BSOD

The_Traveler · Mar 17, 2016

I get the BSOD randomly but usually early on in each day's usage. Perhaps twice in two weeks.
This happened before I updated to Win 10 and before I go through the tedious Driver Test that Windows will do, I wanted to get some feedback.
My power supply is 6 years old and the PC as configured has requirements right at the max rated output.
Is there any downside to getting a new, bigger power supply before I go through the driver test?
TIA,

Lew

jcdeboever · Mar 17, 2016

Hold on bullets...What is the stop code on the error?

What make and model is the PSU?

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The_Traveler · Mar 17, 2016

The last two had 'machine check exception' with no associated number

weepete · Mar 17, 2016

I doubt it. A good power supply is a really important part of a pc. I got one built a few yesrs ago now, and it did a similar thing but it also cost me a top of the line gfx card too that burnt out. Once I upgraded the PSU it sovled the issue.

If its on the line of the quoted power there may be an issue as your components can pull a bit more power when under a full load.

But I've also had BSODs from memory issues in the past, some conflicts and other stuff so it might not solve the issue but I a good relyable PSU with a few watts to spare

jcdeboever · Mar 17, 2016

The_Traveler said:
The last two had 'machine check exception' with no associated number

OK...

1.Did you overclock or have one in place?

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The_Traveler · Mar 17, 2016

It isn't overclocked now but there was one in place before.

And I just ordered a Corsair 650

jcdeboever · Mar 17, 2016

weepete said:
I doubt it. A good power supply is a really important part of a pc. I got one built a few yesrs ago now, and it did a similar thing but it also cost me a top of the line gfx card too that burnt out. Once I upgraded the PSU it sovled the issue.

If its on the line of the quoted power there may be an issue as your components can pull a bit more power when under a full load.

But I've also had BSODs from memory issues in the past, some conflicts and other stuff so it might not solve the issue but I a good relyable PSU with a few watts to spare

Let's ask a few questions so not to send him on a wild goose chase.

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jcdeboever · Mar 17, 2016

The_Traveler said:
It isn't overclocked now but there was one in place before.

OK.

2. I assume it is intel based CPU, is that correct? Let's check your CPU cooler and make sure it is seated correctly. Do you know how to inspect this?

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jcdeboever · Mar 17, 2016

In regards to your PSU order, what model is the Corsair 650, there are a couple, one model is junk.

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rexbobcat · Mar 18, 2016

To check CPU temps download a utility like HW Monitor. You might also check the memory with a utility like memtest.

weepete · Mar 18, 2016

jcdeboever said:
weepete said:

I doubt it. A good power supply is a really important part of a pc. I got one built a few yesrs ago now, and it did a similar thing but it also cost me a top of the line gfx card too that burnt out. Once I upgraded the PSU it sovled the issue.

If its on the line of the quoted power there may be an issue as your components can pull a bit more power when under a full load.

But I've also had BSODs from memory issues in the past, some conflicts and other stuff so it might not solve the issue but I a good relyable PSU with a few watts to spare

Click to expand...

Let's ask a few questions so not to send him on a wild goose chase.

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Fair play mate

Village Idiot · Mar 22, 2016

Also, check your dumps. There's a utility that will pull them a read them. I just had to do this a couple of months ago to track down a BSOD that just wouldn't quit. Eventually found out it was a bad stick of memory.

And about the same time I had a customer who we replaced the PSU, MOBO, memory, and basically every part in the PC under warranty and it still wouldn't get rid of the shutdowns. Eventually we just swapped the HDD with an identical computer and solved that problem.

jcdeboever · Mar 22, 2016

Village Idiot said:
Also, check your dumps. There's a utility that will pull them a read them. I just had to do this a couple of months ago to track down a BSOD that just wouldn't quit. Eventually found out it was a bad stick of memory.

And about the same time I had a customer who we replaced the PSU, MOBO, memory, and basically every part in the PC under warranty and it still wouldn't get rid of the shutdowns. Eventually we just swapped the HDD with an identical computer and solved that problem.

Typically that error is associated to overheating. Seen it many times through the years. Most of the time it is due to an overclock on a poorly specked or poor quality PSU which bumps unregulated voltage to VRM, causing instability, thus producing a spike in CPU temps. Most of the time (75%) it will damage the VRM and cause motherboard to be replaced. In the 75% group, PC will boot and function but strange stability quirks will reveal themselves with intense CPU operations. Other times, less common, a CPU pin pops up and causes an overheat situation and PC shuts down to protect VRM. No reason to over clock today's hardware, it is more of an enthusiast activity vs a noticeable performance gain in general computing. Also considered marketing fluff. It often produces damage to VRM and greatly reduces the life of motherboard. There are really only a handful of quality motherboards on the market today, can count on two hands. The best motherboards are ones with high quality voltage regulator modules. SuperMicro is the leader in this arena but most technical users are unaware of this. Additionally, high quality PSU' are an extremely important component in a custom build, if not the most, and often the most overlooked, especially with lower quality motherboards.

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