Random BSOD's On New Build-- GPU Re-Used

[SamsonAustin96]

I recently built a new computer for my girlfriend, since she really enjoys PC Gaming, because she doesn't have much time for her PS3.

Anyways the specs are as follows:

Gigabyte GA-M68lmt-s2 (MB)
EVGA GTX 550 Ti***
AMD FX 8150 8-Core Processor
800 Watt Power Supply
Seagate 1TB Sata Hard Drive
Standard Optical Drive***
Super Talent 8GB DDR3 RAM
Windows 7 Home Premium

***The GPU and Optical are recycled from an HP Desktop I had that died about a year ago.

I finished building this in January, I experienced ONE Blue Screen when installing the necessary software. I didn't pay much attention to the code, though, since my personal custom build Blue Screened once as well when I first got it. I gave it to her the next day, and soon after she began experiencing about one BSOD a day. (This was a different build, for I recently replaced a few components in an attempt to fix this problem.)

January Build:

Gigabyte GA-M68lmt-s2
EVGA GTX 550 Ti***
AMD FX 8150 8-Core Processor
800 Watt Power Supply
Western Digital Caviar 1TB HD***
Same Optical***
PNY Gold 8GB DDR3 RAM
Windows 7 Home Premium

***GPU from dead HP, as is the Optical.

***PNY RAM replaced due the BSOD codes being associated with Mem. Errors.

***WD Hard Drive from 2007 Acer. Replaced due to a believed possible error with the Storage Driver/Sys Files since the Hard Drive was on a Windows Vista machine and the Build is a Windows 7.

Anyways, I replaced all of the above, and still no luck. The only parts left that I haven't replaced are the Optical and GPU.

The Optical shouldn't be a problem since it's basically just a DVD player.

But the GPU seems fishy. It performs fine, runs most games on Ultra at 60 FPS on average. BUT-- the HP that died had an issue where the system would run for a day then Blue Screen, then eventually wouldn't even run for 20 mins. This was about 2-4 months after the installation of the GPU inside of the HP. I don't recall the HP BSOD codes, though. I think there was E-- which was the most common.

Anyways, the BSOD codes on the NEW build are 1E and a few others I can't recall. I did write them down, I just don't have the paper.

I'd really like some help on this, because I do have the money to get another GPU, I just don't want to invest in another unnecessary part.

Thanks,

Austin.

 

[mace200200]

First I would pull the optical drive out, it's unlikely to cause a BSOD, but it's easy enough to rule out and just rip out. A GPU could certainly cause BSODs, most likely caused by drivers. Make sure your running the newest, or go back to the second most recent drivers. If it's not the GPU drivers, then I'd have to say it's the card itself but, are you using a GOOD PSU? GPUs are very sensitive to voltage fluxing, so if your crappy PSU is over volting it, it could very well shut down to prevent damage. Over volting will usually happen at certain levels, so it'd make sense if it's doing it only at idle and is fine at load.

 

[SamsonAustin96]

First I would pull the optical drive out, it's unlikely to cause a BSOD, but it's easy enough to rule out and just rip out. A GPU could certainly cause BSODs, most likely caused by drivers. Make sure your running the newest, or go back to the second most recent drivers. If it's not the GPU drivers, then I'd have to say it's the card itself but, are you using a GOOD PSU? GPUs are very sensitive to voltage fluxing, so if your crappy PSU is over volting it, it could very well shut down to prevent damage. Over volting will usually happen at certain levels, so it'd make sense if it's doing it only at idle and is fine at load.

The GPU Drivers were updated when I installed the hard drive a few weeks ago, and still having blue screens.
The PSU was brand new-- the GPU requires a 400 Watt Power Supply, and the Processor was fairly large, so I wanted to make sure there was at least 200 watts open to fluctuation in power from basic computing to gaming. And the GPU is always cold-- inside temp is usually at around 50-60 degrees Celsius.

When it comes to events where BSOD's take place-- they happen during almost any task. I haven't left it sitting running Crysis 2 to see if it happens while games are running. But-- heavy load, light load-- the system still crashes.

Anyways, I'll try removing the optical, and if it helps-- I can uninstall the GPU and use the VGA on the motherboard and see if there is a change in behavior at all. Might have to re-install Windows again.

If there's any more info I can provide, I'd be happy to provide it. I'll have access to the list of BSOD Codes tomorrow, so I can post those. I'll try what you suggested and report back with the results later.

Thanks for the help so far,

Austin

 

[mace200200]

What kind of PSU do you have? It doesn't reallly mater how much power it has if it's a cheap unit.

 

[SamsonAustin96]

What kind of PSU do you have? It doesn't reallly mater how much power it has if it's a cheap unit.

It was a $40 800 watt, cheapest available. I don't quite remember what kind, lemme look it up.

Okay, it was a KENTEK 800 Watt ATX PSU. Has SATA, PCI-Express, SLI Ready, all that stuff. The CPU was taken out and put back in about 3 times, for the original MB did not support the AMD FX series processors-- this makes me question the CPU. But I mostly question the GPU-- it's around 2-3 years old and I already had a very large suspicion about it being the killer of my last machine. I'm gonna replace that in about a month or so.

Anyways, the PSU is listed above (sorry I tend to drone on.)

Thanks for the reply and sorry I replied so late-- forgot that I even started the thread.

Austin

 

[mace200200]

Replace your PSU with a decent unit. Like I said about the voltage fluxing.
http://www.amazon.com/Antec-VP-450-Energy-Certified-Supply/dp/B004IZN3K2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369169290&sr=8-1&keywords=antec+vp
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

 

[SamsonAustin96]

Replace your PSU with a decent unit. Like I said about the voltage fluxing.
http://www.amazon.com/Antec-VP-450-Energy-Certified-Supply/dp/B004IZN3K2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369169290&sr=8-1&keywords=antec+vp
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

Thanks, I'll try that! I'll post the results soon-ish.

Another update: I have a 600 Watt PSU sitting around. It was about $60 when I got it-- it's a Thermaltake... and it's another part from the dead HP--. Given the price originally paid, would that be a viable solution for now? Or at least to try?

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Power-Supply-240-Pin-W0388RU/dp/B002RWJGHM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1369191563&sr=1-2&keywords=thermaltake+600+w

Although the death of the HP was inconclusive-- I have a feeling it was mostly heat-related. It was a Micro-ATX case--standard desktop--there was a small 3" by 2" vent in the side, and there was still an expansion slot panel over the vent of the GPU for a few months, due to the carelessness of a friend. (This was before I began working on computers myself.)

Anyways-- I'm convinced that the PSU has possibly some credibility still-- but I'll leave that up to you-- I'm hesitant. If I need to buy another PSU, I will.

Thanks for all of the help so far, I really appreciate it.

Austin

 

[smeezekitty]

Another update: I have a 600 Watt PSU sitting around. It was about $60 when I got it-- it's a Thermaltake... and it's another part from the dead HP--. Given the price originally paid, would that be a viable solution for now? Or at least to try?

Thermaltake is kind of middle of the road but not particularly bad. I would give it a try.

 

[SamsonAustin96]

Another update: I have a 600 Watt PSU sitting around. It was about $60 when I got it-- it's a Thermaltake... and it's another part from the dead HP--. Given the price originally paid, would that be a viable solution for now? Or at least to try?

Thermaltake is kind of middle of the road but not particularly bad. I would give it a try.

Well okay then, next chance I get, I'll pop that in the case.