Problem: Random computer freezes, i.e. hard locks, requiring me to do a reset. These occur especially when playing 3D games, but very rarely even while only browsing. Once about every twenty freezes I get a BSOD instead of a freeze, telling me there is a DRIVER_FAULT with the Realtek HD Audio Driver.
I mostly play "Warcraft III TFT", but I had freezes with some rather new MMORPGs as well, such as "Age of Conan" or "Warhammer: Age of Reckoning".
My Computer:
Mainboard: MSI P35 Neo2 FR
CPU: Intel E8400 3.0GHz
Memory: 2x2GB G.Skill DDR2-1000, running at 800MHz effectively
PSU: be quiet! Dark Power Pro 550W
HDs: 500GB Seagate with updated firmware, 250GB Samsung; both SATA
Gfx: Leadtek 8800GTS 512MB
Windows XP SP3
mouse, keyboard, WLAN stick are connected via USB; no further USB connected devices
What I've already done: Hardware changes:
installed new hard disk: Seagate 500GB
exchanged SATA cables
detached DVD and floppy drive
checked and renewed thermal grease thrice
exchanged WLAN stick with a different one
exchanged PSU; had a lower-quality PSU before
exchanged graphics card with a friend's one; after the next crash, reinstalled my own again; I did the same thing with a friend's CPU and RAM. Hence, I had only one of the three exchanged at a time
exchanged motherboard with another Neo2 FR
Yeah, I indeed exchanged almost every component hardware, even if not all at one time. Note I'm using my own CPU, memory and graphics card again, i.e. the ones listed above.
Software/BIOS related:
repeatedly updated drivers, updated BIOS
reinstalled Windows XP twice; had it installed on each hard disk
disabled onboard sound in BIOS; freezes continued
slightly underclocked CPU and RAM
played around with memory voltage and clock
deactivated anti-virus program
Tests:
chkdsk
tested RAM with memtest86+
did some stress test with CPU and graphics card
checked PSU voltages with a multimeter
Temperatures:
CPU: 40-50°, in idle slightly below
CPU cores: 50-60°, in idle slightly below
memory, north- and southbridge passives as well as capacitors passive next to CPU are a bit more than hand-hot
GPU: 60° in idle with fan at 37%
hard disks: ~30°
More: The BIOS displays only 4.1V-4.3V for the 5V-SB voltage. Although I've exchanged PSU and mainboard, the voltage is still displayed that low.
I've already had opened the chassis and turned fans to full power, still having freezes.
I'm really am at my wits' end and don't know what to check/do next. I'd appreciate any help.
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