New system seems unstable.

[kashwashwa]

i5-2500k w/ Coolermaster Hyper 212+
Gigabyte P67A-UD3-B3 (Revised version)
A-Data 2x2GB 1600mhz
WD 1TB Black
Antec EA 650W
ASUS 5850 DirectCU 1GB

My system seems pretty unstable (more-so since I received my revised motherboard, though it wasn't all peaches with the original Mobo). It kept doing a hard lock while playing Bad Company 2 - not a BSOD, just a looping sound effect, and black screen. So I lowered the OC more and more, until I'm just at completely stock speeds now. Actually everything is set to default in the BIOS, with the exception of RAM voltage set to 1.56V. It seems to be relatively stable, though at times it will reset itself when trying to boot, but once in the OS seems not to bad at stock speeds. Obviously I bought a 2500k to overclock though, at least somewhat

How do I find out what the culprit is, that's preventing system stability? I ran Windows memory test and it said the memory is fine, but heard it isn't always accurate, so I'm running Memtest86+ right now. If that says the memory is fine, what should my next step be?

I know the system is running extremely cool, so temps aren't an issue.

 

[RRZNagas]

I'm not sure of the quality of A-Data ram, as it's not one that is on my radar when I build an new rig. Just because ram passes memtest86+ and windows memory test doesn't mean it will overclock any, if at all. First thing I would do, is a ram swap to see if some other brand of ram will be more stable while overclocking. If this is the route you are going to go, then start out at stock Bios settings, and increase the various settings incrementally, testing as you go with Prime95 or some other stress testing software.

There are also a lot more variables that affect overclocking stability than what you described here, so it's hard to form an opinion. Memory Voltage, CPU voltage, memory timings, PSU issues, cpu cooler issues (is it seated properly, is there good thermal compound coverage), etc. I only bring these up as I don't personally know you, or your abilities, but all can be factors in stability of an OC'd system.

Hope this helps some...

RRZNagas

 

[dma0991]

Check the drivers of your HD5850 and see if there are any incompatibilities with BC2.

 

[BoomerD]

What PSU do you have?

Is the RAM on the Gigabyte list of tested RAM?

IF your PSU is up to snuff, then the best way to find out exactly what's causing the problem is to start with ONLY the CPU, heat sink & fan, ONE stick of RAM in the appropriate slot, (see your manual) and video card installed. IF that gets you into the BIOS, add your boot drive. IF that's recognized in the BIOS and you can boot to Windows, try adding a second stick of ram in the slot for dual channel.

It's also entirely possible that you have grounding problems...perhaps a stand-off in the wrong place under the board. Worth taking a look at as well.