New PC - Occasional blue screen

[addman]

Originally Posted by mazex

When I build a new PC I always run Memtest86 over a full night to verify that the memory and CPU works as it is supposed to do (you download the ISO and burn a CD that you boot it from):

http://www.memtest86.com/

Or you can of course use the built-in memtest in Windows 7 from the boot menu but I like the stand alone memtest better as you boot it from a CD so you don't even need to install the OS first.

After that I run Prime95 a full night to see that it's stable and not overheating under load in the OS...

http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/

Combine with Core Temp while running Prime95 to watch the temps:

http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

After that I overclock and tinker with voltages etc...

Yes, we used memtest at a PC retailer I worked at a couple of years ago, we also used PC-check which checks all the hardware in the computer including the RAM but I think you have to pay a license fee for PC-check.

[5./JG27.Farber]

I dont have time to answer you all this morning but here are some answers:

Windows tested memory and came back no errors.

PSU is brand new and 680 Watt.

The Ramm came with the board. I think its unlikely but not impossible they sent the wrong RAM.



Ok something just kept drawining me to the fact it said 2 cores... Even though everywhere else on the system it said 4 cores. So I pressed 4 on boot up... My PC died.

...And then came back - with 4 cores @4.2Ghz I was walking around with 2 cores this whole time running everything fine except the odd BSOD. Why the F&^%! do I have to press a button on boot up to open the other cores?! What a S$%^ load of F$%^. If I press it again next time can I have 6 cores?

Ok lets see what happens.

[Flanker35M]

S!

I think you can set the core unlocker to be on in BIOS so no need to press on every boot.

[5./JG27.Farber]

Im gonna have to press it every boot?!

[addman]

Sometimes core unlocking won't work because those cores that you unlocked aren't really meant to be unlocked because many times they are defective. I had an Athlon II x 3 core CPU a while ago and it could be unlocked it to a phenom with 4 cores and 6MB of l3 cache, it worked the first time I did it though it was a little unstable, then I switched back to 3 cores and after a while I wanted 4 cores so I tried to unlock it again but then the whole system just kept on rebooting so I turned the original 3 cores on and it worked flawlessly.

Dude, exactly what CPU do you have? Your MB might support core unlocking and your CPU might be unlockable but that doesn't mean it can be unlocked successfully, unlocking only works sometimes for some lucky people that get a CPU where the "extra" cores are functional and stable.

I am now pretty sure the CPU is the problem or rather, the unlocking of it which you shouldn't be doing.

[brando]

First off, check your BIOS version on the top right corner of the Main menu page [see page 2-5 of your manual]. The 28-02-2012 version [ver 1002] has improvements to system stability and memory compatibility. The latest [1003] improves onboard LAN functions. If you don't have either of these versions then I suggest flashing your BIOS to 1003.
You need to access System Information on the same page. This will show what the machine sees with regard to your BIOS version, and CPU and RAM properties. [2-9]

Page 2-14 shows how to configure your internal graphics mode. You need to have GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI as your setting. Disabling drivers from within Windows doesn't have the same effect as this setting.

Page 2-22 has all the necessary info about updating your BIOS. Don't forget to have a thumb-drive ready. Read carefully.

There really shouldn't be an issue with Core-unlocking. If you have a six-core processor then the BIOS should recognise it and run it automatically. For example - I have a Phenom 2 x4 on an AM3 mobo. While the core-unlocking procedure is part of the pre-POST screen, I don't touch it. If I had an X3 then I might have tried unlocking the fourth core, otherwise it has no uses.

The system panel connector is explained on page 1-25.

Please remove the old specs in your sig

[5./JG27.Farber]

ok, Its saying four cores are still active. I dont understand why I must activate them?! They came with the board so I assume yes they should be compatable.

Im gonna see if this rules it all out.

As for the stuff in my sig - it ran just fine on that. Maybe Ill leave it so others have a guide.

[ATAG_MajorBorris]

Hey Farber,

Did you update bios after new OS? New bios might like fresh os install afterwards.

A new bios could change fan profiles and memory settings.

Memory at correct speed and wattage in bios?

CPU fan at %100?(not turbo)

GPU fan profile ramped up? You wear a headset anyways : )

PSU come with drivers? (thats new to me)

CoD didnt install properly...did you try again before you manualy installed that stuff?

Internet explorer has a updated version since win7.

Good luck Farber!