Unstable new build failing prime95 blend test

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caesparktom

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New Build is failing prime95 blend test. After 12 hours blend w/ 8 threads it crashes. It does not find any prime number errors and no bsod just shuts down and reboots to "windows did not shut down properly" screen.

fyi, I posted problem on my old new build thread here. Flong has been helping me troubleshoot but suggested I start a new thread. (Troubleshooting starts near end of page two.)

History/Steps taken so far:

Assembled new build (my first build) without major incident. Actually, I should mention that initially computer did failed to boot with a chassis intrusion error. I reset RTC RAM and didn't have any problems after that. So, I booted up. Installed win7 64 bit. Made no changes to bios and ran Prime95 blend test + Coretemp to monitor cpu temps. It crashed without errors after about 7 minutes--just shut down. I rebooted and confirmed that p95 results log was empty-no errors. Temperatures at full load during test were approx 53-57C.

Temperatures were a little higher than expected so I reseated cooler and re-ran blend test. This time if crashed after 5 minutes and temperatures were unchanged (53-57C).

I researched difference between blend, sml fft, and lrg fft tests here. Of interest was that fact that sml ffts test does not access memory as much as lrg ffts:

The "Small FFTs" test uses relatively small FFTs which can fit into the CPU cache. As a result, the small FFT test is the one which accesses your main memory the least but it still makes some memory accesses. Prime95 automatically creates a FFT size range which will fit into the L2 cache of your CPU.

The "In-place large FFTs" test uses relatively large FFTs which cannot fit into the CPU cache so this test accesses main memory a lot. It only accesses a relatively small amount of main memory because it runs the FFTs in-place so it accesses the same RAM over and over.
Click to expand...

I realize that this is not best way to test memory but decided to run the sml fft test because both times a ran the blend test, the first test it ran and crashed on was incidentally a large prime. So I ran and it ran for an hour without errors or crashing. I stopped it and concluded that it was a memory problem.

I checked bios ram settings (timing, frequency and voltage) and found that they were off by a bit. So i set explicitly to manufacture specs. Re-ran blend test. This time it ran 13 hours, produced no errors, but did still crash... again no bsod just sudden crash. Here are some temp readings during first hour or so.

time | c1 | c2 | c3 | c4
5:00 | 48c | 51c | 55c | 52c
5:13 | 52c | 54c | 58c | 55c
6:50 | 53c | 53c | 57c | 55c
.
.
.
temps were pretty consistent for duration of test. Actually I turned A/C off for bit to see how temps reacted and core 1,2 and 3 went up to ~ 60c and core 3 to 64c. But, it IS pretty hot here in beijing without A/C. I should note that crash occurred in middle of night when A/C was off so temps were probable around 60-64c before crash. btw, should i be concerned that core3 is always about 4c hotter than other cores? btw, GPU temp also around 52C.

Anyways, Stock system w/no Overclock should have no trouble burning for 24+ hours right? Not sure what to do now. Seems my system is just not quite as stable as it should be and not cooling quite as well as i would like. What do you suggest? I would like overclock a bit, but if my stock system is already marginal in terms of stability i don't know that i have any room to push it.

Btw, this is a workstation build so stability is relatively important.

Specs:

MOBO: ASUS P8P67 WS REVOLUTION
CPU: i7 2600k
GPU: NVidia Quadro 4000
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL --- x2(16GB)
SSD: OCZ vertex 3 （120GB）
HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB ---x2(2TB)
DVD: Sony Optiarc AD-7240S
LCD: Dell UltraSharp U2410
Case: Corsair 650D
PSU: Corsair HX750
COOLER: Corsair H60

Steps I am considering:

1. replace ram w/ same ram or different ram(perhaps try different freq/timing)
2. upgrade cooler to H80 or H100.
3. jump out the window and take my new build with me

thanks for any help
 
Solution
jaquith
I have not read all posts, my blinders are on to the RAM. FEW people know about the 4x4GB issues so @Proximon isn't the blame - at all; 4x4GB is very rare. Personally, I'd get a 4x4GB Matched Set because they are guaranteed to work together.

