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Computer blue screens when gaming

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PhantomShadow

n00b
Joined
May 16, 2012
Messages
17
Alright guys so here's the deal. I purchased Diablo 3, and when I attempted to play my computer crashes usually before I can even get in a game. When the computer reboots there are artifact lines across the screen. I reinstalled windows, installed the latest drivers for my GPU, and updated my BIOS. I altered the D3 settings by switching between windowed and full screen modes, turning off AA, and lowering overall settings. None of this has seemed to help, and I am leaning towards the GPU being the issue. I have never had to troubleshoot an issue like this, and really don't know where to start.

At the BSOD I believe it says MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, I am going to get it to blue screen right after posting this and ensure that is correct.

I should note that this same issue occurred when I attempted to play Skyrim, but really didn't have the time then to look into what was going on. Last week I partook in some LoL and there were no problems.

Here is my build
CPU - http://ark.intel.com/products/37147...ocessor-(8M-Cache-2_66-GHz-4_80-GTs-Intel-QPI
Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3891137&SID=rewrite
RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3891137&SID=rewrite
GPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102809
PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171032
HDD (OS) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148528
 
Last edited:
Your links are all broken. Also test the RAM:

[Testing the RAM]
Download Memtest86+ v4.20 or whatever the latest version is, unzip it, burn the ISO file to a CD, and then boot from it, just like you would do with the XP/Vista/7 install CD. Let Memtest+ run for at least 15 passes with ZERO errors on each stick of RAM separately as well as test the RAM all together. Go for a full 24 hours if you want to be completely sure that the RAM is not a problem. If you start seeing errors, than your RAM is defective or you have incorrect settings for the RAM.
 
Sorry about that they should all be working now!
I'll download Memtest now and get on that sir. Thanks for the reply!
 
Okay so it is currently running, and from what I found online it said that if all is well there will be nothing on the bottom half of the screen. Here's what I had after 10 minutes. I couldn't find anything pointing to the significance of what was being reported so I figured I would post what I had. I'm going to let it continue running (now at 78% Pass and on test #8, with the same information reported) while I get some sleep.


imag0207n.jpg
 
I would be more inclined to start with the power supply. CM units dont exactly get rave reviews for output and stability, and the gpu isn't exactly light on the draw.

Factoring in that it only happens when you try to crank things up witj newer 3d apps, im guessing the psu just can't handle the load anymore.
 
Test the RAM individually, also take a look into your .dmp file and locate the source of the BSOD.
 
Polarhound said:
I would be more inclined to start with the power supply. CM units dont exactly get rave reviews for output and stability, and the gpu isn't exactly light on the draw.

Factoring in that it only happens when you try to crank things up witj newer 3d apps, im guessing the psu just can't handle the load anymore.
Click to expand...

Other than replacing the PSU, how would I test to see if it is the cause of the problem? I'm not sure if I'll be able to find someone with a spare PSU substantial enough to even get my system running.

BugginOuT said:
Test the RAM individually, also take a look into your .dmp file and locate the source of the BSOD.
Click to expand...

After waking up, the test finished and said no errors were found. I will be in class most of the day, but when I return home I will run the test individually. I hadn't really run through any of the options after starting the test. But I'm guessing that the option to do so is located within the configuration menu?
 
PhantomShadow said:
Other than replacing the PSU, how would I test to see if it is the cause of the problem? I'm not sure if I'll be able to find someone with a spare PSU substantial enough to even get my system running.



After waking up, the test finished and said no errors were found. I will be in class most of the day, but when I return home I will run the test individually. I hadn't really run through any of the options after starting the test. But I'm guessing that the option to do so is located within the configuration menu?
Click to expand...

You can always run out to a local electronic store, pick up a PSU and return it when you're done.

The dump file I'm referring to is related to Windows. It's usually stored in C:\Windows\Memory.dmp

Here is an article on how to: http://www.listikal.com/how-to-open-windows-dump-dmp-files/

So what has changed prior to a week ago? Did you load up any new software or made hardware/bios changes?
 
BugginOuT said:
You can always run out to a local electronic store, pick up a PSU and return it when you're done.

The dump file I'm referring to is related to Windows. It's usually stored in C:\Windows\Memory.dmp

Here is an article on how to: http://www.listikal.com/how-to-open-windows-dump-dmp-files/

So what has changed prior to a week ago? Did you load up any new software or made hardware/bios changes?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the article and instructions! I think I may have access to a PSU later tonight.

As far as software goes, I can't think of anything. Like I said though, this issue has been present for about 2 months. I don't get to do much gaming because of school, and it could have been an issue for much longer. The random urge to try Skyrim lead to the initial incident. I also reinstalled Windows, and as far as I know that should rule out most software involvement. No? There were no hardware changes made in the past year, and the BIOS has been on default settings and updated yesterday to see if that might be the cause.
 
