Random BSOD

[gregrocker]

It will likely need to be in msconfig and set to Automatic. But every printer is slightly different so it's good to test it.

After reinstall I always scan the logs to resolve repeat errors, check System Resources, search for Problem solutions, Generate a System Health Report as shown in these basic Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7
to bookmark.

 

[Layback Bear]

mp1cass0 you are doing great so far. Take your time, step at a time. Remember this is a computer work computer. I'm assuming that means it important for work and for play.

 

[mp1cass0]

Thanks! All the help has been extremely appreciated! So far, no BSOD's. Have to move memory sticks and run memtest overnight on other slots. Will report back tomorrow.

 

[Dave76]

Good work so far, glad to hear it's more stable.
Good that all four cores are working.

The Intel XMP settings are on the RAM cards, from the manufacturer, same as the JEDEC settings. There is no BIOS setting for it in an AMD system.
Some RAM manufacturers say their RAM is good for both Intel and AMD systems, in some cases this is not true. Have seen many RAM issues with these dual compatible designs, most causing problems for the AMD systems.

Did you change the RAM frequency setting after taking the snips of CPUZ?
It's showing 733 MHz.
If you change the BIOS settings from Auto to Manual you should be able to see the voltages. If your system is stable now this won't be necessary.

Let us know the results of memtest86+.

 

[mp1cass0]

I changed the RAM to 1333mHz in BIOS. Originally had been on auto but set manually. Will double check later tonight.

Would you suggest I switch the RAM out? It seems most of my problems have been memory related and wondering if switching them out would give me benefit. Keep reading about people RMA'ing their memory because of XMP problems. Will know next time...buy Intel or follow ONLY what my MOBO manufacturer states, if AMD.

 

[mp1cass0]

Screenshot from this morning, having tested other 2 slots. Running at 1333mHz, no errors.

 

[mp1cass0]

Sorry for being a little late getting this CPU-Z photo up but shows memory at proper clock speed now. Slowly starting to add programs in. Only have around 10-12 I keep on here, most being photo, video, or audio related or documents such as PDF and open office.

 

[Dave76]

Looks good.

I would test this RAM for a while, if you start having more crashes then you can consider changing the RAM. Sometimes a little adjustment to the settings will make it stable.
Let us know the progress, and if you have any questions.

 

[F5ing]

This is what my msconfig looks like for startup.

Is that Java's autoupdater disabled in your MSConfig screenshot? If so, make sure you have a plan in place to manually update it as needed. Or better yet, uninstall if you don't require it.

 

[mp1cass0]

All I need is SDK - Android phone. Will get it fixed later today. Kids out of school Tuesday and one home yesterday so no time.

No problems with memory as of yet. Out of curiosity - instead of running 2-4 GB sticks, would I be better running 4-2 Gb sticks? Do a lot of multi-tasking which leads to my desire of 8Gb

 

[Slartybart]

mp1cass0: If you're thinking about memory - move up, it's best to do in pairs. If you have two open slots, you could drop in 2 more 4GB. I don't know how you use your computer, but 16 GB beats 8GB everyday. Is it necessary? If you do a lot of memory intensive processing, it helps. If you're happy with the performance, why shell out the money.

I don't think 4 2GB sticks are better than 2 4GB sticks. That just takes up your available slots and adds heat (the open slots provide a little more air flow)

 

[mp1cass0]

The only "concern" I have is ASUS's vendor list for memory does not show more than 2 GB's per slot. When I go onto Corsair or Gskills memory selector, same thing...nothing more than 2. Would love to move up as even now I have times where computer gets bogged down multitasking. But kept reading (and other people on here noted), AMD is a little pickier going past 2 GB's per stick.

For now, everything seems to be running quite well. Planning to do another build after Christmas and though I like AMD for cost of build, having strong consideration of using Intel. Still planning on keeping this one, either as an "everybody else" computer or give it to my oldest, who will be 12.

 

[Slartybart]

Hmmmm only 2GB per, eh? Didn't you say in post 50 that you have 2 4GB sticks - or did I read that wrong?

I wonder sometimes.... I have an older Cpq and when I 1st had it, they said a max of 2GB, so i bought a pair 2x1 and plugged them in - fine. About 2 years later they changed their mind and stated a 4Gb max. So I waited, just installed the 4GB a few months ago and everything is fine.

