System crash while running DX9 games

[KadeemH]

Hello everyone,

[tl;dr]DX9 games consistently crash and cause a system freeze an indeterminate amount of time after loading. (Average 3 minutes) This issue even occurs during clean boots. Furmark, ɣ-cruncher, AIDA64 stress tests all last 12 hours without issue. Memtest and disk error check pass with no issues. DX10 games (eg. LotRO) play without encountering the issue.

System specifications:
Windows 7 Ultimate N x64 (Original OS, MSDN Retail Version)
Hardware is as old as Windows 7 (Approximately 2.5 years)
OS age detailed below (07/26/2011 for brevity)

eVGA X58 3x Classified (E760)
Intel Core i7 Extreme 975
eVGA GeForce GTX 295 (Single)
Corsair Dominator CM3X2G1866C9D x6 (12.28 GiB total)
NZXT Precise 1000W; Corsair HX1000W
Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion
NZXT Sentry
ASUS U3S6 USB3 PCI Expansion Card
Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle

After dealing with this issue for an unknown amount of time, I decided to start with a fresh install of Windows and proceed from there. I initially assumed the issue was due to the system configuration, so I continued by customizing Windows and running Windows Updates, installing drivers, and installing any necessary programs and games. After the installations completed, I decided to run stress tests. Furmark ran at max settings for 12 hours with no issues (no artifacts, no graphical issues, no overheating). AIDA64 ran for 12 hours with no issues. ɣ-Cruncher ran for 8 hours using 7 GiB of RAM with no issues. Memtest completed with no errors. Windows Memory Diagnostic completed with no errors. Disk Error Check completed with no errors. With all these tests, I figured the hardware was operating correctly and there weren't any problems with the motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, or PSU.

The issue encountered was tested using Age of Empires III and Star Wars Galaxies. Towards the later parts of testing, I used the former game exclusively as it tended to crash faster on a more consistent basis. I also used Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption occasionally in the beginning tests. I initially installed nVidia 270.61 drivers, but uninstalled and switched to 280.19 drivers on July 28 when they were released before I started the stress tests. The 275.33 drivers were causing issues in DX10 games in addition to the issue being discussed here, so I avoided using it since my installation of Windows in July 26.

Using normal boot, I began testing the issue. With normal settings, the issue occurred. I proceeded to disable unused hardware and unplug extra USB devices. The issue continued to occur. Results were inconclusive.

Using clean boot, all non-Microsoft services disabled and all startup programs disabled, I tested the issue. The issue still occurred and I didn't continue the normal routine for clean boot testing. Results were inconclusive.

At this point, I proceeded by creating a backup system image and decided to test the issue from scratch. I then did a fresh installation of Windows. Immediately after the installation completed, I installed Age of Empires III and checked for the issue. The issue occurred exactly the same as earlier.

The issue was acting like a TDR, so I performed the typical TDR troubleshooting. While playing a DX9 game, the monitor reports "No signal detected", audio continues to play, and about 6 seconds later the system crashes/freezes with the "skipping" audio sound. I proceeded to install graphics drivers, keyboard and mouse drivers, and mainboard chipset, restarting in between each installation. The issue occurred every time. Results were inconclusive.

With the issue occurring after a fresh installation and still occurring with the correct drivers installed, I figure it comes down to a hardware compatibility issue. Before I start tinkering around and testing the issue with a barebones system, I wanted to post here and see if anyone can help me with this issue.

Thanks for reading and helping me with this issue. If you need any more information (screenshots for CPU-z, Furmark/AIDA64/etc. for x hours, etc.) just let me know the settings/steps where applicable so I can get you exactly what you are looking for.

Kadeem

P.S. the attachment contains the Crash Docs in the AllyaCrashDocs.rar (Allya is the computer's name).

 

[usasma]

Install drivers for your RAID controller - perfmon lists them as not being installed. Devices can cause problems even without drivers being installed.

There is a problem reported with a PS2 keyboard. If using a USB keyboard you can safely ignore this error.

