Windows 7 Hardware problem? - rule out Windows 7 RC

[GeordieKev]

Hi everyone,

I've recently built my first system and installed Windows 7. I wonder if any of you experts could kindly assist?

I'm having frequent 0x00000124 BSODs and I'm trying to go through all the possibilities. The system usually crashes under load (GTA4) but sometimes just for no particular reason.

I don't wish to overclock my system and I'm currently running the RAM at 1333Mhz with BIOS settings at AUTO. Could anyone point me in the right direction to help get things stable? The motherboard isn't the best or easiest to work with - especially for a novice like myself. The RAM seems okay (although win 7 doesn't show the value in system properties (Installed memory (RAM) it gives it a subscore of 7.8). The CPU temps seem okay for stock cooling.

Intel i7 920
XFX X58i (BIOS v1.3)
XFX GTX285
Corsair 3x2Gb 1600MHz dominator RAM
Windows 7 RC 7100

Crash dump below.

WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (124)
A fatal hardware error has occurred. Parameter 1 identifies the type of error
source that reported the error. Parameter 2 holds the address of the
WHEA_ERROR_RECORD structure that describes the error conditon.
Arguments:
Arg1: 0000000000000000, Machine Check Exception
Arg2: fffffa8006c51028, Address of the WHEA_ERROR_RECORD structure.
Arg3: 00000000b6000000, High order 32-bits of the MCi_STATUS value.
Arg4: 0000000000040150, Low order 32-bits of the MCi_STATUS value.
Debugging Details:
------------------

BUGCHECK_STR: 0x124_GenuineIntel
CUSTOMER_CRASH_COUNT: 1
DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID: VERIFIER_ENABLED_VISTA_MINIDUMP
PROCESS_NAME: avgcsrva.exe
CURRENT_IRQL: f
STACK_TEXT:
fffff880`0311db58 fffff800`02a226d3 : 00000000`00000124 00000000`00000000 fffffa80`06c51028 00000000`b6000000 : nt!KeBugCheckEx
fffff880`0311db60 fffff800`02bdac53 : 00000000`00000001 fffffa80`0489d650 00000000`00000000 fffffa80`0489d6a0 : hal!HalBugCheckSystem+0x1e3
fffff880`0311dba0 fffff800`02a22398 : 00000000`00000728 fffffa80`0489d650 fffff880`0311df30 fffff880`0311df00 : nt!WheaReportHwError+0x263
fffff880`0311dc00 fffff800`02a21cea : fffffa80`0489d650 fffff880`0311df30 fffffa80`0489d650 00000000`00000000 : hal!HalpMcaReportError+0x4c
fffff880`0311dd50 fffff800`02a21ba5 : 00000000`00000008 00000000`00000001 fffff880`0311dfb0 00000000`00000000 : hal!HalpMceHandler+0x9e
fffff880`0311dd90 fffff800`02a15ea8 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000bc9 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : hal!HalpMceHandlerWithRendezvous+0x55
fffff880`0311ddc0 fffff800`02ad682c : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : hal!HalHandleMcheck+0x40
fffff880`0311ddf0 fffff800`02ad6693 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : nt!KxMcheckAbort+0x6c
fffff880`0311df30 0000000a`009f3175 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : nt!KiMcheckAbort+0x153
00000000`0633f590 00000000`00000000 : 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 00000000`00000000 : 0xa`009f3175

STACK_COMMAND: kb
FOLLOWUP_NAME: MachineOwner
MODULE_NAME: hardware
IMAGE_NAME: hardware
DEBUG_FLR_IMAGE_TIMESTAMP: 0
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID: X64_0x124_GenuineIntel_VRF_PROCESSOR_CACHE
BUCKET_ID: X64_0x124_GenuineIntel_VRF_PROCESSOR_CACHE
Followup: MachineOwner


Thanks in advance

Kev

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Kev, It looks like you're experiencing the dreaded 0x124 BSOD error on your new system running Windows 7. This error typically points towards a hardware-related issue. Given that your system crashes under load and sometimes at random, troubleshooting this can be a bit challenging, but we can start by checking a few things:

1. RAM Compatibility: Although Windows 7 is giving your RAM a subscore of 7.8, you mentioned that it's running at 1333MHz despite being rated at 1600MHz. This discrepancy might be a factor. Try manually setting the RAM frequency and timings in the BIOS to match the manufacturer's specifications.
2. BIOS Update: Ensure that your motherboard's BIOS is up to date. You mentioned that the motherboard is not the easiest to work with, but having the latest BIOS version can sometimes resolve compatibility issues and improve stability.
3. Graphics Card: Since crashes occur during gaming, ensure that your GPU drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes lead to system instability.
4. CPU Temperature: Even though you mentioned that CPU temps seem fine, it's worth monitoring them under load to ensure they're within acceptable limits. Excessive heat can cause instability.
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU): A failing or inadequate PSU can also cause BSODs. Make sure your PSU can handle the power requirements of your system.
6. Check for Dust: Ensure that there's no excessive dust build-up in your system, especially around the CPU cooler and GPU, as this can contribute to overheating. Since you provided a crash dump with the WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (124) code, it indicates a fatal hardware error. This kind of error can be tricky to diagnose, but addressing the points above can be a good starting point. If you're comfortable with it, you could also try stress-testing individual components like the CPU and RAM to see if the crashes are triggered by specific activities. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you have any additional details to share!