Random Freezing Problem... still?!

[rex000]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for solution towards an awkward PC freezing issue I'm constantly having.

Basically, I've built TWO (2) computers within the last month, and they BOTH have the same issue. What happens is that my computer will freeze at random times... usually when I'm running at game of some sorts. However, it's not limited to that, I've experienced this random freezing from opening firefox or simple things like that. When the computer locks up, I'm usually capable of ctrl+alt+del which will take me to the task manager and MAY unfreeze itself, sometimes. OR I have to hard-reset my computer entirely.

The funny thing is that I was only planning to build one PC, but after the problem arose.... I was buying extra parts in an attempt to figure out if a piece was defective or something, and now I have 2 computers. As you may be have already guessed, the problem still persisted and I have already tried running all the stress tests showing all error-free. I already updated my drivers.... still no solution.


PC1 SPECS: ~$500

ASUS M4N75TD AM3 SLI MOTHERBOARD
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4N75TD/

AMD PHENOM II X4 955 Black Edition @ 3.2GHz QUAD-CORE CPU
http://www.amd.com/us/products/pricing/Pages/desktop-phenom.aspx

2x EVGA 9800GT 1GB DDR3 GPU SLI
http://www.evga.com/products/pdf/01g-p3-n988-tr.pdf

CORSAIR VENGEANCE 1600MHz DDR3 8GB RAM
http://www.corsair.com/memory-by-product-family/vengeance/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9r.html

OCZ MODXSTREAM PRO 700W MODULAR 80PLUS POWER SUPPLY
http://www.ocztechnology.com/ocz-500w-700w-modxstream-pro-power-supply.html

THERMALTAKE ARMOR A90 CHASSIS
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1325&ID=1957

WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR BLUE 500GB HARD DRIVE
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=110

SONY OPTIARC 24x DVD DRIVE
http://www.sony-optiarc.us/en/productshalf-height-drives/ad-7280s



PC2 SPECS: ~$350

ASUS M4A78LT-M LE MOTHERBOARD
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4A78LTM_LE/

AMD PHENOM II X4 840 @ 3.2GHz QUAD-CORE CPU
http://www.amd.com/us/products/pricing/Pages/desktop-phenom.aspx

XFX 9600 GSO 512MB DDR3 GPU
http://xfxforce.com/en-us/products/graphiccards/9series/9600GSO.aspx

CORSAIR XMS3 1600MHz DDR3 8GB RAM
http://www.corsair.com/cmx8gx3m2a1600c9.html

CORSAIR CX430W V2 80PLUS POWER SUPPLY
http://www.corsair.com/power-supply-units/builder-series/builder-series-cx430-v2-80plus-certified-power-supply.html

NZXT CLASSIC GAMMA CASE
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/classic_series/gamma

WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR GREEN 750GB SATA 6 Gb/s HDD
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=120

SAMSUNG 22x ODD
http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/office/optical-disk-drives/optical-disk-drives/SH-222AB/BEBE/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=



Thanks everyone,

 

[cutebeans]

Did you remember to unstatic yourself?

 

[rex000]

Hey cutebeans,

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I was very (and I mean it) careful in building all my computers. Grounded myself, no carpet, etc. The computers boots up fine and works most of the time.... just random freezing say.. once or twice a day?

 

[rex000]

ALSO, I thought it may have been some weird BIOS configurations... so I went in a checked the myself....

Basically, instead of the AUTO.. I modified some of the RAM settings ---> but only to what was advertised (tested) with the RAM I bought.

For the Corsair Vengeance:
9-9-9-24 @ 1.5V --> 1600MHz

For the Corsair XMS3
9-9-9-24 @ 1.65V ----> 1600MHz

 

[rex000]

After some tweaking, I figured out that the CORSAIR VENGEANCE is good to go. No freezing now.

However, the XMS3 RAM still has occasional freezing, in BOTH computers so I suspect it has something to do with the RAM. I set the timings and voltage correctly, so I think one (or both) of the DIMMs are defective.

I ran memtest a little while ago (both DIMMs together) and they passed with 100% error free. Is it possible that memtest is not accurate everytime? Should I try the memtest86 again, one DIMM at a time?

If anyone has any either suggestions as to how I can check if the RAM is defective?

BTW, I lied. I didn't buy the RAM as an 8GB (2 x 4GB) kit. I actually bought them as two separate (1x4GB) individual sticks... if that makes any difference.


Thanks,

 

[vx53c]

run memtest only on test 5 and let it pass it some 5 times. some asus boards are problematic on the last memory bank but that wouldnt cause freezes, it would cause bsod. check the cpu temps.

 

[rex000]

Hey vx53c,

Thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention that I have been getting the BSOD lately... you think it might be the motherboard then?

As you suggest, I will re-run memtest a couple of times to see how it goes. My mobo has 2 DIMM slots, do you suggest I run both DIMMs at the same time? or one a time?

Also, how do I run ONLY test 5?

CPU temperatures are OK. I am using the stock cooler, but no OC so it is still in a healthy range.

Thanks again,

 

[rex000]

Oh wait,

I don't think it's the motherboard because I tried them on another ASUS motherboard. It caused BSOD / freezing, but when I switched in the VENGEANCE, it was solved... so I think it is the RAM...

Would anyone care to explain how the RMA process works? I bought it off tigerdirect, but I think I would have to go Corsair directly.... I cut the UPC off the box for Mail-in-Rebate.... ffffffff

 

[rex000]

Best answer selected by rex000.