ga-ex58-ud3r and OCZ3OB1600LV6GK Random BSODs

[ianmills]

I got a new i7 920 system about a month ago. Here are the specs:

intel i7 920 D0
gigabyte ex58-ud3r
6gb ocz obsidian ram 1600MHz 9-9-9-24
Corsair TX750W
60gb OCZ vertex
Windows 7 Professional


I get a random BSOD's every day or 2. The BSOD error messages seem pretty random. For example, I get:
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NON_PAGED_AREA
SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
IRQL_GT_ZERO_AT_SYSTEM_SERVICE
and some other BSODs that do not specify what the problem was.


My BIOS settings are all set to 'optimized defaults' except that I have set the memory to 1.66v, 1600MHz and 9-9-9-24.

This has been a pain to troubleshoot. I've tested my computer with prime 95. It usually runs for tens of hours before BSODing. The last time I ran prime 95 it ran with no problems for 3.5 days. I then turned off prime 95, turned off my monitor, and went to bed. In the morning, I woke up, turned on my monitor and there was a BSOD. Frustrating....


Using memtest86+ 4.0
1) 3 sticks of ram = no errors
2) pairs of 2 sticks (tested all pairs) = no errors
3) 1 stick of ram (I tested each of the sticks individually )= no errors



I have since moved on to testing with Intel burn test. With this program, I am running 8 threads at otherwise stock settings (e.g. 5 passes, standard):
1) 3 sticks of RAM = always FAIL on the second pass. Computer shuts down automatically
2) 2 sticks of ram (all combinations) = pass
3) 1 stick of ram (all done individually) = pass

* Just because some combinations passed, it doesn't mean it is necessarily STABLE, as when I left my computer on overnight idling with 2 sticks of ram, it BSOD.


There are a couple of BIOS settings that have made a difference. Under clocking my ram to 1333MHz and then 1066MHz (still using 9-9-9-9-24 timings) has allowed my system to make it through Intel burn test.
As well, I have found that if I set my RAM command Rate to 2t my system will make it through Intel burn test.

But even then, when I run prime95 and Intel burn test simultaneously, Intel burn test gives an error (although doesn't restart the computer). A stable system should be able to run prime95 and Intel burn test simultaneously, shouldn't it?



This is really confusing as memtest seems to say that the RAM is not the issue, but on the other hand, the problems with command rate and/or ram speed seem to indicate otherwise....



Any advice you guys can give?

Thanks,
Ian



ps. I've spent countless hours fooling around with other BIOS settings including QPI, voltage settings, etc, but none of these other things seem to make any difference as Intel burn test would always crash in the exact same place (during the second pass). I have also flashed all 3 bioses for this board...

[wazza300]

what are your cpu clock speed and cpu/qpi voltages??

[ianmills]

it is stock so the cpu is 2.66GHz and the QPI is 1.175V

But I have done more testing with Intel Burn Test:

RAM at command rate 2t --> completes about 10 passes and system shuts down


QPI upped 1.355v and RAM command rate 2t --> completes about 10 passes and system shuts down

[wazza300]

you shouldnt need that much qpi for stock clocks i only use 1.3000 at 3.8 and 1800mhz ramload optimized defaults and save an exit then set ram voltage to 1.66 and set cpu volts on normal,set qpi voltage to 1.28000

[ianmills]

Originally Posted by wazza300

load optimized defaults and save an exit then set ram voltage to 1.66 and set cpu volts on normal,set qpi voltage to 1.28000

At these settings IBT fails on the 2nd pass and my computer restarts....

[wazza300]

did u set ram timings on auto and try? also make a note f what the bios sets timings at on auto

[ianmills]

Originally Posted by wazza300

did u set ram timings on auto and try? also make a note f what the bios sets timings at on auto

I am trying to get the ram to work at 1600MHz as advertised.

That being said though my computer does seem ok when i run the ram at 1333MHz and 1066MHz.

So it appears the ram works at lower than advertised settings, although I have to leave my computer on for at least a couple of days to ensure no BSODs.

[kg4icg]

how about you just turn xmp on to profile 1 to see if that solves your problem

[wazza300]

for stock cpu speed of 2.66ghz and to make use of 1600mhz ram set your ram multi to 12x to give you 1596 mhz ram,set ram voltage to 1.66 cpu voltage to normal and qpi to 1.30000,and set system performance enhance to standard