PC Frequently Locks Up - Nothing responds

[StephenJM81]

I built a new PC this past summer (specs are in my info). During the initial setup and installation of windows it locked up on me, but after a couple of tries, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 was properly installed. Since that point my computer locks up relatively frequently. When it locks up nothing responds...mouse and keyboard are useless, the last 16th of a second of sound is repeated, and the network itself actually locks up (no other computers on the network can access each other or the internet).

The computer locks under the least demanding situations. I can play Skyrim for hours with the graphic settings set to max and it doesn't freeze. Meanwhile I play Dungeons of Dredmor or some fairly basic flash games, and within a half hour my computer will lock up.

I have run Memtest for 48 hours resulting in 0 errors. I have RMAed the processor & the motherboard. I have taken out one of the video cards and switched them. I have updated the bios. All of which have had no effect.

Initially the CPU was running quite hot with the stock heatsink, but upon replacing it the CPU peaks at 50c.

I am at a loss as to how to proceed. Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[writhziden]

It may be due to having so much RAM in your system. The default Auto values in the BIOS for RAM controls are set assuming 4 GB or less of RAM. To provide support for more ram, manual tweaking of those settings must be done. Please download and install CPUZ and Upload screenshots of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs.

Also, go into your BIOS and post all RAM and CPU Voltages and all RAM settings (timings, frequency, etc.)

Thanks to Dave76 for help learning RAM Stability

Also, if you are overclocking any hardware, please stop.

You may also be interested in reading the Quote by usasma regarding SSDs in post #2 of Randomly Reoccurring BSOD - ntoskrnl.exe

Also, what network adapter are you using for the system that is locking up?

Please follow the http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html to provide us with more information regarding your system and possible conflicts (these instructions do more than help with blue screen crashes).

 

[StephenJM81]

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I have never actually gotten a blue screen of death with this PC...just a hard lock...which makes it a lot harder to troubleshoot. This isn't a problem with the SSD, or at least I assume it is not; I initially did not have the SSD and installed on the 2tb hard drive (or at least a partition of it) and the problem existed at that point as well.

When you ask about my network adaptor, I assume you are inquiring about my NIC...I am just using the onboard NIC on the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO. If that is not what you are asking, let me know.

On this current set up, I have not gone through updating the bios yet, but the Motherboard I RMAed had been fully updated and the problem had not been resolved.

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[scrooge]

i'd start by boosting up your core voltage to say 1.15 and see if that helps.


scrooge

 

[StephenJM81]

scrooge, I am at a bit of a loss, I see core voltage in the CPU-z program, but I don't see it anywhere in my BIOS

 

[scrooge]

in the last bios screen it says cpu voltage (offset mode) and it says it 1.16 but cpuz says 1.00.
can you change the offset mode to anything else ?

 

[StephenJM81]

I can change it from offset to manual

 

[scrooge]

( I can change it from offset to manual )

if you change it to manual you should be able to change the voltage from there.
if you can't find it then maybe wait till someone else no's your motherboard/bios and can give you more help on it.
i thing if you can get the voltage up alittle more it will fix your bsod.

 

[scrooge]

i just checked my bios and found that after you change the offset mode to manual the next line down should say fixed mode. thats were you can shoud be able to change the setting. remember not to put it to high. just maybe 1.17 /1.18 cause your bios said it set at 1.16 . if you want you can go alittle higher and test it .if it works them go down abit till you
get a crash again then move up abit from there to get it stable.

scrooge

 

[StephenJM81]

thanks, I will go ahead and try that and test it out tomorrow to see if it helps

 

[writhziden]

Also, your RAM timings do not match the frequency you have set. Manually set your first four timings to 9-9-9-25 with a command rate of 2T and set your frequency for 800/1600 MHz. Between the suggestions by Scrooge and these settings, see if the system is more stable.

 

[StephenJM81]

OK...forgive my ignorance, I have never really played with BIOS settings much at all.

I changed the timings to 9-9-9-25, no problem there. I attempted to change the DRAM command rate to 2T, however it seemed my only options were 1, 2, or 3. I looked at the memory frequency, but it didn't have any option like the one you suggested.

I assume my issues are a result of ignorance...please enlighten me!

 

[writhziden]

It is possible you cannot change the frequency directly. If you cannot find a place to do so, do not worry about it. I have seen BIOS systems that allow it and others that do not. It depends on the manufacturer. If the command rate only allows 1, 2, or 3, leave it at the setting it was originally on as that was 2T as seen in CPU-Z. You can set it and then check through CPU-Z (see your third CPU-Z image). If you are unsure what it used to be, change the setting and check through CPU-Z whether it is set to 2T.

 

[StephenJM81]

I addressed the changes recommended...but the pc still seems to be having the same issue. I will post my CPU-z info this evening.

 

[writhziden]

Given that you are having problems so frequently, you should try running one module at a time in one slot at a time and see if it resolves the Windows issue. Test the memory slots as follows.

1. Shut down and turn off your computer.
2. Unplug all power sources to the tower (unplug the power from the outlet/surge protector or PSU).
3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds (for your safety and the safety of the components) to close the circuit and drain all power from components.
4. Remove the casing.
5. Remove all but one memory module making sure you are grounded while doing so.
6. Replace the casing and put the remaining memory modules in a safe, static free environment.
7. If the problem persists, repeat steps 1-4 and move the memory module to another slot (while staying grounded, of course).

Do this until all slots have been tested. If all slots fail, the memory module may be bad. Test with one of the remaining modules. Continue one module at a time in one slot at a time until you find a good module and good slot. Test remaining modules in the good slot, test good modules in other slots to find bad slots, etc.


If you swap any memory components, follow these steps for ESD safety:

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.


Did running one module in one slot at a time help?

 

[StephenJM81]

actually I have been so backed up at work, I haven't had the time to dedicate to testing it...but I shall have a break sometime this next week and will post the results

 

[writhziden]

Understandable. No rush. Just checking in to see how things are going. Let us know when you've had time to check.

 

[StephenJM81]

*nod* I have to dedicate some time to do this, because the CPU heatsink/fan partially covers the RAM