Ask the Doctor: 0x00000 OMG
Posted 03/27/09 at 12:20:52 PM by The Maximum PC Staff
Comments
Print
Email
I am becoming increasingly frustrated trying to fix a problem I’m having with a videocard driver (I think). My computer is crashing in the middle of games. The error message I get when I reboot is: STOP 0x000000EA THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER. I have searched forums and tried different things, but nothing seems to work except when I install an old videocard (Nvidia 6800 GS).
I’m running an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor, Asus P5K motherboard, EVGA 8800 GT GPU, and 4GB of RAM. I also have an Nvidia 9800 GTX+, and when I installed it, the problem became worse.
—Gman
If it were just one videocard that was causing the problem, the Doctor would suspect something was wrong with the card itself. But since you’ve tried three cards and the problem affects only the newer two, the Doctor believes you’re suffering from either old drivers or a faulty power supply. We can’t tell from your email whether you’ve already tried updating to the latest Nvidia drivers, but you should reinstall the latest drivers whenever you change cards. You can find Nvidia drivers at (surprise!) www.nvidia.com.
If that doesn’t help, the problem could be your power supply—either it’s failing or it doesn’t have the juice to run high-powered videocards like the 8800 GT and 9800 GTX. 700W should be enough. Just make sure to buy a name-brand PSU; we recommend PC Power & Cooling.
 |
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION Are flames shooting out of the back of your rig? First, grab a fire extinguisher and douse the flames. Once the pyrotechnic display has fizzled, email the doctor at doctor@maximumpc.com for advice on how to solve your technological woes. |
I think you need a new Doctor!
Submitted by rob41 on Sun, 04/05/2009 - 11:30am
The first thing you need to do is go to device manager and uninstall your display adapter drivers. Then, after restarting, run driver sweeper (free) to remove all traces of your old video drivers. Then and only then, install the latest drivers. Never, I repeat, never just install new drivers and expect top performance. Always uninstall and use driver sweeper prior to installing new drivers. This is especially critical with video drivers and audio drivers.
Submitted by timmacky on Thu, 04/02/2009 - 7:08pm
In the offf chance that it is a memory issue, I would try pulling a DIMM and see if anything good happens. Failing that, upgrade the PSU. If that still doesn't work, then your MB is not getting juice to the card. Time for a new MB.
Used to have same problem
Submitted by Vano on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 4:26pm
4 years ago I broke my budget to build a top of the line gaming PC. The first experience with new parts was nightmare. during next half year I've spent almost 3 times as much the whole rig cost me, trying find the reason of BSODs during games.
I've replaced every single part twice, video card I've replaced 4 times thought it was overheating.
Running memory test for 24 hours - no problem, running some other tests - no problem, starting a game - 2-5 minutes later BSOD.
Finally I've decided buy same kind of memory but different brand and voala not a single problem since then.
Submitted by DMI PC Repair on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 12:33pm
The EVGA 8800 GS does not require any additional power. I run a EVGA 9400 GT on my work horse and it don't need power. The problem is very simple. He needs a new board. Sometimes the PCI-E doesn't read at full capcity. This can lead to falure during taxing times on to GPU. Plain an simple. As for a power supply? How did the doctor get this job? I bet he's the first to do a system restore to remove a virus. Try the ASUS P5Q motherboard. It supports everything you got and overclocks automatically. No fuss no muss.
Why not the power supply?
Submitted by bandeezee on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 3:08pm
I'm no expert, but I'm trying to understand why you don't think the problem can be with the power supply. He said his computer runs fine with his OLD 6800gs (which takes max of like 55watts), but doesn't work with the newer, much more power hungry, 8800GT (not GS) and 9800GTX+ (both of which take MUCH more than 55 watts under load).
So, to me, the power supply very much seems like it could be the issue because he said it's crashing during games when the video card is in need of more power. Plus, he doesn't even say what kind of power supply he's using or how much wattage it is.
I'm not trying to insult you or anything, but when you are asking, "How did the doctor get this job?" I think it's a pretty reasonable diagnosis with the information given. I also think that you should maybe research this information a bit more before making a comment like that. Unless of course you know this as an issue with the Asus P5K mobo, then please let me know so I can understand.
