Random instability/stutter/reboots/crashes with Z77 G1 Sniper 3 - please help?!

[defiant]

I recently built a new machine using the G1 Sniper 3 but have been experiencing a really difficult time trying to get this thing stable. Specs are as follows:

• Windows 7 (64-bit);
• G1 Sniper 3 Mobo;
• Intel Core i7 2700K (running at stock speeds);
• Intel 240GB 520 Series SSD;
• WD 1TB Velociraptor;
• Corsair H100 CPU cooler;
• Corsair AX1200 80 Gold Plus PSU;
• Corsair 16GB Vengeance 1866MHZ C10 RAM (2x8GB) (10-11-10-30);
• SLI ASUS GTX 580 Direct CUII video cards.

Now the problem is that the instability is difficult to reproduce, and appears to manifest completely randomly. For instance, I can play games or run graphical intensive benchmarks for hours on end.....but one day when I am browsing the internet the mouse will begin to randomly lock up and stutter until the machine either reboots automatically or I turn off the power. On other occasions I have experienced:

1. boot loops;
2. bios recovery;
3. BSOD;
4. automatic resets after exiting a game;
5. black screens followed by a message stating "Display driver nvidia windows kernel mode driver version 304.79 stopped responding and has successfully recovered".

I should note that my brother has almost the exact same build as me, except rather than having SLI with GTX 580s he has a single GTX 670 installed, but he has not experienced the same issues. This might suggest an issue with the GPU's but I just cannot imagine that would be the cause of the problems given the symptoms and the fact that they do do not arise when gaming.

I have attempted a number of trouble shooting tests to no avail:

1. All drivers are fully up to date;
2. I have installed the latest F5 bios;
3. I have run two passes of memtest with no errors detected;
4. I have turned off GPU power saving features in windows 7 (PCI-E link state power management & USB selective suspending) and the nvidia drivers (power management mode - prefer max performance);
5. I have loosened the RAM timings to 12-13-12-32 and increased voltage to 1.60v;
6. I have tried running the RAM at 1600mhz.

The symptoms seem awfully similar to the problems being experienced by users of the GA-Z77-D3H (GZ-Z77X-UD5H Random freezing and shutdowns.) so I have recently tried adopting some of the suggestions made in that thread.....specifically changing the CPU base clock to 100.1 and disabling all power saving features in the bios.

I am not sure whether that will make any difference but I will report back if the instability continues. I would be very grateful to hear any advice or solutions in the interim if anyone is able to assist.

Cheers

[wazza300]

try with one or two clicks more cpu vtt,or qpi/vtt and use xmp for your memory,

[defiant]

try with one or two clicks more cpu vtt,or qpi/vtt and use xmp for your memory,

Cheers wazza, I have increased CPU VTT to 1.055v and turned on XMP. Will see if that addresses my issues.

I should also clarify that my brother's setup differs from mine in that he also using different RAM....16GB 1600mhz Corsair Vengeance.

[wazza300]

xmp should sort it out,if not a slight increase in cpu vtt might help,post back on how you get on with it

[Conners]

Just from my testing with 16gb samsaung memory that CPU Vtt and or IMC voltages do nothing. I would up the vcore or dvid which ever you are using. Also filling out your system specs in your profile would be a big help.

[defiant]

Just from my testing with 16gb samsaung memory that CPU Vtt and or IMC voltages do nothing.

Are you suggesting a bios compatibility issue with samsung memory chips?

Edit: didn't see your specs, I assume you were referring to testing of your own samsung RAM sticks.

I would up the vcore or dvid which ever you are using.

I will give that a go if the instability returns, its all completely random and unpredictable which is the most frustrating thing about it.

Also filling out your system specs in your profile would be a big help.

I thought details of specs in my original post was pretty comprehensive. What further information would help?

[Conners]

Well it will make it easier for anyone to see your specs instead of having to scroll up to see if you have any. And yes I was refering to my memory testing.

[defiant]

Okay, looks like those previous adjustments haven't improved things as I just experienced a boot loop (3 restarts) on cold start up.

I have increased the vcore from 1.235v to 1.250v. What is the difference between vcore and dvid?

[Conners]

Cheers defiant....your defiance to meet a simple request to add info cost you no replies to your request for information. We're not here for your defiance of a request but to help those who want to be helped. It's free... BTW your nic suites you well...

[defiant]

Cheers defiant....your defiance to meet a simple request to add info cost you no replies to your request for information. We're not here for your defiance of a request but to help those who want to be helped. It's free... BTW your nic suites you well...

Wow, are you this antagonistic and unhelpful towards everyone?! I posted all my specs, and even asked what further information you needed, and all I get back is snide troll like comments. I don't see what adding specs to my profile will achieve, they are comprehensively detailed in my original post. If you are going to quibble over something so trivial then please don't bother posting in this thread.