[help] How to troubleshoot with Windows Event Viewer (random lock up Gigabyte X570 I Aorus Pro WiFi)

[Midiamp]

Hi all, I've been switching between ITX and ATX build for the last year due to problems I have with my ITX setup. So basically my ATX build is rock solid with these configurations:

• Ryzen 7 3700X
• MSI X570 Tomahawk WIFI
• 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX
• Zotac 2070 Super
• Corsair HX850
• 2x nvme, 2x ssd, 1x HDD

I changed to an ITX setup last years with these configurations:

• Gigabyte X570 I Aorus Pro Wifi
• Corsair SF750
• Same component with ATX build

Other than motherboard and PSU, every other components are the same. However why do I have random lock ups now and then with my ITX build? Back then the issue was quite rampant with lock ups at random time and I chalk the problem to unstable BIOS, so hoping that today after BIOS and driver updates things should be stable.

Now after changing back to ITX again, two lock ups so far after 3 days. One crash after waking up from sleep, one just random lockup while watching youtube. After reboot from crash my Windows lock screen changed to default... Which my friend said it's something to do with GPU.

But why? Is the Gigabyte motherboard that finnicky? Or is the power supply defective? I checked the Corsair PSU recall list and mine is safe. So I'm just befuddled with this still random lock ups.

Could I pinpoint the issue with Windows Event Viewer? Because I really really like my ITX build (the NR200 case is pure awesome).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bill_Bright]

and I chalk the problem to unstable BIOS

Why? Frankly, I have never heard of a BIOS being "unstable". "Random" lockups typically occur due to heat, power, RAM or driver problems. If the system boots, the BIOS is typically just fine.

There certainly can be compatibility issues with a BIOS, however, that cause attached/mounted components to become unstable.

This is why we should ensuring the latest BIOS has been applied and that the CPUs we use are on the motherboard's CPU QVL (qualified vendors list) as found on each motherboard's website. Note there are too many RAM makers and models so they cannot test them all. So unlike CPUs, we don't need to use RAM listed on the Memory QVL, we just need to use RAM with the same specs as listed RAM to ensure compatibility.

ITX cases have the same problems as laptop cases. Manufacturers can pack the horsepower in there, but not the cooling. So heat is a common cause for system lockups, sudden shutdowns or "out-of-the-blue" reboots.

While even brand new power supplies from the best makers can be bad, you've tried two different power supplies. And while this may be two distinct problems, you are using the same RAM and the same graphics card. I would verify RAM compatibility, then try one stick at a time. And I would try a different graphics solution. And just to be sure it is not a power issue, I would swap in a known good PSU too.

***

BTW, random lockups are never "random". They just appear that way because they are unexpected and their cause [as of yet] undetermined.

 

[Kapone33]

Some Gigabyte boards like to give you more voltage than they are quoting. I rarely use Gigabyte in Customer builds now. I have X470 Gaming 7 that is a pretty good brick right now.

 

[INSTG8R]

Some Gigabyte boards like to give you more voltage than they are quoting. I rarely use Gigabyte in Customer builds now. I have X470 Gaming 7 that is a pretty good brick right now.

No lies there,I have mine undervolted -0.1500 for around a peak 1.35 vs stocks ridiculous 1.5+V did nothing but jack my temps

 

[Bill_Bright]

We use Gigabyte boards in almost all our builds here. I have not noticed they are more prone to those problems than ASUS, ASRock, or MSI as examples - which we have also used here.

What I have found - regardless of brand - is sticking with the default settings for voltages and timing typically results in the most stable platforms. That and verifying QVL compliance and the latest BIOS firmware is installed.

Having said that, once the new build is complete, I rarely update the BIOS after that. This is because most updates after that are just to add support for new CPUs and RAM that came out after the board left the factory. If I am not updating my RAM or CPU, no need to flash the BIOS.

 

[Midiamp]

What I have found - regardless of brand - is sticking with the default settings for voltages and timing typically results in the most stable platforms. That and verifying QVL compliance and the latest BIOS firmware is installed.

Well that sucks, my Corsair memory isn't on the QVL list. Still though, is there anything to increase stability?

 

[bug]

Hi all, I've been switching between ITX and ATX build for the last year due to problems I have with my ITX setup. So basically my ATX build is rock solid with these configurations:

• Ryzen 7 3700X
• MSI X570 Tomahawk WIFI
• 32GB Corsair Vengeance LPX
• Zotac 2070 Super
• Corsair HX850
• 2x nvme, 2x ssd, 1x HDD

I changed to an ITX setup last years with these configurations:

• Gigabyte X570 I Aorus Pro Wifi
• Corsair SF750
• Same component with ATX build

Other than motherboard and PSU, every other components are the same. However why do I have random lock ups now and then with my ITX build? Back then the issue was quite rampant with lock ups at random time and I chalk the problem to unstable BIOS, so hoping that today after BIOS and driver updates things should be stable.

Now after changing back to ITX again, two lock ups so far after 3 days. One crash after waking up from sleep, one just random lockup while watching youtube. After reboot from crash my Windows lock screen changed to default... Which my friend said it's something to do with GPU.

But why? Is the Gigabyte motherboard that finnicky? Or is the power supply defective? I checked the Corsair PSU recall list and mine is safe. So I'm just befuddled with this still random lock ups.

Could I pinpoint the issue with Windows Event Viewer? Because I really really like my ITX build (the NR200 case is pure awesome).

Thanks in advance.

Well, since builds are so similar, I'd try using the same PSU on both of them. If it's still unstable, you know 100% you need to look at the mobo.

I haven't looked at your mobo's manual, but some of them offer a "safe" profile you could try. If not, try what was suggested above: set voltages and memory timings by hand. Aim for conservative values at first and go from there. You can also try running fewer memory sticks and only one storage device and then add them back one by one.

Windows Event Viewer is only useful to show you what craps out, usually why it craps out is hidden behind some code only Microsoft Support can tell you it's useless.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well that sucks, my Corsair memory isn't on the QVL list.

Well, again, the specific Corsair sticks don't have to be listed but RAM with the same specs as those Corsairs should be, to ensure compatibility. That is not to say unlisted will not work. They often do.

You might want to run MemTest86. Allow the diagnostics to run for several passes or even overnight. You should have no reported errors – not even one.

Note, however, while software-based RAM diagnostic tools are good, none are 100% conclusive. If they report any errors, even one, the RAM is bad. But it is not uncommon for them to report no problems, yet the RAM still fails in use, and/or when paired with other RAM. So, swapping in all new RAM is often the best test - but of course, not everyone has a bunch of spare RAM laying around so you might try running with just a single RAM stick to see if it fails. Repeat process with remaining modules, hopefully identifying the bad stick through a process of elimination. Just be sure to unplug the computer from the wall (and remove the battery if a notebook) and touch bare metal of the case interior BEFORE reaching for the RAM to discharge any destructive static in your body.