MB testing (under load) software?

Jnoh · August 27, 2014

I am seekign advice on what software and methods I should try to test the Motherboard under load.

Trying to nail down the source of some troubles my rig started having in the last few weeks.

The system is not overclocked (lazy, I know). All drivers, firmware, and BIOS have been confirmed as being up to date. The CPU, GPUs, and MB die are not overheating. All fans are running.

Most of my games (MMOs, including ESO) barely push my GPUs, but recent attempts to return to Watch_Dogs (problems before loading finishes), Shogun 2 (Problems after 5 min of play), and Civ 5 (problems after about 1 hour) have resulted in the following symptoms:

Loss of sound from my firewire sound device (sound works through headphones if device is turned off)
Occationally loss of connection to USB LCD screen used to monitor system temps and loads (still seems to have power, possibly just the screen's software crashing?)
followed shortly by locking up in game and sometimes looping sound in headphones
Alt+Tab is non-responsive
Ctrl+Alt+Del is non responsive
When I can get the game to close immediately on sound cutting out, the desktop is unresponsive to clicks, and Win7 often identifies Windows as being unresponsive and asks if I want to end the process
Background programs like Ventrilo are still active, and I can continue conversations there even, as I lament my crashed system.

This all appears to happen only under high power loads, >750W according to my APC UPS, as the GPUs hit >85% loading. I will also be testing my PSU (I have a power supply tester for just such an occasion), but I don't think the issue occurs until the overall draw hits >750W and or >85% GPU loading, CPU loading seems inconsequential at the moment.

Quick Specs:

MB: Rampage III Extreme
CPU: i7-x980
GPUs: 2x EVGA 780ti Classified
Sound: M-Audio ProFire 610
KB: Logitech G510 (with onboard sound)

All BIOS, Firmware, and Drivers have been double checked as up to date.

Jnoh · August 30, 2014

Resolved: Bad PCIe cabling.

Tore down all PSU cabling, inspected and replaced all modular cables, re-routed non-modular. No more crashes. Money saved dogeared towards R5E / 5930K after they've been out a bit and the kinks are worked out.