Sooooo, we know that Ultimate x64 can access 192GB,
the Asus specs for your board say 16GB,
the QVL says
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

I suspect that you could be able to push it to 16GB, perhaps more, but I'm not certain.
Call Asus and ask.

 

[mp1cass0]

You are correct...I have 2-4Gb sticks. At the time, ASUS said only 2 GB but motherboards had been out for a couple of months when I purchased. Information was retained from gskills. Had approved memory on hand in case any problems but nothing for more than 1 year.

Will look over the supplied QVL as I do not remember seeing those modules listed. Worst case, I will call ASUS. As you said Ultimate supports up to 128...wanted to be able to run up to 16 w/ no problems if I wanted to.

 

[Slartybart]

Ok, operate the machine as normal and report any new BSODs. When you're comfortable that the issue has been resolved, wait another month =:> and then see about more memory.

memory vendors work off the specs from the mobo, so you usually won't see conflicting information. Sometimes you do and you have to ask "Which one do I trust?"

I'm trying to recall what might have stabilized your machine. I think the biggest factor was changing the RAM speed in BIOS from auto to 1333Mhz. A few minor housekeeping chores (clean startup tab in msconfig).

Anything else stand out - you did the work. Thanks for your help - hope the machine remains stable.

 

[mp1cass0]

I would also bet the biggest help was changing the clock speed on my RAM. Not sure why this problem suddenly developed, as the only recent change was an OS upgrade from Home to Ultimate. Original build date was last August and no problems until September of this year.

Normally, I do what gregrocker had suggested, which is as soon as I install a program, check what msconfig has as startups.

Thanks to all of you for your help. When this started, I sincerely thought a new mobo was in order as nothing else was showing problems under duress. So again, a big thank you to all!

 

[Dave76]

All I need is SDK - Android phone. Will get it fixed later today. Kids out of school Tuesday and one home yesterday so no time.

No problems with memory as of yet. Out of curiosity - instead of running 2-4 GB sticks, would I be better running 4-2 Gb sticks? Do a lot of multi-tasking which leads to my desire of 8Gb

I would stay with 2-4 GB sticks. Easier if you want to upgrade.


From your motherboard manual and support site:

You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets

4 x DIMM, Max: 16 GB.

Running 4X4GB on that motherboard will likely require some setting adjustments.
As with all non-matched RAM there is no guarantee that it will run stable. I would get the same brand and model number, that will give you a good change for stability. Different brand will cut your chances dramatically.
Always best to get a matched set.

Glad to hear your system is running stable, and you're welcome.
You can start a thread for your new build, you'll get lot's of advice, just post the link here and we'll chime in.

 

[F5ing]

I would also bet the biggest help was changing the clock speed on my RAM. Not sure why this problem suddenly developed, as the only recent change was an OS upgrade from Home to Ultimate. Original build date was last August and no problems until September of this year.

Do you think it coincides with the upgrade?

Or could it have been the accelerated degradation of components due to OC'ing/heat?

 

[Dave76]

This is not uncommon for the AMD/RAM frequency issue.
I have seen systems run at 1600MHz for months or a year, then start crashing. If you search the subject, many say it can cause CPU degradation, which would explain why it takes a while to show up on some systems.
I remember seeing links from AMD saying it can seriously damage the CPU, but they may be just covering their CPU flaw.

 

[mp1cass0]

Going to stick with the 8GB's for now, as everything seems to be running fine.

Downloaded HW monitor this morning - noticed when I left BIOS settings on auto, my CPU VCore was going over 1.43 at times (.850-1.425V per AMD). I now have set it at max of 1.3V (update: running at 1.175 and no problems) and found another "surprising" benefit...CPU runs cooler. Was at 49 degrees earlier, when running at 1.368v, now at 1.28V and maintaining around 45 degrees. Planning to use OCT, monitor temps (max is 62) and go from there. Lesson learned - AUTO is not always the best setting. As a side note - any benefit to dropping voltage even more, other than longevity? No plans to overclock.

Learned quite a bit about AMD/BIOS/RAM settings, etc., this go around...hopefully will make things a little easier next time (or make my problems that much harder to solve! ).

If I have another BSOD, will repost. At this time, though, I would consider problem solved!