Random crashes - diagnostics

Colezy

Colezy

Colezy

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Joined
9 Sep 2011
Posts
9
Hi all,

I built a new high-end system a few months ago and occasionally, mainly when under load I get crashes. Not BSOD, after this crash the screen goes black and I can't even turn the PC off by the reset or power buttons. I have to pull the plug and leave it for a few minutes.

System specs in brief:
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
MSI 890FXA-GD70 Motherboard
3x 6970 2GB in Tri-fire
1250W OCZ ZX PSU

My initial thoughts were the overclock, so I underclocked it. No help.
Then Crossfire, removed a GFX card. No Help.
Removed another GFX card. No help.
Maybe memory, I was using old memory from my previous system. Replaced it with new stuff. No help.

I'm only really left with PSU or faulty mobo now.

What is the easiest way to diagnose if a PSU is not performing?
Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Andy
 
well... it looks like I may have solved my own problem. My PSU is seriously under performing. According to SpeedFan, my +12V rail is at 10.3V and my +3.3V rail is at 3.1V.

Going to shutdown now and test with a multimeter to double check.
 
Is the memory voltage correct in the BIOS - even for the new memory.

I never trust software for reading voltages, good idea using a multimeter.
 
If the volts really are low, it'd be worth running a minimal setup in case one of the components is causing it, or test the PSU in another system (or both :) )
 
SpeedFan is crap at reading voltages.

Found the problem. The PSU is fine, BIOS and multimeter read 12.2V. The problem was a loose connection on the 24-pin connector. 1 of the 12V pins must have been arcing because the plastic housing around that pin has been completely melted away and the surrounding housings are a bit morphed.

This is a real pain, I could replace the 24-pin head no problem for about £10 but the female connector on the motherboard is beyond repair and would need to be replaced too. I'm not THAT good at soldering and I know I'd break the mobo for good if I tried. At least at the minute the male and female still slot together in their melted / misformed state.

I have pinched the offending pins themselves to help ensure a better connection. I hope this will be enough, I really can't afford a new mobo right now.
 
Can this not be replaced under warranty? Surely this is down to the faulty 24 pin power lead from the PSU? If it's damaged your board then really they should replace that too. It's worth a shot.
 
I'm not sure, I suspect that OCZ will say that it must have been the mobo's fault and MSI will say it must have been the PSU's fault.
They are in a perfect position to shift the blame to each other.

This is why I HATE the 20+4 pin connectors (the fault was the 12V on the 4-pin) they feel so fragile and unstable.
 
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