0x000003b BSOD issue
Am I stressing my PSU?
Sunday, June 5, 2011 by VistArtXPosed | Discussion: PC Hardware
I think i'm stressing my 300W power supply. A few days ago, I installed an external Hard Drive case (with an independent power source) and thus, consuming more power. When I tried ASC4 & PM scans with the external HD case powered off, it didn't BSOD. When it is on, it does BSOD. I'm thinking that I need to upgrade my power supply. But is this really the answer? I don't wanna spend a fortune on a problem that might not be fixed.I even uninstalled Maxthon, and it still BSOD'd.
Can anybody help me with this? I don't wanna have to take anything out. Any help would be appreciated.
Reply #2 Sunday, June 5, 2011 11:27 PM
I'm using Vista Business x64. Nope not Nvidia. ATI Radeon HD 5450. It's a "SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION" and it only happens when i'm cleaning up my PC (so far). I had the BSOD three times tonight when I had my "now" external 1TB Hard Drive on (it was originally my internal HD that came with the system. i'm running Windows on an SSD now.) My hard drive is currently off.
And I can't switch my video card slot. It only fits in a PCI Express x16 slot, and I only have one of those. The other three slots are PCI Express x1.
I don't know entirely what a "SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION" is.
This didn't start until about a month or so ago. I've been adding so many new things to my PC, and I bet that my current PSU is under stress and can't power all the components equally. (Maybe my SSD's not getting enough power now because of all this). That explains why it BSOD's more often when extra components are powered up.
I might check out the chkdsk command another day, if it still continues. And I don't think it has to do anything with the video card. It works just fine. Haven't updated any video drivers since I first installed Windows.
Reply #3 Sunday, June 5, 2011 11:35 PM
I just replaced a bad vid card on my bro-in-laws PC that was crashing with the same error message. Problem solved.
That would be my best guess...although, i've been known to be wrong.. once or twice.
They make this stuff to burnout at some point, thus ensuring survival of the species. 
Reply #4 Monday, June 6, 2011 1:34 AM
Stop guessing what it might be.....
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html Run it on the dump file and it will tell you what it is.
..... and buy a real PSU before you blow up what still works.
Reply #5 Monday, June 6, 2011 5:43 AM
Could also be the RAM. I'd advise running the dump file. Listen to yrag.
Reply #6 Monday, June 6, 2011 8:00 PM
I took a few components out of my system (for now) which I might think is the root of the problem. Namely my SATA III PCIe Adapter. Also removed a cathode light as well, and have my HD turned off.
I also found a Power Supply Calculator on Antec's site. http://www.antec.outervision.com/PSUEngine. It gives an approximation of how much power all your devices are using. It even has overclock settings for those who push to their limit. (I'm not though) Every result (with everything I want plugged in) results in over 320w of usage. Some as high as the 340's. (I played around with it for a bit.)
So yeah, I think that upgrading the PSU might be a good idea. I just bought a 550W PSU from ThermalTake for only $50. I'm not a hardcore gamer so I don't really need more than that. Hope this works.
Reply #7 Monday, June 6, 2011 8:12 PM
I'd really advise you to do the log dump and find out what the problem really is... otherwise just guessing might end up costing a lot more.
Reply #8 Monday, June 6, 2011 9:11 PM
Stupid Question but...how do you create a log dump?
Reply #9 Monday, June 6, 2011 9:28 PM
No such thing.
1. Search out your .dmp files
2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/254649/
3. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315263
And do what yrag said in reply#4.
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Reply #1 Sunday, June 5, 2011 10:30 PM
What OS are you running? x32 or x64? Also, is your video card nvidia?
Is that the extent of the message? Is ntdoskrnl32.exe mentioned? is Win32K.SYS mentioned?
Could be your video card, or its drivers that are at fault or missing/corrupted system files. Try doing the following:
Update your driver (video card driver). If that doesn't work: Switch its slot.
If that doesn't work to fix the problem, then run from the elevated Command Prompt: C: chkdsk /f /r (you could have corrupted files.