Solved Video_tdr_failure (atikmpag.sys) after disassembly

E

Eztys

New Member
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8
GPU problem after cleaning laptop cooling system

Hi,

Today I disassembled my Toshiba Satellite L500 laptop (windows 8.1 64 bit) to clean the cooling mechanism. I cleaned the cooling fins in front of the cooling fan by blowing with my mouth, and using a vacuum cleaner at about 15 cm away from the fins. A lot of dust had built up in the 5 years I used it extensively.

When I put everything back together an error occurred: VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (atikmpag.sys). A couple of reboots ended up in the BIOS I think. Another problem is that my screen now shows a lot of artifacts, as can be seen in the pictures attached. I didn't have these problems before, this is solely a result of the disassembly of my laptop.

I managed to boot into safe mode, and deleted the drivers of the video card. This allowed me to boot the laptop in normal mode. During the installation of new video card drivers the laptop crashed a few times, showing the BSOD with the error again. Installing new drivers solved the BSOD problems, for now.

However I still have the artifacts on my screen. It consists of alternating vertical bars that work, and show artifacts.

I assume the video card is dying. At first I thought it may be due to a bad connection, but after reconnecting all connectors again nothing changed. Maybe the vaccuum cleaner build up enough static electricity to fry the video card, but that's just an educated guess. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

I attached the necessary debug files, and two pictures of my screen.

The video card I have is an AMD ATI Radeon Mobility HD4650.

Thanks in advance!

View attachment 55948View attachment 55949
View attachment 55950
View attachment 55951
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
Hi Eztys & Welcome to the forum ^_^,

I have analysed your dump files and below has been provided an analysis of the same for informative purposes :-
Code: 
0: kd> knL
 # Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
00 ffffd001`b2c70838 fffff801`15312fac nt!KeBugCheckEx
01 ffffd001`b2c70840 fffff801`15312850 dxgkrnl!TdrBugcheckOnTimeout+0xec
02 ffffd001`b2c70880 fffff801`15495644 dxgkrnl!TdrIsRecoveryRequired+0x15c
03 ffffd001`b2c708b0 fffff801`154c83cc dxgmms1!VidSchiReportHwHang+0x3e4
04 ffffd001`b2c70990 fffff801`154afd18 dxgmms1!VidSchiCheckHwProgress+0x1865c
05 ffffd001`b2c70a20 fffff801`15481b99 dxgmms1!VidSchiWaitForSchedulerEvents+0x278
06 ffffd001`b2c70ac0 fffff801`154bcd4a dxgmms1!VidSchiScheduleCommandToRun+0x439
07 ffffd001`b2c70c70 fffff801`154bcd1d dxgmms1!VidSchiRun_PriorityTable+0x2a
08 ffffd001`b2c70cc0 fffff802`52982e70 dxgmms1!VidSchiWorkerThread+0x8d
09 ffffd001`b2c70d00 fffff802`529d97c6 nt!PspSystemThreadStartup+0x58
0a ffffd001`b2c70d60 00000000`00000000 nt!KiStartSystemThread+0x16
The bugcheck you are experiencing suggests that the Graphics card is failing to respond in a timely manner.

Plus you are experiencing the artifacts which mean that you are indeed facing a hardware problem. First make sure that the GPU is not over-heating, kindly run the Furmark test below and see the temperature you are having -

FurMark download site: FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net (appears to be bundled w/bloatware now - 12 Aug 2014)
Try downloading from one of the major download sites. Here's a link to it at Major Geeks (as of 12 Aug 2014): Download FurMark - MajorGeeks
FurMark Setup:
- If you have more than one GPU, select Multi-GPU during setup
- In the Run mode box, select "Stability Test" and "Log GPU Temperature"
Click "Go" to start the test (Looks like it's "BURN-IN test" now)
- Run the test until the GPU temperature maxes out - or until you start having problems (whichever comes first).
NOTE: Set the alarm to go off at 90ºC. Then watch the system from that point on. If the system doesn't display a temperature, watch it constantly and turn it off at the first sign of video problems. DO NOT leave it it unmonitored, it can DAMAGE your video card!!!
If the temperature gets above 90ºC, quit the test - the video card is overheating.
- Click "Quit" to exit
Click to expand...
What you are looking for:
- excessive heat from the GPU (report back with anything over 90ºC)
- problems with the video display (picture is distorted or jumbled, picture turns black, etc)
- problems reported by the program (I haven't seen this, but "just in case")

