[P8P67] Seemingly random hangs...

[zoidoid]

So I built a new Sandy Bridge rig about a week and a half ago. So far it's been brilliant (aside from not being able to get my Samsung HDD to be detected on the Intel SATA controller). However, four or five times the computer has hung. And in most cases if I'm very patient it eventually recovers. During the crash I can move my mouse but windows is COMPLETELY unresponsive. I cannot even bring up task manager. What are some potential causes for this behavior? It doesn't seem to be stress-related because I've played game for hours without a problem. I've also been able to do some heavy HD work in After Effects (and render files out) without much of a hitch (though once this did trigger the freeze!).

I'm leaning toward the problem being the Samsung drive or the Marvell controller. Could HDD issues be responsible? Note that I have Windows 7 installed on a separate SSD. Here's the rig:

- Intel i5-2500k
- Asus P8P67
- Crucial RealSSD C300 120GB (with Windows 7 x64 installed) and plugged into the Intel controller (6 Gb/s).
- Samsung HD103SJ 1TB for storage (and some programs) and plugged into the Marvell controller (6 Gb/s).
- G.Skill Ripjaws X Series (2x4GB) currently running at 1300 it seems (should I manually set this to 1600)
- Antec EarthWatts EA-500D 500W power supply
- ATI HD4770

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Here's a few suggestions:
1. Verify that you have the latest BIOS installed; 1401 http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=Qx3PdnZI9Pq9BcIU
2. Verify that the C300 has the latest Firmware; 0006 http://www.crucial.com/support/firmware.aspx
3. HDD Enable the Marvell SATA in the BIOS; chances are it's Disabled.
4. HDD there zip advantages for ANY HDD to use SATA3 Ports - Intel or Marvell. The HDD at best is 1/2 of SATA2 speeds. {HDD 140~150 MB/s ; SATA2 300 MB/s ; SATA3 600 MB/s}
5. PSU, if you're OC 500W is bare minimum, and too small if you OC your GPU.

RAM:
Simplest fix; AI Overclock Tuner -> XMP

Also, 'if' you changed IDE -> AHCI after installing Windows chances are Windows is corrupted; use Fix It or manually adjust the Registry -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

Good Luck!

 

[zoidoid]

Thank you for the warm welcome and the very comprehensive list! This is exactly the kind of advice I was hoping someone would be kind enough to give. Greatly appreciated.

 

[jaquith]

Good Luck...please post back and I hope it solves the problem!

 

[zoidoid]

Everything seems to be running perfectly now. I believe the key fix was updating the motherboard bios. I moved the HDD to one of the Intel SATA II ports and haven't experienced the problem since! Thanks very much for your help!

 

[zoidoid]

Best answer selected by zoidoid.