Random Crashes Under Load

[hammerer]

Hello, I just upgraded my computer, here are my specs:

-FX-8320 (still on a stock cooler and stock clocks)
-GTX 660
-GA-990FXA-UD3
-G.Skill Ripjaws X series 8gb DDR3-2133

The crashes happen after a while when I'm playing hardware intensive games like Battlefield 3. My screen and peripherals shut down but the computer stays on and the fans keep on spinning.

Any guesses? The CPU running hot maybe? Would a Memtest be appropriate? 


Thank you!
 

[TheCrazyCryptonian]

I would say re-mount the cooler but wait for someone more knowledgeable than me.

[mgsstar]

I would try logging your temperatures using HWInfo while you are gaming to see if anything is overheating. Also make sure that your psu isn't overheating as I had a similar problem (computer suddenly shutdown with no fans spinning) when I was playing games.

[Jumper118]

use core temp to see how hot your cpu is getting http://www.softpedia.com/get/Windows-Widgets/Widget-Miscellaneous/Core-Temp.shtml

[deathjester]

As some else said download core temp, hw monitor, real temp etc. They all do the same thing. 

 

You are looking to be under 62C (max temp) in a game per AMD.

 

The stock coolers aren't fantastic on any 8 thread chip for gaming so if you are passing this temp or running hot that could be a reason, if the heatsink it sitting slightly off.

 

It could also be: 

 

Memory which you can test without stresstesting (which I would not do on a stock cooler). Download memtest and run one quick pas and 5/test 5's. If it passes that it is probably stable. Test over night to make sure.

 

Power supply. These AMD chips use a lot of power. If you have no headroom for the GPU/CPU/bunch of drives and are on say a Diablotek PSU? You could have problems.

 

MB or CPU themselves though I doubt it. It is prob the PSU, heat or memory.

[hammerer]

Thank you everyone, I'll try logging my temps and I'll come back to you afterwards.

[ilok]

Check the heat, and also try a different power supply.

[-rascal-]

CoreTemp and RelTemp don't seem to give accurate temperature readings for AMD CPUs. I'd recommend that you use either HWMonitor or AIDA64 (or both).

What power supply are you using for your system? Can you please provide the make and model of the unit? (i.e. Corsair HX650 650W)

Your power supply may be the culprit...

How is the airflow of your system?

What case / chassis are you using?

What are the case fan configurations (i.e. 120mm fan at the front for intake, 140mm fan at the rear for exhaust, etc)?

How is the cable management inside the system?

[Jumper118]

CoreTemp and RelTemp don't seem to give accurate temperature readings for AMD CPUs. I'd recommend that you use either HWMonitor or AIDA64 (or both).

 

it depends on the cpu and the motherboard 

[-rascal-]

it depends on the cpu and the motherboard 

 

True, but the two I indicated do not work great with AMD processors - and does quite well for Intel chips.

 

 

Look at the RealTemp webpage:

 

"RealTemp is a temperature monitoring program designed for all Intel single Core, Dual Core, Quad Core and Core i7 processors."

 

Look at the last eight updates; nothing about AMD processors.

"Changes in version 3.70...Support for Sandy Bridge CPUs."

"Changes in version 3.60...Added Core i Turbo multiplier and Turbo TDP/TDC overclocking for Extreme / K series CPUs."

 

 

I've tried CoreTemp for the following AMD CPUs and the temperatures readings were not accurate at all:

• First-generation (FM1) A6-3670K APU
• Phenom II X6 1090T
• Phenom II X4 955
• FX-6100

The last time I recall it working "correctly" was with a few socket 939 and AM2 Athlon 64 X2 CPUs (3800+, 4400+ [65W Brisbane], and 6000+ [89W Windsor]).

[Jumper118]

True, but the two I indicated do not work great with AMD processors - and quite well for Intel chips.

 

 

Look at the RealTemp webpage:

 

"RealTemp is a temperature monitoring program designed for all Intel single Core, Dual Core, Quad Core and Core i7 processors."