There are no Windows Updates installed since Service Pack 1. Most systems have around 55 installed. Please visit Windows Update and get all available updates.

Please check with the system manufacturer for a firmware update for the processor/mobo:

Event[110]:
Log Name: System
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Processor-Power
Date: 2011-08-01T20:46:37.140
Event ID: 35
Task: N/A
Level: Error
Opcode: Info
Keyword: N/A
User: S-1-5-18
User Name: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
Computer: Allya
Description:
Performance power management features on processor 1 in group 0 are disabled due to a firmware problem. Check with the computer manufacturer for updated firmware.

Lot's of errors with Windows Search - have you messed with any settings for this?

 

[KadeemH]

Install drivers for your RAID controller - perfmon lists them as not being installed. Devices can cause problems even without drivers being installed.

There is a problem reported with a PS2 keyboard. If using a USB keyboard you can safely ignore this error.

There are no Windows Updates installed since Service Pack 1. Most systems have around 55 installed. Please visit Windows Update and get all available updates.

Please check with the system manufacturer for a firmware update for the processor/mobo:

Event[110]:
Log Name: System
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Processor-Power
Date: 2011-08-01T20:46:37.140
Event ID: 35
Task: N/A
Level: Error
Opcode: Info
Keyword: N/A
User: S-1-5-18
User Name: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
Computer: Allya
Description:
Performance power management features on processor 1 in group 0 are disabled due to a firmware problem. Check with the computer manufacturer for updated firmware.

Lot's of errors with Windows Search - have you messed with any settings for this?

Thanks for your response. I have tried to install drivers for the RAID controller, but I am largely unable to find the appropriate drivers. The drives in question are not the OS drive, they are 3 Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB drives with 2 RAID 0 partitions. The RAID drivers on eVGA would not allow an install, and I am already using Intel Rapid Storage Technology. I will continue looking for drivers for the RAID controller, but any help with learning which one to use is appreciated.

The PS/2 keyboard message is because I use a USB keyboard. In fact, there is no PS/2 port on my motherboard.

After the fresh install, I had installed all available updates before doing anything else. I made it a point to read every KB article and I also installed everything that was listed as available and doing SP1 when it was the last available update. After that update, there were only some updates for Microsoft Office, Visual C++ redist, and ones of that nature. The only other update that appears is a Internet Explorer 9 for x64 update. I don't particularly like IE, so I have not installed that as yet.

There is a firmware update for my motherboard which I will apply when I get a CD to apply the update with.

I do not believe I have made any alterations to the search function of Windows. I have turned off the Internet Games, More Games, and Purble Place window components and I turned off Internet Explorer 8. The only other change that I have made is folder view settings changing the default to Large Icons and not hiding known file extensions. I don't believe I made any other changes to search. Is there something I can check to see if I've made changes?

Kadeem

Edit: I just found the appropriate RAID controller drivers (JMicron) and installed them. Those driver issues are now resolved. Attached is the new perfmon report. In addition, I think the Search errors may be due to the fact that I changed the OS drive label from "OS" to "SenateLibrary". I'm guessing this change may have something to do with Search errors. I'm not sure if this is the case, if there is a way to fix it while keeping the label, or if changing the label back with rectify the errors.

 

[KadeemH]

Update:

All drivers are now installed and Perfmon doesn't list any Plug and Play issues. See attached report.

The mainboard BIOS was flashed to the most recent version. This has also been reflected in the Perfmon report as the PS/2 keyboard issue is resolved.

All Windows Updates that were available have been installed with exception to Internet Explorer 9 which fails to install when attempted. Using either the "Close programs and continue" or "Ignore programs and continue" cause the system to freeze (in a different way to the issue that this thread was created for).

The error messages relating to "Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Processor-Power" are due to the disabled state of Intel SpeedStep in the BIOS. Enabling this option in the BIOS fixes this error. However, since I intentionally disabled SpeedStep to stop power management features, this error is moot.

