solidsteel144

Currently I'm not overclocking my system due to weird random lockups I've been having. I'm trying to pinpoint the problem and it's either the RAM or the CPU. ATM I'm testing the memory with memtest86+ and it hasn't run into any errors. When I run Prime95 (blend more) for a few minutes I get a system lockup. Any ideas?

L3gacy

You should try borrowing someone elses processor and put it in to see if it really is the processor

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L3gacy

What does the system lockup look like any lines or flashing colors anything

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durch

Most likely CPU, but you won't know until you isolate each part. When overclocking the CPU to find its limits, you need to lower the memory setting to keep the RAM slightly underclocked. You also need to adjust the HT multiplier to keep the HT Link within spec. Check the guide in my sig if you need help doing that. The guide is for older X2 AM2 systems, but the process is pretty much the same for AM2+ and AM3, just different HT Link speeds and RAM speeds (if using DDR3).

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Acoma_Andy

What kind of lock-ups are you getting? It seems you isolated the memory, and it's highly unlikely that it's the CPU since it's not overclocked. So in that case, the primary suspects are the PSU or board.

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NoGuru

A lot of times it will freeze if your NB is not set correctly.

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solidsteel144

Things I know it isn't:

Isn't the motherboard (swapped between two)
Isn't powersupply (swapped as well)
Isn't the video card (swapped)
Isn't the hard drives or CD drives (use different ones at a time)

Right now I've narrowed it to either the RAM or the CPU.

The RAM (all four modules) have passed memtest86+

CPU seems to fail (although could be RAM) under prime95 (all stock voltages and clocks)

Is it really possible for the CPU to be the issue? I've had this problem since day one. I've also noticed my CPU's idle temps are far too high (40-50c). The HSF is properly seated and has an appropriate amount of thermal paste. Sigh.

durch

Oh sorry missed the word "not" in the original post haha. Yea if nothing has been overclocked yet it could definitely be a hardware issue but it could also be a software issue. Do the lockups happen in anything else besides Prime95?

You might also want to check the BIOS settings and manually set the RAM speed, voltage, and timings. Sometimes the board can undervolt the RAM if the RAM requires higher voltage than a "standard" stick. Like some higher performing DDR2 kits require 2.2v but since DDR2 was originally designed to run at 1.8v, some boards either cannot provide the correct voltage or default to a lower value unless manually set.

EDIT: While you're in there, might as well set the CPU voltage and multiplier as well. And also the Reference clock speed and HT multiplier (assuming you know what you're doing).

Your temps do look high, have you tried monitoring the temps during the load test? You might not have seated the heat sink properly.

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solidsteel144

I've had to manually set the RAM voltages to 1.7v (1.7-1.8v acceptable by manufacturer).
I also had to set the timings manually (7-7-7-20 according to the manufacturer).
I've tested the system using ORTHOS and it has failed, but that was before I continues to tweak settings. Right now I've just updated to the latest firmware for my MB to see what happens.

Not sure what else could be off.

solidsteel144

Take a look at what one reviewer said:

Not compatible with Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P

white Reviewed By: Trifler on 10/5/2009
Rating + 3
Tech Level Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month
This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Memory was well liked by Memtest.
Cons: This memory is not compatible with the Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P motherboard. Other models from Mushkin might be, but this particular one is not. I tried two different sets. Both tested fine in memtest, but the computer kept freezing solid, requiring a power reset. I tried replacing the motherboard, but that didn't fix it either. Finally at Gigabyte's suggestion, I tried a different brand of memory, and it worked fine after that.
Other Thoughts: Not all DDR3 memory works with all DDR3 motherboards.



That was my previous MB I had issues with. Now take a look at my current one. It's from the same lineup. Crap...