Legacy system causing persistent lock issues.
Legacy system causing persistent lock issues.
I work with an outdated setup that has been having issues. I enjoy experimenting and improving it. My aim is to make it fully functional again. I’m looking for your help here. Processor: FX-950 Cooling: 280 mm liquid, 4 140 mm fans (one sucks, another blows). Memory: ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z RAM, 16 GB. Graphics: RX 270 (possibly 290), HD: Samsung 250 GB with 2 TB support. The main problem is random hard locks during startup. I’ve tried cleaning the fans, checking the motherboard, and updating firmware. The CPU was fixed by AMD, but the motherboard software still flags a fan issue even when it works. Hard drive hasn’t been tested yet, but the video card worked in another system. Power supply is 1000W, though I have the original 1300W unit from another build and am waiting to see if it holds up. RAM hasn’t been tested, but I’m worried about what might be wrong. I have some downtime and resources, maybe someone can spot something I’m missing.
In Event Viewer, you can identify the reason behind the issue. Have you attempted to update or reinstall all drivers? Typically, hardlocks are linked to driver problems. When does this occur? During gaming sessions or while idle? If it happens only when idle, it's likely a driver-related concern.
The driver and BIOS are all current. I’ve encountered this issue when sitting idle, booting up (like on the Windows screen), while playing a game. I’ve been dealing with it for more than five years.
I examined the RAM model and checked if it aligns with the authorized specifications.
Holy... that's a pretty quick RAM speed! It should be PC3-19200, not PC3-192000. If you're thinking about getting new RAM, make sure it has 2 zeroes. It looks like it might be a 16GB model—what brand is it? It's possible the memory support isn't working properly.
I’m updating the notes here. I pulled up the motherboard manual and found the RAM placement on pages 1-11. The timing seems correct, which might debunk the previous theory about the RAM. I’m focusing on other aspects now. Besides the liquid cooler fans, I have two 140 MB drives and one 140 MM drives pushing air out. I’m exploring ideas like applying thermal paste and reading Linus’s review of a powerful CPU—his take really highlights both pros and cons.
Another update. I’m based in Canada, and with fall here the system is getting sluggish or stopping completely. This seems related to overheating. The issue starts with the machine’s stock setup: it came with a 120 MM 2 fan liquid cooler that was hard locked. I upgraded to a 140 MM cooler with one fan, still hard locked. Then I added a 280 MM cooler with four fans, designed to push air in from inside out, but it remains hard locked. There’s about 4 inches between the top of the case and the desk beneath it. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.