1. #1

    Random computer freezes please help.

    Hey there,

    I bought a new computer about a month back and instantly had some problems. Computer would randomly freeze up for a few seconds at a time at completely random levels, even during raiding, except that whenever we would get to the 2nd seed spawn on Heroic Ragnaros, my computer would lockup for a few seconds (or longer) and I'd obviously die. The workaround I found (but not fixing the issue, just allowing me to raid) was turning recount off and turning graphic settings down to the bare minimum. With Recount on and graphic settings down, I would lockup at that point still.

    I7 920
    ATI 6970 Graphics card (though the same problem happened with an HD 4870, and an nVidia 440 gt, so it isn't Graphics)
    12 GB DDR3 1333 (Same problem happened with new Memory)
    The new Motherboard I got is GA X58 USB3
    PSU is either 450 or 500w
    Also bought a new 1 TB HDD to eliminate HDD problems though I haven't plugged it in yet.

    I tried setting up the new computer last night, got motherboard into an old case (Too big for my other case), Processor moved over, and then brain farted when I forgot to buy a new heatsink/fan for my cpu as my other one screwed into the board, and this new board requires "clip in" or something?

    What exactly is this Clip in? And anyone with computer knowledge have any ideas on things I can try?

    I think by the time I actually set up the new Motherboard with the brand new memory, every single part has been changed other than the CPU, PSU, and the Fan. I doubt it is the CPU, and from what I read, 450-500w is definitely enough to run what I have (though the 6970 taxed the system). I also doubt it's the cooling as these random freezes can happen when my computer is being barely taxed i.e browsing firefox, loading gmail.

    I'm leaving in a few hours to buy the last parts I feel I need so any tips would be wonderful. I just spent a bunch yesterday so looking to make this last trip the one that finally fixes my computer, allows me to raid, browse the internet, and have my computer work the way it is intended.

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-23 at 04:17 PM ----------

    Also, running Win7, obviously.

  2. #2
    Scarab Lord
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    Well start simple. Delete your WTF/Cache/Interface folders. Could easily be an outdated or corrupted add on causing the issue. After that run a drive cleaning program such as cCleaner. Update the video card driver.

    Run a hardware monitoring program and test your graphics adapter with FurMark VGA stress test. Note your hardware temps and voltage during the test.

    Even though your power supply may say that its output is 450 to 500W that may not be its continuous output. Please give us the manufacturer and the model of the power supply.

    Clip in is going to be a push in heat sink. See pic.
    Last edited by OhpUldum; 2011-09-23 at 04:23 PM.

  3. #3
    Well, the problem isn't directly WoW, and I've reformatted multiple times, tried different drivers, none of it. I originally thought it was the graphics card due to reading online and replaced it.

    PSU, I'd have to unscrew it to get that information, but I'm going to look at replacing the PSU today anyways if it's not too expensive.

  4. #4
    Scarab Lord
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaving View Post
    Well, the problem isn't directly WoW, and I've reformatted multiple times, tried different drivers, none of it. I originally thought it was the graphics card due to reading online and replaced it.

    PSU, I'd have to unscrew it to get that information, but I'm going to look at replacing the PSU today anyways if it's not too expensive.
    Yeah if you want the problem diagnosed you need to supply the information necessary. There is no half measures when it comes to diagnosing a problematic PC. You also shouldn't leave out information such as multiple Windows installations.

  5. #5
    All I can find is Liteon R0842. Possible the 0 is actually a O though.

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-23 at 04:31 PM ----------

    I googled that a bit and it comes up with a Dell product, but I know for fact the PSU isn't from a Dell.

    Either way, I'll be replacing PSU today if I can find one cheap. I'm running quite broke after the latest purchases heh

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-23 at 04:46 PM ----------

    Who changed the title? The issue isn't Graphics. I was pretty clear that I've ruled that out as a potential problem. I've tried 3 different graphics cards assuming that was the problem. The random freezes happen regardless of whether wow is open or closed, or whatever programs are open; they're random freezes for the most part.