Windows Search doesn't seem to be producing errors anymore. Looking at recent events in the event viewer shows no messages pertaining to Windows Search.

Attached are the new Crash Docs and Perfmon report.

The issue still occurs exactly as described in the original post.

Kadeem

 

[usasma]

RAID and other HDD controller drivers are for devices on the mobo - not for the drives themselves.
Select your mobo and OS from here: EVGA | Support | Download Drivers
Download and install:
- chipset drivers
- SATA6 drivers
- JMicron e-SATA drivers

Have you tried the DX9 games with SpeedStep enabled?
What exact error do you get when attempting to install IE9?
I'll have a look at the latest uploaded reports in the AM, my eyes are killing me right now!

 

[KadeemH]

Even though it is an eVGA motherboard, some of the drivers on eVGAs site are outdated. For example the chipset drivers on eVGA are 9.1.2.1008 and the ones I have installed from Intel's website (since the X58 chipset is Intel) are 9.2.0.1030 which I have installed.

The SATA6 drivers have already been installed and their firmware was flashed as well.

I added the JMicron eSATA drivers. I must have forgot to run that installer after I had done the other JMicron driver. That has been installed now.

I cleared logs, enabled SpeedStep after doing the above, and I'll be testing out the installation of IE9 and the original issue. I believe the error code will be somewhere among the Crash Docs. I'm fairly new to this part of system administration. I will post an edit when I get through these last couple steps.

When IE9 is attempting to install, no error is usually produced. It is usually a system hang. Oddly, I can still move my mouse around, but the program locks up and if I make any user interactions the system hangs. I will try this again and see if I can get an error by going with either option (after I have finished the other tasks here).

Once I finish these last steps, I will put up another set of Crash Docs with the newer event logs, assuming I still run into errors.

Thank you very much for your help!

Kadeem

Edit: When attempting to install IE9, I get the following message, "Error(s) found: Code 2. Windows Update encountered an unknown error." Event Viewer gives an error code of 0x80070643. A troubleshooting link (KB 2409098) is generated and I am presented 4 methods for installing. The first "Method" is to ensure the system meets the requirements for IE9, which it does. The second Method is to ensure all prerequisites for IE9 are installed and presents a link to KB 2399238. For Windows 7, the prerequisite package is KB 2454826. Method 3 is to ensure a system restart is not pending and no other updates are pending. Method 4 suggests temporarily disabling Antispyware and Antivirus systems when installing. When following Method 2, the package indicates it is not applicable (it's listed as a Windows 7 package as opposed to a Windows 7 SP1 package). I remember reading the technet article saying the prerequisites are already included with Windows 7 SP1 and there are no additional prerequisites. I downloaded the IE9 package (instead of using Windows Update) and 5 programs are listed as conflicting (Java Update Scheduler, Logitech Webcam Software, Logitech SetPoint, Windows Gadgets, and Windows Explorer). Choosing "Close programs for me" results in the system hang mentioned above (with 0% install progress). Choosing "Ignore any open programs" results in the message, "Internet Explorer did not finish installing" after about 15%-20% progress. Following Method 4 by disabling antivirus/antispyware (NOD32), results in the exact same states/messages.

The original issue still occurs exactly as stated in the original post. DX9 games will still crash as described. Most recent Crash Docs are attached.

 

[usasma]

NOTE: This post was composed before KadeemH's last post, so it may seem a bit out of place.

The more I look around the more that I figure that this is a permissions issue.
Have you experienced a malware infection on this system?

The system log file has 3 Errors and 0 Warnings (the log was cleared on 08/03/2011):
- the processor firmware error
- the failed install of IE9
- unexpected shutdown messages I presume that these are from testing DX9 games and the subsequent freeze. Am I correct?

