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Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up

Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« on: April 30, 2016, 12:16:15 am »
So I built my PC last December, and it has worked wonderfully since then until a couple weeks or so ago. My computer will crash and enter into this strange loop that I recorded several iterations of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvnvn-bNy68&feature=youtu.be

This happens when I'm playing a game, watching youtube/twitch, or even just sitting at idle. It won't stop this loop unless I physically turn off my power supply; the power on/off button on my case refuses to work if this happens. I ran torture tests and all my temperatures are relatively low. After this started happening, I overclocked my CPU (FYI, I didn't overclock as an attempted method of solution) which actually stopped this process to happen for at least a week. But, soon enough, it happened again and I reset my speed to the packaged 3.5GHz. This makes me think that there might be something up with the CPU, but I'm not totally sure.

My build:
Motherboard: GIGABYTE Intel GA-Z170X-UD5
CPU: Intel i5-6600K Skylake 6M Quad-Core 3.5Ghz (I had it overclocked at one point, but it is now back to the factory setting)
GPU: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980
RAM: 2 x 8 Crucial Ballistic Sport 8GB 288-Pin DDR4
PSU: Corsair AXi 760W

This has really turned into a large problem for me, and I would be ever so grateful if anyone could provide a solution towards fixing it. I don't care if it means replacing a part, I just want to get rid of this problem.
« Last Edit: April 30, 2016, 01:20:40 am by rollercoaster12 »

shadowsports

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Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2016, 01:46:34 pm »
Obviously without more information and history on the build, I'm just guessing....   

But, I'm willing to bet Its your memory.  Your kit is SPD 2400Mhz.  Barring a defective component, that will be the culprit.

While it might be possible to make manual settings and get it to run, the issue will haunt you.

Buy a 2133Mhz kit and I'll bet it runs. Make sure this lower speed RAM is on the QVL  ;)

« Last Edit: April 30, 2016, 01:49:01 pm by shadowsports »
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Z97X-UD5H \850w, 4790K, 32GB Vengeance, RTX 2080 FTW

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2016, 02:15:14 pm »
But looking at my motherboard that I bought:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128838&cm_re=lga-1151_motherboard-_-13-128-838-_-Product

It should be able overclock to 2400 MHz, up from the standard 2133 MHz frequency. Wouldn't this be a better solution than buying two new sticks of RAM?

shadowsports

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Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2016, 02:45:35 pm »
Its a beautiful board..  been eyeing it myself.  However, the Z170 boards are extremely finicky when it comes to RAM.  Like I said you might be able to get 2400Mhz RAM to run using manual settings in OC situation.

DDR4 3466*(*O.C.)/ 3400*/ 3333*/ 3300*/ 3200*/ 3000*/ 2800*/ 2666*/ 2400*/ 2133


This has really turned into a large problem for me, and I would be ever so grateful if anyone could provide a solution towards fixing it. I don't care if it means replacing a part, I just want to get rid of this problem.


You asked us to help solve your issue.  My initial feeling is that you will have the best chance for success/troubleshooting using 2133Mhz memory.   

If you aren't going to do that, then I recommend using memory on the QVL for your board.

Crucial Options Are:
CRUCIAL 8GB 2Rx8 BLS8G4D240FSA DS Micron 16-16-16-40 1.2v v v v 2400
CRUCIAL 16GB 2Rx8 BLS16G4D240FSB.16FAD DS Micron 16-16-16-39 1.2v v v v 2400

Or you can tinker with the RAM you have now, using the above timings as a starting point.  Other recommendations.  Have you tried CLR_CMOS and setting up from scratch?  There might be a BIOS update that improves RAM compatibility.  We don't know what rev you are on.  This pretty much covers your options.  Hope that helps.  :)   


« Last Edit: April 30, 2016, 02:51:28 pm by shadowsports »
Z390 AORUS PRO (F10) \850w, 9900K, 32GB GSkill TriZ RGB - 16-18-18-38, RTX 3080Ti FTW3 Ultra, 960 Pro_m.2, W11
Z370-HD3P (F5) \750w, 8350K, 8GB LPX 3200 - 16-18-18-38, GTX 970 FTW SC, Intel SSD, 2TB RAID1, W11
Z97X-UD5H \850w, 4790K, 32GB Vengeance, RTX 2080 FTW

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2016, 03:01:31 pm »
Okay, it seems as if I need to buy new sticks of RAM. What do you think of these (16gb kit - 2 x 8gb) as a replacement?

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-2133MHz-Non-ECC-HX421C14FBK2-16/dp/B00TY6A1LY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462024592&sr=8-1&keywords=ddr4+ram+16gb+2133

I tried going into my bios and changing the ram frequency down to 2133MHz, and sure enough, it crashed again :( :(

Thanks for all the support.

shadowsports

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Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2016, 04:15:16 pm »
If you are going to buy new RAM, be sure its on the QVL. 