  6. #6
    Scarab Lord
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaving View Post
    All I can find is Liteon R0842. Possible the 0 is actually a O though.

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-23 at 04:31 PM ----------

    I googled that a bit and it comes up with a Dell product, but I know for fact the PSU isn't from a Dell.

    Either way, I'll be replacing PSU today if I can find one cheap. I'm running quite broke after the latest purchases heh

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-23 at 04:46 PM ----------

    Who changed the title? The issue isn't Graphics. I was pretty clear that I've ruled that out as a potential problem. I've tried 3 different graphics cards assuming that was the problem. The random freezes happen regardless of whether wow is open or closed, or whatever programs are open; they're random freezes for the most part.
    I changed the title to help narrow it down. Original title was a bit ambiguous. Just edited it again. I really shouldn't edit anything before having my morning apple juice.

    In this case you will want to scan the HDD for errors using HDDScan to rule out the hard drive. Yet even with that I have to believe your issue is in the power supply. Liteon is a pretty menial brand when it comes to power supply manufacturer's. This could easily be caused by a lack of wattage or amperage on the line for the graphics card.

    Since you're heading out to pick up a new one try to stick to the higher end name brands such as XFX, Seasonic, Corsair, OCZ, Antec, and to some degree Coolermaster.

  7. #7
    Well, I'm working on a fairly tight budget. I'll take a look at something in those names if the price is right, but I'm working with about $100 cdn to replace the heatsink/fan (about 30) so I'd be looking at a fairly low end psu. may be able to go up a bit more if I HAVE to but.. I've spent almost an entire paycheck on parts trying to fix this.. I know, stupid.

    Leaving soon. Is there any last minute input before I head out? If I replace the PSU as well, literally the only parts not replaced (other than optic drives, and they do work fine) will be the CPU. I have a hard time thinking the cpu is the issue.

    And NP on the title change. Originally my post was designed to just ask for information on the cpu fan/heatsink, but I wrote more information before changing title.

  8. #8
    The Patient Muya's Avatar
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    It seems like not enough power is being drawn from the PSU like Culadin said. Isn't a 450W a bit low for the 6970 AND the entire system? I would think you'd want at least a 550 or 600 for it.

    The Antec Earthwatts 650W should be a relatively decent PSU for the build. Pretty cheap as well, only downside is that it isn't modular. Then again most PSUs aren't modular in that price range.
    Intel i5-2500k @ 4.6GHz 1.36v | Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler | ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (Rev 3) | MSI GTX 570 Twin Frozr III
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  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Muya View Post
    It seems like not enough power is being drawn from the PSU like Culadin said. Isn't a 450W a bit low for the 6970 AND the entire system? I would think you'd want at least a 550 or 600 for it.

    The Antec Earthwatts 650W should be a relatively decent PSU for the build. Pretty cheap as well, only downside is that it isn't modular. Then again most PSUs aren't modular in that price range.
    Well, the problem happens without a graphics card connected, with a 440 connected, as well as with a 4870 connected.. and the 440 isn't even connected to the PSU directly, so I doubt it requires a big draw.

    Is there anything I should watch out for or remember when buying a new PSU today? Connector cables, compatibility.. anything like that?

  10. #10
    The Patient Muya's Avatar
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    Most over the 600W have SLI cables, from what I can see. All PSUs are pretty much universal at the moment, they just have different style connectors. Like a motherboard power connection that requires a 24 pin, some PSUs have a 20+4 pin or a straight 24 pin.

    Same with GPU units, most connectors are 6+2 pin if you get a higher end GPU that requires 6 and 8 pin connectors.

    So there isn't much to worry about anymore.

    The problem with the PSU could be that it's mislabeled and doesn't actually carry the proper current to your +12V rail, which is what it seems is happening. Not enough Amps/power = problems.
    Intel i5-2500k @ 4.6GHz 1.36v | Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler | ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (Rev 3) | MSI GTX 570 Twin Frozr III
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    Crucial m4 256GB SSD

  11. #11
    I just ran furmark fine. Scores low, but I only have the 440 gt in at the moment.

