Constant BSODs with MSI Radeon HD 5970

c0rtez

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Apr 29, 2012
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I've been struggling with a lot of BSODs and hangs with my graphic card ever since I bought it. I have tried SEVERAL different drivers from both MSI and ATI websites but all of them end up on the same route (bsod/hang/freeze). I've written a few emails to MSI support center but they just ignore me and it's too late to get an RMA. I really need your help on resolving this issue because it's really frustrating.

OS: Windows 7 ultimate x64
Graphic card: MSI Radeon HD 5970
CCC: v12.4
Driver packaging version: 8.961-120405a-137224C-ATI
 

c0rtez

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Apr 29, 2012
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CPU: Intel i7 860 @2.80GHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte P55A-UD7 With Bios v.F7
GPU: MSI Radeon HD 5970
Memory: 4 x 4GB DDR3 1333
OS: Windows 7 x64 ultimate

Graphic card driver: CCC v12.4 (Latest) with Driver packaging 8.961-120405a-137224C-ATI (Latest).

I've tried the drivers on msi website, no difference. Motherboard bios is the latest version. no overclocked component.

The BSODs mostly happen after the graphic driver is crashed and recovered. (in the bsod there is Atikmpag.sys as usual).
 
You didn't list the most important component of your computer....the power supply? Make and model and how old is it?

Have you tested your memory with something like memtest86 to rule out memory?

Have you tried re-installing windows fresh? That can fix many problems sometimes.

 

c0rtez

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Apr 29, 2012
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Sorry I didn't know..
power supply is seventeam's 585 watt. less than 2 years old.
I've tested my memory with memtest86, they're fine (no errors). I've reinstalled Windows several times but It won't fix the issue.
 
I'd say your psu is being maxed out trying to run a 5970 and all your components and after 2yrs it's probably tired of trying.

It's pretty easy to try another psu. I'd recommend at least a 600w psu that's at least 80+ certified. You could always return it or keep it for a backup if it doesn't fix your problem, or you could just upgrade to a less power hungry card. That card uses around 300w on it's own.
 

c0rtez

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Apr 29, 2012
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I managed to resolve the issue by moving the ATI card to another PCI slot and it's been running fine with no errors or freezes. (From PCIEX16_2 to PCIEX16_1). I'm not sure why it was having so much issues on the previous pci slot but whatever.
 

c0rtez

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Apr 29, 2012
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Ok the trouble is back as always. Now i can't even boot into windows. Once the windows is loading, there is a short blink on the screen and after that it's frozen. there's no other option than a hard reset.

I don't know what else to do, So far all the following options have failed me:

Drivers from:
1.Windows
2.MSI website
3.AMD website

Hardware:
Changing pci slot
Changing pci slot voltage in bios
Checking all the cables properly connected
Memory test
Harddisk test

I'm %100 sure it's the graphic card problem because the system is rock solid stable without the drivers.
It can't be psu problem because I've seen people running higher end systems with less powerful psus.

This problem has been with almost every R5970 that MSI sold out.

So now, The only thing I can do is chaning the min/max clock with afterburner according to this thread:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/287977-15-dear-help-radeon-5970

Any ideas how to do something like this in SAFE MODE?

Pleaaaaase help!!!!