PC problem (BF2 related).

[skutaboy]

The mouse pointer sometimes locks up while surfing the net and nothing then works such as Ctrl+Alt+Del. I have to power down and restart.
When this happens ingame, the screen freezes and the sound just reverberates until I power down again. This is occurring quite often now and its the second time that its happened ingame and caused my profiles to disappear and making me have to retreive my account by submitting my username and password. I then have to re-configure my settings and have to listen to that dudes voice telling me how to use weapons etc.....
Any ideas?

[bctrainers1]

Question: Are you using Windows XP Sp3?

[nea_alecu]

Most likely, hardware or driver problem. If this problem started at some point in the past, can you think of a piece of software that you installed around that time (driver updates included)?

Have you run Prime95 as I suggested in the other thread? This would be to rule out processor / chipset / memory issues, which I think would be a good first step. I know you wish it weren't hardware, and I've also seen countless issues that looked like hardware but were actually in software, but still... the iron does get messed up from time to time.

[skutaboy]

Question: Are you using Windows XP Sp3?

64bit Vista Home Premium.

If this problem started at some point in the past, can you think of a piece of software that you installed around that time

This happened before I formatted my PC and started again shortly after re-formatting. I installed some software called CPUZ (sure you have heard of it)?
It could be co-incidental but I uninstalled it anyway, but i still have the irregular problem.
I left the PC running when I went to bed this morning at 4:30am (nightshift worker) and when the missus woke up at 5:30am she said it had locked up again. Even the clock was still at the time it froze!
I had a week off work last week and banged some BF2 time in. (6,500 points in six days) and the PC must have crashed maybe three or four times in that duration. But what beats me is when it does it with little running in the background and unattended!

Have you run Prime95 as I suggested in the other thread?

Oops, I forgot about that.

[bctrainers1]

Hmm, interesting, I've had a similar issue on my old PC's Windows XP setup where it does the same thing as you suggested. Been contemplating on an OS reinstall to see if that fixes it.

[nea_alecu]

Originally Posted by skutaboy

This happened before I formatted my PC and started again shortly after re-formatting. I installed some software called CPUZ (sure you have heard of it)?
It could be co-incidental but I uninstalled it anyway, but i still have the irregular problem.

I think you can safely rule out CPU-Z. As far as I know, it doesn't install any drivers that would remain running after it stops. If it's software, the problem is definitely caused by something locking up in kernel mode, and that would be a driver most likely - the NT kernel itself is pretty stable these days.

I left the PC running when I went to bed this morning at 4:30am (nightshift worker) and when the missus woke up at 5:30am she said it had locked up again. Even the clock was still at the time it froze!
I had a week off work last week and banged some BF2 time in. (6,500 points in six days) and the PC must have crashed maybe three or four times in that duration. But what beats me is when it does it with little running in the background and unattended!

Funnily enough, I had a similar problem with my system, which is close enough to yours - E6750, P35, 2 Gigs, 8800GT. It happened far less often - I think I had 2 such lock-ups over about 6 months or so - but otherwise the symptoms were similar - it locked up while idle, never in BF2 or under other types of relatively high load.

What seems to have cured it in my case is the memory voltage. I have a DDR2 800 dual-channel kit from Corsair that can run at CL4, but you're supposed to give it a bit more juice to get those timings - 2.1 V instead of the standard 1.8. At first, I didn't want to raise the voltage and decided I'll see how it goes on standard. All went well, including BF2, so I left it there, but after a while it did this strange thing. So, I raised the voltage one notch, to 1.9. Again, it worked fine for a while, then locked up again while idle, so I raised the voltage one more time, to 2.0. Never had the problem since then. I'm not sure if this will be of any help to you, but maybe it's something to keep in mind.

[skutaboy]

I have ran Prime95 for approx 90 mins. so does this mean anything to you?

And this is the Lavalays Everest software...

[nea_alecu]

Originally Posted by skutaboy

I have ran Prime95 for approx 90 mins. so does this mean anything to you?

That part means 'so far so good'. I guess if it ran without errors for an hour and a half, you're probably OK there (if it encounters an error, it stops the thread running on that particular core). Overclockers usually run it for longer to make sure things are stable, but, unless you're overclocking something, I don't think it's worth it in your case.

And this is the Lavalays Everest software...

Were those temperature readings taken while Prime95 was running, or while the system was idle. They're not bad at all for full load.

