Random Freezing/Rebooting on new build

LiE · 29 Mar 2011 at 12:20

New PC build about 6 weeks ago and have had seemingly random issues for the past 3 weeks.
The PC will reboot itself without warning without any BSOD.

I am running the F8 BIOS version and have updated all drivers to current versions.
I have run a memtest (x64 version) which returned no errors.

PC Spec
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 955 Black Edition "125W Edition" 3.20GHz (Socket AM3)
Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H AMD 880G (Socket AM3) microATX DDR3 Motherboard
Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache
OCZ Gold 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Low-Voltage Dual Channel Kit
Coolermaster Elite Power 500W Power Supply
Samsung SH-S223CBEBE 22x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter

Usually I'm running VMWare and a browser, sometimes iTunes.
Today the PC froze and didn't reboot itself, it just gave a strange fuzzy output on the screen!

I am in the process of installing Windows 7 SP1 to see if that improves the situation.

If anyone can help it will be greatly appreciated.

Philtor · 29 Mar 2011 at 12:22

Are your Temps all ok?

LiE · 29 Mar 2011 at 12:24

What would you suggest to monitor temps?

RedvGreen · 29 Mar 2011 at 12:28

GPU-Z for graphics; CoreTemp for CPU, SpeedFan for Mobo.

Monitor temps in applications/games or during stress testing (Prime95 for CPU, FurMark for GFX).

You didn't state what graphics card you are using by the way? I am experiencing slightly similar issues with the PC restarting itself with a pair of HIS HD 6970 cards.

Philtor · 29 Mar 2011 at 12:28

I use Open Hardware Monitor personally.

LiE · 29 Mar 2011 at 12:29

The graphics is integrated into the motherboard.

I'll check the temps.

LiE · 29 Mar 2011 at 14:08

Some temps, running Virtual Box - 3 images, VMWare 1 image, Excel, Word, Filezilla, snooker, 3 browsers,itunes, notepad++

Can't find a temp for the gpu.

RedvGreen · 29 Mar 2011 at 14:25

GPU should be OK if it's just onboard - will be around-about the Motherboard temp.

Philtor · 29 Mar 2011 at 14:38

It's the load Temps that matter so what would you normally be doing when the system restarts? Is there anything in event viewer?

adzz83 · 30 Mar 2011 at 09:43

Hi,

Just an update on this thread (LiE was posting on my behalf).

I have run the Windows Memory Diagnostics test in extended mode (boot CD) and discovered the following errors:

1st test with DIMM 0 - Failures on the Stride38 and WStride-6 tests
2nd test with DIMM 1 - Failures on the Stride38 test only

So I think my first job is to replace the RAM and retest.

philtorrens - The restarts seem to be random, after loading it heavy yesterday it seemed fine, then rebooted later when I was only running 2 -3 apps.

It has even done it when the wife has been on email only!

Cheers

Philtor · 30 Mar 2011 at 09:47

Strange you didn't get any BSOD with it being suspect RAM. I notice the Windows Memory diagnostic is picking up failures on both Dimms.. Have you set the voltage and timings in the BIOS manually?

adzz83 · 30 Mar 2011 at 09:53

OK, after a crash yesterday afternoon I was presented with a 'Windows has recovered...' message:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.1
Locale ID: 2057

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: a
BCP1: FFFFF280066C9450
BCP2: 0000000000000002
BCP3: 0000000000000000
BCP4: FFFFF80003080559
OS Version: 6_1_7601
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 256_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\032911-22744-01.dmp
C:\Users\Adam\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-55895-0.sysdata.xml

Strangely though I didn't actually get a BSOD, the screen just blanked.

The BIOS settings are standard, reset to failsafe defaults.

Philtor · 30 Mar 2011 at 09:57

I would perhaps try setting the voltage and timings for the RAM manually in the BIOS just to see what happens. It's unusual to have 2 x faulty sticks of RAM just unless they are not fully compatible with your board or they are not getting enough voltage when left on the auto setting.

adzz83 · 30 Mar 2011 at 10:00

TBH - I wouldn't know what settings to configure. Any suggestions?

Philtor · 30 Mar 2011 at 10:07

If you look at your RAM you will notice a sticker with the voltage and timings printed on them. It will tell you how to enter these values in your Motherboard manual (sorry I don't have a Gigabyte board). It's worth a shot as it's a little unusual to have 2 x faulty RAM sticks unless they are not fully compatible with your board or they are not getting enough juice. That's not to say that both sticks could be faulty... just unlikely.

adzz83 · 30 Mar 2011 at 10:12

OK I'll give it a bash and update ASAP. Thanks

adzz83 · 30 Mar 2011 at 14:37

Still getting failures on the memory test (Stride38 & WStride-6)

I have set the voltage (1.65v) in the BIOS and set up the timings as per the manufacturers specifications. 9-9-9-20 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS).

Could this be iffy RAM or maybe MB?

CrixxzeH · 30 Mar 2011 at 15:00

im going with philtorrens, must be clock speed not compatible with mobo causing sytem to bottlekneck imo.

Philtor · 30 Mar 2011 at 15:11

Yeah im thinking the RAM isn't compatible as it's very unlikely you have x 2 faulty Dimms.

adzz83 · 3 Apr 2011 at 20:36

OK, strange question but here goes:

I have been tearing my hair out with this and have been trying a few things.
I have an old set of speakers which are powered by the main PC kettle lead connection. The connector sits inline with the PC lead.

So since removing that from the equation (fingers crossed) I haven't had a BSOD or restart.

Could this have been causing a weird power issue? I have read that failing PSU's can cause BSOD and memory errors.

Could be a red herring but it's odd that the system seems stable now!!