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Dr Sadako · July 07, 2008, 09:19:00 AM

My computer have decided not to work. I have had big problems with random BSODs and I thought previously that it had to do with temperature. I then started to suspect that it was my HDD. It is old and have been along for a long time so I went out and bought a new one. Installed windows and the regular software stuff but no luck. BSOD returned. :sad: I then suspected my Soundblaster X-Fi (which I already have a hate relationship with since before) but that seemed ok. Now I have ripped out my SATA controller card and so far (fingers crossed) the computer haven't BSOD. :sideways:

So now I am donw to the options that I buy a new SATA controller card for about 40-50 Euros or a buy a new motherboard instead for roughly twice that price and get the SATA connections directly on the board.

Anyways, I will not be around on the servers until I get this mess sorted.

OldBloke · July 07, 2008, 09:30:23 AM

Good luck with the repairs Mats or ....

get a spinky new PC

DuVeL · July 07, 2008, 09:37:50 AM

GL and fingers crossed!
BTW, are you sure it's not the GraphicsCard?
My old 1 gave me loads of BSOD's.

Dr Sadako · July 07, 2008, 09:42:09 AM

Quote from: DuVeL;236748GL and fingers crossed!
BTW, are you sure it's not the GraphicsCard?
My old 1 gave me loads of BSOD's.

I have running on the same rig for almost 2 years now with the exact same setup. :g:

Dr Sadako · July 07, 2008, 12:27:32 PM

Now I have installed a new SATA controller card that is PCI instead of PCI-e and all the HDDs are up and running and still no BSODs. I noticed that the old controller card was loose in the socket so it could easily be moved. I think this is the reason for the problem.
Hopefully I will be back soon. Now I "only" have to install all the software again ...

delanvital · July 07, 2008, 12:39:50 PM

Quote from: Dr Sadako;236772Now I have installed a new SATA controller card that is PCI instead of PCI-e and all the HDDs are up and running and still no BSODs. I noticed that the old controller card was loose in the socket so it could easily be moved. I think this is the reason for the problem.
Hopefully I will be back soon. Now I "only" have to install all the software again ...

How long interludes did you have between the BSoDs? Are they related to use, i.e. what happens if you just leave the PC running? And finally, did you use BSoD software to track the meaning of the crash?

Anonymous · July 07, 2008, 12:48:33 PM

Quote from: delanvital;236774did you use BSoD software

Yes. he's running Windows :roflmao:

Dr Sadako · July 07, 2008, 01:50:15 PM

Quote from: delanvital;236774How long interludes did you have between the BSoDs? Are they related to use, i.e. what happens if you just leave the PC running? And finally, did you use BSoD software to track the meaning of the crash?

It was random crashes. It could be while I was playing a game, browsing the internet, not using the computer, being in the BIOS, during windows startup. Then I could have days without any BSODs. Random in one word.

KKND · July 07, 2008, 01:51:55 PM

Quote from: BlueBall;236775Yes. he's running Windows :roflmao:

So whe have all BSODs:narnar:

T-Bag · July 07, 2008, 02:17:48 PM

Quote from: Dr Sadako;236783It was random crashes. It could be while I was playing a game, browsing the internet, not using the computer, being in the BIOS, during windows startup. Then I could have days without any BSODs. Random in one word.

I had something similar, BSoD at random with my old computer. Would strike at random, but around 30% of the time I booted into CS:S it would have a fit. (I suuspected my ram but could never proove it). There's nothing more annoying than thinking you've tracked down a problem but not being sure when you've fixed it.
Good Luck.

delanvital · July 09, 2008, 09:36:42 AM

Quote from: BlueBall;236775Yes. he's running Windows :roflmao:

:roflmao:

I was thinking along the lines of enabling memory.dmp and then using fx. dumpchk to get the stop code. Then run the stop code by for example MSDN to check for a possible explanation. That is at least a hint to reaching a diagnose. Has helped me in the past to track down bad ram, which can be a real PITA (due to being random

)

Edit: One place to check codes is here fx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms789516.aspx

Snokio · July 09, 2008, 06:47:24 PM

I had BSOD's on my old system which appeared at random, but i discovered (after re-install of windows, using different hdds cables etc etc), it was my RAM after running a RAM checker, I suggest you defo should look into this, i will try and find it again.

Edit : you could try 'memtest' http://hcidesign.com/memtest/download.html - although this was not the one i used IIRC

Aquilifer · July 09, 2008, 07:50:52 PM

For mem testing http://www.memtest.org/ - memtest86+

A note for Asus motherboard users.
(for newer mobos with AI overclocking, like Asus P5K)
It seems that the AI overclocking function is ON by default. I displays as [Optimal] in BIOS settings. So it tryes to figure out itself some overclocked settings which doesn't crash immediately. However this doesn't mean it doesn't hang up in longer heavy use. This can still cause random BSODs with different error codes which doesn't point to any particular direction (like OC BSODs in general). You should check it to [standard] for non overclocked setup or if using OC I would recommend doing it manually.

Dr Sadako · July 14, 2008, 12:30:00 PM

So the BSODs have returned and are more evil than ever. I never manage to get into windows even.

I have had a look around on various forums and there seems to be an issue with having 4x1Gb internal memory and also Quad cores. There might be a solution to play around with voltages and such but the more I read the less inspired I become.

I am considering just taking out the mobo and replacing it with a new one that actually is Quad core ready from the start. So any suggestions on a mobo that should support this

Quad Q6600
4x1 Gb PC-6400
8800 GTX
5 sata drives
1 ide slot
Soundblaster X-fi Fatality

I have no interest in overclocking (unless it is idiot simple setup, no fuss, and working)

Doc "BSOD" Sadako

Anonymous · July 14, 2008, 12:39:23 PM

Quote from: Dr Sadako;237643So any suggestions on a mobo that should support this

Quad Q6600
4x1 Gb PC-6400
8800 GTX
5 sata drives
1 ide slot
Soundblaster X-fi Fatality

I have no interest in overclocking (unless it is idiot simple setup, no fuss, and working)

Doc "BSOD" Sadako

Any of the Gigabyte DQ6 series. I have the P35 DQ6 but I believe the X48 DQ6 is now available:

X48 (DDR2 version): http://uk.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2763

X48T (DDR3 version): http://uk.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2765

Any Gigabyte mboards that have T are DDR3