What I don't understand is how the CPU temp can be higher than the temperatures of the individual cores. It's usually the other way around. Anyway, that's irrelevant to the subject; just thinking out loud.

Your motherboard voltage reading pretends the memory is running at about 2.0 V. What's it rated for?

[skutaboy]

Were those temperature readings taken while Prime95 was running, or while the system was idle. They're not bad at all for full load.

Just after as I didn't want anything else running at the same time.

Your motherboard voltage reading pretends the memory is running at about 2.0 V. What's it rated for?

No idea, I'm still quite PC noobish. I am running Corsair Dual Channel TWINX 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz x 2 and 2 x 1gb of the same. (6gb altogether).

Does this screenshot help...

ADMINS, sorry if this post is irrellevant to BF2.

Gotta go to work now so will reply later...and thanks for your help.

[VectorRoll]

NP making sure that your PC runs good is more than relevant to the game. At least if you wish to play the game. If you have PC issues feel free to ask so that the people here can get you back into the game sooner.

[nea_alecu]

Originally Posted by skutaboy

Just after as I didn't want anything else running at the same time.

Looking at the ones in the other screenshot you just posted, they're a bit high for normal operation, especially in a spectacular case like yours, but that's another remark of mine that's besides the point (I seem to be great at those, eh ) as they're far from being high enough to cause instability.

I am running Corsair Dual Channel TWINX 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz x 2 and 2 x 1gb of the same. (6gb altogether).

That's about the same as mine, which is PC6400C4, which means slightly tighter timings than usual, which also require extra voltage.

I remembered you posted a screenshot of the memory tab in CPU-Z in another thread - it looks like the memory timings are pretty standard, so they shouldn't require higher voltage, but still... let's double check. Go into CPU-Z on the SPD tab and post screenshots for all slots (or just the ones that are different).

Then it would be useful if could take a look in the BIOS and find the settings for voltages. What is the DDR voltage set to? If it's auto, does it give you an indication on what it's actually setting it to? I know you have a reading of 1.99 in the screeshot you posted previously, but those readings can be misleading at times. Not that BIOS indications are infallible... but still, between the two, we might get a better idea.


On a different note, is there any chance that the problems started when you added the 2 Gigs? I think I remember you said you started with 4 then upgraded to 6, is that right?

[Ustanotbesoham]

If it is a driver crashing, there should be an entry in the system log. Vista64 has a much better approach to handling unruly drivers, and a driver crash is not supposed to bring down the entire system. (notice I said supposed... it still can happen)
MS got tired of being blamed for an unstable OS when the majority of times it was faulty device drivers. Creative Labs, mostly.

I don;t remember how to get to the system log and the PC im on right now is XP, so maybe someone else can explain how to get to it.

[nea_alecu]

Originally Posted by Ustanotbesoham

If it is a driver crashing, there should be an entry in the system log. Vista64 has a much better approach to handling unruly drivers, and a driver crash is not supposed to bring down the entire system. (notice I said supposed... it still can happen)

Yeah, once you're in kernel mode, all bets are off, really. And the problem is that it looks like it's hanging, not crashing; if that's what really happens, the system may not get as far as writing to the system log. But it's worth a look; I think it should be in roughly the same place as in XP - Event Viewer under Administrative Tools in Control Panel.

[skutaboy]

Go into CPU-Z on the SPD tab and post screenshots for all slots (or just the ones that are different).

What is the DDR voltage set to?

Thats over my head, sorry.

On a different note, is there any chance that the problems started when you added the 2 Gigs? I think I remember you said you started with 4 then upgraded to 6, is that right?

Was happeneing before that.

If it is a driver crashing, there should be an entry in the system log.

Eventually found the Event Log but I have more chance reading spaghetti than all that jargon.

Thanks guys, really appreciate the help.

*BTW* I have just downloaded the latest Graphics , Motherboard and 'Chipset' drivers and installed them.
The PC hasn't crashed so far today but it really is random when it happens.

I can't help but feel it is RAM related due to only having a Vista base score of 4.7 with the RAM being the lowest score! There must be something wrong somewhere?

*EDIT*
I have installed nTune and this is a screenshot of the monitor display...

Why is the square in yellow opposite 'MEMORY'?

[Ustanotbesoham]

Originally Posted by skutaboy

Eventually found the Event Log but I have more chance reading spaghetti than all that jargon.

