CPU is failing, time for a new build.

[nerwin]

Hello! I'm new here and just came from another tech forum that has pretty much turned into a ghost town, no one is willing to help out with my new PC config so hopefully someone here can give me some advice as I've been out of the PC building race for a little awhile, just been focusing on my photography.

Anyways,

I've been getting a LOT of crashes from my current PC which has Windows 10 Pro 64 bit installed and I managed to get someone to analyze the mini dumps and said they are related to the CPU.

WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (124)
A fatal hardware error has occurred.
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID: 0x124_GenuineIntel_PROCESSOR_CACHE

Which tells me there there is someone wrong with my processor. It still works right now but the crashes are occurring more frequently than before, sometimes it will just lock up with the sound on a loop and I have to manually restart it. It just isn't that reliable anymore. So I'm looking into options.

My current setup is:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K
MOBO: ASUS P8Z77-V LK
RAM: G. Skill Ripjaws 16GB DDR3 2133 CL9 (4x4gb)
VIDEO: EVGA GeForce GTX-750 Ti SC 2GB
PSU: Corsair TX650M
CPU COOLING: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO/w Noctua Fan
SSD: Samsung 128GB 840 Pro

Picture of the setup

I had the CPU overclocked to 4ghz for a couple years and had no issues, but change it back to stock settings to prolong it..crashes are not as frequent as they were or so it seems anyways.

I don't know for an absolute FACT that my processor is failing but every mini dump that is created is always related to the CPU. I ran Intel's CPU diagnostic tool, passed and I ran a stress test on the processor and that also passed.

The New Build

Keep in mind that I don't do any gaming (or much of it anyways) But just do a lot of photo and video editing mainly.

I think I can reuse my PSU, Video Card and SSD on the new one. Those things I can always upgrade after the fact. Video card is less than a year old and works fine for I need.

So I'm looking at these parts:

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 6M Skylake - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117561

MOBO: ASUS Z170-A LGA 1151 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132566

RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8gb) DDR4 3000 CL15 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233863 (need that lower profile ram for that massive cooler, lol).

One question about the ram though. Since the DDR3 2133 CL9 ram I currently have is pretty good and its fast, wouldn't the DDR4 3000 with CL15 be slower than what I'm using now?

Will there be any increase in performance by doing this upgrade? Because if there isn't much then I might as well just go with Haswell/Canyon setup and save myself $150.

If my CPU wasn't failing, I wouldn't be making this post because I'd still continue to use the 3570k but apparently its failing, so might as well build a new system.

I'm pretty sure I can resell the old parts and get some money back..CPU would have to be sold as for parts and not working. But RAM is good and mobo is still working good. I'd also be upgrading to the Fractal Design R5 as well or perhaps the Define S but since I have a couple internal HDD, might as well get the R5 for not much more.

Any thoughts, recommendations or advice anyone is willing to share? It would REALLY be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: If anyone is bored and wants to take a look at my mini-dumps to see if my friend is wrong, go for it. I zipped the dumps up to my OneDrive. Download Here.

If its something that could actually be fixed with software, you just saved me a boat load of money! But I think its hardware because this issue had occurred on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and now Windows 10. No matter how many times I've reinstalled the OS, it still happens.

 

[LORDPrometheus]

the Ram may be slightly slower but you will not notice any difference in regular use only in synthetic benchmarks. Upgrading to the new Skylake platform gives you room for further upgrades so i would suggest it

 

[nerwin]

the Ram may be slightly slower but you will not notice any difference in regular use only in synthetic benchmarks. Upgrading to the new Skylake platform gives you room for further upgrades so i would suggest it

Though...doesn't DDR4 have much higher bandwidth than DDR3? Also its 3000mhz vs 2133mhz. Even though the latency is faster on my DDR3 and slower on the DDR4, wouldn't the DDR4 be faster certain situations?

 

[LORDPrometheus]

technically yes DDR4 has a higher bandwidth than DDR3 but there is no real world scenario that can saturate the full bandwidth of even DDR2 so it should not be a concern

 

[superninja12]

i think this is the best upgrade for you. since ddr4 makes hardly any difference and so does skylake compared to hashwell.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($43.53 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($85.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $369.51
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-05 10:20 EDT-0400


h7 si cheaper on newegg

 

[nerwin]

i think this is the best upgrade for you. since ddr4 makes hardly any difference and so does skylake compared to hashwell.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($43.53 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($85.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $369.51
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-05 10:20 EDT-0400


h7 si cheaper on newegg

Great thought, but I don't think I want to go Xeon. I'd miss out on the decent integrated video if for some reason my video card decided to fail on me.

Though the 8 threads is nice to have. But I probably wont notice much difference in my typical day to day use.

I don't have any performance issues with my setup now, I wouldn't be upgrading if my CPU didn't start failing so I'm just thinking ahead while I have the money, I could go Skylake and be good for many years to come. Also the Asus mobo that I selected has pretty decent onboard audio so I don't think I'd need to get a sound card when I do audio work for video. I think it would be sufficient for my needs.