The Application log file has 0 Errors and 2 Warnings:
Here's an incompatible game:

vent[108]:
Log Name: Application
Source: Microsoft-Windows-ApplicationExperienceInfrastructure
Date: 2011-08-03T16:19:36.870
Event ID: 1
Task: N/A
Level: Warning
Opcode: Stop
Keyword: N/A
User: S-1-5-21-1866716112-770428535-1359467410-1001
User Name: Allya\Kadeem
Computer: Allya
Description:
The application (Age of Empires III, from vendor Microsoft) has the following problem: Age of Empires III is incompatible with this version of Windows. For more information, contact Microsoft.

and, Here's the reason for no more Search errors - Search can't start. What steps did you take to fix the search errors?:

Event[53]:
Log Name: Application
Source: Microsoft-Windows-RestartManager
Date: 2011-08-03T17:09:54.940
Event ID: 10010
Task: N/A
Level: Warning
Opcode: Info
Keyword: N/A
User: S-1-5-21-1866716112-770428535-1359467410-1001
User Name: Allya\Kadeem
Computer: Allya
Description:
Application 'C:\Windows\System32\SearchFilterHost.exe' (pid 2696) cannot be restarted - Application SID does not match Conductor SID..

As a last resort, I'd try using SubInACL to repair the permissions on your system. It may or may not work, but otherwise I'm out of ideas. Here's a link to a post by jenae on how to reset permissions: [SOLVED] Device Manager is Blank - Page 2 - Tech Support Forum

 

[usasma]

I downloaded the IE9 package (instead of using Windows Update) and 5 programs are listed as conflicting (Java Update Scheduler, Logitech Webcam Software, Logitech SetPoint, Windows Gadgets, and Windows Explorer).

Windows Explorer shouldn't be conflicting with IE9, so that's a red flag here.
Try closing all of the other programs manually, then clicking on Ignore (to let it ignore Windows Explorer) - what happens?

If resetting permissions doesn't work, then I'd suggest a repair install of Windows 7: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

If that doesn't work, then I'd:
- backup all of your stuff
- wipe the hard drive with DBAN or KillDisk (both are free with a Google search)
- perform a clean install of Windows7

If that doesn't fix it, then it's a hardware problem (which means more troubleshooting).

 

[KadeemH]

At least since the new installation of Windows, I have not had any malware, virus, or spyware issues.

You are correct on the 3 errors that are displayed.

Age of Empires III has known compatibility issues with Aero, but it's reported as working fine without any modifications on Windows 7 Ultimate x64. Aero just disables and runs in Basic mode.

I took no direct steps to change Windows Search functionality or to resolve Search errors.

I will try SubInACL and see if that fixes the issue. In addition, I will try to install IE9 as per your instructions before and after SubInACL and let you know what the result is.

Assuming the issue still occurs, I will attempt a Repair Install and inform you of that result.

If that fails, I will start from scratch again after wiping with DBAN. If that is the case, what do you suggest before I test the issue? My normal routine with a new installation is Customize Windows (via Control Panel), Install Windows Updates (no particular order, except SP1 last since there are a couple patches to fix some issues that occur with SP1 install according to their KB article), Install Antivirus, Install Firefox, Install all Drivers (now I actually know all of them), Install other programs/games. Is there a better order to do these in? And as far as Windows Update is concerned, there is usually a point where I get about 100 security fixes/hotfixes/patches; is it best to break these up and do them in smaller groups (by date for example) or is it fine to do them all at the same time?

Kadeem

 

[usasma]

For testing purposes, it's best to install Windows "clean".
This is, basically, installing it the way that Microsoft intended (using drivers from Windows Update).

Connect the system to the internet
Use DBAN ( http://www.dban.org/download ) or KillDisk ( http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm ) to wipe the drive
Install Windows by booting from the installation DVD
Visit Windows Update and get all updates (50 to 80 updates as I recall)
Visit Windows Update and get Service Pack 1 (usually under Important Updates)
Visit Windows Update and get any other available updates (around 50 updates as I recall)
Check Device Manager for any unknown/disabled devices - if there are unknown/disabled devices, fix them with the latest drivers from the device manufacturer's website (not the PC Manufacturer)
Download, install, and update a free antivirus so you don't get infected while testing ( http://www.carrona.org/freeav.html ).