You can try setting them manually: Frequency -> DDR3-1600MHz, CAS 9-9-9-24 + Command Rate -> 2, raise the DRAM Voltage -> 1.55v~1.60v, plus VCCIO -> 1.20v. Then 'see' what happens... 50/50.

Good Luck! :)
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That's probably drivers.

I dug into all this when I got my SSD, just as we're doing today. Then I found out that Intel wanted me to use their program and that it would make the tweaks they felt were needed. So that's what I did.

Except for the pagefile. I've gone back and forth on that as I have struggled with a few problematic games. Definitely as a gamer you can't just eliminate the pagefile and forget about it. You have to remember what you did and be ready to adjust it if needed.

I think there is a lot to be said for turning all power saving off on a desktop with an SSD. Boot times are very fast on a modern system anyway. Back in the day, we struggled a LOT with faulty sleep modes... due to lack of understanding, poor PSUs, and other things.
For me, after all those troubles, I still enjoy just having a working sleep mode.... I never had a trouble-free one until I got my C2D build. I dig having a two offices where every machine sleeps properly also :)
 
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I thought about that also - the SSD speeds do improve with updated drivers the same as GPU speeds do. However, you have to erase the SSD to update the firmware don't you?

My computer will go to sleep, but not when WMC is recording a program off of the HDTV card. I am not sure if there is a solution to this issue.

It is a frustrating issue when the sleep function is not working properly. BTW what is a C2D build? Also is Intel's software just for their SSDs or can you use it for any SSD?
 
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C2D, Core 2 Duo. LGA 775, Intels platform two or three generations ago.

I was referring to controller drivers, not SSD firmaware. SATA II drivers.

Well, why would you want the computer to sleep in the middle of recording? The solution would be to turn off one of them, either the WMC or sleep mode.
 
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Many times I am not at home when I am recording and I would like the computer to record the program and turn off or go to sleep. Otherwise it runs for hours after it has recorded the program that I wanted to record.

I am not sure if it is even possible to rig the computer to do what I am wanting it to do. I want it to wake up, record the program and then go back to sleep.
 
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I agree with you that a HTPC does not require anything more than an i3-21xx. In my case I own a construction business and it is my business computer. I do CAD work and heavy business work (taxes, correspondence, email, electronic filing, scans etc.).

I have found that having a very fast computer saves a LOT of time every day for me. For example, because I now have an SSD, all of my applications open instantly. This greatly speeds up my work flow as I am constantly switching from one application to another and I have multiple applications open at any one time. Even my i-7 920 would slow down some times. My new 2600K build has never slowed down so far and I have not even overclocked it yet. I am thrilled with it.

The other day I was running late and I had to print some important documents. My computer started withing 20 seconds, my applications loaded instantly, my email searches came up instantly. I printed the documents in about two minutes (my printer is also very fast) and I was on my way. Having worked with several slower computers, I can tell you that this same flow would take a lot longer. Speed is not just for gamers, ha, ha.

It makes the time pass faster if I can have the TV on or listen to FM radio (I setup an OTA antenna in my attic for the HDTV and I also get FM radio through WMC) while I am working. Thus my business computer is also my HTPC. It is a good combination because I spend a lot of time on it. For this build I also added a blu-ray burner since my monitor is well capable of high definition playback.

My one disappointment is that even though I get an exceptional picture with my computer (XFX 6950, HP 2475 HIPS monitor, WMC, Hauppauge 2250 HDTV card), still it is not quite as good as a dedicated HDTV flat panel. I think that the HDTVs processing must have superior video processing because that is essentially all that it does. As good as the Hauppauge 2250 HDTV card is and the 6950 is a great card for high definition video, it is not quite as good as say a Samsung flat panel HDTV. Still, I am very close to that quality and I am very pleased with my setup.

Right now I have "Unforgiven" playing in the background as I write a contract for one of my projects. I also just stop once in awhile, take a break and put in a DVD (or soon a blu-ray disk, I am waiting on the PowerDVD 11 Utra software to arrive - it is required to play blu-ray disks).
 
