Solved Random BSOD then restart, believe it to be hardware but unsure

[Vir Gnarus]

I'm sorry that the mobo replacement did not work. The symptoms are identical, which means the problem hardware has not been replaced. It's time to check the CPU or PSU now. It's a 50/50 chance, so take your pick on which to replace next.

Btw, what brand/model of PSU do you have?

 

[Britton30]

mobo was RMA'd to Gigabyte and returned. No mention of whether they actually fixed anything or not btw. I found their whole RMA process to be pretty lacking. Anyway, I have reinstalled Win7 Pro from scratch and am still having problems. What gives? Is my CPU bad? Latest dumps should be attached.

I had poor Gigabyte board experience too. After 3 RMA's I gave up and got an ASUS. I think what they do is send you someone else's bad board.

 

[thezman007]

I have some 400W no name brand in there Vir ...The most I could EVER see running in this would be 2 video cards, and 16 GB ram. Not to get too far off topic but, how much power do I really need anyway? I think that will be my next purchase as it eliminates one more issue. I hope it doesn't come to that Britton30 :sa:

 

[Vir Gnarus]

Getting a 'no-name' model is sacrificing sanity for potential savings. Also understand that PSU wattage output degrades overtime, so getting a solid brand/model PSU with around 100W more than what you anticipate it'll really need will save a lot of headaches in the long run. The PSU is the item you should least be willing to skimp out on.

 

[thezman007]

Yeah, so I ran newegg's PSU calculator to see what I needed, then ran it with what I currently have and it comes to 401 watts...on my crap 400W PSU. I think we may have located the problem. I will pick one up ASAP and report back. Will I have to reinstall Windows again?

 

[thezman007]

Ok so I have a 650W Corsair PSU on its way from the good ol' newegg. With me running everything I could fit in my tower pretty much, their calculator said 557W so... It will hopefully be here Friday, so we'll see what happens. I will report back

 

[Britton30]

That's a good reliable PSU, I have two. No you won't have to reinstall w7 by changing the PSU.

 

[thezman007]

Okay everyone, I have installed my fancy schmancy new PSU (which looks awesome btw), what is a good way to test for more BSODs? Prime95? Something else? It's my work comp, so it would have to be done overnight...

TIA

 

[Britton30]

Some hardware tests to run.

Graphics card:
Video Card Stress Test with Furmark

Hard drive(s):
Pick one for your HDD brand or use Seatools.
7 Free Hard Drive Testing Software Tools


RAM (memory):
This will require memtest on a bootable CD or USB stick.
RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Prime95 would be OK too although there should be someone monitoring CPU temps.

 

[thezman007]

Thanks Britton, I got antsy and am running Folding @ home for the moment. So far so good, fingers crossed. Why do my temps need observatoin with prime95 btw?

 

[Britton30]

Prime95 has the ability to overheat the CPU, even fry it, but not too likely, just a safe guard. Folding@Home is less stressful.

 

[thezman007]

Thanks very much to Vir Gnarus and Britton30. I ran folding @ home all night and came in this morning to a stable system whizzing away as it folded! I am a lot more relaxed at work knowing I am not likely to suddenly lose my work for no reason at all. thank you, Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[Britton30]

You're welcome, glad you got it sorted.