 

Look at the last eight updates; nothing about AMD processors.

"Changes in version 3.70...Support for Sandy Bridge CPUs."

 

"Changes in version 3.60...Added Core i Turbo multiplier and Turbo TDP/TDC overclocking for Extreme / K series CPUs."

 

 

I've tried CoreTemp for the following AMD CPUs and the temperatures readings were not accurate at all:

• First-generation (FM1) A6-3670K APU
• Phenom II X6 1090T
• Phenom II X4 955
• FX-6100

The only time I recall it working "correctly" was with a several socket 939 and AM2 Athlon 64 X2 CPUs (3800+, 4400+, and 6000+).

mine has read an fx6200 and athlon ii x2 220 accurately and a athlon ii x4 635 and sempron 145 wrong. 

[-rascal-]

mine has read an fx6200 and athlon ii x2 220 accurately and a athlon ii x4 635 and sempron 145 wrong. 

 

Hmm...interesting...

[Jumper118]

Hmm...interesting...

its is a bits random as to what works and what doesn't. i was using a gigabyte 970a ds3 on the fx6200, x2 220 and sempron 145 and just a acer thing with the x4 635

[hammerer]

Hey

 

Sorry for all your help and especially for taking so long to reply: I moved right after starting this post and only now have I found time to adress my problem.

Most of you were right, it was the PSU. It's fan is dead. Do you have any budget powersupplies to recommend to go with my build? I added a Hyper 212 Evo to it.

Thank you!

EDIT: My PSU is old.. Coolermaster RP-500-PCAR, would it be worth just changing the fan? I did it on my fathers power supply a month ago and it worked like a charm.

[mgsstar]

Hey

 

Sorry for all your help and especially for taking so long to reply: I moved right after starting this post and only now have I found time to adress my problem.

Most of you were right, it was the PSU. It's fan is dead. Do you have any budget powersupplies to recommend to go with my build? I added a Hyper 212 Evo to it.

Thank you!

EDIT: My PSU is old.. Coolermaster RP-500-PCAR, would it be worth just changing the fan? I did it on my fathers power supply a month ago and it worked like a charm.

XFX Core 550W is a good choice for a good quality budget psu and it will be more than enough to power this system.

[-rascal-]

@mgsstar 's PSU suggestion is a good one.

 

DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON A POWER SUPPLY.

It is one of the most crucial component in a PC system.

 

That Cooler Master eXtreme 500W can't even output the advertised 500W. The absolute maximum (like before it blows up) on the +12v rails being 384W, it's more like a 400W power supply.

 

Some other PSU suggestions:

SeaSonic S12II 520W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

Antec NEO 520W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

Corsair CX500 500W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

[austin541]

what new psu are you going to get. 

 

[aidenrelkoff]

As some else said download core temp, hw monitor, real temp etc. They all do the same thing. 

 

You are looking to be under 62C (max temp) in a game per AMD.

 

The stock coolers aren't fantastic on any 8 thread chip for gaming so if you are passing this temp or running hot that could be a reason, if the heatsink it sitting slightly off.

 

It could also be: 

 

Memory which you can test without stresstesting (which I would not do on a stock cooler). Download memtest and run one quick pas and 5/test 5's. If it passes that it is probably stable. Test over night to make sure.

 

Power supply. These AMD chips use a lot of power. If you have no headroom for the GPU/CPU/bunch of drives and are on say a Diablotek PSU? You could have problems.

 

MB or CPU themselves though I doubt it. It is prob the PSU, heat or memory.

Real temp does not work with the FX serise cpus, i have a Fx-4130 and under extreme load, i had 7 games, was rendering a hd video, and watching youtube. my cpu was 55* and i was using 5.2gbs of ram. my TJ-MAX temp is 80*.... i dont know how i would ever get there

[hammerer]

I am going to get a CX500 500w PSU. Will it handle my build? Will I have some wriggle room for OCing?