Newish build issues, random restarts

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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cpu psu memory or short issues? Can't figure out what it is after trying almost everything.

"New" build issues. Bought pieces 2+ years ago, life got in the way.
Asus x58 Sabertooth Mobo
Intel i7 6-core cpu
3x 8mb DDR3 1600 stick 1stchoice budget RAM
850W Thermaltake PSU
GeForce GTX 680? (sorry not in front of it right now)
Samsung SSD + Hitachi traditional HDD.

Through many trials and tribulations involving an RMA, several failed windows installs, etc. I got it running.

It restarts randomly during CPU stress tests, or some times during gaming (currently SMITE is the game of choice). If it restarts, the case lights flicker before and after and it usually can't get back to where I can immediately game again, turning off or restarting a few times before having a stable boot.

I tried swapping out a PSU, and tried supplementing the power with the second PSU in case I was somehow overloading my 850w.

I've updated the BIOS to newest version.
I've tried several settings in BIOS over / not overclocking, various HDD settings, anything anyone suggested when searching for solutions for this problem.
I've updated the graphics drivers.
I checked that all cables and cards are seated properly.
I rearranged cables in case, keeping them away from any contact points where a short circuit could occur.
I have the fans putting negative pressure in case (more out than in). They're stock fans, but the biggest that my 2006-era case has vents for.
Stock heat sink on cpu, but with no O/C that shouldn't be the issue? Reapplied thermal paste 2-3 times confirming that there was no air bubbles etc. each time.

I'm at my wits' end. The thing runs like a dream at 100-120+ FPS in game (I know my monitor can't display that, but literally max settings perfection), I just want to be able to play for more than 23 minutes without a disastrous restart ruining a multiplayer game.
 

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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It's running at default BIOS settings, which have a lot of [Auto] entries, but I think it's reading the default speed of processor, no OC. I tried changing a few things to manual but they either didn't help or made it have trouble booting (I am not an experienced Overclocker)
 

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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Stock one that came with CPU. It's ugly but functional. Not overclocked, so I didn't think that would be an issue.
 

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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I'm at work now but I will do so late this evening.
 

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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What are normal temps? Without even loading game, it's creeping up to 104-120 F. When gaming it restarted before 5 minutes in.
 

20salmon

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Jun 23, 2013
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Temps are probably not causing your problems, if you are below 175-180 F during heavy load you're not in the danger zone.

You say 3 x 8mb RAM, I assume you mean three 8gb RAM sticks? Have you tried experimenting with only using 1 or 2 of the RAM sticks? (also, you don't need 24gb RAM, 8gb is enough for gaming, 16gb for video editing.

If it's not the RAM then it sounds like your motherboard may be faulty. You have enough power in the PSU, but the PSU could be faulty. Have you got another PSU or motherboard you can test with?
 

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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It passed full run of Memtest, so I don't think any sticks are bad on the ram. Mobo already was RMAd, and returned, I'm pretty sure Asus confirmed it was not unstable but no way to check. PSU is still a possibility, as in my opinion the bad stock heatsink is. I tried supplementing the power but the backup one I picked up wasn't configured properly for my mobo (no 8-pins, just 6-pins, and not enough of them). Still considering another one, but would PSU issues be intermittent, anywhere between 10 minutes and 3 hours?
 

20salmon

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Jun 23, 2013
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What model is your Thermaltake PSU? Could be that every once in a while it becomes unstable and gives out less power than the mobo/gpu needs.
 

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Power_Supply/Smart_Series_/Smart/C_00001973/SMART_M1000W_US_/design.htm

This or very similar.
 

cgott

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Dec 17, 2014
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There were two 8-pin connectors with different square/hex configurations but they both fit the mobo power socket. I noticed the extra tucked away and forehead slapped. They must have been running different voltages, hasn't blacked out since.