Hi,
 
I really hope there is someone that can figure out how I can fix this:
 
I built this PC a few months ago and it was fine in the beginning. Yet recently I have been having these kernel 41 (63) reboots during games and nvidia drivers crashing outside games. Though I wouldn't be surprised if these are related. I have been reading so many suggestions on forums without fixing this problem that it is really getting me down so I thought it was time to make my own thread.
 
NOTE#1: I haven't overclocked anything, I wouldn't even know what I was doing if I wanted to.
NOTE#2: I set it so windows doesnt autoreboot and creates minidumps. I can't send you a minidump however because the pc crashes and reboots regardless before it makes a minidump.
 
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64
CPU: Intel core i5 2500K with stock cooler.
MOBO: ASUS P8Z68-V --> bios 0706
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL
GPU: EVGA GTX 460 SSC --> nvidia drivers 285.38 for Battlefield 3
PSU: OCZ Modxstream 600W
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB --> firmware 0009 (no raid setup atm)
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint T166 500GB (HD501LJ)
 
I had crashing problems with my previous PC. There it was suggested it was my videocard so I bought the GTX 460. It didn't fix the problem, same with the PSU. So I thought I would make a whole new pc since it was outdated for (for example) Battlefield 3 anyway. I also used the 500GB HDD from my previous PC.
 
My curent BIOS settings have speedstep, turbo mode, bluetooth and epu disabled, fans on turbo and RAM manually set to 9-9-9-24-2 with voltage on 1.50V
 
What I have tried from suggestions on other forums:
- I have all updates on windows installed.
- Updating all mobo drivers (bios, lan, audio, etc)
- Disabling onboard audio
- Disabling turbo and speedstep
- Memtest86: 5passes, no errors
- Prime95 test 1 (small FFT) no errors
- Prime95 test 2 (large FFT): Kernel error reboots. Changed some bios settings to decrease the heat (turn off speedstep, intel turbo mode, fans profile on turbo). Forum suggested it was RAM issues. I manually set the RAM in BIOS to 9-9-9-24-2 and voltage on 1.5V as suggested on Gskill website instead of "auto". Ran stable for over an hour with ~66-70C then I turned it off.
- Furmark 1.9.1: Screen went black after about 3 minutes. GPU Temp was about 77-78~ at the time.
 
And now my PC just freezes instead of auto rebooting (still no minidump though). Sugesstions are welcome.

clean install 267.24 your problem will go away. If you're playing bf3 beta, bummer! Can't have both...

Are you using onboard realtek audio? If so, you need to disable the vidcard's audio. Still, clean custom install 267.24 leaving out audio. Control panel,System, Device manager, under system devices, disable High Definition Audio Controller, should be two of them, one's for vid card audio, other is onboard audio. with my setup, I disabled both, and I use a soundblaster audio card...

vanitas

Well, the problem isn't limited to BF3, this is just the most recent.

I just ran it with the most recent drivers and it crashed after 3 mins on 78C. I had Precision running with software automatic fan control enabled with the default profile.

I have tried several driver version, all with the same result. I'm willing to try anything though. Since I'm not sure if I tried that specific version I will do that and run furmark again.

Most recent drivers are crap. tried them on my setup, driver crashed while watching hulu on net. went back to 267, problem solved.

I have been using ccleaner for years I love it.
 
I changed the fan profile before you posted. Figured since it crashes on 78C it needs to go to 100% before that. So I changed the profile so that the GPU fan runs on 100% on 70C.  I had it running for 30mins on 74C with the fans on 100% and I turned it off. I suppose 78C+ is the magic mark where the card shuts down.
 
Is it normal that this card runs so hot? Or is it because I don't have enough fans in my case because I got room for some more casefans.

I only installed the fans that came with the case
 
Coolermaster CM690II Advanced:

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6638

The one without sidewindow
 
If you go down to the "Fans" part I only have:
-Top Fan (only x1) outward
-Rear Fan1 outward
-Front Fan1 inward
 
Which extra fans do you suggest I get? Though I suppose I can fit them all in since they hardly cost anything anywya. If I add more fans does this mean it is a given when it comes to a better PSU? Or should I wait and see what the extra fans do when it comes to stability?

Now that I know it is most likely just overheating I installed the newest beta drivers again and played some battlefield 3 with all the fans on 100% and I didn't crash. GPU didn't really go above 62C. But this produces one hell of a noise and it's kinda pushing my luck :)
 
I don't see the evo for sale anywhere yet so I'll just get the 212+ and some casefans. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks for your help so far, it's much appreciated.
 

well everything seems fine now, it must have been a heat issue :)