cpu error access violation at 0x7c91084b dual core

[jniles]

New system build

opteron 165 dual core
epox 9npa+ sli
2x512 pc3200 ballistix ram
evga 7800 gt (single)

all at stock speeds

I keep getting error code on cpu test;

"access violation at 0x7c91084b(tried to write to 0x00030ffc)"

I am trying to establish a base line before I overclock and to make sure everything is good at stock

[David (PassMark)]

There are no known problems like this with the CPU test in PerformanceTest 6.

I did a search on Google for you using the crash address, 0x7c91084b.

Many people have this same crash, but none of them with PerformanceTest. So it would seem to be hardware issue.

Many people suggested a lot of crazy solutions. But in my mind the following sounded the most plausible.

Quote from, http://www.winxptalk.com/ftopic77077.html

I had this same problem about a year ago. I was getting the same error messages you are. I came here a posted the problem and a lot of very knowledgably and extremely helpful people gave me a lot of great advice.

Unfortunately, none of it worked. I was first told to change memory, then video card, and then drivers and on and on.

It ended up being an overheaing problem. I had finally given up and took into a shop, and was very embarrassed when the tech said the heatsink was clogged with dust. He also said the fan was not turning at a high enough RPM. He cleaned the heatsink and replaced the fan and it was fixed.

So, before you trash your system, or start buying parts, checks to make sure you're not overheating. It may be that you have a different problem, but check that first if you haven't already.

Jack

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UPDATE:
WE NO LONGER THINK THE PROBLEM IS HARDWARE OR HEAT RELATED, WE THINK IT IS A OPERATING SYSTEM BUG PROVOKED BY DUAL CORE PC's. YOU CAN SKIP READING SOME OF THE POSTS BELOW AND SKIP TO WHAT WE THINK IS THE REAL SOLUTION.
==================

[jbutler813]

I have the exact same problem. I also have a dual core system.

Athlon 64 X2 3800
Gigabyte K8N-SLi
4x512 pc3200
bfg 7800 GT OC

I don't get the error under PT 5.0, only 6.0, and only under the CPU tests, not always on the same one.

I just tested it, and I only get the error when processes is set to 2.

[David (PassMark)]

Can you tell me if the crash address is always the same (0x7c91084b)?

Does it happen if you run the CPU tests one at a time? Which one(s) does it happen on?

The fact that is appears to be somewhat random while the CPU is under load is an indicator that is could be a hardware issue (e.g. heat) but we are happy to have a look at the software if we can narrow the problem down a bit.

Dual core systems put out a lot of heat when both cores are running (as would be the case for the CPU test), so you need to check the CPU temps and your cooling. Is this a home built system of brand name Dell, HP, etc.. ?

------
David

[jniles]

my error was a 1 time deal and I have not had the issue again,I have ran test multiple times

however I cant confirm if this was hardware related (i had not changed any settings between failed test and good test)

or

software related(had done a boatload of updated and installing in between test)

also I was prime95 and memtest86 stable before the error and while my chip runs a wee bit warm (51c load) I dont believe that was it

I have not had any hardware instabillity issues @ all

[David (PassMark)]

Prime95 & Memtest86 are a really poor way of testing a modern CPU.

Both these prgrams only run using a single thread. This means they use a single core of a single CPU when running and will only load your dual core CPU to about 50% capacity!

It is the same problem with dual CPU, Hyperthreading and dual core CPUs. Prime95 doesn't fully load them. You can see this from the Windows task manager.

In my case (Dual CPU with HT) Prime95 only puts about 30% load on my CPUs.

Needless to say running your CPU at 50% is not going to generate maximum heat.

PerformanceTest on the other hand starts a thread per CPU core & per HT CPU. Putting double the load on your CPU and four times the load on my CPUs.

------
David

[jniles]

I opened 2 instances of prime and set affinity to each core, yes 100% load

memtest is to test the dimms not cpu and it does fine

I dont know why you seem convienced it was not software related but oh well.

anyway www.anandtech.com is my choice for computer related issues, lots of knowledgeable people and great adviceI have my rig running @2.5ghz and the gaming is awesome

[David (PassMark)]

> I dont know why you seem
> convienced it was not software related

I am not convinced, but it highly likely it is hardware because,

1) Similar problems were reported by people on the net, not using our software. These similar problems turned out to be heat related.

2) Software bugs almost always result in a crash that is repeatable. If you perform the same operation twice on the same system, you get the same crash. Of course there are from time to time software bugs that appear more randomly.

3) We have 2 reports of a problem like this, but about 200,000 other people use the software without getting this error.

4) In both cases the people who report the problem seem to be building their own PCs (but don't want to come straight out and say it) and obviously want to overlock their CPUs.

5) After investigating bugs like this for 6 years I feel I am in a position to say that overlockers are more interested in bragging rights," I have my [2.0Ghz] rig running @ 2.5GHz....", than having a perfectly stable system. Many then enter a state of denial if someone suggests their hand built hardware is anything less than perfect. (not to suggest that you would do this). So some very stong proof is required of a software bug before it is worth investigating crashes on overclocked hand built systems.

------
David

[jniles]

first I never said i did not plan to overclock and I see nothing wrong with overclocking !!!!

Second I had this issue @ stock speeds and yes I did test my rig @ stock speeds for stability

Finally I never said it was not hardware just stating that the problem has not re-occured is all and I have not changed my hardware but I have modified my software

[jniles]

have you installed the amd x2 drivers? Updated nforce drivers? there is also the microsoft X2 hotfix, but I have not installed that.

I have the exact same problem. I also have a dual core system.

Athlon 64 X2 3800
Gigabyte K8N-SLi
4x512 pc3200
bfg 7800 GT OC

I don't get the error under PT 5.0, only 6.0, and only under the CPU tests, not always on the same one.

I just tested it, and I only get the error when processes is set to 2.