Is my PSU causing me BSODs?

[izumanyan]

Hello, recently bought a Gigabyte 670 Windforce and I have been running into constant BSOD on boot even after cleanly removing and installing different driver versions. I have a 600W coolermaster PSU powering my GPU one crucial m4 one intel x-25m one dvd drive and and overclocked i5 2500K 4.5GHz at 1.26V. Could my BSODs be caused by insufficient power?

 

[amuffin]

Yes. Cooler Master is NOTORIOUS for failing PSU!

 

[izumanyan]

Thing is that my 260 runs fine on the same system...

 

[amuffin]

The 670 draws around 80W more than the 260.

 

[Rugger]

Is that the CM Extreme Power Plus 600W? It's misleading to call the EP+ PSU a a 600W; it's more like a 460W: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-eXtreme-Power-Plus-600-W-Power-Supply-Review/1034
It can only deliver a maximum of 36A (432W) on the 12V rails; over 80% of the power draw in modern PCs is on the 12V rails. To top it off, efficiency drops and noise/ripple increases when delivering close to it's maximum power.

A system with a single GTX 670 requires a 550W PSU with at least 38A on the 12V rails and two 6-pin PCIe power connectors. If your PSU is the Extreme Power Plus, then I think you're running into insufficient/low-quality power issues.

 

[izumanyan]

I am using the coolermaster m600 slient pro. Would you happen to know any issues with it? Is it sufficient for my pc?

 

[Rugger]

That's actually a very good quality PSU and more than sufficient for your PC.

 

[Rugger]

Have you checked your system event log to see what errors are associated with your BSODs?

 

[izumanyan]

Have you checked your system event log to see what errors are associated with your BSODs?

Would you mind telling me how I can check that? Best I can tell you its a nvlkdmm.sys bsod error or something that's spelt like that.

 

[Rugger]

Modify the restart behavior for the computer. To do this, follow these steps:
- Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
- Click Advanced system settings.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- In the Startup and Recovery section, click Settings.
- Click to clear the Automatically restart check box.

This will let you get the BSOD when your computer reboots/shuts down. To check for errors on previous shut downs you can check the system event log:
- Click the Start button .
- In the Search box, type Event Viewer and hit enter
- In the list of results, double-click Event Viewer.

If that is your BSOD error, then it is a video card related error. Try the troubleshooting in this thread: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/181509-bsod-error-nvlddmkm-sys.html

 

[izumanyan]

I can't boot up with the 670 in my pc because I'll get a BSOD right before my desktop loads. I've also tried many different driver versions, cleanly removing the drivers manually before installing each one. I followed a guide from overclockers that included uninstalling the drivers and deleting nvidia folders and registry. I'll do the RAM test asap. Would you have any other suggestions?

 

[mastrom101]

BSOD usually arent caused by power supply units.

If it only happens when the 670 is inserted, it could be a faulty GPU. That's my guess.

Your PSU is a good PSU, its like mine (EP+ 600) just with better, well, everything.

It has a singe 12V Rail which should be fine, check to make sure the cables are in tight, as it is modular.

 

[izumanyan]

I'm going to try running a check on the memory and then returning my cpu to stock speeds and the final test would be partitioning a small space to install a fresh windows 7 and only loading drivers on it.

 

[Rugger]

Your PSU is a good PSU, its like mine (EP+ 600) just with better, well, everything.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-eXtreme-Power-Plus-600-W-Power-Supply-Review/1034
I wouldn't classify the CM EP+ series of PSUs as good, but I'm glad that you're having a good experience with yours.

Iz: If you're PC boots good without the GPU and passes a stress test, then that tells me it is the GPU. Can you try your GPU in another PC to see if you get the same errors?

 

[izumanyan]

I don't have a similar pc with the neccessary PSU wattage to power the 670. What stress tests should I try? My OC i5 passed 24 hours prime95, and I'm going to do a memtest86. If bit works I'll be partitioning a small space to install a fresh win7 with the 670 to test if its my OS causing me the problem.

 

[Rugger]

Have you tried the GTX 670 with no CPU OC? If it's the PSU, then the slightly less power draw might help stability....I seriously doubt this is a matter of insufficient PSU, but it is one more thing to try.

I really think that you've gotten a bad GPU and should consider an RMA for replacement.

 

[izumanyan]

Will definitely try that thanks. Can't try RMAing for now because the distributor only gets new stock next week.

 

[Rugger]

Cool - let me know how the test go and we'll see if we can think of a few more things to try.

 

[gamerk316]

First things first: What was the BSOD Stop code/Error message?

 

[izumanyan]

Does this work? Not sure how to get a more detailed one.

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.1
Locale ID: 18441

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 116
BCP1: FFFFFA800B797010
BCP2: FFFFF8800F5D24D4
BCP3: 0000000000000000
BCP4: 0000000000000002
OS Version: 6_1_7601
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 256_1

 

[izumanyan]

I'm back with updates!

Tried:

Reverting to stock speeds on my i5 - Didn't work
Memtest86 - Passed
Partitioning a small space for a fresh copy of Windows 7 and ONLY the drivers installed - Didn't work

Any ideas on tests to do before I RMA it? 99.99% gonna RMA it.

 

[Rugger]

RMA it.

 

[izumanyan]

Hey all, RMAed it. Went to my distributor and they tested it in their system and it went straight into bsod. Got my card exchanged and they showed me that the new card was working in their system. Won't be able to do a more extensive testing until weekends though so fingers crossed! Thanks to everyone here, especially Rugger!

 

[izumanyan]

Best answer selected by izumanyan.

 

[Rugger]

You're welcome - glad we could help you find the culprit. Enjoy your new GPU!