Troubleshooting unstable build

608 Views 10 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Albatross1991, Dec 17, 2009

rage557

Discussion Starter · Dec 3, 2009

I have had this build for about 2 years now and its stability has been shotty from the start. I would get periods of stability where I could run prime95, fold, and do whatever with no problems. Then without warning, on the same settings, after weeks with no problems it would crash and be completely unstable again. I would then have to mess around with the bios and after a while I would find myself back at the same settings I was originally at and the computer would be stable again. Now I can not seem to find any stable clock speed. Even stock is unstable. The computer runs ok for non intense applications like web, word, videos, but if I try to download anything and do not throttle the dl speed, it will crash. And forget about folding.

So far I have replace the ram but that did not help. I am wondering if I have an issue with another one of the components. Recommendations?

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Odel

· #2 · Dec 3, 2009

Well, I would say the ram, but you already tried that...
Could be the CPU, Could be the Motherboard too...

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rage557

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 4, 2009

are there anyother tests i could run to help determine what the cause is or do i just have to start replacing components? If it matters, the computer usually freezes. no BSOD

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Albatross1991

· #4 · Dec 4, 2009

Suggest flashing your BIOS with latest version.

If you have a spare power supply swap it in.

Run Realtemp or whatever temp monitor you prefer.
Note your core temps idling and under stress.

Open the case locate your Northbridge chip and touch
the NB chip heatsink. It may be warm to slightly hot.
But if the NB is searing that is a problem.

If you are absolutely certain your RAM is fine then I will
leave that to your good judgement.

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rage557

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 4, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albatross1991

I updated the bios a little ways back. It didn't seem to have much effect. CPU temps are low, I have not checked the NB, i'll do that this afternoon. Ram passed several days on mem test with no errors.

Unfortunately no spare PSU

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rage557

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 8, 2009

So what is the first thing I should try swapping out?

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rage557

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 14, 2009

I've been running some stability testing with OCCT, yes i know its no Prime 95, but I have to start somewhere.

My computer is crashing during the testing. Not the crashing where OCCT flashes crash, but the computer is completely freezeing and must be restarted.

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FREELINE57

· #8 · Dec 14, 2009

Have you tried to update all your drivers?

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Albatross1991

· #9 · Dec 14, 2009

An intermittant power problem is a real possibility.
This would include AC input, PSU and motherboard.
And a long-shot would be graphics.

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rage557

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 17, 2009

I have tried updating all the drivers, and I reflashed the bios to the most current version. Right now I am looking at grabbing a 9800gt to replace the graphics card and perhaps upgrade the PSU as well. There isn't much I can do about the ac input. Its an old house though so it wouldn't surprise me if there were some problems.

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Albatross1991

· #11 · Dec 17, 2009

I think my previous suggestion of a power problem is not likely. That you should experience a power problem while merely down loading does not make sense. And the possibility of a graphics card as a suspect borders on ridiculous.

I would probably reformat and reinstall Windows for starters. Try and rule out a software issue before throwing parts at the problem. Unless of course you have spares laying about.

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