Polarhound said:
I would be more inclined to start with the power supply. CM units dont exactly get rave reviews for output and stability, and the gpu isn't exactly light on the draw.
Click to expand...
Normally I'd agree with you but that particular Coolermaster PSU, if the OP linked the right one, is actually a pretty decent one:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=141

So the chance of it being the PSU is relatively low but still possible.
PhantomShadow said:
After waking up, the test finished and said no errors were found. I will be in class most of the day, but when I return home I will run the test individually. I hadn't really run through any of the options after starting the test. But I'm guessing that the option to do so is located within the configuration menu?
Click to expand...

In order to test each stick of RAM individually, you need to physically remove all but one stick of RAM and test only that stick of RAM. Once the test has been done on that stick of RAM, remove it and put in another stick of RAM. Keep repeating until all sticks of RAM have been tested seperately.
 
Danny Bui said:
Normally I'd agree with you but that particular Coolermaster PSU, if the OP linked the right one, is actually a pretty decent one:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=141

So the chance of it being the PSU is relatively low but still possible.


In order to test each stick of RAM individually, you need to physically remove all but one stick of RAM and test only that stick of RAM. Once the test has been done on that stick of RAM, remove it and put in another stick of RAM. Keep repeating until all sticks of RAM have been tested seperately.
Click to expand...

Just got home and I'm gonna start with the RAM again. Haven't had any luck finding a PSU I could borrow just yet, and I actually have no idea where I could pick up a PSU in town (go to school in Pocatello, ID). I am sure there is some place in town, just not sure where exactly ;) Also, thanks for the heads up about removing the RAM. I would have spent all day on the interwebs looking for instructions. Apparently I just make things too difficult :p
 
Soooooo, I ran the test on one stick and it passed. Took it out, put another in and the computer won't even boot now. It turns on and stays on, but my keyboard doesn't light up and the displays don't come on. I then tried the final stick, same thing. Put in the first stick again, and nothing. Then all three, and the same thing. *sigh* Any tips guys?
 
PhantomShadow said:
Soooooo, I ran the test on one stick and it passed. Took it out, put another in and the computer won't even boot now. It turns on and stays on, but my keyboard doesn't light up and the displays don't come on. I then tried the final stick, same thing. Put in the first stick again, and nothing. Then all three, and the same thing. *sigh* Any tips guys?
Click to expand...

Electrostatic Discharge? :eek:
 
PhantomShadow said:
Soooooo, I ran the test on one stick and it passed. Took it out, put another in and the computer won't even boot now. It turns on and stays on, but my keyboard doesn't light up and the displays don't come on. I then tried the final stick, same thing. Put in the first stick again, and nothing. Then all three, and the same thing. *sigh* Any tips guys?
Click to expand...

Try different slots? Reset CMOS?
 
Okay, so the different slots worked. Now Diablo is running fine, everything is actually really good now. Only thing is I now have times where I'll be getting over 100fps and then it will shoot down. Any thoughts on that? I think I am going to be switching out my RAM though and upgrading to an SSD. I was told in another thread of mine that the RAM I have actually isn't the best fit for my build. Think these upgrades might affect performance of the game at all?
 
PhantomShadow said:
Okay, so the different slots worked. Now Diablo is running fine, everything is actually really good now. Only thing is I now have times where I'll be getting over 100fps and then it will shoot down. Any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...
Errant process running in the background?

PhantomShadow said:
I think I am going to be switching out my RAM though and upgrading to an SSD. I was told in another thread of mine that the RAM I have actually isn't the best fit for my build. Think these upgrades might affect performance of the game at all?
Click to expand...
The RAM should increase the longevity and stability of that system. The SSD should speed up the load times for the game but no actual FPS increase.
 
Yeah for some reason that kind of sorted itself out as well. After about 20 minutes of gameplay it resolved. I guess I'll keep you guys posted if anything happens :) Thanks for all the help guys!!! I'll should be purchasing that RAM, SSD, and hopefully a new headset or keyboard!
 
From what I gather BSOD's are rather useless and their messages can mean many, many things.

In my cause my PC started getting many, many BSOD's after 5 or so months of no issues. Mainly when gaming, but then it started to happen at idle. Updating my motherboard BIOS fixed the issue. I had not been in the BIOS since I got the PC, so I have no idea how my BIOS "got corrupted". Worth a try for you.
 
Flogger23m said:
From what I gather BSOD's are rather useless and their messages can mean many, many things.

In my cause my PC started getting many, many BSOD's after 5 or so months of no issues. Mainly when gaming, but then it started to happen at idle. Updating my motherboard BIOS fixed the issue. I had not been in the BIOS since I got the PC, so I have no idea how my BIOS "got corrupted". Worth a try for you.
Click to expand...

I actually did update the BIOS! I didn't see any change directly after, but SOMETHING had to do the trick I'm just not sure what :) Must say I am a very happy boy. It was no fun coming to the realization that I wasn't going to get to play D3 after an hour and a half of Error 37 :p
 
PhantomShadow said:
I actually did update the BIOS! I didn't see any change directly after, but SOMETHING had to do the trick I'm just not sure what :) Must say I am a very happy boy. It was no fun coming to the realization that I wasn't going to get to play D3 after an hour and a half of Error 37 :p
Click to expand...

Glad you fixed your issue. Hopefully it doesn't drop up again.
 
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