FSX Freezing - BIOS Settings

skipastra · March 9th, 2009, 15:22

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help. I'm experiencing frequent lockups in FSX particularly when changing views or loading a new aircraft. It also seems to take a while to load textures. I was thinking it could be my BIOS settings as all the components are fairly new. I've loaded the default options for the board but am still having problems.

Any help or suggestions would be warmly appreciated.

Thanks

James

Mainboard: XFX 790i Ultra
CPU: Intel Core2 Extreme QX9670
Memory: Corsair 4gb XMS PC3-12800 9-9-9-24
GPU: Sapphire ATI HD4870x2 1gb
PSU: Coolermaster Real Power Pro 1250W

**Bone** · March 9th, 2009, 16:06

I know how you feel. This is why I wanted to know peoples op system and if they have CTD's. I've got a similiar build to yours:

QX9650
NVIDIA 780i SLI mobo
2 x geforce 8800gtx's
Vista ultimate 32 bit

harleyman · March 9th, 2009, 16:48

I doubt its a bios setting ...Does this happen if you are not flying?

If that is a new set-up I would think more heat related..

If that is the first time you have used that vid card what are your fan settings?

Its a real hot card...I have the same...

Go into the Catalist Control Center and set your fan speed to 100%

Then see what it acts like....

***hey_moe*** · March 9th, 2009, 17:14

Memory/1.5volt/Disable CPU Spread Spec./That processor you have overclocks very well. Take it to 3.6/ also you have another problem going on. Your system should handle FSX with no problem, what kind of temps are you pulling on you Vcard.What is running in the back ground.

skipastra · March 10th, 2009, 02:50

Originally Posted by hey_moe

Your system should handle FSX with no problem, what kind of temps are you pulling on you Vcard.What is running in the back ground.

Thanks for your suggestions so far, which I will try. I don't think it is heat related as it has frozen twice when first switched on, even before I get into FSX. I'm running Vista x64.

Cheers

James

harleyman · March 10th, 2009, 03:15

Originally Posted by skipastra

Thanks for your suggestions so far, which I will try. I don't think it is heat related as it has frozen twice when first switched on, even before I get into FSX. I'm running Vista x64.

Cheers

James

I see...Then no, its probably not temps at all...Kilo Delta is correct, the 790i boards are struggeling with that problem when released..

The manufacturers suggestions are the new chipset update....

Check to see which you have and then see if there is a newer one....You may also try setting your bios back to default or to manufactures specs on voltages ...

I always turn speed step off too....

**kilo delta** · March 10th, 2009, 02:39

I'd adjust those voltages rather than leaving them at auto. Is it the QX9650 or the QX9770 that you are running? My qx9770 is running on an Evga 790i ultra mobo and i've the voltage set at 1.45v. Also....I had to increase the voltage on my memory to 1.8v (up from 1.7) as i'm running with all slots populated. The qx chips will overclock very well...just increase the multi to 10...i'm running @4ghz on both of mine (they'll go much higher...but they are fast enough for me ). I also have my memory linked and synched.
I had a lot of issues with the 790i mobo's when they were first released, with lockups a common occurance. There were threads all over the net with people having the same problems. Fortunately, the mobo manufacturers have largely sorted out these problems with updated bios's.

**kilo delta** · March 10th, 2009, 06:06

As i've already stated....those voltages look off,especially the memory voltage. The bios runs the ram @ 1.5v by default...check with your memory manufacturer to see what the recommended settings are for voltages.
Have a look at this thread... http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=100514310

skipastra · March 11th, 2009, 04:52

Hi, I've upped the voltage on the memory to 1.7V which is printed on the side of the modules. I've tried running with each module on its own to check I haven't got a bad one (suggested by XFX who also confirmed I am on the correct bios version (P08)).

I am beginning to suspect the GPU (Sapphire ATI HD4870X2) as when it froze this morning I noticed distortion on the screen, this also happened in FSX. Anyone seen anything like this before?

harleyman · March 11th, 2009, 06:11

Yes I have

As stated above what are your vid card temps on that 4870X2 card...it runs very hot and will cause these problems....

