Computer freezes randomly - RAM issue? totally new build

mrsamdk · Nov 30, 2014

Im experiencing what to me could seem like a RAM issue.

Symptons are:
- Two times the last two days, i've played a (one and same) computer game and suddently after 10-30mins the game would just freeze. No errors or anything. "Scrambled" freeze sound and cant toggle anything.
- I've had the computer turned on just sitting on the desktop for a whole day and nothing happened.

It's an old game, so not anything that would put high load on anything. I've only experienced it while playing the game - havent had time to play other game to see if it happens here, but think its a "global" issue.

This is a shiny new build i've put together myself - haven't changed any settings or anything.
- Plugged hardware in and installed Windows 8.1 + misc software.
- Updated BIOS

Question:
How would I go about debugging on this? Any suggestions?

My PC build:
MSI X99S GAMING 7
Intel Core i7-5820K Haswell-E
Crucial Ballistix SP DDR4-2400 QC - 16GB
MSI GeForce GTX 970 GAMING - 4GB GDDR5
Samsung 850 PRO SSD - 256GB

SCREENSHOT FROM BIOS SETTING:

spooky2th · Dec 1, 2014

Did you set up the bios and memory timings & speed after updating BIOS?

mrsamdk · Dec 1, 2014

Hi spooky2th - nope :/ Didn't know of this.

How do I know / where do I find out which timings & speed is needed defined?

Vic 40 · Dec 1, 2014

Look in the bios for "Extreme Memory Profile" (XMP) and see if it is enabled,make sure it is and makes the ram run at the rated speeds and timings.It might give different profiles,just choose the right one.Look for the speed and timings at the site of crucial,the package it came in or on the ram itself (sticker).

mrsamdk · Dec 1, 2014

Hi Vic - thanks a lot for the suggestion!

I just had a look and the following was defined:
- XMP: Enabled
- DRAM frequency: Auto (=adjusted DRAM frequency 2400 mhz)

So seems like it's defined to correct values here?

Specs on the RAM are:
DDR4 2400MHz 16-16-16-39 1.200V.

Vic 40 · Dec 1, 2014

mrsamdk :

if it gives these values underneath the XMP profile yes,

mrsamdk :

You could run memtest86+ for >4passes to see if this gives errors.
http://www.memtest.org/

spooky2th · Dec 1, 2014

Enabling XMP, profile1 usually is all you need to do. Should set up the memory to the advertised specs like mentioned above. With 2400MHz memory, you might need to up the CPU memory controller voltage some.

mrsamdk · Dec 2, 2014

Would love to try and tweak on the CPU memory controller voltage, but frankly don't know how.

Under an option called "Overclocking/Digital power" I can see the following relating to CPU voltage:
- CPU Over voltage protection
- CPU Under voltage protection
- CPU Over current protection

And something similar for DRAM. But nothing that says CPU memory voltage controller :/ Could it be called something differerent?

spooky2th · Dec 2, 2014

See if there is a VTT voltage listed in the CPU voltage settings in BIOS.

Here's an article on voltages.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/Understanding-All-Voltage-Configurations-from-the-Motherboard/995

mrsamdk · Jan 6, 2015

Im still having the issue
I've concluded that it also happens just purely being on the desktop.

Tried looking deeper into the voltages articles - but it's all greek to me

I ram the memtest and after one hour it said - done with no errors.

I tried adding a screenshot from BIOS with my settings - would anyone be able to take a look and see if it looks fishy?

Vic 40 · Jan 6, 2015

First enable the Extreme Memory Profile=XMP as said.
Make sure memtest runs for about four passes.

mrsamdk · Jan 6, 2015

Yea I noticed XMP disabled the second I posted. Not sure why it disabled again, but it has been enabled for a good period of time the first time you posted where it freezed.

But ill see what happens now again after enabling.

Memtest - I just let it run automatically untill it said done without errors. I need to configure it for four passes or?

spooky2th · Jan 7, 2015

Mem test should continue to do passes until you stop it. See the VCC voltage. Try upping the VCC voltage by .002V to 1.81V. If still not stable Try upping another .002V. And so on till you get stability. Always enable XPM profile1 or 2 if you have to, before upping the VCC voltage then save. Make sure the timings & speed are correct when saving too.

mrsamdk · Jan 15, 2015

Hi Spooky2th - thanks again - just have had to find patience and time between important work for this, but ill go in test mode now.

Can you confirm the values I need to up is for the "VCCIN VOLTAGE" from the screenshot?

mrsamdk · Jan 16, 2015

"Can you confirm the values I need to up is for the "VCCIN VOLTAGE" from the screenshot?"
>> Anyone?

spooky2th · Jan 16, 2015

Try some of the MSI utilities that come with the MB, first. Then maybe try some of what I was saying above.

mrsamdk · Jan 20, 2015

Hey spooky2th - actually did already try to install some smart tuning utilities etc. they sadly don't recommend anything that seems to relate to voltage.

Would still love to try out what you suggest, but would you be able to confirm which voltage setting I need to change? Is it "VCCIN VOLTAGE"

spooky2th · Jan 20, 2015

First turn XMP off and if your memory is running higher than 1600MHz, set it down to 1600MHz. Set your clock multiplyer up some till you find the highest setting that is stable.

Here is an Intel tool for OC'ing.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=24075&lang=eng

I would try this first and see what voltages have changed when used. Then you can start your own learning process by slightly upping the voltages (small increases at a time) and see what combinations work and what don't. Keep an eye on temps too before you go running stress tests.

I would start with a multiplyer of 45 and CPU core voltage of 1.3V which is a safe OC. Then start tweeking from there. Restarting and checking for stability after each tweek. Be careful and have fun.

ChiefRSA · Feb 24, 2015

Did you ever resolve this. I have upgraded my pc and have the same ram and same series motherboard and magically have the same issue.

armedgeek · Feb 18, 2017

I have this same exact problem! I've had it since day one of my build. I have the same motherboard as well, including a 970. I have done everything i can think of as far as hardware testing to figure out what is wrong and i'm seriously about to throw this PC out the window. I've tested my ram, CPU and GPU mem. I even put a new power supply in today. Ive downgraded to windows 7 and i still have this issue.

Vic 40 · Feb 18, 2017

Hi welcome.

It's better to create you own thread instead of reviving a thread of over 1 year old.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/31/new_thread.htm
Make a title and describe what is going on,can link this thread if you want.

Computer freezes randomly - RAM issue? totally new build

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