 

[Design1stcode2nd]

Have you done any logging of your CPU temperatures? I got the same error a while back with multiple crashes in games which led me here and I found out my CPU was overheating because my cooler had failed not the CPU itself.

That may not be the case for you it could be your mobo or CPU is the problem but I'd check that first.

I use NZXT's Cam software for monitoring.

 

[nerwin]

Have you done any logging of your CPU temperatures? I got the same error a while back with multiple crashes in games which led me here and I found out my CPU was overheating because my cooler had failed not the CPU itself.

That may not be the case for you it could be your mobo or CPU is the problem but I'd check that first.

I use NZXT's Cam software for monitoring.

Yeah I monitor my temps and the temps are perfectly fine. Even when the room ambient temp is almost 90 degrees, the CPU hardly gets over 45c. It mostly idles between 26c and 36c, depending on the room temp.

I've never seen the mobo above 30c. Its always between 23-28c.

Video card idles around 26-28c. Under load, it gets near 50c but normally between 40-48c most of the time.

Heck, a couple weeks ago I did a stress test on the CPU with it running like 100% for 3 hours with room temp around 85 degrees and it barely reached 55c haha. I'd say that's pretty good if you asked me.

 

[Design1stcode2nd]

Yep its not heat with those temps, Sounds like your assumption is correct either the CPU or mobo is failing so upgrade time.

 

[superninja12]

than get an i7 you really want that 4 real cores with hyperthreading for your needs.

 

[nerwin]

than get an i7 you really want that 4 real cores with hyperthreading for your needs.

I don't see a HUGE performance difference between the i5 6600K and i7 6700K, espeically if I match the stock clock of the 6700K which won't break a sweat for 6600K.

The only difference I could see is when video rendering because of the 8 threads, but I doubt it will make a huge difference in Lightroom/Photoshop as I don't have a problem editing my high res files now. So maybe it might take a little longer to render video but either way its still going to be faster than my 3570k at stock clock.

Just for fun...with the new Z170 mobo, 6600k at 4ghz, DDR 4 3000 CL15 and my EVGA GeForce GTX-750 Ti SC 2GB card, could I run say Grand Theft Auto V pretty easily at good quality? Or any other modern games? I know the video card ain't the best..but that can always be upgraded down the road. I did say I don't do any gaming, I'm just thinking in the future...like this winter when I have a lot of down time. Might chill out and play some games.

Thanks guys for all your help.

 

[superninja12]

you can play on low with a decent framerate... lets say 40fps? you need to upgrade your gpu if u want more games depend alot on the gpu.

 

[nerwin]

you can play on low with a decent framerate... lets say 40fps? you need to upgrade your gpu if u want more games depend alot on the gpu.

That was my assumption, but I've been watching some videos on YouTube of computers with very similar specs with the same vid card and some were able to achieve 60fps on normal. That's pretty good honestly.

My monitor isn't super high res, it's only 1920 x 1200. I only got that video card because with the Intel Graphics 4000 things just seemed choppy.

But nonetheless, I'll have fantastic base setup that will have a lot of potential.

 

[Neutr1n0]

Just to say cpu don't usually break that way (with random errors) unless if you have severely overvolted or overheated it. Broken CPU rarely boot. Also performance difference going to from i5 3570k to i5 6600k would not be worth upgrading your complete platform. At least go for i7 then...

I would definately investigate further. You could have faulty PSU or ram or mobo. Report back temps, frequences and voltages. Try with only 1 stick of memory. Run some stress tests. Try swapping parts if possible...

 

[nerwin]

Just to say cpu don't usually break that way (with random errors) unless if you have severely overvolted or overheated it. Broken CPU rarely boot. Also performance difference going to from i5 3570k to i5 6600k would not be worth upgrading your complete platform. At least go for i7 then...

I would definately investigate further. You could have faulty PSU or ram or mobo. Report back temps, frequences and voltages. Try with only 1 stick of memory. Run some stress tests. Try swapping parts if possible...

That's my fear. I don't want to spend $500 on new parts and then have the same issue occur.

I mean I'll try to do more stress testing but I'm sure it will pass like before. Like I said, these crashes happen so randomly. Sometimes several times a day, once a week or couple times a month. Often they are without errors or BSOD. I just never know when its going to happen.

I never had this kind of issue before where I couldn't identify easily. Its been going on for a while now. I've always had weird little issues ever since I built it in 2012. So I don't know...maybe its just time to build a new system regardless.

 

[Neutr1n0]

I know this kind of troubleshooting can be a real pain in the ass...

Random crashes and certainly freezes are sign of instability likely caused by voltage or frequence settings on CPU or RAM.

I've had random crashes before caused by misbehaving PSU. PSU are also most likely to break part. Maybe you can temporary swap PSU with another PC (yours/parents/friends).