If the problems persist, then the problem is most likely with your hardware. Since this is a DX problem with a game, I'd start out by suspecting your video card.

Just let Windows Update run on it's own to install the updates. Don't set any hibernate/sleep/screensaver timers for now - just let it run until the updates are installed and the system has rebooted itself.

 

[KadeemH]

Install IE9 (before SubInACL): Following your steps, it fails to install just as if I chose to ignore all the programs.

SubInACL: Successfully followed all the steps.

Install IE9: Fails as before.

DirectX 9: Games crashes the exact same way.

Repair Install: I am presented with the error, "Your current version of Windows is more recent than the version you are trying to upgrade to. Windows cannot complete the upgrade.".

So it looks like it's another clean Install of Windows, this time with DBAN.

Kadeem

Edit: So, I've started DBAN and with the size of my disk, it is estimated for a 105 hour run. I will check in again when it is complete and I've started the new install.

 

[usasma]

Good luck! I've got my fingers crossed!

 

[KadeemH]

DBAN completed. No errors.

I will be installing Windows as you have mentioned in the previous post. I'll be keeping my own log of the updates I install. Also, since I am using Windows Ultimate N, I wasn't sure if I should install the Media Feature Pack during the Windows Update steps or after I've gone through everything and tested it once.

Edit 1: The following is my installation experience so far. I'm at the point where I install a game and test for the issue. The Windows Update steps have more details (specific packages), but I've just put the summary list here for now.
Install Windows 7 Ultimate N x64 from DVD Media.
- Set user name and computer name
- Set password
- Set automatic Windows Update (I don't usually keep this setting since I need to control restarts)
- Set Home network location
- Join HomeGroup
Initialize and format Backup disk drive.
Windows Update automatically installs 2 packages. Restart required.
Backup system. (The automatic update delayed this a step later than I would have done it) [I generally backed up after every restart so I could roll back to a specific point if necessary]
Windows Update automatically installs a package. (Windows Defender Definition)
Windows Update (79/83;0/40) selected automatically. Restart required.
Windows Update (6/9; 0/40) selected automatically. Restart required.
Automatic restart during configuring updates.
Windows Update (1/3; 0/40) selected. (SP1) Restart required.
Windows Update (7/8; 0/39) selected automatically. Restart required.
Windows Update (0/1; 0/39) selected automatically. Manually selected the 1 important update. Restart required.
Windows Update (0/1; 0/0) selected automatically. Manually selected the 1 important update. Failed, Code 80242006.
Manual restart.
Windows Update (0/1; 0/0) selected automatically. Manually selected the 1 important update. Successfully installed.
Windows Update (2/2; 0/39) selected automatically. Successfully installed.
Windows Update (0/0; 0/39) selected automatically. Hid 34 Windows 7 Language Packs. Manually selected BenQ - Display, Creative Labs - Audio, Ideazon - Input, nVidia - Display, Realtek driver update. nVidia - Display reports fail.
Manual restart.
nVidia - Display loads successfully.
Windows Update (0/0; 0/0) selected automatically.
Manual restart.
Windows Update (11/13; 0/0) selected automatically. Restart required.
Windows Update (0/2; 0/0) selected automatically. Manually selected 2 important updates. Successfully installed.
Manual restart.
Windows Update (0/0; 0/0) selected automatically.
Install ASUS U3S6 USB3 Host Controller Drivers.
Install JMicron JMB36X SATA drivers. Restart required.
Install JMicron JMB36X eSATA drivers. Restart required.
Windows Update (0/0; 0/0) selected automatically.
Install Avira Personal (to be replaced after successful testing).
Update Avira Personal.
Delete Desktop shortcut for Avira Personal.