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jaquith, thank you for the headsup on Windows Awaymode. I will study it. I scanned it quickly and it looks very promising - thank you very much.
 
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I don't even know where to start, in my mind it's like using my wife's ML for a heavy duty work truck and my SL for a taxi. Before I was a developer, builder, broker with a mortgage co. Never did I have anything but a professional workstation for our CAD.

CAD is accelerated by OpenGL and not optimized nor rendered properly by some gaming GPU, IMO you need something like the Pro WS listed below + a Pro GPU then size the PSU accordingly. The H-IPS, along with E-IPS, P-IPS, UA-SFT and upcoming AH-IPS....are all good and accurate for monitors, displays, TV's, etc but you're driving your nice H-IPS with a very inaccurate consumer GPU.

Right tools - I use 'cheaper' i7 930's for home and as dummy terminals to code our servers, email (etc) and verifying SQL/PHP, in addition full blown Workstations for our media, publishing, final testing side. I cannot imagine your i7 920's being bogged down as described unless they're, or its', low on RAM. I 'get' speed a few of my servers cost more than many cars, price a Dell PowerEdge R910 and start adding. They do in hours what 'PCs' do in a week and longer. Next, add a room filled wall-to-wall.

I'd have a dedicated HTPC + WS, I prefer dual monitors for work and triple for play only; otherwise it's too distracting. I'm in my home office now, I have Tom's in one monitor to my right, work in the middle, and a 42" TV to my left. Never would I do that at work.

LGA 1155 Professional Workstation:
Type Price Description Link
CPU 350 Intel Xeon E3-1275 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115085
MOBO 230 ASUS P8B WS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131725
RAM 99 Crucial UDIMM 2x4GB DDR3 1333 ECC CT2KIT51272BA1339 http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=P8B%20WS&Cat=RAM
SSD 240 OCZ Vertex 3 Series – MAX IOPS VTX3MI-25SAT3-120G 120GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706
HDD 60 SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
HDD 60 SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
PSU 116 CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650M http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139031
CASE 88 CM RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Advanced http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216
OS 140 Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-bit - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992
ODD 22 ASUS 24X DVDR - Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Total 1405
 
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I am new to building computers, in fact, this is the first one I have built from scratch. The problem that I had was that I was buying pre-built computers and finding all sorts of cheap compromises and then I would have to switch out parts to "fix" them the way that they should have been from the start. Frustrated, I decided to educate myself in building computers and I began reading multiple computer forums. It became a complicated Sudoku puzzle for me to solve.

I am fascinated by your build and your introduction of business-class components. I simply have not had the time to review the business dedicated components. My CAD program (Chief Architect) works well with my current system but that being said, I am very interested in how you have set up your work station.

My I-7 920 was a very fast computer, but when I had multiple programs open along with WMC the Corsair HX 750 that I had would go to high fan (very noisy) and my XFX 5850 would also go to high fan (also noisy). The system would slow down and move slower. Part of the problem was that it was a pre-built ZT Systems (speak of the devil ha, ha) computer and I don't think that it cooled properly - though it stayed within its limits. As fast as my 920 was, it is slow compared to my current build - which is easily 2-3 times faster and it does not slow down. The SSD and the 6950 are largely responsible for this, but my HDDs are also faster.

Do you think that I should move to a better GPU for my next build? I did not see a GPU in your workstation list. I may upgrade in 1-2 years once the bugs are worked out of Ivy Bridge and the prices settle down. My current mobo will support the new Ivy Bridge CPUs (AsRock Extreme 4 Gen 3). My SSD already is pushing SATA III limits (on ATTO benchmarks) and so it should be good for a couple of years.

What is the advantage of going to a Xenon CPU? I have read several articles but there didn't seem to be much of difference between them and the 2600K which I got for $292.00.

There are not many articles on business class components and information about them is hard to find. If there is a better mousetrap solution for my business computer, I am keenly interested and I am willing to learn. Ny CAD program does not demand a better GPU than the 6950 but that could change in the future. I may go to AutoCAD in the future and I think it demands more resources.

