Need help stopping random lock-ups

[jakexconniff]

Hello, I have posted before but the post died so I figured I'd remake it with updates.

My computer has been randomly freezing up after I play games for around an hour. The screen just freezes and the sound stutters until i hard reset my PC. I've waited like 10 minutes and it doesn't un-crash itself.

My specs:

Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
XFX nForce 790i Ultra 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q8400 ~2.7GHz Processor
Wintec AmpX DDR3 RAM (3AXC1600C8WS6GT) 2GB x 3
Corsair 850W Power Supply


Everything on my PC is less than a year old, custom built from Newegg; other than the Video Card. (And my primary hard drive.) These are both years old, something to keep in mind.

I have a heatsink for my CPU to prevent overheating.

I have tried:

Unplugging all the RAM, trying gaming with one stick at a time.

Changing the RAM timings, speed, and voltage in BIOS to what they're supposed to be according to the manufacturer website.

Clearing CMOS/BIOS.

Testing RAM with Prime95, no errors.

Testing GPU with FurMark, temperatures went really hot after an hour but no crash.

Waiting on a dvd drive from a friend to try and reformat PC.




So other than reformatting, anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to pin down what is making my PC crash? Thanks in advance.

 

[jaquith]

To 'revive' a post just post "Bump"... http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/282735-30-need-stopping-random-lock

Prior to doing anything; verify that the RAM is correctly installed: {See your Manual}. Also, your MOBO is is a Dual/Quad Channel MOBO so use the THIRD stick for a paperweight - remove it.

1. Run MSCONFIG and select Diagnostic
2. D/L HWMonitor - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
3. Open the Case and aim a fan at the open case run the tests.
4. Run the stress tests from before...

Also, please provide the EXACT link to your RAM {3AXC1600C8WS6GT} yielded zip results; I am pretty certain that it IS your problem, as stated "Dual/Quad Channel MOBO" not a Tri/Hexa Channel. While 'sometimes' the Tri Channel kits are indeed listed ONLY 2 can be used - a small caveat.

 

[jakexconniff]

Prior to doing anything; verify that the RAM is correctly installed: {See your Manual}. Also, your MOBO is is a Dual/Quad Channel MOBO so use the THIRD stick for a paperweight - remove it.

Also, please provide the EXACT link to your RAM {3AXC1600C8WS6GT} yielded zip results; I am pretty certain that it IS your problem, as stated "Dual/Quad Channel MOBO" not a Tri/Hexa Channel. While 'sometimes' the Tri Channel kits are indeed listed ONLY 2 can be used - a small caveat.

Sorry but can you go into further detail? I will try what you suggested but I'm curious about this. Are you saying my motherboard isn't supposed to have 3 sticks of RAM, that my 3rd stick is useless? Would I be okay if I bought another stick?



Wintec AMPX 3AXH1600C8WS4GK is my RAM btw.

 

[jaquith]

The memory needs to be installed in PAIRS -> MATCHED-SETS and NOT individually as NON-MATCHED pairs. link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161283

Memory is sold in pairs or in sets of three and is BIN matched; meaning randomly selecting RAM even off the same assembly line may result in a unstable system. The RAM Mfg tests each stick with a variety of TESTS and then places them into 'matched' BINS those BINS are then packed in sets of 2 or 3. Therefore, taking BIN 1 and putting it together with BIN 6 may yield a problem.

Next, you'll need to verify with WINTEC online Ticket or via Configuration IF the 3AXH1600C8WS4GK is compatible with your XFX nForce 790i Ultra MOBO.

If you install ONLY 2 sticks does you PC run?

 

[jakexconniff]

The memory needs to be installed in PAIRS -> MATCHED-SETS and NOT individually as NON-MATCHED pairs. link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161283

Memory is sold in pairs or in sets of three and is BIN matched; meaning randomly selecting RAM even off the same assembly line may result in a unstable system. The RAM Mfg tests each stick with a variety of TESTS and then places them into 'matched' BINS those BINS are then packed in sets of 2 or 3. Therefore, taking BIN 1 and putting it together with BIN 6 may yield a problem.

Next, you'll need to verify with WINTEC online Ticket or via Configuration IF the 3AXH1600C8WS4GK is compatible with your XFX nForce 790i Ultra MOBO.

If you install ONLY 2 sticks does you PC run?

Yep, my PC runs with 1, 2, or 3 sticks of the RAM. No issues either way, other than the constant freezing.


So if I wanted to upgrade to 4 sticks would I have to buy 4 whole new sticks or would I be able to find the same model of RAM as mine and add 1 more?

 

[jaquith]

Rule-out bad RAM:
1. Download and create a bootable Memtest CD/DVD {ISO/zip} - http://www.memtest.org/
2. Run for (2) passes

Post the results.

Run (2) Sticks:
1. Run MSCONFIG and select Diagnostic
2. D/L HWMonitor - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
3. Open the Case and aim a fan at the open case run the tests.
4. Run the stress tests from before...

Post the temps:

Also, if your RAM is indeed incompatible then you may need to exchange for ones that are compatible with your MOBO.