mouse, webcam, speakers, headphones, wifi card, etc. Then restart your computer. It will immediately reinstall all the drivers you uninstalled (of course, since they are plugged in).

 

[profdlp]

First: I would agree with the idea of trying different RAM. As cheap as it is these days and with the many problems incompatible RAM can cause, another roll of the dice is worth $50.

Sorry if this was mentioned and I missed it:

1) Have you messed around with different Video Drivers?

2) I see in your specs you have an Athlon X3. You haven't tried unlocking the 4th core have you? If you haven't, don't. If you have, can you undo it?

3) In your strip-it-down and build-it-again process, did you check the MB standoffs? One of them in the wrong place and... You might even try building it outside the case and see how it runs that way, assuming the freezes are frequent enough that you won't have to wait three weeks to be sure you've fixed it.

4) Have you tested the HD thoroughly? I have an old computer which I thought could (barely) run Win7. It was dog-slow and horrible, a fact that I put down to it being underpowered CPU-wise and very short on RAM. Then one day the HD croaked. After replacing it the computer has been performing quite nicely for the few basic tasks I needed it to do. Worth getting it out of the way as a possible problem, if you haven't done so already.

Hang in there - every problem has a solution.

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

All the parts on this pc are new. And they have been tested in great depth to the component level. I have redone all the drivers all are the newest and most updated straight from manufacturer. Prime95 is still running the CPU stress test with little RAM. WAY longer than any other test run so far. Best before now was 45 min. Currently going on 4 hours! I will try new RAM and update the thread.

 

[Shootist]

you say Prime 95 with lots of RAM used only runs for 45 minutes? Then stops?
That should tell you right there it is the RAM.

Have you run MemTest86+? If you have how long did that run.

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

I ran Memtest for almost a full two days. It never found anything. That is why this is so strange! I wonder if Crucial will stand behind their RAM and RMA it?? Obviously there is something wrong with it if it is the cause for all my trouble.

 

[Jonathan_King]

If you can borrow some other RAM, that might also save you from an RMA. Also, try running with just one stick installed; if that hangs, try the other.

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

That is a good idea. I will try single sticks tonight and post what I find. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Tomrdiedrich]

OK. So I removed one stick of RAM and tried to run tests with only one stick. It froze on boot. I removed that stick and tried it again with the other stick. Froze again on boot up!! This is with the one stick in the #1 DIMM slot. So it seems to me that it must be the RAM for sure?? But how/why could it pass the memtest and a windows RAM test??? This makes no sence. I have ordered new RAM from PNY and I hope this puts this mess behind me! Any insight on why this went the way it did I would appreciate it.