Also are you positively 100% sure you reverted back to default voltages and frequences?

Install some monitoring software (fe aida64) and report back.

These suggestions should be relatively easy to try and could go a lomg way in helping to find the culprid.

 

[nerwin]

Here's some screenshots I took in the BIOS if its helpful. You guys probably know a little more than I do, haha.

If there is something else you would like to see, just let me know.

 

[nerwin]

I know this kind of troubleshooting can be a real pain in the ass...

Random crashes and certainly freezes are sign of instability likely caused by voltage or frequence settings on CPU or RAM.

I've had random crashes before caused by misbehaving PSU. PSU are also most likely to break part. Maybe you can temporary swap PSU with another PC (yours/parents/friends).

Also are you positively 100% sure you reverted back to default voltages and frequences?

Install some monitoring software (fe aida64) and report back.

These suggestions should be relatively easy to try and could go a lomg way in helping to find the culprid.

So the PSU is fairly new as I got a replacement from Corsair a couple years ago because the bearings on the fan were getting noisy. They replaced it for free. So its not like its old and rotting lol.

Unfortunately I don't have any friends so no luck there. Haha

I guess in the meantime I can run some monitoring software and do some stress testing and see what happens.

 

[Neutr1n0]

core voltage is low. Is it set to auto? Did you try before to revert back to bios default/optimized settings?

 

[nerwin]

core voltage is low. Is it set to auto? Did you try before to revert back to bios default/optimized settings?

Looks like its auto.

 

[Karadjgne]

Umph, like looking at my own screens. I have a 3570k on a p8z77 LE. with a corsair h55 and Noctua fan lol. Been sitting at 4.3GHz for better part of 1.5 years almost constant 24/7. Runs like a champ. But. It's on a Seasonic m12-II 520w. Not a tx650. The tx650 is quite old and while decent in its day, isn't exactly decent now, unless it's the v2 which was a definite upgrade.

Many of those 124 errors are reported as Ram errors. It's entirely possible that your cpu is fine, it should be even with a 4.0GHz OC after this few years. 2133 cl9 is at the extreme edge of performance for ddr3, wondering if it's really not a ram error. Could try relaxing the xmp some to cl10 and running just 2x sticks at a time or putting the whole thing through a solid memtest86 stress. Many cpu stress tests won't find memory problems since they don't use much of the ram. Even a linpack testing only uses upto 90% which isn't good enough if the error is in the last 10%.

For a 4.0GHz OC on that board with that cpu, the only thing that requires any manual change is the multiplier. That's it. Everything else can be left at stock default settings and still be perfectly stable.

Don't assume the psu is new. Chances are very good it's a refurbished unit, where corsair took a 4 year old unit and swapped the fan out, tested it, then sent it to you as factory reconditioned, and they'll take the time to fix your old psu and send it out to someone else. It's a time-turnaround thing.

 

[nerwin]

Umph, like looking at my own screens. I have a 3570k on a p8z77 LE. with a corsair h55 and Noctua fan lol. Been sitting at 4.3GHz for better part of 1.5 years almost constant 24/7. Runs like a champ. But. It's on a Seasonic m12-II 520w. Not a tx650. The tx650 is quite old and while decent in its day, isn't exactly decent now, unless it's the v2 which was a definite upgrade.

Many of those 124 errors are reported as Ram errors. It's entirely possible that your cpu is fine, it should be even with a 4.0GHz OC after this few years. 2133 cl9 is at the extreme edge of performance for ddr3, wondering if it's really not a ram error. Could try relaxing the xmp some to cl10 and running just 2x sticks at a time or putting the whole thing through a solid memtest86 stress. Many cpu stress tests won't find memory problems since they don't use much of the ram. Even a linpack testing only uses upto 90% which isn't good enough if the error is in the last 10%.

For a 4.0GHz OC on that board with that cpu, the only thing that requires any manual change is the multiplier. That's it. Everything else can be left at stock default settings and still be perfectly stable.

I did run Memtest86 and it passed with zero errors fine. I actually ran it twice. I have no clue what is going on.

I had the ram set at CL11 for a while because I thought the same thing but it didn't make any difference. Still crashed either way.

The PSU looked pretty new to me, came in a regular sealed retail box just like the one I bought from newegg.

 

[Neutr1n0]

euhm... why does it state 'Manual Mode' next to your CPU voltage? try setting it to auto and see if it increases or manually set voltage to 1.15V.

 

[nerwin]

euhm... why does it state 'Manual Mode' next to your CPU voltage? try setting it to auto and see if it increases or manually set voltage to 1.15V.

There is no auto mode, its either Manual or Offset.

 

[Karadjgne]

You have to understand just how hard it is to kill a normal functioning, normal temperatured, normal used cpu. You have better chances at winning the lottery. In 35 years of playing with hardware, I've seen 1 cpu that died before it's time, and that was a motherboard error causing short circuits.