Welcome Back, BSODer
Posted 07/25/09 at 11:05:14 AM by The Maximum PC Staff
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I just did a Core i7 build for audio/video production purposes and 3D rendering. I’m not a gamer, but I do a lot of heavy-duty audio stuff and 3D rendering with Cinema4D, After Effects, Poser, 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, etc. The system is a Core i7-920 with an ATI 4870 X2 and Vista Ultimate 64-bit.
Vista has really started to get on my nerves. I am getting random BSODs, and there is no pattern to when they come (although it seems the computer is usually idle for a little while when it happens). The BSOD message says it’s due to a hardware exception, and is always the same. I’ve done some general diagnostics on the hardware using CPU-Z and SpeedFan, and everything checks out.
I think it may be the result of something as simple as an unseated videocard, but it would be nice if I knew how to access the error log that is written whenever a BSOD occurs, like I used to with XP. I would imagine that Vista has the same feature; I’m just not sure how to get to it. Can you tell me where to find this or offer some suggestions to help me troubleshoot this?
—Dan Orlando
A BSOD in Vista usually indicates that you have a pretty severe hardware problem. Your hardware list wasn’t very specific, so the Doc is going to have to start with generic recommendations. The usual culprit these days is the PSU. The Radeon HD 4870 X2 is a big card that eats a lot of power. You should check ATI’s certified list of PSUs for a single 4870 X2 at http://ati.amd.com/products/certified/powersupplies.html. Generically, the company recommends a minimum of 650 watts. If you’re using anything less, that’s a possible culprit.
Control how Vista responds to BSODs with the Startup and Recovery settings.
The Doctor has also noticed that Core i7 boards tend to be finicky about RAM. You didn’t say how much RAM you have, but if you’re running 12GB, that could very well be the problem. First, make sure you’re running the latest BIOS for the board. Also check what timing/speeds the board is setting for your RAM and use the memory maker’s recommended settings and voltage. Finally, you should check your heatsink. Did you seat it properly? Is it possible that you didn’t install it firmly?
Vista writes an event log to %SystemRoot%\MEMORY.DMP by default. You can modify this setting, or stop Windows from restarting after a blue-screen (so you can read the error codes), by clicking My Computer, then System Properties. Go to the Advanced tab, and under Startup and Restore, click Settings. Microsoft has a Knowledge Base article on how best to set up and analyze memory dumps (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315263).
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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. |
Memory
Submitted by carlosmessi on Sun, 08/02/2009 - 5:43am
I will definitely go with the memory. That is where I think the problem is, check it first.
Carlos Messi
www.shopcarefully.com
Memories...Sweet Memories.
Submitted by DRAGONWEEZEL on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:16pm
There is a slightly well known issue of random lockups coming from builders who fail to set memory and timings correctly. I myself was included in this ignorant group for all of 2 weeks until I got pissed. It didn't happen on XP, only Vista64. Has something to do w/ accessing all that memory or something idk. What I do know is that after I fixed it, my machine became ROCK STABLE, and HELLA FAST.
Research your recomended memory settings for both Your memory and your motherboard.
Good luck, but I don't think you'll need much. Enjoy your smokin fast machine.
THERE ARE ONLY 11 TYPES OF PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. Those that think binary jokes are funny, those that don't, and those that don't know binary
BSOD too!
Submitted by nuculear_core on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 3:44pm
Have had the same issue with Vista 32 bit E8400, 4870/512MB, 4GB Dominator, Sonata III (with supplied power) only coming out of sleep and only occasionally. Thinking it may be the Samsung 24" monitor. I've had times where you can't see a screen after wake up but if you successfully log in the video posts and Vista comes up. Good news is that the Windows 7 BSOD I was getting about an hour after logging in has been resolved so I can finally move forward.
