Hi Adamdadam,
Couple of possibilities and items to follow up on:
First, just having a "new" and fairly "large" capacity PSU does not assure that the PSU is steady and reliable in its delivery of the proper voltages.
Download SpeedFan and "watch" the various indicators, (particularly the 12.0v supply)
even small variations can be crippling to MotherBoard function.
Read about SpeedFan, Here:
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
Download, here:
http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php
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Second, I apologize about overlooking your comments regarding SFC.
I have stressed the importance of running System File Checker, and then failed to follow-up when you've indicated that it is not running.
Possible reasons for SFC not completing its task.
— Not entering the correct Command
If you are typing "
sfc.exe" <— (wrong command) into the Run Command box, then SFC will behave as you indicated, briefly opening a DOS box and then instantly disappearing without doing its job.
—Correct command to run SFC is:
sfc /scannow <—– notice the space between "c" and "/"
In Normal Boot Mode GoTo:
Start - Run - (type)
sfc /scannow - press
Enter
The black DOS box "will" still appear and disappear, but will then be replaced with the Windows File Protection "progress bar" box, indicating that SFC is scanning the Operating System files.
Additional problems can occur in SFC when accessing files for replacement of those found to be missing or corrupt.
Read here for step-by-step guide, that includes pictures of what you should expect to see as SFC runs, and steps you can take if it doesn't.
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html
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Third, (I am no expert when it comes to the selection of MotherBoard - CPU - Chipset combinations, but I've taken some time to discuss with other sources about possible problems with you setup.)
It is "possible" that your Motherboard has an inherent weakness in either/or both northbridge and southbridge which are responsible for communicating between the CPU and RAM/ and the various other devices of your machine. Particular interest would be placed on your "northbridge" which is generally responsible for communicating between your CPU and RAM, and communicating between your CPU and AGP or PCI Express Video Card.
In your case, your motherboard's northbridge "also" has and embedded Graphics Memory Controller (Sapphire RADEON X1600 PRO)
At
2.81 MP/s, Your Graphics Memory Controller is performing "very" poorly.
No, it is performing "extremely" "
unacceptably" poorly.
I just looked up tests on some of the older machines that I've run.
An old Savage Rage Pro is running at
58.81 MP/s………. This is a 10 year old Dell PIII with 600mHz CPU.
P4 CPU's with modern motherboard northbridge and southbridge with updated ChipSets can easily run in the range of 125 MP/s with embedded Graphics Memory Controller (onboard graphics) and
much higher with AGP or PCI Express Card installed.
I have previously suggested installing an AGP Card to transfer the graphics controll load from the northbridge to the added Card.
You correctly point out that your motherboard does not accept AGP, but does accept PCI Express video adapter.
PCI Express Video Adapter Cards are just fine
, and are actually the next evolutionary step up from AGP.
—Consider installing a PCI Express Video Adapter Card.
(Note: While installing a PCI Express Video Adapter Card "will" transfer the bulk of the video rendering load over to the Card, and off of the embedded controller in your northbridge chip, you may still have a "weak" northbridge chip on your MotherBoard, and may not get the best video performance that could be expected from whatever PCI Express Card that you may select.)
(Note: This above step of acquiring a PCI Express Video Adapter Card needs to be considered in terms of
monitary cost. I wouln't go out and buy a "top of the line" PCI Express video card that cost several hundred dollars for this machine…. no matter what. If you get into spending that much money, you may better consider replacing the MotherBoard itself)
Fourth There may still be some benefit from further investigating your Error 0x0000008e , and the Debug Code 0x1000008e. Both point at possible RAM, possible CPU, and Possible Video Controller problems…………….. Interestingly, All three areas of focus also point to NorthBridge chip on your MotherBoard. hmmmm.
— Look in Event Viewer for Error Code information at or around the time you are getting the BSOD problems. You may likely find codes 1001 and 1003, agains pointing to the above type problems.
— Reboot into SAFE Mode (has a "lighter load" of drivers). Then in SAFE Mode, have another look at Event Manager. If there are similar code 1001, and 1003 errors, you are more certainly dealing with the motherboard's Northbridge chip, and less possilbly the Chipset Drivers.
— Reinstall the Graphic Chipset Drivers, even though you state that you already have done so.
— Reinstall DirectX 9.0c from the Microsoft download site.
Summary Comments:
All of the above considerations and steps are valid and reasonable courses of action/investigation.
Only the PCI Express Card addition costs money.
Consider performing all of the other steps prior to spending money on a PCI Express Card.
My main "suspicion" is focused on your Video Performance 2.81 MP/s
I am mostly believing the problem resides on the MotherBoard, in the NorthBridge Chip (or drivers)
Adding a PCI Express Card, to transfer the computer's video processing away from that potentially poor functioning motherboard Chip, "may" allow fairly good Video Adapter function on the Card.
It is "possible' that adding a PCI Express Card, could make the BSOD problem "go away."
…. or not, if the problem-solving/diagnotic thinking that I've set forth above is faulty.
Therefore, try the other steps and considerations first, before spending any money.
Best Regards
As to Video Adapter, it is possible to "burn out" the AGP Controller, via overclocking, and/or underpowering.
It is "possible" that you could recover from a problem with the Video Adapter by downloading and intalling the MotherBoard Chipset Drivers, and reinstalling DirectX 9.0c.
If not, and it is the Video Adapter, you may be facing a MotherBoard problem.
It is also "possible" that you could "solve" a possible Video Adapter problem by installing an AGP card, thereby transferring the Video processing load to the AGP card and away from the north bridge/south bridge functions of your board/CPU.
Best Regards
Edit: Oooops. First thing to check when you get the case open is free and vigorous spinning of all your case, heatsink, and PSU fans. If any are not spinning, or are restricted by dust bunnies, then the entire problem you've been experiencing could be as a result of HEAT.
What does your Everest 2.20 - MotherBoard - Sensors report about Temperatures.
While you're looking Make a "quick report" of the Temp and Voltages and post it back here in to this thread.