You and Proximon have far more experience with computers than I do. You will have many solutions that I am not aware of. That is one of the reasons I post on this forum - to learn from people with more expertise.
 
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I didn't realize that board was available. That's a game changer. That and the price on the CPU. The Win 7 Pro is important too, I've become very familiar with the bonuses the Pro version adds this year, and it's vital to have on a system like this.

Generally Flong, you get better support with server grade parts. That to me is the largest advantage. You get more respect when you call for help :)
 
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What is the advantage of Windows 7 Pro? The reviews of the Xenon CPU that I have read stated that it offered little advantage over the 2600K if any. I am curious, why is the Asus mobo a game changer? Sorry, I do not have much experience with server-grade parts.

Except for Corsair, Amazon and to some extent, Newegg, I have found that customer service in the computer component industry is somewhat lacking. I was surprised at how bad Asus's customer service is. XFX is passable.
 
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Sorry to interrupt. (great discussion btw) I am having problem installing/updating my nvidia graphics driver. Once i begin install screen goes black indefinitely. I force restart and everything is fine except driver is not installed. Will contact nvidia but thought i should check w/ u guys while i have your expert ears?
 
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Rule #2 - never use the drivers supplied with your hardware, instead download the latest, non Beta, from the vendor's site. Rule #1 - put her together right.

Drivers, especially lately graphics drivers, do a pretty good job of removing their old software and drivers. Applications like 'Driver Sweeper' aren't really needed, nor IMO usually the need to manually uninstall the old drivers. In a professional/business environment try to use only 'WHQL' {Windows Hardware Quality Labs} certified drivers. The chances of a 'bad' driver are greatly diminished but none are perfect.

--- Xeon ---

Really short version - The Xeon and ECC become more critical to the level of error-free data importance aka 'Mission Critical', large volumes of data being processed, and scalability. For Intel only the Xeon can use ECC RAM, but most AMD consumer lines do support ECC; clearly both the MOBO and CPU must support the differnt forms of ECC {UDIMM/RDIMM}. The LGA 1155 Xeon E3-12xx doesn't offer scalability and is single (uni-processor) CPU only. In contrast Xeon (MP) "28xx models support single- and dual-processor configurations, 48xx models support up to four-processor configurations, 88xx models support up to eight-processor configurations." note the leading numerical designation in the model.

--- Professional GPU ---

First, by no means am I an AutoCAD professional. I just realized it dropped OpenGL; always research before you buy and assume nothing. However, I understand hardware and how it relates to my environment which is RHEL/Windows Server, SQL, PHP {data}, etc and for high-end gaming hobby building. I do lots of relational data and offer web based solutions for my clients - IDX/Tax/Parcel/REO/CRM/Complied Data {real estate}.

Professional GPU's are geared for accuracy. Their hardware, firmware, and drivers in particular is of considerable higher quality with superior support. Often if you look closely, some Pro GPU have faster bandwidth, more memory, and in some cases different I/O options.

Here's a good AutoCAD thread -> http://forum.xbitlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=17458&start=20

--- Home / Office Workstation / Production use Consumer PC ---

The build above is for a friend of mine who was looking to purchase an HP workstation which is considerably more expensive, and he insists upon Xeon + ECC even for his home use. I'm trying to get him to hold-off until LGA 2011. We share the felling of redundant RAID and good backup practices, but for home use I'm fine with consumer hardware - he isn't. Funny thing is he's lost more data at home over the years, I've been 'learned' to backup and use redundant RAID plus Windows Home Server for my home...NAS for office including bunkered offsite.

Next, mixing 'crapware' or 'nonprofessional' Apps for use on a 'PC' that's also used to make your living has no upside. It's best to install and only use applications from a reliable commercial source. Unlike 'crapware' or 'freeware' or 'games' or 'consumer hardware' that doesn't have the same purpose or high quality standards, and is often hurried and poorly written. In my section I've also lost count how many times I recommended folks run MSCONFIG -> Diagnostic mode to resolve conflicts.