Check The ATi Forums
Submitted by Cooketh on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:46am
I spend alot of time on the ATi Radeon/CrossfireX forums on the AMD website to help people, and I see alot of problems like this. 75% of the time it's a power issue. Even if you meet the recommendations in terms of Wattage/Voltage, if you're using a knock-off brand PSU they don't run very efficiently and often don't deliver the Wattage they promise. Also, remember that Core i7 setups use more power. Everything from the CPU, to the motherboard, to the RAM will use more power ( especially if you have 12 GB of high voltage RAM ). Not to mention the fact that added fans, extra Hard Drives, and extra Optical drives eat up power. And after a year, even some name brand PSU's can lose anywhere from 1-10% of their maximum wattage.
On the software end of things, their could be 1000 different reasons, and that's going to be up to the user to figure out. It's difficult for one person to help pinpoint a software error in even an hour's time. Trouble-shooting a problem like this typically takes up to a week of experimenting.
Submitted by DK7907 on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 9:53pm
A lot of high power software.(versions un-stated) Vista, 64-bit OS and Radeon X2 (crossfire)
I'm guessing software compatibility issues.
For each app. Check website FAQ for known issues.
Good Luck and let us know what solution you found.
Submitted by periodhyphenund... on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 2:44pm
Just buy legitimate copies of Cinema4D, After Effects, Poser, 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, etc and the BSOD will go away!
Submitted by wytworm on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 2:16pm
I was actually emailed by Apple about a bad inverter that is on my MacBook Pro and asked if I could bring it in so they could replace it for free. None of this is under Applecare, mind you.
I think there are probably some MACs with faulty hardware. That being said I have never experienced it, not have i had any lead to a BSoD or anything like it in 6 years of MACing for video editing.
Submitted by Bamboo on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 1:44pm
Here is a help thread about understanding what a BSOD code means, and the most recent comment at the bottom has a link to an article about a new program that will scan and tell you what the most recent BSOD was caused by. I have not gotten a chance to try them because I haven't had a BSOD in over a year (knocking very hard on some wood right now).
Help thread here:
Blue Screen of Death Survival Guide: Every Error Explained
http://www.tacticalgamer.com/hardware-software-discussion/138468-blue-screen-death-survival-guide-every-error-explained.html
Submitted by foamcup on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 12:26pm
This isn't Win9x where Stop Errors are a normal part of operation. I mean really, who thought that a hybrid 16/32-bit OS was a good idea? Anyway, if XP, Vista, or 7 throw a Stop Error then you have a serious problem and need to fix it. To sum it up: Learn to computer.
Submitted by Fiercedeity on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:27am
You sir, are the moron. Just because you think you know something about computers, does not stop you from being the utter waste of air that you are.
Submitted by DriZzLe on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 8:41am
CPU-Z does not perform diagnostics...it shows general info only. SpeedFan? That program hardly gives correct temps at all! It said my Northbridge was running at 150 degrees celsius...lol! Everest & RealTemp temp it out at 47 degrees.
Try to test the memory using Memtest86.
Make sure your psu is not overheating & has the proper voltage.
Check temps & stress the cpu using Everest or Prime.
Try using a different set of drivers for the gpu.
Are you sure the hdd isn't bad? try running a check disc .Vista is hardly the culprit. It is a bad piece of hardware.
Submitted by wytworm on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 8:33am
eom
I would've went that
Submitted by DBsantos77 on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 9:15am
I would've went that way..but then I considered that I'm a heavy PC gamer.
Submitted by wytworm on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 2:19pm
I hear you on that one. I just traded in my Aug 2007 Mac Pro for a 2009 version with the Nvidia GTX285 or whatever its called. I have been booting into XP via Bootcamp for the last 6 mos on an Nvidia 8800 so I am hoping to see improvements game wise.
Submitted by aviaggio on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 8:35am
Cause maybe he didn't have enough equity in his home for the 2nd mortgage he'd need to pay for that setup.
Submitted by wytworm on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 8:46am
How much is it worth to spend anything and then not be able to use it? Invest in a platform that gets out of your way instead of giving you a new hobby: troubleshooting your platform...
Submitted by DriZzLe on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 9:14am
So, Macs don't have faulty hardware? He could easily buy a pre-built from HP or Dell & have the same issue. Only with a pre-built(Mac included) he gets a warranty & support.
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