Dual Video Cards:
Some tips for dual (or more) video cards:
[TIPS] How to Enable SLI and CrossFire Support for OpenGL Applications | Geeks3D
(Tips) How To Enable SLI and CrossFire Support for MSI Kombustor 2.0 | Geeks3D

If it still doesn't work, test the cards individually.
Also, remember that make sure you don't use a Vaccum Cleaner for cleaning parts of a computer. Always use a can of compressed air.

Let me know how it goes ^_^

-Pranav
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro B-)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Core I5 2430M @ 2.4GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz Dual Channel ^_^
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 B-)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 500 GB
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Common Sense!
Thanks for your reply!

I now again have BSODs when running normally, but Safe Mode still works. I also have some trouble to run FurMark. The error I get when trying to run it as admin is:

ZoomGPU Dummy Win: FurMark.exe
The instructions at 0x00a36000 referenced memory at 0x00000000. The memory could not be read.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
Can someone give me some tips? I already bought a new laptop, which I'll pick up next saturday. After that I'm ready for some experiments. Maybe reflowing will repair the hardware problem?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
Eztys said:
Thanks for your reply!

I now again have BSODs when running normally, but Safe Mode still works. I also have some trouble to run FurMark. The error I get when trying to run it as admin is:

ZoomGPU Dummy Win: FurMark.exe
The instructions at 0x00a36000 referenced memory at 0x00000000. The memory could not be read.
Click to expand...
This could mean that the Graphics Processing Unit's RAM is damaged. You are not facing any graphics issues while running in Safe Mode? o_O

Eztys said:
Can someone give me some tips? I already bought a new laptop, which I'll pick up next saturday. After that I'm ready for some experiments. Maybe reflowing will repair the hardware problem?
Click to expand...
That cannot be said till you start the experiments :p


-Pranav
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro B-)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Core I5 2430M @ 2.4GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz Dual Channel ^_^
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 B-)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 500 GB
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Common Sense!
Well, I still have the artifacts im safe mode. But no BSODs.

At first windows used some default drivers I think, which didn't cause the BSODs in normal mode. The BSODS occured after I installed the drivers correctly.

Would a high voltage short the RAM permanently? Or are such failures reversable by means of, for instance, reflow? Any experience?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
Eztys said:
Well, I still have the artifacts im safe mode. But no BSODs.

At first windows used some default drivers I think, which didn't cause the BSODs in normal mode. The BSODS occured after I installed the drivers correctly.

Would a high voltage short the RAM permanently? Or are such failures reversable by means of, for instance, reflow? Any experience?
Click to expand...
It seems that your GPU is dead now since you are experiencing Artifacts in Safe Mode as well.
Do the artifacts appear after some time or they are there once you start the system?

I don't have any experience with Overclocking but yes, if you provide high voltage to any component, it can get fried. Such failures are not reversible if I am asked. You would have to get a replacement in such cases.


Let me know how it goes ^_^

-Pranav
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro B-)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Core I5 2430M @ 2.4GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz Dual Channel ^_^
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 B-)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 500 GB
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Common Sense!
blueelvis said:
Eztys said:
Well, I still have the artifacts im safe mode. But no BSODs.

At first windows used some default drivers I think, which didn't cause the BSODs in normal mode. The BSODS occured after I installed the drivers correctly.

Would a high voltage short the RAM permanently? Or are such failures reversable by means of, for instance, reflow? Any experience?
Click to expand...
It seems that your GPU is dead now since you are experiencing Artifacts in Safe Mode as well.
Do the artifacts appear after some time or they are there once you start the system?

