Issues with new PC build

[wsskappa]

I just build this machine up about 3 weeks ago (specs to the left) and I've been having some issues with it that I'm not sure how to diagnose.

Initially, a couple days after assembling the computer, windows would lock up and emit a loud buzz noise from the speakers once in awhile (and a little artifacting sometimes). Over the next 2-3 weeks, the problem kept popping up intermittently, but not enough to really bother me. A simple reboot seemed to do the trick. But about 5 days ago it got really bad.. The sound subsided but the computer froze with terrible artifacting. I booted up the machine without the GPU and the problem persisted... No BSOD or any error messages, besides windows 7 sometimes saying some files might have been lost in the improper shutdown and attempting to fix them.

I thought it might be a OS issue, so I reinstalled Windows 7 with a different DVD and for the most part the computer seems ok.. although it froze three times so far (no artifacts or funny noises), once at the BIOS screen and once during a 3dmark 11 benchmark and once during Battlefield 3 gameplay .

My question is... how should I go about diagnosing the problem? I did a memory test and it checks out good, and the problem seemed to persist with or without the GPU.. So idk if it's my PSU, CPU or mobo or what?

I want to make sure I didn't get any defective components before the 30-day return policy expires.

[automaticman]

What are you usually doing when it locks up? (prior to your windows reinstall at least, afterwards seems to point to heavy GPU use.)

Have you looked for critical errors in the Windows Even Viewer? That can usually point you in the right direction as to which component/driver is at the heart of the issue.


It froze at the BIOS screen? (guess this isn't really a question, but that really takes software out of the equation)


How long have you had that PSU? The fact that it's frozen 2 of 3 times while under a gaming load (in BF3 and 3DMark) makes me wonder about it, and Rosewill isn't a brand I feel good about for a componant as critical as the PSU.


Any overclock on the CPU or GPU? Have the newest mobo BIOS installed?

[killer_939]

I have had plenty of faulty ram still pass mem test but cause random freezes, i would start by testing 1 stick at a time or running it at 1066MHz, random freezes tend to be mostly caused by ram > hdd > psu in my experience.

[automaticman]

Usually when I see ram issues you get a BSOD saying "couldn't write to address xxxxx) or somesuch. It's certainly a good place to start though.

[wsskappa]

I'll def test the mem sticks (one at a time) again with memtest86. Not sure if I have the latest BIOS firmware installed.. I'll see if there is any new firmwares out. But the system is not OC at all, everything is bone stock, brand new (three weeks old). The only error that shows up is Kernel-Power 0x8000000000000002. It froze up on a random basis (anything from idling, opening folders or files, playing youtube videos, gaming).

Is there any program that will benchmark the PSU and analyze how well it's holding up during a stress test?

[killer_939]

Hmm, i got the same error when i had dieing ram last june/july, when i don't give my cpu enough voltage for its overclock and when i used to have a Xonar DG sound card and i disabled it in device manager.

[automaticman]

You can use hardware monitoring programs to watch the PSU voltage while you're running stress tests, it might be hard to catch the problem though.


The Kernel-Power error code is the "the computer did not shut down cleanly" error message that will show up after a hard hang, the computer loses power, or if you shut down by holding the power button.


Also, are you overclockign anything?

[wsskappa]

Nope, not overclocking anything. I think I'm just going to RMA the ram & powersupply. I ran memtest86 overnight... it passed 5 times with flying colors then froze. The computer also froze a couple minutes ago while watching a youtube video (followed by terrible buzz).. and then again during bootup (windows logo). Nothing is logged in the event viewer except the kernel-power code.

[automaticman]

I would get a PSU from a good brand like Seasonic, Corsair, PC Power and Cooling, Some of the higher end Antecs are very nice. Just try to find a good review for it on a site like jonnyguru, hardwaresecrets, or hardocp. Don't underestimate how critical a good power supply is for your system.

[wsskappa]

*nvm*

[wsskappa]

I picked up a Antec Earthwatt EA650D at a local store, in hopes that it would resolve the issue. Unfortunately the problem is still present.. as it just crashed a few minutes ago while playing BF3 (with that god awful buzz). I have noticed that the gameplay was rather stuttery.. with lots of hiccups and hangs while playing. Fraps didn't even register any of these drops in fps so I'm thinking it might be a CPU issue? I'm thinking of exchanging the CPU & Mobo.. I'm tired of this! Please help!!

I have upgraded the BIOS and drivers to the latest drivers... all temps seem to be ok (no OC and no overheating), all connections in the box are properly hooked up... and oh.. still no events are logged when it crashes! Btw, I ran multiple tests on the ram with memtest86 (both with one stick at a time and both sticks at same time) and I got no errors!

[killer_939]

Did you get around to testing the ram 1 stick at a time? Also you could try underclocking your cpu but i doubt it would be that as they are almost never faulty. You should also check your HDD as it could be dropping out making the os think the system lost power next boot up.

[automaticman]

Maybe try installing a program to read the SMART data from the hard drive to see if it has any indicators that it is failing, like re-mapped blocks. I'm using one from Acronis that is free and seems to work well. It gave me heads up in time to get everything backed up from a drive a month or two before it failed.

[Pill Monster]

My guess is CPU or RAM related.

Try testing with HyperPi, I find that to be best for checking CPU/RAM stability.

[ESlik]

You said "after a couple of days",the issue started. If so,have you tried a system restore? Won't hurt to try. Good luck!