Fly FSX in windowed mode with CCC open and looking at your vid card temps ...

Lets start there and put that aside first....

**Bone** · March 11th, 2009, 09:37

I've been having FSX issues myself, so could anyone give me a diagnosis on my temps? I used RealTemp 3.0.

QX9650
NVIDIA 780i SLI mobo
2 x geforce 8800gtx's
Vista ultimate 32 bit

Stock CPU cooler

Core 1 2 3 4 GPU

START 48c 45c 44c 44c 65c

IDLE 51c 49c 48c 48c 78c
(after 25 min's)

FSX
(CPU@3.0mhz) 61c 59c 58c 58c 81c

FSX
(CPU@3.66mhz) 72c 69c 68c 68c 82c

harleyman · March 11th, 2009, 09:49

Bone ...You temps are great......

The Temps @ 3.66 are still fine , but getting to that point you don't want..but if that all they go, you are fine with that...But I would check them ocassionally as thermal paste can loose its abality to keep things cool,they might rids..But by checking weekly or so will show you how its all still cooling...

I bekieve the QX9650 has a built in shut down process if the temps get to high to avoid hurting the chip if I'm not mistaken...

After looking again your last core is getting pretty hot for some reason on both clocks.... Might consider a better cooler and thermal paste for that CPU...I would for sure to be safe....Its the cheapest thing you can do to protect that chip now...

**kilo delta** · March 11th, 2009, 09:50

Bone...you'll get much lower temps if you fit a good aftermarket cooler. I wouldn't worry too much about the gpu temps (9800GX2 and ATi HD4870X2 can run in the high 90's!) though you could increase the fan speed on them if you wish (try the freeware Evga Precision tool). One thing that i've done with every gfx card i've even owned is to remove the heatsink, clean off the oem paste and reseat it using AS5 thermal compound.

***noddy*** · March 11th, 2009, 10:01

I have got a QX6850 clocked to 3.33Ghz in a Dell 720H2C and idle is 32c across board when running FSX my max temp goes to 60c.

Mind you when I got the PC it was running at 3.46Ghz, but had to do factory install and the best I can get to 3.33 now. However I could go 3.66Ghz in the BIOS but that is just to much.

I have tried NTune, but when I hit the apply button it just freezes on me?

**Bone** · March 11th, 2009, 10:19

Thanks for the info Harley and Kilo.

I will be getting a CPU cooler, there's been a few recomended on this site that I've looked at. Also been thinking about the 790i MOBO and some DDR3 memory.

harleyman · March 11th, 2009, 11:22

If you are thinking DDR3..

Think X58..............

The 790i is being problematic at times...:faint:

**kilo delta** · March 11th, 2009, 11:58

Originally Posted by noddy

I have tried NTune, but when I hit the apply button it just freezes on me?

There's your problem!.........dump Ntune as it's extremely buggy. Overclock through the bios instead.

skipastra · March 17th, 2009, 14:51

Ok, thought I'd update on what has happened since last post. I ran the ATI HD4870X2 with the fan set at 100% and noticed an immediate improvement in stability but still the occasional hard freeze including at 1st boot into windows.

After contacting Sapphire (card manufacturer) and being advised by them that the card is not fully supported on the n790i board (XFX dispute this) I decided to try an XFX GTX285 Black Edition.

Wow, no CTD's, freezing and better performance - steady 30 fps even with bloom. Will keep testing but I suspect the ATI card will be appearing on an auction site in the not too distant future!

Thanks for all your help and suggestions, it was warmly appreciated.

James

harleyman · March 17th, 2009, 14:58

Thanks for the update.. I knew the 790i boards were having problems but thats a new one to add to the drama..not supported on that board for the 4870X2

Don't forget to keep the fan up on that card still..At least 50% and test temps under load to see..Then you know to go up or down as needed...

Use EVGA Percission for that card ,Your new Nvidia one that is...

Glad you are fixed...