I don't have any experience with Overclocking but yes, if you provide high voltage to any component, it can get fried. Such failures are not reversible if I am asked. You would have to get a replacement in such cases.


Let me know how it goes ^_^

-Pranav
Click to expand...

The artifacts show up immediately. So I guess it's a hardware problem too. However I read other people have problems as well with running windows 8.1 with the Radeon HD 4650, since it is quite old and not completely supported. Yet I did not have this problem before, so it must be the hardware.

In two days I'll pick up my new laptop. Then I'll start my experiments and will report my results.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
Sure thing. Let me know how it goes ^_^
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro B-)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Core I5 2430M @ 2.4GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz Dual Channel ^_^
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 B-)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 500 GB
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Common Sense!
So today I did the reflow.

First I removed the heat sink from the motherboard and the dedicated graphics card. Then I cleaned the thermal paste with acetone and q-tips. After that I prepared the graphics card to be baked by removing all plastics and paper.
I looked up a common reflow curve and tried to mimic that by my household oven.

Subsequently I applied new thermal paste and put the laptop back together. Plugged it in... pushed the start button... AND IT WORKED! No more artifacts!

I will post a detailed description later. Thanks for your help!

Now I've just got one more issue. What to do with a spare laptop?;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
So a bit more into detail about the actual fix.

I looked up some information on the soldering material, which was most likely a Sn-Ag-Cu (Tin-Silver-Copper) alloy. This alloy has got a melting point of about 220 ˚C.

The reflowing process has to be done in a specific way in order to ensure larger lifetime of the connection. So I looked up a common reflow curve as shown here:

View attachment 56541

Most important is to ensure that there is no stress on the board due to thermal strain, so a slow rate is absolutely necessary.

I removed all plastic and paper stickers, and cleaned the GPU with acetone. Subsequently I placed the graphics card on aluminum balls in the oven.

View attachment 56542

I set the temperature to 150 ˚C, which took about 4 minutes before it was reached. Then I set the temperature to 180 ˚C which took another 4 minutes. At last I set the temperature to about 230 ˚C which took about 7 minutes, and made visual inspections to ensure the solder was melted. As soon as it started melting I kept it there for about a minute. Then I turned off the oven and opened the door. I left it there untill it was at room temperature.

Now I applied new thermal paste and put everything back together, and it worked!

View attachment 56543

I know that the temperature rates are not met, but at least I gave it a try and turned out to work fine. Hence I do not expect an extremely long lifetime.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
Damn dude. I really wish that you were my Electronics teacher in the last semester!

I am glad to hear that the issue has been solved and thanks for posting back on the forums with so much detail as well.

Now, what to do with the spare laptop? ;)


-Pranav
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro B-)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Core I5 2430M @ 2.4GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz Dual Channel ^_^
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 B-)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 500 GB
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Common Sense!
I have a bachelor of science degree in applied physics, and currently doing a similar master. So I have the knowledge, but lack the equipment.

At first I wanted to take it to a lab at my faculty, but didn't. It could really enhance the result if proper equipment is used.

Anyhow I'm glad the problem is fixed for now. I'm either going to use it as a multimedia center, or just use it as second monitor, extra storage etc.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64 bit
Eztys said:
I have a bachelor of science degree in applied physics, and currently doing a similar master. So I have the knowledge, but lack the equipment.

At first I wanted to take it to a lab at my faculty, but didn't. It could really enhance the result if proper equipment is used.

Anyhow I'm glad the problem is fixed for now. I'm either going to use it as a multimedia center, or just use it as second monitor, extra storage etc.
Click to expand...
Hi Eztys ^_^,

I am really sorry for the late reply. I have been facing a lot of Internet Problems :(

Glad to hear that the problem has been solved ^_^


-Pranav
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Industry Pro B-)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
    CPU
    Core I5 2430M @ 2.4GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 @ 1600MHz Dual Channel ^_^
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 B-)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 500 GB
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Common Sense!
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