Weird Issue... Help Needed!!!

[viktri]

I have a weird issue on my machine. My PC config is as follows: ASUS M3A78-EM motherboard, AMD PHENOM II X4 940 processor, 4 GB Transcend RAM, 1TB Seagate Barracuda HDD, 600W Cooler Master PSU.

I have this computer for just over a week now. Its setup for a dual boot with Xp and Vista. The problem is weird as Xp is running fine from day one, whereas Vista is being inconsistent. At times, when I start the machine, the splash screen for Vista flickers instead of rolling smoothly and once I logon to the desktop, the system clock zooms really fast. The minute hand does a full rotation of an hour in about 5 mins time. Everything is abnormally fast. This changes the times on the BIOS when I next get into it too. Having said that, there are times when I boot it up and everything works exactly as it should.

I have tried reinstalling the OS thinking it was a problem with the s/w, tried flashing the BIOS to the latest version, nothing worked. I dunno much about the options in the BIOS for me to play around with it.

I got a hint of what could be the problem when I tried installing Windows 7 Beta on VMware, when it came up with the msg: “VMware Workstation has measured your CPU speed to be 3005 MHz, but Windows reports that it is 3000 MHz This may mean that your computer has a power-saving feature that varies the processor speed. As a result, the clock in your virtual machine may run too fast or too slow.” As a result tried disabling the “Cool n Quiet” feature for the CPU but the problem still remains intermittent.

I am am pretty ok with troubleshooting s/w issues myself, but this is way too weird for me to believe its a software issue. Pardon me for a really lengthy explanation, but I am hoping one of the experts here might give me a clue as to what’s happening, before I take it back to the place I got it from.

[Disc_Junkie]

It maybe the processor is running too fast, see if this helps,

1. Turn off the Aero Effects
2. Go to the BIOS and turn on Fan Control

It is a weird issue really and I don't think my suggestions would work but it is worth a try. Wait for others to reply....

[viktri]

Thanks disc_junkie, but that didnt work ... I am still waiting for more replies!!!

[damngoodman999]

Ok which OS did u install first ??

Did u tried installing VISTA alone ???

[viktri]

I installed Windows Xp first and then installed Vista... also had tried a reinstallation of Vista again after I thought it could be the OS... one more weird thing is that when I try to boot from the Vista DVD... the splash screen when it shows "Microsoft Corporation" it still zooms when the problem is present. But I could give it a try to install Vista only if that would make a difference

[Disc_Junkie]

Originally Posted by viktri

I installed Windows Xp first and then installed Vista... also had tried a reinstallation of Vista again after I thought it could be the OS... one more weird thing is that when I try to boot from the Vista DVD... the splash screen when it shows "Microsoft Corporation" it still zooms when the problem is present. But I could give it a try to install Vista only if that would make a difference

Maybe there are compatibility issues arising. Keeping one OS in a system brings a lot more stability to the system. Format and keep one OS and see. It may be OK by then.
I also feel that your RAM maybe faulty. You should take it to a tech and tell him to check the RAM.

[viktri]

I am yet to try a reinstallation of the OS to have only Vista on it. On further discussions with one of my friends, he told me that probably the motherboard doesn’t support the processor. So, I just wanted to know if that’s what’s causing the issue??? Does M3A78-EM work fine with Phenom II X4 940 or are there any issues with it?

[Disc_Junkie]

Yes it supports and no issues with it!! keeping in mind that you have updated the BIOS.

[viktri]

Thanks for all your help guys... I got the motherboard replaced during my visit to the shop yesterday after few arguments and clarifications and things seem fine so far... My only other concern now is the temperature of the motherboard. After just a few mins of working on it, it touches 47 degrees on the PC Probe application. I can hear the fan running at quite some speed too. All I want to know is are these temps too high, is the mobo overheating???

[shaunak]

47 degrees is not overheating. I wouldnt worry.

Offtopic: How is the onboard on the M3A78-EM? Decent enough for 1080p content? A few casual games?

[The Sorcerer]

I assume you are using windows vista with service pack 1 (and with recent updates) with windows vista gfx card drivers. If so, uninstall the drivers, go to the manufacturer's site and get the updated drivers.