GA-Z68X-UD3H Issues

[hagbard]

Firstly, before I started I asked around in other forums what I should do if I wanted to install a SSD drive with SRT at a later time without reinstalling Windows. I was told to go ahead and install with RAID enabled, and the Intel RAID during the Windows install. Did all that, but the day I set it up, got about three blue screens telling me something was wrong with my hardware or its configuration. Is it because I'm running RAID with one drive? Oddly, the blue screens haven't appeared in the past day. But this is the first time I've seen a BSOD in Win7.

Secondly, things are running hot. I've fiddled with applying various amounts of thermal paste from tiny to more than enough, and my core temps are running 48c idle to the mid-80s under load (Prime95). I even contacted Intel about it, they told me not to worry, they expect the processor to run 72c normally, up to 100c. Holy Crap!

Can someone recommend a good HSF? One that will fit in a thin case (7" width). Been looking at Noctua NH-D14 and the Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus but I suspect my case door won't close with either. I can get the Noctua at a particularly good price right now.

Lastly, the bios reported that it had stopped the computer because of an overclocking or voltage issue. Everything in the bios is set to AUTO so its not of my doing. Ideas?

Configuration:
Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H
i5-2500k
G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600
Seasonic 800w ps
AMD HD4870

[absic]

Hi there,

the Noctua NH-D14 is an awesome cooler, I know as that is what I use but sadly it won't fit inside your chassis. However, all is not lost as you can can still get a similar sized cooler that takes up less space in the NH-C14. http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=37&lng=en if you check the spec's you'lee see that this version will fit in your case without too many issues.

[hagbard]

Hi there,

the Noctua NH-D14 is an awesome cooler, I know as that is what I use but sadly it won't fit inside your chassis. However, all is not lost as you can can still get a similar sized cooler that takes up less space in the NH-C14. http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=37&lng=en if you check the spec's you'lee see that this version will fit in your case without too many issues.

That's true but its about $35 more than what I can get the NH-D14 for.  I'm a cheapskate.

[hagbard]

Just more and more bluescreen.........worst build ever.

[pimpuk]

check the code it gives on the bsod ,it will give you an idea on where the problem is

[hagbard]

http://i.imgur.com/FsVJ2.jpg

[Dark Mantis]

According to your BSOD Stop code it may be your QPI/Vtt setting that is out so I would suggest checking that.

[hagbard]

According to your BSOD Stop code it may be your QPI/Vtt setting that is out so I would suggest checking that.

The Bios is on auto, I haven't made any changes in memory or the cpu.  What should the setting be?

[Dark Mantis]

I think that before we start playing around with the settings in the BIOS we should start from a clean slate.

Remove the power cable from the mains supply and then press the power switch on the case for a few seconds just to drain any residual energy in the PSU capacitors.

Once done remove the motherboard battery for at least one hour before replacing it.
 
Next plug back into the mains supply and boot.
 
You will now need to enter the BIOS by pressing DEL and load Optimised BIOS Defaults.

Make any other changes to the BIOS settings to suit your self like disabling the floppy drive, disabling the full screen logo and making the HDD the primary boot device and then press F10 to save and exit.

[hagbard]

I think that before we start playing around with the settings in the BIOS we should start from a clean slate.

Remove the power cable from the mains supply and then press the power switch on the case for a few seconds just to drain any residual energy in the PSU capacitors.

Once done remove the motherboard battery for at least one hour before replacing it.
 
Next plug back into the mains supply and boot.
 
You will now need to enter the BIOS by pressing DEL and load Optimised BIOS Defaults.

Make any other changes to the BIOS settings to suit your self like disabling the floppy drive, disabling the full screen logo and making the HDD the primary boot device and then press F10 to save and exit.

I'm one step ahead of you.  Already cleared the CMOS.  Right now I have it running Prime95 to see if it still goes above 80c.  BTW, why is it that it doesn't go into Turbo mode?  I'm running one worker. 

But I'm ready to tinker with the bios is that will make things work as they should.

[hagbard]

Hope you haven't forgotten about me? 

Got another BSD this morning:

http://i.imgur.com/7XQ2i.jpg

This one points toward the hard drive.  I'm thinking, more points toward memory, now one to hard drive.  I'm betting its the motherboard.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

I think another thing that would be worth checking is for any bent pins on the CPU socket.

Take all the usual anti-static precautions.

Very carefully remove the heatsink and fan. Probably a slight twisting motion is best to release the two as the thermal paste can act like a glue.

Once off remove the CPU taking extreme care both physically and electrically(static) and place somewhere safe.

Make sure that the lighting is very good and even.

Now scrutinise the socket for any pins that are out of alignment, even slightly.
If in any doubt whatsoever take a couple of macro (close up) photos of the socket and post them on here for us to check.

Also look at the bottom of the CPU at the lands (little copper circles) and make sure that there is a mark in each somewhere near the centre.
If there are any missing marks or any of the pins are obviously bent then that is your problem.

Before refitting the CPU clean off all residue of the old thermal paste and the same on the heatsink and then apply a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) to the centre of the CPU once it is inserted in the socket.

[hagbard]

I actually did all that a couple days ago, with a magnifying glass.  Everything was good.

[hagbard]

Oh, my latest pic:


http://i.imgur.com/L2UC7.jpg

[hagbard]

There's been no joy since I last posted.  Planning to ship the motherboard back and get an Asus.