Question about new PC

Discussion in 'Building a new PC' started by jshaba, Apr 4, 2009.

  1. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    Hey Guys!

    Ive built myself a new computer, here are the specs

    MB: Gigabyte ep45t-ud3p
    CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad 9400
    RAM: 6GB Kit G Skill DDR3 1600

    i also have a cheap asus video card. Im running Win XP Pro

    Every now and then my computer just crashes. It freezes and i have to physically reboot.

    I have a 550W power supply, is it possible that not enough power is going through the system. Ive tested the RAM and it seems fine,

    Any ideas?

    Thanks guys!
     
  2. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    It's posible, depending on what the power supply is. If it's a cheap crappy unit, I'd consider it for quality reasons, but your system probably won't even draw 200W, let alone 550, depending on what the video card is.

    How have you tested the memory? Have you overclocked the CPU?
     
  3. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    CPU is not being overclocked. i used goldmem and some other one from hirens boot disc
     
  4. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    What brand is the PSU?
     
  5. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    Antec, right now ive only got on ram module in the second ram slot. The pc hasnt crashed yet, is a faulty memory slot possible to cause crashes?
     
  6. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    It certainly could.
     
  7. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    That may well be it, its been on for several hours with no issues. tomorrow morning ill try running 2 modules on dual channel on slots 2 and 4.

    Ill post with an update tomorrow
     
  8. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    It could also be, for whatever reason, your memory doesn't work in triple channel.
     
  9. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    With one RAM module in slot 2, i left it on all night with no problems.

    After putting ram in slots 2 and 4 it crashed again.

    What the hell could it be?
     
  10. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Bad RAM or bad board. Try RAM first, it's easier to replace.
     
  11. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    Im running goldmem right now, im currently on mt other PC. so far after an hour in it has showed up with 4 errors. During test 7 "random patterns" It shows the errors happening between the 5000mb mark and the 6000mb mark, is that to say its the thirs ram module thats playing up?

    Ill givan update when the test finishes
     
  12. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    tested ram again running on dual channel with no errors.

    Tested motherboard with no errors.

    tested cpu with no errors.

    Upgraded bios.

    Problem still continues, does anyone have any ideas?

    Toold used from Hirens boot CD
     
  13. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Yes it is, in the third set, so it's triple channel that's causing you issues. I still think you should replace the RAM since it's so easy. If it doesn't fix the issue, work from there.

    Just a check, is your memory getting the correct voltage in the BIOS?
     
  14. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    Replaced ram, still continues. Voltage control in bios is all set to auto.

    No overclocking or any performance enhancing features are enabled i dont think so.

    Everything is default
     
  15. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Hang on, it's just occurred to me. Why are you using triple channel memory in a dual channel board? the 3x2GB kits are for i7s. You should really only be using two sticks at once. I saw the intel CPU and glossed over the rest assuming because you'd used DDR3 you have an i7 (since DDR3 for Core 2 is basically benefitless)
     
  16. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    I realised that which is why i am now using only two sticks but to the same end. Comouter locks up sometimes even when idle.

    It seems completely random so i have no idea whats causing it.

    Should i manually change the voltage? if so to what since ive never done it
     
  17. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Manually changing the voltage might be necessary, but I'm not sure what the impact of using RAM intended for triple channel use in dual channel would be. I don't think it should prove a problem, but as I don't use DDR3 myself I can't confirm that.
    Manually set the memory voltage to 1.65V, and see what happens then. If still the same, perhaps try some dual channel memory instead. If still no luck, RMA the motherboard.
     
  18. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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    Ive set the voltage, Ill have to wait and see what happens.

    So you dont think it would be the power supply not providing enough power to all components?
     
  19. jshaba

    jshaba Member

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  20. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    Looks like a problematic motherboard design. Probably best to have the board sent back. Preferably, for a simpler, more reliable DDR2 version.
     

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