BSOD errors

Discussion in 'Software' started by dlb, Dec 31, 2008.

  1. dlb

    dlb MajorGeek

    I'm working on a custom built PC running Vista Home Premium, 9800GTX, 2gb DDR2-800, 2 x 320gb SATA. The owner of the PC reports BSOD crashes during gaming sessions. He says that the ONLY time the BSODs happen is during gaming sessions. However, I have been unable to coax an error from the PC, so I was looking through the Event Viewer for some errors and (so far) haven't found anything. Is there someplace else I could/should look to see the BSOD error details?

    (So far, the only problem that I've discovered is that the PC doesn't restart; if you hit reset, or use the Shut Down > Restart buttons, even saving BIOS changes and exiting BIOS, the PC will shut down OK, but won't restart; strange :confused could the BSODs and the restart issues be related?)
     
    dlb, Dec 31, 2008
    #1
  2. OLIVER_TECHMASTER

    OLIVER_TECHMASTER Private E-2

    How is the cooling, did you check the sys temps, could be overheating causing BSOD and shut down to prevent heat damage:)
     
    OLIVER_TECHMASTER, Dec 31, 2008
    #2
  3. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi dlb


    Dunno apart form recreating and writing the BSOD code down yourself, the main areas would be the Event Logs

    Could check to see if any Memory Dumps where done at the time of the BSOD, sometimes their are some sometimes not, should be found in system root C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP Adryns guide on dumps may help you fathom it out.


    During heavy gaming sessions I would suspect temp issue or driver, so run a benchmark (or burn in stress test ) over and over again and check temps and if you get a BSOD then great as it will give us a code to go off.


    Nothing sadly springs to mind for the restart issue.
     
    DavidGP, Dec 31, 2008
    #3
  4. dlb

    dlb MajorGeek

    Well, I ran the Fur Rendering test using GPU Caps Viewer and at about 3 minutes in, it starting artifacting and the temp was around 92-93c. So I then ran an extended test using Video Card Stability Test. It's a fairly basic and rudimentary diagnostic tool, but every time I have run it on a questionable card, it tells me what's up. This is no exception. The card failed each time I ran the app (4 times total), and it never made it past the 5 minute mark before failing the test. So we know the card is part of the problem, and it's probably 80% of the problem. I have installed other cards and they don't fail the tests; I have one in now that's been going for 35min without problems. But I'm still having issues with the PC not restarting. If I hit the reset button, use the Vista "Restart" button, or even if I save BIOS changes, exit and restart, the PC will not restart. It goes through the shut down, but never comes back up. If I power down using the master PSU switch, and wait for about 60sec, then power up again, it boots up normally. So I guess that's a topic for a new thread.

    Thanks for your interest guys! I'll take a look at the memory dumps (if any) and maybe that will tell me something more.
     
    dlb, Dec 31, 2008
    #4

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