amdkmdag I've tried everything! Please help!

[cobelbobins]

I've been having lock ups, BSODs and crashes to desktop on games and some full screen applications since the pc was first built. This sometimes give "display driver stopped responding and has recovered" and the system events log shows amdkmdag display driver warnings.

 

My system is:

 

i3 4160 (+ 212evo)

Asrock z97m Anniversary 

Sapphire Vapor-X R9 280X Tri-X

F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL

G.Skill 8GBXL  2x 4 GB

XFX TS Series 550W P1550SXXB9

WD blue 1tb 

four case fans with nzxt grid+

Windows 8.1

 

Built 2 months ago!!!!

 

So, I've tried everything here http://support.amd.com/en-us/kb-articles/Pages/737-27116RadeonSeries-ATIKMDAGhasstoppedrespondingerrormessages.aspx

Plus pretty much everything else I can find worth trying.

 

I have just RMAed the old card so the 280x is the new replacement but the problem carried straight on, fresh windows install today.

All that remains is new memory (its been clean with memtest86 and prime95 mixed testing), new psu (really not convinced this is the issue) or new motherboard.

 

I feel that new mobo is the next step but don't know if I need some evidence pointing to it if trying to RMA. Can I diagnose anything more?

 

Any help at all is appreciated.

I have posted this elsewhere, I hope you don't mind, I've had trouble getting responses.

[don_svetlio]

I think it might actually be the PSU, Chances are it's probably either not enough for your system or it might just be faulty. Try using a different power supply to see if the problem persists. Does it occur when system is under load only?

[Gikero]

For the sake of testing, have you cleared CMOS and then done a fresh install of your GPU drivers?

[Guest Oakley]

I think it might actually be the PSU, Chances are it's probably either not enough for your system or it might just be faulty. Try using a different power supply to see if the problem persists. Does it occur when system is under load only?

I dont think that is the problem. That is a great PSU.

.

[cobelbobins]

It often occurs in low load applications (e.g. when left not doing anything in grimfandango remastered or project cars) which makes me think it might not be the PSU.

I dont have another PSU or system to test with.

 

I will try CMOS in a bit but I have tried a LOT of driver cleans and reinstalls with various drivers, I'm sceptical of what it can do to help.

[Guest Oakley]

Static shock when it was installed?

[cobelbobins]

I was grounded throughout building but again I will try it. Can you explain why a static shock would cause CMOS to effect the system in this way (if you have the time and can be bothered)?

[Guest Oakley]

I was grounded throughout building but again I will try it. Can you explain why a static shock would cause CMOS to effect the system in this way (if you have the time and can be bothered)?

I doubt it was a static shock, just wondering if you experienced anything like that when you were building it.

[cobelbobins]

No, nothing. I used a bracelet and was super careful (its my first build). Esentially, I would love to know if there is a way of diagnosing the motherboard. I feel like its a compatibility problem with windows, which would suck because the things I have tried would suggest its here to stay (fingers crossed for 10!!!!).

[Guest Oakley]

Did you already try clearing your CMOS and reinstalling GPU drivers?

[cobelbobins]

I cant to that right now but I will later tonight, hopefully within the hour. Should I uninstall, clean drivers, then whipe CMOS? or Clean CMOS then uninstall and reinstall?

[cobelbobins]

ummm, so far so good (after cmos and drivers) I'll report back in 24hours

[cobelbobins]

Ok, seemed fine for a while and then CRASHED on project cars (to desktop, log shows amgkmdag). It was during a more intense moment.... Not sure is that means anything, there is nothing special about temperatures or loads.

[stconquest]

Run the PC with single 4 GB sticks, one at a time...

 

I found that memtest is not reliable enough with bad RAM modules.  It is easy to test, just remove one stick and run your PC.  If your errors continue, switch to the other stick and try again.

[Captain_WD]

~snip~

 

Hey cobelbobins,

 

I'd also try running the system on its bare minimums and set everything at stock speeds and settings. If everything goes normal in safe mode, try running in normal mode and start adding part by part and see when it crashes. 

I'd also check the HDD for errors. I would recommend using WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=cGKycq

 

Do make sure you have all the latest OS, driver and BIOS updates installed.

 

Captain_WD.

[cobelbobins]

Ok, I just got my RMA ram and had an almost instant crash when playing project cars.

 

Any ideas? I will try RMA the mother board next?

[stconquest]

Have you removed the GPU and run the display off of the iGPU?

[cobelbobins]

Yes, when going through the rma for the gpu I was without a card. It ran fine with no problems other than being less powerful. The new gpu is throwing up identical problems.

In hindsight, I think the original gpu was fine. Oops.

[cobelbobins]

So I finally got a new motherboard as warranty, everything seems fine..... Problem solved, I wish there was a clearer answer/diagnosis to this to help others with the same problem. Anyway, thank you everyone for your help!