I'm now at the point of installing a game. I've chosen Star Wars Galaxies because it's pretty much the only one that I don't need the CDs for that I tested the crash with (I mostly have back up images where I am right now). I will be moving over the weekend and I'll have all my other CDs then. The install/update process of SWG will take a while since I don't have a very fast connection atm. Should be done later in the evening.

As you can see, there were 85 updates, then SP1, then 24 updates. However, a bunch of the updates after SP1 are duplicates (same KB number). I kept a list of all the KB numbers and updates listed (automatically/manually selected and available). I can post that if you like.

Edit 2: I attached a perfmon report. As you can see, I haven't done WEI or anything like that.

 

[KadeemH]

I just finished testing to see if the issue still occurs, and it does. Exact same process as before and the game crashed. So, it would seem that it is a hardware incompatibility that is causing the issue. What would you suggest for hardware testing? As I've mentioned before, stress tests on all hardware components pass with no issues (CPU, GPU, RAM) and diagnostics also pass (HDD, RAM). I don't have any extra video cards at the moment to swap that component. When I've moved, I might be able to use the card from my other machine, although that's only an 8800GTS from when Vista was released (Granted, Age of Empires 3 runs perfectly on it).

 

[usasma]

A video card is the next test. Maybe you can purchase one from a local retailer that will allow you to return it for a full refund?

After that you'll have to try a hardware stripdown to rule out other components: Hardware Troubleshooting Via System Stripdown

Then it comes down to the mobo (presuming that the CPU stress tests were effective - I haven't done any research on them. Don't buy a mobo based on my say-so, but that's the next thing that I'd try replacing if I couldn't find anything with the hardware stripdown.

Good luck!

Just FYI:

NOTE: I have seevere eye problems which have gotten worse over the last week. I may not be able to respond further until after my surgery at the end of this month or the middle of September. Feel free to PM another staff member for assistance if I do not respond in a timely manner. Please accept my apoloeis in advance.

I'll continue on as well as I am able to, thanks for your patience. Feel free to PM another staff member if it's taking too long.

 

[KadeemH]

I have followed the steps in the Hardware Troublshooting via System Stripdown link from your previous post. The results are:

1. Test memory with Memtest86+. Using version 2.2.6, I got 7 passes in 12 hours, no errors.
2. Microsoft Safety Scanner (which is the new Windows Live Scanner), "The scan completed succesfully and no viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software were detected".
3. SMART status of the hard drives are all healthy as reported by SpeedFan.
4. SeaTools diagnostics reported no issues/errors with any of the hard drives.

After that, I kept in Case, PSU, CPU, 1 stick of RAM, Video Card, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Hard drive, and CD drive. The issue still occurs. I am not able to get a video card that I can return after opening the box, so I won't be able to test that until Saturday/Sunday when I can use my old machine's video card.

I also decided to run a Prime95 Torture test. On the custom setting so I could use 11000/12279 of my RAM, the test ran with 254 passes in 14 hours, 34 minutes and 0 errors, 0 warnings. I ran 1 instance for each logical CPU, with Small FFTs on other cores and the custom setting above on Core 7. Total memory used was about 11.8 GB.

I think this safely excludes the CPU and RAM (and NB/FSB) from being the issue. It should exclude the PSU from being the faulty component as well. I also used a loopback plug on all 12 of my USB ports, and all are working as expected. All ethernet ports, SPDIF ports, firewire ports, eSATA ports, and audio ports were tested with their appropriate devices and there was no issue with any of them.

From my reckoning that eliminates the issue being caused by PSU, CPU, RAM, HDD, CD drive, and potentially the motherboard, X-Fi Fatal1ty audio card, and ASUS U3S6 expansion card. It seems the last component that is unclear is the video card, which I assume will be considered tested by replacing in another video card and seeing if the issue still occurs. Assuming the issue does occur, I'm guessing the motherboard will be the most likely component for failure?

Unfortunately, getting a new motherboard to me will mean I should just build a new computer and live with not being able to play DX9 games on this one (since there has been no issue doing anything else with this machine) and DX10 games run without any issues. Alternatively, if the video card is at fault, that will be a smaller upgrade to a SLi system with the 500 series cards.