He doesn't have to go out and buy a new power supply, just swap with somebody he knows to test it first before buying. Anyhow, just my 2 cents. I respect MPC and the work they do. I also appreciate their help with the simple stuff.
Submitted by Caramoore on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 10:11am
He should make sure that he is hooking up the pci-e power connectors on the newer cards. Not all models of the 6800 required extra power connections. I think ;-D
Submitted by KaylaKaze on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 8:40am
When I bought my new case, I also bought a new brand name PSU. Its fans died in like a month and not being able to find the receipt for it, I was SOL. So I swapped it out with my old PSU: a house brand, no name, $17 PSU (with a $10 rebate on that). It's been running perfectly fine for at least 3 years now, always on. Buying a name brand PSU is the worst advice I've ever received from Max PC.
Submitted by mesiah on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 8:51pm
So, because you were too lazy to save your receipt, and just because you were lucky with your cheap power supply, that means that everyone should put junk PSUs in their machines? Thats the most idiotic reasoning I have heard all day, and this is the freaking internet. Hell, just because some guy has managed to keep the same ford pinto running for 35 years doesn't mean everyone should get rid of their toyotas the next time they have a flat tire.
Cheap power supplies can have any number of effects. From being just plain annoying and crashing your computer all the time, to burning up that precious video card that you were able to buy because you cheaped out on your PSU. Most people that do the math would drop an extra $100 on a PSU and not have to worry about replacing all their other components because of it. And if something did happen to go wrong, they are probably smart enough to hold on to their receipt...
So?
Submitted by HellTempest on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 11:08am
Just because one component fails you're going to say that all name brand PSUs suck?
Submitted by PhelanPKell on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 10:14am
I'd say this isn't really fair to point blaim at MaxPC or name brand PSU's. The fact that your name brand PSU had a manufacturers warranty speeks volumes about the difference between name brand and store brands.
A store-brand comes with crap for a warranty, often requires you to buy an extended warranty, and despite your good fortune, fails frequently. Especially under stress.
My last foray into store/factory-brand PSU's cost me a motherboard and a video card (which I still have to remind me of the true cost of being cheap; not to be mistaken with buying inexpensive).
My friend bought a Future Shop PSU to boost the power in his HP system that he put a 8800 GTS in, and saw constant issues till we put in my 450w Thermaltake (the Future Shop PSU was a 500w).These are just two instances, but since my problem, I've stuck with PSU's that I've researched, and that are name-brand (Thermaltake, OCZ, PC Power&Cooling, Corsair), and I've experienced no issues, and have ALWAYS kept my receipts, because Murphy is a douche and likes to screw with you when you least expect it.
This is a long song and dance, but you have to remember what comes with name brand:
-Better warranty
-80Plus ratings (no need to buy a high-powered PSU)
-Reliable parts (If your cheap PSU blows, it'll almost certainly blow out a minimum of one part, whereas name-brand PSU's don't blow your parts AS OFTEN).The choice is still each individual persons, but the fate of your comp is in your hands.
Submitted by Phated1 on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 8:42am
thats true, however if hes already having a power issue, using a 700w supply isnt going to hurt anything.
I agree, if newer, power
Submitted by nekollx on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 8:50am
I agree, if newer, power guzzling cards are not working giving it more power, even tothe point of overkill is a good blind man soluton.
Submitted by mlee19 on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 8:49am
You also have to pay attention to amps and the rail PSU wise.
Must Read Articles
Feature
Review
Feature
Feature
Feature
Most Popular Articles
This Month's Issue
FEATURE How to Get FREE Programs, Services, Software & MoreFEATURE Digital Photo Printer RoundupHOW TOBuild a 3D CameraFEATUREDIY Arcade PCWHITE PAPERHow TRIM Works
Technology News
Computer Cooling Fans
Computer Cases
PC Game Controllers
PC Games
Computer Hardware
Headphones
MP3 Players
Stream Video
Computer Mouse
Monitors
Motherboards
NAS Storage
Networking
Laptop Computers
DVD Burner
Digital Cameras
Portable Storage
Computer Accessories
Smartphone
Antivirus Software
Sound Cards
Speakers
Computer Systems
Thumb Drives
Video Cameras
Video Card Reviews
Water Cooling
Gadgets
- Keyboards
© 2009 Future US, Inc. All Rights Reserved.