In short, I have a Gaming PC & Media PC's that have no economic value so I don't care what happens to them nor their data. If they give me problems in a heartbeat I'll wipe them and reinstall - lost or corrupted data does no harm. However, any Production {money making} computer has to sustain its integrity and the data is vitally important. Once there's a perfect OS with perfect Apps and no risk of loss then I'll merge them.
 
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Yep they did get a lot better about that, but still if you are having issues it would be worth a try. You can occasionally get corrupted or bad settings that need to be removed first, or the new driver will try to use them again and fail.

And then there is always the chance that the downloaded drivers have gotten corrupted. I would expect them to be self checking, but I can't say I have used any Nvidia drivers in a year or so.
 
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Other than a $12K+ SR-2 build which sucked the life out of me for 4 weekends my limits to WS are budget = performance, on servers = 'Configure and Buy' + watch bank balance go 'poof.'

Besides a barebones {core system} + add 'stuff', most WS are very specific to purpose. So I don't know how you create a sticky especially when technology changes every 3-4 months and pricing is like a hopping bunny.

My balancing act is Income to expense and how it relates to average work load, peak-load and compile time deadlines. Then hopefully the need to scale up grows.
 
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uninstalled driver and did clean install of new one. that did.

also thanks for driver tip jaquith. i will never user driver supplied by hw again.
 
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Ok guys, quick technical question - you probably have seen this issue. My computer stopped booting all the way - it would almost get there and then you could tell that it wasn't clearing the last check.

Windows went into its repair mode and said it couldn't be repaired. It reported that a "music device or camera" had been plugged into the computer and that I needed to unplug the device and reboot. The error code was 0 x 490 (whatever that means).

I went into my BIOS and found that for some damn reason (yes I'm pissed, ha, ha) that my HP printer (7650 inkjet) was now listed as the second boot device - what the heck!!!!!! So I disabled the secondary boot drive (my HP printer) and rebooted several more times and it seems to have resolved itself.

Any ideas? Also, since I have no restore points (yea I know jaquith but Im still mulling turning on the system restore function, ha, ha) should I create a "mirror" to safeguard my system? Yea, that's a dumb question ha, ha - I guess I am asking is this the best way.

Also, can i create a single system restore point and then turn the restore function off again? Wow SSDs are a whole new world.
 
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Yep, I was going to suggest System Restore from the F8 option booting off the OS DVD; see -> http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/startup-repair

If both Startup Repair and the boot failure repair options fail then unless changing the boot order works you're pretty much SOL.

I'm not a fan of the Re-Install Windows option, you're better off with a full reformatting followed by a 'new' install of the OS.

You may want to use the Clear CMOS option for your MOBO: Jumper method or Clear CMOS button if equipped. The problem with the CMOS battery removal is people assume it works - the PSU carries enough residual power to interfere.

Further, sure disconnect what ever you need to boot. Just unplug 'stuff' from the MOBO.
 
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You are very sharp Proximon - I like you. Yes and yes to your questions. It is the USB connection that the boot BIOS is locking onto for some reason. I did make sure that no cards were in the printer and so that is not the problem. I was thinking about uninstalling the printer entriely with REVO uninstaller which should remove the drivers and then reinstalling it but I am not sure that would solve the problem.
 
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My mobo is the ArRock Extreme 4 Gen 3 board and it does have a clear CMOS button. I have never used the clear CMOS function, if I push it does it just reset the BIOS to the default settings? Do you push it an hold it in for a minute to clear the power out of the circuits?

I am in total agreement with you and if necessary will do a clean install and then mirror the system like i should have in the first point. I agree that a clean install is the only way to go if I cannot fix it any other way.

What is the best way to erase or reformat an SSD so as not to damage it?

I did try booting off of the OS CD but that did not work. For some reason (probably HP's buggy drivers) the BIOS latched onto the "L-71 USB" connection as a possible boot source. The problem is in the BIOS. Clear CMOS may fix it because I think that it resets the BIOS.

I may do a clean install anyway and create a system restore point and a mirror restore disk.
 
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