New build locking up

[Lee Saxon]

My new build is locking up a few minutes to an hour or so after start-up.

First I pulled everything but CPU, GPU, RAM, boot SSD, & CD (for memtest).

I updated BIOS. I passed SMART. I passed prime95. I passed FurMark stress test. All with good readings in CoreTemp.

I passed memtest and then ran Windows on each stick individually, each pair, and finally all four at the labeled XMP 7-7-7-21. Then I did it all again at the default 9-9-9-24.

I gave up and started this post when the system locked up during a clean install attempt.

Any ideas what to try next? Or what I should try replacing first?

If it helps, system is:

Fortress FT02
i5 2500K
Asus P8P67 Pro
16GB G.Skill Ripjaw 7-7-7-21 1333MHz (on the QVL)
Corsair Force 90 SSD
EVGA GTX 570 non-OC

 

[BoomerD]

The best way (and actually the easiest) is to take everything apart again, then follow this procedure:

"Build & Boot" is (IMO) the best way to build a computer.
Work on a piece of cardboard or wooden table (don't want to short things out)

Start with CPU, HSF, ONE stick of RAM in the A1 or B1 slot, and video card. See if you get the BIOS screen.

If so, add the boot drive. See if that's recognized in BIOS.

If so, add the other stick of RAM in the same channel. (A2 or B2) try again.

If you add all RAM and still get to the BIOS screen, add your optical drive to the mix.

IF that all works, install motherboard into the case and you SHOULD be good to go.

This way, as you add each component, you find out NOW if it's causing any conflict.

Yes, it's a PITA to have to dismantle things, but it's really the best way.

 

[Lee Saxon]

I did build that way, and then redid it as I was memtesting the RAM.

Unfortunately everything works perfectly until Windows locks up, so that only narrows it down to mobo, RAM, GPU, or CPU. I did rule out boot drive by putting it in another computer.

Is guessing my only option now?

 

[BoomerD]

If you did this as outlined above, that SHOULD rule out CPU, RAM, mobo, or even GPU.

Unless you possibly have one or more bent pins in the CPU socket...

Is your boot drive recognized correctly in the BIOS?

Try booting to Windows with ONLY CPU, HSF, ONE stick of RAM, and boot drive.

 

[Lee Saxon]

Yes everything looks good in BIOS.

I've done that, problem still occurs.

I guess I'm just gonna have to buy new RAM, CPU, mobo, and GPU and pay restocking fees returning whatever isn't the problem...

 

[mlc]

Don't give up just yet!!

I'm unclear.. are you saying you've never completed the build of windows on this maching.. and that's when it's locking up?

If that's the case..
1) did you install the latest bios for this board? you have all new generation hardware, so check to ensure there isn't a newer bios available...
2) If you're running the latest bios, then I would first clear your cmos, and set to load with optimal settings.. and see if the build works with those to rule out any tweaks you've added....
3) I would definitely pull the ram, and try the install with only 1 or 2 sticks.. depending on how big they are..
You may need to tweak the ram settings with 4 sticks.. (e.g. MCH )
4) check with the SSD manufacturer.. for any special firmware or drivers required .. if you have another SATE (non ssd)drive lying around.. you can see if the the install works with that to rule out an SSD compabability issue...

Make sure you have ALL of the power connections to your motherboard in place, along with all of the power connectors for you graphics card.. Some cards have multiple power connectors....

I don't know the specs of your PSU.. so there is a remote chance it's underpowered.. but try the above suggestions first..

 

[Lee Saxon]

No, Windows loads properly, but after a short while locks up.

I've given those suggestions a try, no luck. PSU's a Corsair AX750, definitely not underpowered.

I did rule out GPU and SSD by running them successfully in another system. And I've tried all my RAM sticks individually with no luck and the chances of 4 sticks from two separate kits all being bad seem very low, so I'm going to say it's down to mobo or CPU.

 

[mlc]

Sounds like a board or psu issue then..

That board has a TPU switch for overclocking, doesn't it? Did you try flipping it to the other position to see if that changes anything ?

 

[Lee Saxon]

I figured that was only for, like, "real" overclocking. Should it be flipped on for XMP profile RAM? I'll give that a try.

 

[C1]

Anything could be happening. That's why I keep old DOS around. If it were me I would see if the computer locks when running Linux or DOS. If not, then windows might be installing with the wrong HAL. Download a trial OS version or use someone elses on a trial basis to see if there is still an issue.

 

[mlc]

not sure.. but take a peek.. maybe it's flipped on already, and needs to be flipped off? I would try it both ways.. just to see...

Isn't there a RAM jumper on that board? You may need to clear/reset... So power off , pull the cord, and clear the setting via the jumper.. and then reboot into bios and change the settings, etc..