Yeah, so many things put entries in there, it can be a real mess. What I would do is clear the log then leave your computer alone. Once it crashes, go back to the system log and the first few entries should contain the message(s) of interest.


My best guess is that it is a hardware failure. I would start with the ram. Remove all but one stick and run the machine. if it doesnt crash then try another stick and so forth...

[nea_alecu]

Originally Posted by skutaboy

<screenshots>

Everything looks normal.

Thats over my head, sorry.

No, it's not, you just think it is .

Just go to the BIOS main menu, select Advanced Chipset Features, then System Voltages. What's in the Current Value for Memory?

I can't help but feel it is RAM related due to only having a Vista base score of 4.7 with the RAM being the lowest score! There must be something wrong somewhere?

Something clearly is fishy there, if nothing else, the fact that the chipset refuses to run the memory in dual channel points to some kind of problem.

Why is the square in yellow opposite 'MEMORY'?

I can't see what the voltage value is. It's probably telling you that the voltage is slightly higher than the standard 1.8 V. Normally, that shouldn't cause problems, as long it's not too high, but... who knows... I'll give it some thought after you tell me what the BIOS says .

[AbsurdusOffline]

I though that ram was to run at 2.1V ??

[VectorRoll]

Originally Posted by AbsurdusOffline

I though that ram was to run at 2.1V ??

You can overclock your RAM; but I would not suggest doing it if your are not too experienced in it just yet.
The only thing that I might recommend to people; even if they are not too experienced; is manually setting the timings for your RAM in the BIOS. Look at the timmings that should listed package for the RAM or go to the manufactor site and see what the default timmings are for your sticks of RAM. Then go into the BIOS and set them manually. It is not hard to do; and as long as you do not overclock them you should be fine. It sometimes helps give better preformance than having the BIOS set it automatically.
You also want to make sure that your RAM is similar. If you are not getting a good score with the 2GB stickss and 1GB sticks together; try removing the 1GB Sticks and see what your score is.

Originally Posted by skutaboy

Right here in these images I am noticing something that may be hindering your RAM.
Slot #1 & #3 need to be the same size and Slot #2 & #4 need to be the same size. At least that is how my mobo is set up.
If you look at the manual for your mobo; if you have it; it should display the appropriate slot placement for the RAM. If you do not have the manual you should be able to download it from the manufacture web site.
I would try and place the 2GB sticks in slot #1 & #3; then the 1GB sticks in slot #2 & #4. Or vis versa. Then see how it scores.

[nea_alecu]

Originally Posted by AbsurdusOffline

I though that ram was to run at 2.1V ??

The standard voltage for DDR2 memory is 1.8 V. There are memory sticks that have higher requirements for various reasons, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. It might actually be the other way around, strangely enough... I mean they might not like being at 2.0.

[nea_alecu]

Originally Posted by VectorRoll

The only thing that I might recommend to people; even if they are not too experienced; is manually setting the timings for your RAM in the BIOS. Look at the timmings that should listed package for the RAM or go to the manufactor site and see what the default timmings are for your sticks of RAM. Then go into the BIOS and set them manually.

I agree with that, but in this case it looks like the BIOS sets the timings properly - the CPU-Z screenshot from the other thread seemed to be in agreement with the SPD information posted here. We still have to see what the story is with the voltages though.

Right here in these images I am noticing something that may be hindering your RAM.
Slot #1 & #3 need to be the same size and Slot #2 & #4 need to be the same size. At least that is how my mobo is set up.

Hold your horses . That was my first reaction as well. However, I looked at the MB manual - it's an EVGA 680i SLI, right, skutaboy? It looks like the slots are numbered out of order on the motherboard - the physical order is 1, 3, 2, 4, so I think the setup is correct.

[VectorRoll]

In post #9 the image says BFG and Biostar. Not sure why it would mention two diferent brands. I have never use that application so I can not say why it is like that.

So that is a good question on what his mobo really is. CPU-Z will say what it is though.

I know that if it is the Biostar it should have Blue and Black slots. So that the two Blue slots should have one size; and the two Black slots should have the other size. Not sure what colors the BFG would be or an EVGA.
I know that my Asus has Yellow and Black. With an order like this. (dimm_a-1, dimm_a-2, dimm_b-1, dimm_b-2) And for mine (a-1 & b-1) have to be the same; and (a-2 & b-2) have to be the same.

In any case the manual should say. Hopefull he has it or can download it to see.