Asus Maximus hero vi shut down problem
I recently built myself a new game machine with an Asus maximus hero vi mobo (I run a small computer repair shop), to bring my old one up to date (this was built around a P35 board and worked great but would not play game like crysis on full graphics).
I used a kingston 240 gb ssd drive (first time I have used a ssd drive) for the o/s, with a 3gb hard drive for storage. Spec attached below
All went well for a while, and then I started getting bsod when playing maxed out games with error code 124. This checked out to be a hardware fault code. Ran diagnostics on cpu.mobo, hard drive, ram and ssd drive, all checked out ok. I removed any overclock, but problem persisted. However this only occurs on maxed out games ,so turned graphics on game down - still the same. Checked temparatures on cpu etc all within limits.
Now when I shut down it sticks at qcode 3b, which translates to "memory pch intialiation" error. This means that to restart I have to switch off manually via pc off button and then switch back on. I have replaced the ram but still same problem.
I noticed today that my sound blaster z series sound card, is picking up interfernce, I don't know if this is related.
I have not had this problem with a machine before, tried googling but can't find much about a cure.speccy.odtspeccy.odt
I used a kingston 240 gb ssd drive (first time I have used a ssd drive) for the o/s, with a 3gb hard drive for storage. Spec attached below
All went well for a while, and then I started getting bsod when playing maxed out games with error code 124. This checked out to be a hardware fault code. Ran diagnostics on cpu.mobo, hard drive, ram and ssd drive, all checked out ok. I removed any overclock, but problem persisted. However this only occurs on maxed out games ,so turned graphics on game down - still the same. Checked temparatures on cpu etc all within limits.
Now when I shut down it sticks at qcode 3b, which translates to "memory pch intialiation" error. This means that to restart I have to switch off manually via pc off button and then switch back on. I have replaced the ram but still same problem.
I noticed today that my sound blaster z series sound card, is picking up interfernce, I don't know if this is related.
I have not had this problem with a machine before, tried googling but can't find much about a cure.speccy.odtspeccy.odt
SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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ASKER
Tried a vga card still same problem. I thought about the psu, but it is a new corsair 600w modular 80 bronze. Vga card specifies 400w psu.
Your Mainboard, CPU, RAM, disks etc. also draw power. Besides, it is also possible that you got a bad PSU.
So we can't blame the graphics :)
600W is the minimum you need according to http://support.asus.com/powersupply.aspx
600W is the minimum you need according to http://support.asus.com/powersupply.aspx
ASKER
I have considered that, interestingly since I changed the vga when i play thief now I am not getting bsod crashes (played straight for 2 hours last night). Fitted another 650ti, but asus make.
Thanks for the chart - I would have thought that if the psu was under power - I would have had problems from my initial switch on of my pc. (or maybe that was causing the thief game problems and I did not realise).
I will give the chart ago and try another psu, and post back with result,
Bye the way - thanks fro help
Eddy
Thanks for the chart - I would have thought that if the psu was under power - I would have had problems from my initial switch on of my pc. (or maybe that was causing the thief game problems and I did not realise).
I will give the chart ago and try another psu, and post back with result,
Bye the way - thanks fro help
Eddy
ASKER
Hi,
I have replaced my psu with a corsair rm850 800w 80+gold fully modulated. Still same problem (however my pc is now running really quiet - so will leave new psu in situ).
I am now suspecting the mobo, after all have tried all other components , except the kingston 240gb ssd drive and my other two westerm digital hard drives ( irun diagnostics on these and they checked out ok).
I have replaced my psu with a corsair rm850 800w 80+gold fully modulated. Still same problem (however my pc is now running really quiet - so will leave new psu in situ).
I am now suspecting the mobo, after all have tried all other components , except the kingston 240gb ssd drive and my other two westerm digital hard drives ( irun diagnostics on these and they checked out ok).
Maybe then you should make sure it is getting cooled properly (the temp monitoring software doesn't always reflect the correct temperatures). I'd remove the heatsink from the CPU, clean both surfaces very thoroughly, apply a very small drop of thermal transfer paste to the top of the CPU, and then properly and firmly reattach the heatsink. Maybe now there is too much paste, or the pad is bad, or the heatsink isn't tight or flat on the CPU. I don't think the board has electrolytic capacitors, but if it had, you could check those too (look for signs of them cracking, bulging or leaking.
Further make sure your OS is completely updated, along with the drivers.
Further make sure your OS is completely updated, along with the drivers.
ASKER
When i built the machine i use cleaner on both surfaces of the cpu and the heat sink, and then i use a high quality thermal paste applied properly. I have a sentry 2 installed monitoring temps and fans, on a zalman zpius 2 case which has 5 fans fitted. I also checked temps using cpuid. my cpu is running at between 30 and 45 celsuis. The asus maximus hero vi board has solid state capacitor, which i have visually checked for, as you say - any damage -all appear ok. I also have a zalma nCNPS8900 Quiet Ultra Quiet Slim CPU cooler fitted. Os, drivers and bios are all up to date.
As I said earlier I am beginning to think that there is a fault on the motherboard and i am going to refer back to my supplier.
As I said earlier I am beginning to think that there is a fault on the motherboard and i am going to refer back to my supplier.
ASKER
My supplier is going to replace the motherboard - will post back resultv in a few days
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Thanks for the update Eddy. TBH sometimes the best test for hardware genuinely is a bit of intensive gaming - although it can be difficult to convince your boss that you're troubleshooting a hardware fault! I'm quite sure there are systems in use which have faults such as the one you've identified that will never come to light because the user doesn't stress the board enough but, although gaming is a good way to demonstrate a fault, good hardware diagnostics are still lacking and there's a lot of guesswork involved in determining exactly which component is to blame.
If you remember please let us know how the replacement board goes. It's good to hear the RMA process was quite painless.
If you remember please let us know how the replacement board goes. It's good to hear the RMA process was quite painless.
ASKER
The solution was really a combination of the advice from experts and my own endeavours, I accepted my own solution as well as I wanted to highlight the cure for the problem, which was by changing the motherboard - in case any one else has the same problem, and this is only shown in my solution.
Again thanks to all who assisted in me finding an answer.
Eddy
Again thanks to all who assisted in me finding an answer.
Eddy
ASKER
It is a thought I will pick one up today and give it a go. Post result back tonight.