I've seen this screen, but the "If this is the first time you've seen..." applied to me, so I simply rebooted and had no issues. If that doesn't work for you, good luck, you'll likely need it.
The nVidia Quadro NVS 285 is a very good video card for a trading rig, unless there is future potential to run a 30" monitor. A trader who wants capability, either now or in future, to run a 30" will want to select a video card capable of 2560x1600 resolution. For about 20 bucks more than an NVS 285, you can get a video card based on a more up-to-date GPU -- for example, a Gigabyte nVidia 8600GT 2560x1600 fanless 2xDVI.
The process of building a system from components is time consuming, Saturday afternoon type stuff, but it's not that complex. The build process itself doesn't require a lot of special knowledge. A strong desire to try is sufficient to see you through successfully. Having said that, purchasing a Dell off the shelf is probably a more effective business decision for most professional traders. 24x7 support and all that.
For anyone interested in burning-in and load-testing a new PC, here are some useful software tools: Burn-in and loading: Intel Thermal Analysis Tool (TAT) Processor temperatures: CoreTemp Processor clock speed: CPU-Z TAT provides a higher stress load than other tools and about 5-10 degrees higher core temps. Before measuring temperatures, do one week of normal use (power-off overnight) to allow thermal interface material to cure. Look up the T-junction max temp for your processor. For example, the T-junction max for a Yorkfield 45nm processor is 105C. Here are the stress test measurements for an Intel QX9650 quad processor with a Scythe Ninja passive heatsink: Ambient: 22C Load: Idle HD: 37C Hottest Core: 38C Ambient: 22C Load: 100% on all cores via TAT HD: 37C Hottest Core: 67C In actual use, Core temperatures are nowhere near these contrived loads. These loads are for extreme stress testing but not at all realistic for regular use. Notwithstanding, the measured temperature under extreme load is well under the T-junction max for the processor. A Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme heat sink with a Nexus 120mm fan is about 15C cooler than the passive Ninja heat sink. The Ultra-120 is an outstanding heat sink and better for an overclocked system.
This could be a sign of a RAM problem. To diagnose, remove all RAM sticks but one and retry. Could also be an issue with your video card drivers. Could even be a problem with some anti-virus software...depends on what your PC is doing when you get the BSOD error. Might help to delete and reset your pagefile. As always, type the exact error message into Google and you'll find a number of potential causes and solutions. good luck.
If you get to the point of reinstalling the OS, suggest using Acronis True Image to make "images" through the process until you find the culprit. It will save TONS of time.
Found the problem... checked the BIOS... noticed the memories were set at 667MHz. I raised it back up to 800MHz. The system still crashes, so I added 1 additional cycle to the CAS. It is now set at 5-5-5-15. So far so good... it has been running stable for hours.
gave the CPU a little load test... looks like my app can use even more horse power. :-( <img src="http://elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1821382">
Interesting. RAM "should" function in your system at native 4-4-4-12 timings. However, Patriot RAM isn't on the Maximus Formula's memory QVL (qualified vendor list): http://usa.asus.com/100/download/products/1889/1889_10.pdf Some of the memory on that list runs at 4-4-4-12. For RAM, especially for overclocking, I recommend selecting one of the tested/approved products on the QVL list. For example, the Corsair XMS2 is tried and true. If/when you get a BSOD in future you don't want a lingering suspicion that your RAM is causing it.
you know what, I didn't even think about checking the QVL... I should have. Thanks for bringing that up.