I've asked ElectroStingz to comment as he has the same board except his is the "thunderbolt" model and he's running 3200Mhz RAM.  Hold off on that purchase until he replies.
« Last Edit: April 30, 2016, 04:16:12 pm by shadowsports »
Z390 AORUS PRO (F10) \850w, 9900K, 32GB GSkill TriZ RGB - 16-18-18-38, RTX 3080Ti FTW3 Ultra, 960 Pro_m.2, W11
Z370-HD3P (F5) \750w, 8350K, 8GB LPX 3200 - 16-18-18-38, GTX 970 FTW SC, Intel SSD, 2TB RAID1, W11
Z97X-UD5H \850w, 4790K, 32GB Vengeance, RTX 2080 FTW

shadowsports

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Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2016, 04:56:31 pm »
Hmm,  ElectroStingz hasn't logged in since the 29th.  I sent him a PM too  :-\

As I said, whatever you purchase, be sure its in the QVL.   ;)
Z390 AORUS PRO (F10) \850w, 9900K, 32GB GSkill TriZ RGB - 16-18-18-38, RTX 3080Ti FTW3 Ultra, 960 Pro_m.2, W11
Z370-HD3P (F5) \750w, 8350K, 8GB LPX 3200 - 16-18-18-38, GTX 970 FTW SC, Intel SSD, 2TB RAID1, W11
Z97X-UD5H \850w, 4790K, 32GB Vengeance, RTX 2080 FTW

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2016, 01:57:10 pm »
Hello.

That particular startup is usually CPU related and falls into 2 areas,
1) CPU voltage
2) Memory controller / RAM settings

When you overclock the CPU and depending on your BIOS options it actually increases the Vcore voltage which could have worked as a temporary fix. I would consider clearing the CMOS and running just 1 memory stick in the grey slot closest to the right side of the board just to see if the situation improves.

Memory frequency is directly linked to the CPU.
The CPU can easily boot up and run at 2133Mhz without issues but what some manufacturers have been doing is setting the memory SPD profile to 2400Mhz instead of 2133Mhz. <Depends which kit you have.

Whilst this can work it does require other CPU related settings to be tweaked and this is why Intel have XMP settings.
By not following this guideline a CPU is running >=2400Mhz memory frequency at voltages intended for 2133Mhz.
Causes issues and is worse at startup when not working.

With the TH board all BIOS versions under F5 have slight problems with the CPU vcore settings (some do not actually work correctly) and will cause the boot looping problem <Which BIOS are you using and do not attempt to flash unless you can actually get the board stable.
My PC is evolving

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2016, 07:24:22 pm »
First of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to help me with my problem. Secondly, I must inform you that I am relatively new to the building-a-pc world, so please be patient with me as I may not understand everything you are saying. I will try my best to follow your directions to the best of my abilities, but please forgive me for all the questions I have. My packaged RAM speed is set at 2400MHz, which should be supported by my MOBO (new egg said that it would support 2133MHz ram and then some overclocked ram speeds, including 2400MHz), just FYI.

So, if I am understanding this correctly, your first idea is to clear the CMOS and take out one of my ram sticks, and place the other in the rightmost grey slot, which in turn would limit my RAM to 8 gb. How exactly would I go about clearing the CMOS? I want to know exactly what I am doing as to prevent as much possible damage I could inflict on my computer.

It also seems as if you said something about CPU voltage being a temporary fix, how much extra voltage do you think I would need to be more practical, and would it be actually worth doing that? I'm pretty sure firing more electrons could actually destroy the silicon in my CPU, resulting in a shorter life span.

Finally, you mentioned the BIOS versions. I am not 100% sure which BIOS I am using, it's just the one that started up as soon as all the cables were put together. Do you think something as simple as updating my BIOS could potentially fix the problem?

Thanks again for your help! I appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2016, 09:06:00 pm »
Ask away :), rather you did than blindly not understand something.

My packaged RAM speed is set at 2400MHz, which should be supported by my MOBO (new egg said that it would support 2133MHz ram and then some overclocked ram speeds, including 2400MHz), just FYI.

The memory frequency isn't really a motherboard dependent feature and is 100% down to the CPU being able to run at anything above 2133Mhz. When you run over 2133Mhz the CPU has to work harder (it's memory controller) which will always require the user to increase voltages.

Memory manufacturers want to ensure that their products function correctly and to maximise compatibility and stability it is good practice for memory kits to run by default at 2133Mhz. What would happen if a kit existed that tried to boot a system at 4000Mhz? Simple answer = no boot with the likely on/off cycle.
Why = because the CPU cannot handle 4000Mhz RAM with default voltages.

- What you need to take away from this part is that when running anything over default specs, increasing the voltages is a requirement. Overclocking = more voltage required.