I hope I haven't made any mistakes with my assumptions above. Anyway, I will post my result with an 8800 GTS. I will be travelling for a couple weeks at the end of August, and if the issue hasn't been resolved, I will most likely pick up after then.

 

[usasma]

Not a problem, you're doing outstanding work!
Why did you eliminate some of the memory from CPU7 on the Prime95 test? IMO you should run all on the Blend test, then all on Small FFT's and all on Large FFT's (if getting errors, then we'll need the time to error on each of the above tests).

PSU is probably good, but I don't think that we've definitively ruled it out. The same goes for the mobo..
The video card is the most likely issue - especially since this is a problem that's related to DirectX. We "test" it by using a video card that we presume is good - and in most cases this is a valid assumption, but isn't a 100% correct assumption. Using a different model helps to rule out cards with similar limitations or defects - so I'd tend to trust the results when swapping the video cards.

Finally, there's no test for a motherboard - so we're just guessing when we do this. For example, I have USB issues on my mobo - and I had replaced my old mobo because of Sleep and USB issues - so I have to wonder what I'm doing that's causing this.

Good luck! I hope that we're able to resolve this for you.

 

[KadeemH]

I am about to start lengthy Torture test sessions, and I wanted to ask a few questions before I begin.

1. How long would you recommend the torture test run for? I was thinking of getting in 3 12 hour sessions which covers me up to the time I will need to pack up to move. Would you suggest 24 hour sessions which I can continue once I have moved?

2. I was told the best way to test is having a mix of Blend and Small FFTs, but I am willing to do it as per your suggestion (all Blend, then all Small FFTs, and finally all Large FFTs).

3. Finally, do you think having 1 instance of Prime 95 per core is the best method, or is 1 instance with 8 workers on the above settings best? If the former, I'm guessing I should make each instance run with 1/8th of the total RAM. For the latter, setting it to use the entire RAM amount should be fine, right? I had set it a little bit lower to leave room for OS overhead, but maybe I don't need to worry about that?

Once I have those answers, I'll have a good plan to move forward and let those tests run. In the meantime, I have it set to contribute to PrimeNet (which has been running since my last post).

 

[usasma]

I'd run a 12 hour before you move, and then a 24 hour after the move. The chances of issues after you move is greater because the system has been pushed around a bit.

Blend primarily tests RAM, Small and Large FFT's primarily test other components (CPU cache and mobo memory structures) - so I recommend all of them. I suggest noting time to failure on each - in case more than one fails. The time to failure lets us know which is the most likely problem.

I suggest going into the Task Manager...Performance tab - and counting the number of "CPU's" under the CPU Usage History (count the number of graphs) - that should be the number of cores that you select. Anything more detailed than that is not (IMO) necessary. Don't worry about any other settings, just let it run at the defaults.

 

[KadeemH]

I ran Prime95, default settings and all 3 tests pass with no errors running for 25 - 28 hours. After that, I tested with a presumably working 8800 GTS (from my old machine which runs everything perfectly fine). I encountered no crash using that card after several hours of playing/letting a game run. Retesting with my GTX 295 resulted in the crash occurring exactly as expected. This leads me to believe there is an issue with the graphics card.

At this point, I'm guessing my next step is to request an RMA for the graphics card or just plain replace it. In the case that I get an RMA ticket, is there any particular reason (not sure if there's a lingo) I should cite, or is stating the issue I'm having sufficient? As I will be away for a couple weeks, I will send out for the RMA when I return and will check out this thread before I do for any extra information.

I am kind of curious about what the specific problem could be with the video card that would result in an issue like this. I would think something with the GPU perhaps that is giving issues and results in a system crash? I've had GPU issues before on a laptop that overheated, but I don't believe I've ever had an overheating issue with this desktop. Oh well, once I've got a replacement/new video card, I'll post what I hope is my final post on the matter. Thanks.