Random Freezing with 9800GTX

Hello everyone!

Okay, so I have a fairly new computer, purchased May 08.

I am hoping that someone can help me troubleshoot what is causing freezing and BSOD randomly on my computer.

I have researched (tried to at least) on my own what might be causing this, so any help is great.

Basically, about 1-2 hours after I start my computer it will freeze. Sometimes it freezes in less than 30 minutes, but it is never at the same point or the same time each day. It freezes regardless of what I am doing - ie: idling on desktop, browsing internet, watching movies or playing online video games. It has frozen or given me BSOD in EQ2, LOTRO, WoW, AO, AoC and EQ classic.

When I first started encountering this problem, it was only a few days after I received the computer, but I ignored it for awhile. The screen usually just is frozen on whatever I am doing, I cannot access Task Manager thru Ctrl-Alt-Delete, and I cannot see or move my mouse pointer or use the keyboard at all. Always have to hit reset, and end up getting the "Windows did not shut down properly" message after boot.

Upon reset, there is sporadically an error message in the Problem reporting history (it does not show me a problem when windows loads I have to go search for it) that says "Video Hardware Error" Below is what the actual error shows in details:

quote:

Product
Windows

Problem
Video hardware error

Date
11/26/2008 8:52 AM

Status
Solution Available

Description
A problem with your video hardware caused Windows to stop working correctly.

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: LiveKernelEvent
OS Version: 6.0.6001.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Files that help describe the problem (some files may no longer be available)
WD-20081125-0614.dmp
sysdata.xml
Version.txt

Extra information about the problem
BCCode: 117
BCP1: FFFFFA80058374E0
BCP2: FFFFFA6002217920
BCP3: 0000000000000000
BCP4: 0000000000000000
OS Version: 6_0_6001
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 768_1
Server information: 3cbd67f8-2186-4cd2-9986-c0a69a72872e



I have been working with the tech support for my computer, but they have already had the computer in for repair and told me that the problem was caused by corrupt files in Windows, which they supposedly repaired (they also told me that anti virus software was causing it... which I dont believe.) Since I received it back from tech support, I am getting the same freezing as before and they have not gotten back to me for over 2 weeks to try and further help me.

I have tested the computer with 3dmark to see if it hung up or anything, and it seemed fine. I am wondering if maybe the video card needs to be replaced? I have tried uninstalling the whole card and reinstalling with fresh drivers in safe mode etc and none of this has worked. The funny thing is, my husband ordered an almost exact same computer from the same company (our only diff is mobo) and his card works flawlessly since day 1.

The card runs great after the initial freeze, if it freezes once everything is fine the rest of the day until I turn the comp off for the night...

If there are any other tests I can run myself, please post and let me know- I am computer literate but I don't know alot about technical stuff until someone tells me. Also, I have run the Windows Extended Memory Diagnostic tool, which returned no errors.

*Edit: Have eVGA Precision tool & SpeedFan- at 70% fan speed the GPU runs at 49C (in LOTRO) CPU is running at 34C while gaming.

System Specs:

E8400 3.0ghz cpu
Asus p5k SE mobo w/ American Megatrends rev 1008 BIOS
eVGA 9800 GTX 512mb (not SLI)
Antec 650w PSU
Antec Nine Hundred case with full fans
G.SKILL, 4GB (2 x 2GB) PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL5 (5-5-5-15)
Windows Vista 64-bit Home Premium

Here is what my Bios Template looks like:

Mobo: Asus P5K v 1.00G
Bios: American MegaTrends Bios Revision 1008

JumperFree Configuration Settings
CPU Ratio Settings : Auto
FSB Strap North Bridge : Auto
FSB Frequency : 333
PCI-E Frequency : Auto
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-800
Dram Command Rate Auto
DRAM Timings: Manual - 5-5-5-15-3-52-6-3-3
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge: 5
RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15
TWR: Auto
TRFC: Auto
TWTR: Auto
TRRD: Auto
TRTP: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Auto
Transaction Booster: Auto
Cpu Voltage: Auto - Min 1.1000V, Max 1.7000V, Standard= Set by CPU, 0.0125V Increment
Cpu GTL Voltage reference: Auto
CPU Spread Spectrum: Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Auto
CPU Voltage: Auto
CPU Voltage Reference: ?
DRAM Voltage: 1.90V
Clock Over-charging mode: Auto - Min 0.70V, Max 1.00V, 0.80V Standard, 0.10V Increment
Cpu spread spectrum:?
Pcie spread spectrum:?

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Setting: Auto
C1E Suppport: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
Intel® Speedstep™: Tech Disabled

Did you read my whole post?

1- Like I said, I ran the windows memtest and it's new memory, but i'll run memtest also.

2- I will run Prime95 at night when I am not using the comp

3- I have run 3dmark06 & Vantage with no errors, I have also run ATI tool to test for artifacting.

4- My temps are pretty low, GPU is running at around 50C running ultra high graphics in LOTRO and the CPU is running around 35-40C during gameplay. I am running both SpeedFan & eVGA's Precision tool while I game and am idle - the temps are not the problem. Also, it freezes while I am on IDLE, my temps are below 45C for the GPU and 30C for the CPU when idle.

5- There is an update for the bios, however it only addresses an issue with S3, and I haven't had any
problems with S3 resume so far.

6- Both are up-to-date with the most stable drivers, I do not use beta drivers.

7- It's all secure, it's very clean with minimal dust and I clean the parts myself (not just blowing out the case)

8- I have an Antec 650w power supply, they are very stable and I have not had any issues with it. Plus, it's only 6months old...

All my parts are brand new, it came directly from the supplier like this and I have not altered any of the hardware myself.

Any other ideas?

I sent the computer to the repair facility once already, they did not seem to think that it would help to reformat. I would rather try the testing first before I have to start fresh so to speak. I will post the results of my testing when they are finished. Prime95 is running now on that machine.

Yeah, I gave them a glowing review on resellerratings, and now I am really regretting it. Once I posted an edited review with all the issues I am having the site "flagged" my review and removed it, lol. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not looking forward to reinstalling games etc *cry*