Sporadic Crashes When Gaming

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Thor7791

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Not sure if this is the right thread but this is where I'm putting it. About 6 months ago I built my first PC. In those 6 months I have experienced random crashing when gaming. I average one crash every 3 weeks or so and occasionally will go a string of days with daily crashes (namely the past 3 days). My crashes follow two main paths. The first is a generic blue-screen that says that Windows has crashed and that I should remove any new hardware. The second type of crash is every single program I have running crashes and it plays a horrible screeching rendition of whatever I was hearing before the crash. In both instances I am forced to shut down my computer, get angry, and reboot. My PC specs are as follows:

OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Mobo: Asus M5A97 AM3+
CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 Black 3.4 ghz
PSU: Coolermaster 550 w
GPU: Asus GTX 660 DirectCU II OC
RAM: 8 GB of ram that I took out of a 2 year old computer

So far, I have tried to fix some things on my own. I have changed which hdd I was using to one I know works with a fresh install of Windows, I have used a RAM test that has found no issues (except I apparently tested all sticks of ram, if you could explain how this works, that'd be appreciated), I also just upgraded my graphics card (The windows crashes telling me to remove any new hardware had been happening for 5 and a half months before I upgraded and I haven't had one of those crashes since) so I know that it's not the problem. I have updated all of the drivers that I could find and am out of ideas. You're probably thinking, "well the Mobo and CPU are the only possibilities, why is he even posting this?" I thought the same thing when my friend told me to make this post but he said that you were all smart and could maybe find a different problem, please live up to his praise.
 
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if something is older like the ram it's not going to do well on a newer M.B >all games, OS and software will load up on the ram< if one hardware is slower or older then the others it will slow down the software and eventually shutdown.

440 mhz something got lowered maybe its that
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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Okay some things still depends on things, I would PEG most likely the issue is PSU actually, as your only running 550W. Have you checked on your GPU + CPU + Mem + HDD power usages and calculate on FULL LOAD (as it when first POWERED ON, or say when running Furmarks) do you have enough power, I am thinking you may not.

Second to that, as you did a fresh install on a new HDD, but then swapped Video Cards, yeah the conclusion (since you replaced significant components) would be if it isn't the PSU, be the Mobo and CPU, yes your right and would be the next consideration.

One thing that does bother me even more is: "RAM: 8 GB of ram that I took out of a 2 year old computer". Did you determine that RAMs Timing sequence (like 7-7-7-9?) and ensure the Mobo/CPU can use that specific RAM? If the timing is wrong, this would likely be the other problem from the PSU being underpower for your hardware.
 
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Thor7791

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I just tried to check the logs on my other hdd but the manager froze and my computer crashed. I'm not really sure what I can do about that.
 
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Thor7791

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I am completely new to the computer building process so I am not sure how to check on my RAM's compatibility and/or timing. Also, my PSU was enough until I upgraded to a GPU that uses 100 more watts so now I also get to purchase a new one!
 
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Thor7791

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I just did the memtest and all of my ram checked out. What is confusing me the most is the fact that if it is a hardware issue (and it's looking like it is), it would be completely failing and shutting down. However, it is just sort of failing. My games freak out, force quit, then all of my programs crash and that's it. I just have to reboot it and it fixes. This is getting ridiculous and I don't want to buy a new CPU/Mobo
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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No hardware doesn't just Yes it work no it doesn't alot of times especially for the PSU, which is based on load. So when your pushing the power requirements not enough power to all the parts the programs are asking for causes them (which work with Yes it works no it doesn't) crash. I would recommend first start with a 650 or better yet a 725W or better (to give cushion) since you know your power requirements when up by 100W.

That said, to check your Timing, look in your Mobo manual and it will tell you what the memory is for what CPU (for example a i3 maybe one timing but a i5 is another). Then you would have to pull out the memory sticks themselves or the packaging they came in. Usually on them is the specs on a label saying it is a DDR3 etc. You should see a 4 digit timing like 2-2-7-7 or something. It has to match EXACTLY as your Mobo and CPU need.
 
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Thor7791

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Ok, I found my RAM timing and it's 6-6-6-18. I have no idea what this means because I didn't even know that RAM had "timing" until you posted saying it might be off. Also, according to my BIOS my memory is running at 864 MHz but CPU-Z says that it's at 433.5 MHz. My friend says that this is a huge problem (but he has yet to tell me why) so I figured I should probably put this information out there
 
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pjg

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what is the CPU cores and GPU temp if the 3rd core is 182oF that is over heating even if it can go up to 210oF its still is bad at 182oF if that is the problem then you will need to dust out your computer. I had the same problem.

If you are still having the same problem then if it is under warranty take the CPU or M.B back if it is not under warranty than cry over it
 
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Thor7791

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The hottest that my CPU has ever gotten is 149 degrees Fahrenheit so I think I'm good in that regard. I am, however, getting a new heatsink fan just because the stock one is too loud.
 
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pjg

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that's good then what i would do is call someone or take it in see what they say and go from there.
 
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pjg

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if something is older like the ram it's not going to do well on a newer M.B >all games, OS and software will load up on the ram< if one hardware is slower or older then the others it will slow down the software and eventually shutdown.

440 mhz something got lowered maybe its that
 
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