Strange, distorted screen during Windows 7 setup

[Bushmaster03]

Greetings all,

I recently upgraded my system with an i7 3930k, a G1 Assassin 2 motherboard, and corsair quad channel memory (system specs below). After conducting a secure erase of my SSD and HDD using Diskpart, I attempted to install Windows 7 on the SSD. The installation goes smoothly until the system restarts and resumes with, "please wait while windows checks your computer's performance."

From that point on (until the system is restarted) the display is distorted, oddly colored, and the mouse pointer leaves a trail of colors and square shapes. I can tell that the setup is at the username and password screen, but because of the distorted colors and shapes, it is difficult to decipher. If I restart the system at this point, it resumes with the username entry step of the setup and the screen is completely normal.

The first time this happened, I though it was strange but continued on with updating Windows 7 and setting up my PC. However, after the WEI (experience index test) failed several times, and the system crashed with several BSODs (mainly 1a and 4e) I decided something must be wrong.

I have been attempting to isolate the problem, initially thinking it must be the memory, but since the processor, motherboard, and memory are new I am having a difficult time. Has anyone heard of or experienced this issue? I have replicated the problem four times on different hard drives (SSD and HDD) and have even swapped video cards. Nothing seems to work.

System specs:

CPU: i7 3930k
CPU Cooler: NH-D14
MB: G1 Assassin2
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16gb quad channel 1600mhz
SSD: OCZ Vertex III 120gb
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB
Video: 2x MSI GTX 580 Lightning SLI
PSU: Corsair AX1200


Thanks in advance for the support,

Jim

 

[r2l25b]

dl Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool to test your memory. It's going to take a while. But when you finally get an error, you probably going to have to test each stick by itself. Newegg does ship DOA products.

 

[r2l25b]

Also I have been hearing rumors that the vertex isn't stable yet. So you might want to check their site and see if they released an updated firmware.

 

[Bushmaster03]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Sadly, I have run Memtest and updated the firmware on the OCZ SSD. Strangely, this issue occurs on the Vertex III and my Intel 120gb SSD.

Some amplifying information: This problem did not occur when I installed Windows 7 on the storage devices listed above when connected to my old CPU and motherboard (i7 2500k and GA-Z68-UD4, which have been donated to a needy sibling).

 

[r2l25b]

Than it might be your mobo. Might have nicked it. In any case i would send back the mobo.
And if that fails well you are going to have to test each piece of hardware out. Sucks a lot i know but, you gotta do what you gotta do.
You could try all new sata cables, and making sure all cables are snug (i know, i know but it's the small things that can f you up.)
I also have been having crashing issues myself on my 2 80 gb raid and now with my raptor drive. But i have a ati card.

 

[gregrocker]

Does this occur in Safe Mode? If not then it's likely your Display driver.

If so then if it happens with another video card and RAM and RAM slots test good under stress it is most likely your mobo. RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Have you tried updating your Display driver, or try another Display driver if it is most recent?

I would also scour the logs and use System Resources to find clues: troubleshooting steps

 

[Bushmaster03]

Update:

Attached you will find a picture of the problem.

Also, I've narrowed it down somewhat. The problem pictured above happens when I install Windows 7 on an SSDs. I have the OCZ vertex 3 120gb, and an Intel 510 120gb. When I install windows on my 1tb Caviar Black, it installs smoothly every time.

Any ideas as to why this would be?

 

[gregrocker]

I'd ask the SSD's tech support as it might be a known issue. It is a strange one.

SSD Alignment - Windows 7 Forums
SSD Tweaks and Optimizations in Windows 7

 

[Bushmaster03]

Alright, I will try there. Thanks for the help!

 

[gregrocker]

I've asked for more help.

 

[gregrocker]

Have you had a crash which might have generated a minidump file? The experts in our Crashes forum can use this to isolate the problem if so.

Use this tool and steps given for posting up the data requested: Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions - Windows 7 Forums