  12. #12
    Scarab Lord
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    At this point I would suggest either doing the HDDScan as mentioned previously or install the Windows 7 on the 1TB for testing purposes.

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Culadin View Post
    At this point I would suggest either doing the HDDScan as mentioned previously or install the Windows 7 on the 1TB for testing purposes.
    Well, I'll be leaving in about 15 minutes to buy these parts, so not enough time to do a full install/driver update and test it to see if it works, but I'll try that as one of the first things when I get home.

    I wouldn't think it would be the HDD but you guys know better than me.

    Am I correct in assuming it probably isn't the processor? I would assume if there was a problem with that, my computer probably wouldn't run at all, or even play games on certain settings..

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-23 at 06:37 PM ----------

    Num Attribute Name Value Worst Raw(hex) Threshold

    001 Raw Read Error Rate 200 200 0000000000-0000 051

    003 Spin Up Time 152 148 0000000000-0D26 021

    004 Start/Stop Count 100 100 0000000000-012A 000

    005 Reallocation Sector Count 200 200 0000000000-0000 140

    007 Seek Error Rate 200 200 0000000000-0000 000

    009 Power-On Hours Count 081 081 0000000000-3861 000

    010 Spin Retry Count 100 100 0000000000-0000 000

    011 Recalibration Retries 100 100 0000000000-0000 000

    012 Device Power Cycle Count 100 100 0000000000-010B 000

    192 Emergency Retract Count 200 200 0000000000-0070 000

    193 Load/unload Cycle Count 049 049 0000000006-EF04 000

    194 HDA Temperature 107 099 36 C 000

    196 Reallocation Event Count 200 200 0000000000-0000 000

    197 Current Pending Errors Count 200 200 0000000000-0000 000

    198 Uncorrectable Errors Count 200 200 0000000000-0000 000

    199 UltraDMA CRC Errors 200 200 0000000000-0000 000

    200 Multi Zone Error Rate 200 200 0000000000-0000 000

    URL TO IMAGE

    http://s3.postimage.org/ik20z74wr/hddtest.png
    Last edited by Savedwow; 2011-09-23 at 06:40 PM.

  14. #14
    Scarab Lord
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    That solves that then. Your hard drive needs to be replaced and is the culprit for your issues.

  15. #15
    What does that image show that shows that it's the hard drive?

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-24 at 12:59 AM ----------

    I'm about to just throw in this HDD and install Win7, was hoping for a response before I do so though heh.

  16. #16
    install the Windows 7 on the 1TB for testing purposes.

  17. #17
    Scarab Lord
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaving View Post
    What does that image show that shows that it's the hard drive?

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-24 at 12:59 AM ----------

    I'm about to just throw in this HDD and install Win7, was hoping for a response before I do so though heh.
    001 Raw Read Error Rate 200 200 0000000000-0000 051

    Denotes a failing hard drive.

  18. #18
    Well, I've installed Windows 7 on the new HDD. I'm on it now. It feels stable.. though I'm not sure. I'll finish installing drivers and I'll try to force it to cause problems.

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-24 at 02:42 AM ----------

    http://s2.postimage.org/j12map8u3/HDDTEST.jpg

    Here's a new HD Test using the same program as earlier. This is a brand new hard drive and the same Raw Read Error Rate thing comes up. Are you sure that is what it means? Is there any way to get a false positive?

  19. #19
    Deleted
    dont force it to do errors as you might cause problems - to quote " if it aint broke dont fix" - just go about your usual routines and see if anything happens

  20. #20
    Well, the parts I have purchased have a return policy that is up before my next raid, and I need to know if it works before my next raid otherwise I have to build a whole brand new computer by then lol.

    I'll finish installing stuff and just go play wow a bit. See if any of it happens.

    ---------- Post added 2011-09-24 at 05:34 AM ----------

    Well, I think that definitely was the issue. No issues so far, been playing wow on high settings, frapsing + combat logging, surfing etc, no issues so far. wow!

    well, time to take back parts haha thanks for the help

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