- Not all CPUs are created equal, your CPU might be able to run say 4000Mhz RAM but another one might not despite various attempts at tweaking.

Some kits try to run 2400Mhz using default settings, if this is what you have then you need to consider changing the frequency down to 2133Mhz for testing purposes.

Or enter the BIOS and enable the XMP setting <I'll try to get some screenshots later if you cannot find this.
By enabling the XMP setting the motherboard will automatically increase some voltages to help your CPU run at 2400Mhz.

Quote
So, if I am understanding this correctly, your first idea is to clear the CMOS and take out one of my ram sticks, and place the other in the rightmost grey slot, which in turn would limit my RAM to 8 gb. How exactly would I go about clearing the CMOS? I want to know exactly what I am doing as to prevent as much possible damage I could inflict on my computer.

You need to have the computer turned off with the PSU also switched off.
Wait for the PSU to discharge (you might hear it make a high pitched sound)
On the motherboard at the top right corner near the on-board power switch you will see a clear CMOS switch
Press this and hold it down, 30 seconds will do.
That will clear your CMOS and restore all settings back to default but note that if you RAM is 2400Mhz (SPD profile) it will still run at this when you turn on but using 1 stick reduces the strain on the CPU.

Quote
It also seems as if you said something about CPU voltage being a temporary fix, how much extra voltage do you think I would need to be more practical, and would it be actually worth doing that? I'm pretty sure firing more electrons could actually destroy the silicon in my CPU, resulting in a shorter life span.

This is unavoidable when it comes to overclocking but for now don't go down this route just yet.


Quote
Finally, you mentioned the BIOS versions. I am not 100% sure which BIOS I am using, it's just the one that started up as soon as all the cables were put together. Do you think something as simple as updating my BIOS could potentially fix the problem?

Yes check this first as the later BIOS version F5 is much better.
It will tell you when you enter the BIOS or you can check in Windows using a program such as CPUZ
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
See the screenshot.
« Last Edit: May 02, 2016, 09:07:44 pm by ElectroStingz »
My PC is evolving

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #10 on: May 03, 2016, 12:34:29 am »
Alright so I went into my BIOS and began to q-flash to update, but before I could really start the computer crashed and went into that cycle again... It'll be a while before I can actually get back onto my computer. I will let you know how things go as soon as I can!

shadowsports

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Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #11 on: May 03, 2016, 04:00:02 am »
Hey RollerCoaster12,
I get the sense you're feeling a little defeated.  You went out and bough this shiny new rig and you can't even get it to turn on.  I'd be bummed as well.  I'm glad that the advice I did give coincides exactly with what ElectroStingz is telling you. 

He'll take you into the OC, if that's what you decide.  Going from 2133 to 2400 is not a stretch, so I wouldn't worry about putting any sort of strain on the CPU or dramatically shortening its life. 

Just think of it this way.  The PC wants to run at 2133 out of the box and your memory is happy at 2400.  The BIOS has features that allows you to run 2400Mhz memory, but it needs to be configured, and the problem you are running into is you can't get to the place where you can make the changes to achieve stability.  You may have not run into this issue with a different memory kit (even 2400Mhz).  Its just this one that isn't happy in your environment with the stock config.  I remembered Electro had almost the identical board.  Ya, if you throw $75 at the problem you can probably make it go away, but you're here and this is what you've got, so no harm in giving it a go.  ;) 
Z390 AORUS PRO (F10) \850w, 9900K, 32GB GSkill TriZ RGB - 16-18-18-38, RTX 3080Ti FTW3 Ultra, 960 Pro_m.2, W11
Z370-HD3P (F5) \750w, 8350K, 8GB LPX 3200 - 16-18-18-38, GTX 970 FTW SC, Intel SSD, 2TB RAID1, W11
Z97X-UD5H \850w, 4790K, 32GB Vengeance, RTX 2080 FTW

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #12 on: May 03, 2016, 10:06:56 am »
Alright so I went into my BIOS and began to q-flash to update, but before I could really start the computer crashed and went into that cycle again... It'll be a while before I can actually get back onto my computer. I will let you know how things go as soon as I can!

Remember to get the PC stable first then flash, if it crashes during a BIOS update you will have more problems.
My PC is evolving

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #13 on: May 03, 2016, 10:36:50 pm »
Alright it started up again finally, and it appears like nothing went drastically wrong in when I tried to flash. I upped the CPU voltage by about 0.3 volts, and of course, it went ahead and crashed again. :( :( :( . I did this first because it was pretty much the simplest one. A little later I will try moving the RAM sticks around and clearing the CMOS, and I hope for the best.

Re: Computer randomly crashes and won't start back up
« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2016, 12:08:13 am »
Just for reference, default clocks you don't want to go over 1.275v on your CPU.

Things you need to try

  • 1 Stick
  • 2133Mhz
  • XMP enabled <This will increase other voltages
My PC is evolving