Total System Freeze accompanied with buzzing noise through speakers

[Codename46]

Hey guys,

I just upgraded my system recently to the following specs:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+
2GB DDR2-800 RAM
2x Geforce 7600GT in SLI

Now, I've only noticed this after installing the second video card, but sometimes, when I'm gaming or watching movies, the whole system freezes and I hear this loud but low-note buzzing noise through my headphones, and I have to manually power off my computer and reboot.

This has happened about 6 times during the past 4 days.

I just recently moved back to my dorm and this has occurred most frequently after that.

Suggestions?

I used Memtest86+ and ran it for about 9 hours and no faults came up.
I reseated the RAM sticks to slots 1 and 3 instead of 2 and 4 and nothing happened.

This would only happen after about an hour or two into the gaming. I am trying to watch movies in Ubuntu Linux to determine whether the problem is software or hardware-oriented problem. So far, so good, but who knows.

I uninstalled the default video card drivers that came with my EVGA CD and installed the latest version of Nvidia's Forceware drivers from their website. That did not solve anything.

Thanks.

 

[LawnBoy]

Could be an issue with your sound card. Reseat and reload drivers, etc.


"We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes

 

[wahnula]

I've only noticed this after installing the second video card

So we have a starting point. SoundBlaster X-FIs have a reported screaming problem but not accompanying a full system crash, sounds like you have the famous 60-cycle hum. I want to point my finger at our old buddy MR. PSU, since you added a second card that might have put yours over the edge. If you have a spare, try using it to power just that card, making sure both PSUs are connected to the same outlet. Turn on your 2nd PSU like this:

http://forums.tweaktown.com/showthread.php?t=18420

Or just get a bigger PSU for the main rig.

Another thought would be to reseat everything if the move was rough.

Tony

 

[Codename46]

Tony,

I have an SLI-capable OCZ GameXtream 700watt PSU and IMHO it should be enough to power both video cards, which are only powered by the PCI-e bus.

I do not have a Soundblaster X-fi card, but I do have a Soundblaster Audigy SE which I have never had problems before.

Again everything runs fine in Ubuntu Linux, just not Windows.

 

[wahnula]

SLI in Ubuntu? Good job! Since the only two things we can trace it back to is a move to the dorm and addition of a second card, let's start there. You are correct that your PSU has plenty of juice. Are there any clues in Event Viewer?

Possibilities:

1. Second card is defective
2. Second slot is defective
3. Components were damaged/loosened in move
4. Components were damaged/loosened by addition of 2nd card
5. Second card causing airflow problems and system is going thermal

I would first unseat and reseat EVERYTHING, cards, RAM, (not CPU) all PSU wires, it is a fast and easy check. Give it a run. If still bad, run a test of just the new card solo, right where it is. Next change locations with old card and compare. Next try SLI with cards swapped (if possible). Run a good benchmark like PCMark05 or Sandra Burn-in to stress components. If you still have problems try with the case open, then try without the sound card.

If problem persists strip the system back to CPU, 1 stick RAM, HDD, (no opticals or peripherals) and add 1 GFX card, then the other. Add things one at a time until it happens.

It might take a while but that's the fun of being a PC geek, no?

Tony

 

[Codename46]

Ok guys,

I've reinstalled the Creative Labs driver for my sound card. So far the system is stable, but I'll report back if theres a problem.
Thanks for y'all's help