Random reboots on new build

[bitsolo]

Ok so this is going to be quite long. I've been in #hardware on freenode for the past two weeks trying to figure this out.

Here are the build specs from Newegg:

• GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
• Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor
• CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2
• SAPPHIRE 100293L Radeon HD 5570 1GB 128-bit DDR3
• SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM hdd
• G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL (4 of these totaling 8GB

)

So I set everything up and get it running and install Windows 7 on it. I didn't use the graphics drivers for the video card in the beginning, and as a result, the display looked like crap. I ended up using the installation CD that came with the graphics card, but when I did that, I was immediately getting BSODs and reboots. I thought it was the RAM, ran a memtest from a live Ubuntu CD, and tested all the sticks. The test returned no errors. I flashed the motherboard with the new BIOS revision, but still nothing.

I ended up downloading the ATI drivers from the ATI website and still those warranted the same issues (random reboots and BSODs) even giving me a bunch of weird red lines running across the screen. I disabled the drivers and used the standard Windows graphics drivers which immediately fixed the issue. I RMA'd the graphics card and replaced it with a ASUS ENGT240/DI/512MD5/A GeForce GT 240 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 which I currently have.

Just last night I'm using the computer (haven't had a chance to really use it as I've been gone), and I got a random BSOD and a few reboots (about 4). I did a memtest on all sticks of ram again, and again no errors. One thing I'm thinking might be an issue is that my motherboard doesn't state that the particular RAM I'm using is supported. The mobo states it supports DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800. The RAM I have is DDR3 but is spec'd for 1600 MHz. The system the RAM is running @ 1.5v and 1333MHz, but I enabled the Extreme Memory Profile in BIOS per G Skill's advice so it is now running @ 1600MHz.

I'm not having the same frequency of reboots, but I'd rather have none, and not have to worry about when or if my system might randomly restart. Hopefully someone can help me out. I've been trying everything, and as this is my first build, it's been quite the headache for me.

Here are some wonderful BSOD pictures for your viewing pleasure:

https://imgur.com/Y52BG

https://imgur.com/Y52BG

UPDATE: Recently, I haven't been able to use my computer since I've been gone, and it seemed the first thing that happened after I entered my password in the Windows login screen was a BSOD.

 

[bda1967]

Have you fully uninstalled all old drivers using Driver Sweeper in safe mode? How long did you run Memtest86+ for? Try using one stick of RAM and move it to different slots in the MB and make sure everything is at stock settings too. EDIT: Oh and

 

[bitsolo]

Thanks for the nice welcome!

Regarding Memtest, I ran it on all 4 sticks overnight (until it stopped), and then I tried it on each stick individually. Single sticks of ram only work in certain channels per my mobo manual, so I put them in those, and ran the tests on for maybe a couple hours on each. I really don't think it's a RAM issue, even though the G Skill tech support told me that I could RMA it and it should fix the issue.

I used a driver uninstaller, but I don't think it would have mattered anyway, since I re-installed Windows once I got the new graphics card.

The Windows copy I have is an iso from my University's server which I burned @ school. I have an additional copy that I downloaded through MSDN Software Alliance that I burned to a CD, and I think I might use that to reinstall it.

 

[bda1967]

Are all chipset drivers loaded?

 

[bitsolo]

Oh. My. God. I just realized I didn't ever install the chipset drivers on this build. I'm an idiot. Doing that now. I'll report back in a few.

 

[bitsolo]

I went to download the latest chipset drivers, but they were for the old revision F6 (I have F8) for my mobo.

 

[Slayn]

I think it is a memory problem. First of all, you are using 8gb. The sticks are designed to run at max speed in a set of 2, not 4. Getting 4 sticks to run at 1600mhz is usually hard. I recommend you turn it back to 1333mhz and manually set the timings to 9-9-9-24 2T.

 

[bitsolo]

I think it is a memory problem. First of all, you are using 8gb. The sticks are designed to run at max speed in a set of 2, not 4. Getting 4 sticks to run at 1600mhz is usually hard. I recommend you turn it back to 1333mhz and manually set the timings to 9-9-9-24 2T.

Ok. Is there any kind of performance loss running @ that frequency instead of 1600MHz? Should I just return them and get something that is spec'd for 1333MHz?

Will tuning the timings manually mess anything up? I'm a complete noob at all this pc building stuff, so I want to make sure I don't destroy something.

 

[Slayn]

No reason to buy different memory. Take 2 sticks out, set the speed to 1333, set the timings to what they are stock ( 9-9-9-24-2T ) and then test. If it locks up, take those two sticks out and try another 2 sticks. If those don't work, try the other 2 slots. If that doesn't work, then I would say it isn't a memory problem and you move on. Basically the point is to use conservative memory settings to see if the problem persists or goes away.

 

[Headshok]

Have you check the standoffs? are they all in the correct hole? if one is not, you could be getting a short circuit