64bit AMD unstable 1

[gmorton]

Hi everyone.

I bought the following PC about 3 months ago and still haven't got it working properly:

MSI K8N Neo platinum motherboard
64-bit AMD 3GHz processor.
1024 MB ddr RAM
Radeon 9600XT 256Mb video card.
160GB SATA hard drive.
Windows XP (NOT 64-bit edition yet).

I was having a blue screen issue (paging fault or something) that caused random reboots, most frequently when I tried to run graphics intensive games. However, it even reset whilst doing nothing (just desktop).

I read that the bios had an error which reported the temperature incorrectly, so I flashed the bios and haven't had the same blue screen since. However, the games (whilst holding out longer than before) now freeze up or just exit back to Windows.

I've run Linux memory tests for 14 hours and they checked out fine. I've had my new video card in my old PC it hasn't caused problems there, but by old graphics card causes the same problems in my new PC as the new one, so I don't think it's the graphics card (could be drivers though so I'm busy dwnloading new ones). Tried different hard drives as well.

Anything I could try or I've overlooked?
TIA

Grant

 

[paparazi]

Two things imediately spring to mind!

1) 2 X 512mb modules? try one at a time and then test, memory issues are common

2) What power supply do you have? try another if poss, branded 350watt plus.

Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[roycrom]

That temperature reporting definitely wrong? I had issues similar to this when my CPU was overheating, especially when running games. Maybe its your CPU fan.

------------------------------------------
Somethings come from nothing, nothing seems to come from somethings - SFA - Guerilla

roycrom

 

[gmorton]

Thanks guys.

I don't think it's the CPU fan - it seems to be working correctly. Also, i have a 350W power supply and whilst the voltages in the bios seem to be correct, that might be an issue so I will try to find another PS to use.

Will try to run with just one memory module. The Linux memory tests didn't return any errrors though (ran for nearly 15 hours). Still, I'm willing to try anything!! Starting to think it may be faulty hardware though :-(.

Thanks
Grant

 

[paparazi]

gmorton
Mem tests are fine with obvious faults but I've seen many pass this type of test but cured when the memory was swapped.
Also, the memory might not be faulty but it could be that your motherboard just doesn't like it! I know this sounds bizaar but it happens.
My MSI K8 Neo2 7025 AMD 3500, didn't like the Samsung modules I was using, thankfully when you work in a PC custom shop, it's easy just to swap for another type and the Twinmoss replacement runs fine untill I can aford the OCZ.
350watt PSU (Generic?)if so get that changed regardless.
Enermax, Antec, FSP, CWT, Tagan, Chieftech, Zalman quality unit, 350watt plus
Martin
Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[gmorton]

I think it's an aero cool PS. I'm at work now, so I can't check. I know that the box came with a 300W PS and I had it upgraded. Will try take one of the memory modules out and see if that works... maybe also try to put the memory from my old PC into the new one and see if a different make helps.

Thanks again
Grant

 

[A1ex]

What CPU temp do you get? I've found poorly seated CPU's, perhaps with inadequate thermal compound, can survive quite well until stressed. I think this is more likely than poor fan performance.

A1ex

 

[gmorton]

When I got home from work yesterday, I removed one of the memory modules and guess what?? The PC was stable, running Battlefield 1942 and others for over 4 hours1 Didn't crash once!

Guess that means that my MSI motherboard doesn't like the hynix memory (I should get a different make), or am I jumping to the wrong conclusion?

Thanks, once again for all the help.
Grant (smiling again!!)

 

[paparazi]

Yes and no,
Have you tried the system with the one you took out (on it's own) if this proves unstable then likely just a bad module but if this second stick runs fine on it's own then I would personally say you need to have a friendly word with the supplier and see if he is willing to swap them for another brand.
Hynix and generally a good brand, it's hard to give reasons but obviously there is a possible incompatibility here.
Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[gmorton]

Will try that and see.
Thanks again for all the help. It's much apreciated.

Grant