my newer pc build is locking up or freezing and not sure why

[neovikingx]

My newer pc build is locking up or freezing and not sure why.

first I will list my hard ware and software.

It has a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Rev. 1.1 mother board with f10 bios, Q9300 quad core duo, 4x1 Gskill F2-6400CL5D, Evga 8600gts video card, and a Barracuda 7200.10 500 gig harddrive.

I have Windows xp pro, all drivers and bios are up to date, with AVG free, Spybot with tea timer, and Ad-aware 9.6.0.

Its not overclocked, and I ran Memtest86+ and I let it run 4 times and was no errors.

I also ran prime 95 for 4 hours with out a problem.

I removed all the anti virus, spybot, and ad-aware but it still locks up.

Some times it locks up during log in, exploring a disk in my diskdrive, and once during an update.

I ran Fear 2 and Fear 3 for a short time and didnt seem to have any problems.

Not sure what is causing it to lockup.

If there are any other test I can run or programs to check for other problems let me know.

could the hard drive cause the problem from not readind the disk fast enough?

Thanks for any help

[Tripredacus]

could the hard drive cause the problem from not readind the disk fast enough?

Thanks for any help

The hard drive could cause problems, but I won't jump on the idea that it isn't fast enough. You can run some HDD tests if you like.

Also, go into Event Viewer after your next lockup and look for any errors. If you are lucky, Windows may have left a clue in there for you.

You can also test your video card (I see from pics that your board has no integrated) using a program like OCCT.

http://www.ocbase.com/index.php/software/20-occt

[neovikingx]

How do I get into event viewer after lockup?

[submix8c]

Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer

after Reboot...

They don't disappear until you "clear" them, so the Event(s) are still logged.

Edited May 12, 2012 by submix8c

[neovikingx]

What would be a good free hdd test I can run?

[submix8c]

?

The one from the Manufacturer (Seagate) is a good starting place. Also, HDTune(?) as a Freeware alternative.

How about that Event Viewer message? Get it yet?

[neovikingx]

nothing on event viewer except an error that my cd drive had.

It could be the mother board just dosnt like my memory, tried gskill and hynix.

I check the memory list they give, but most of them I never heard of, and the others I cant find anywhere.

I will get around to checking the hdd and post the results later.

[submix8c]

Something not mentioned... HEAT! Keep the PC clean, especially the fans (all of them).

[neovikingx]

its not that every thing is clean and cool

[neovikingx]

I borrowed a hard drive and the computer still locks up, so I think its the memory.

So I ordered CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5

The memory is Guaranteed-Compatible for Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P.

When get them I will leave the results.

[neovikingx]

I resolved the problem. It wound up being the sata cable I was using, I replaced it with a newer sata 3 locking cable and it has been fine ever since.

[bphlpt]

And people wonder why we often suggest the simple things first, such as checking cables, when there are obscure or intermittent problems. They don't take long to check and they are inexpensive to replace.

Cheers and Regards