OT - Computer Memory Issue

Captain Kwok · #1 July 3rd, 2006, 11:25 AM

I've endured random re-boots on average of 1-2x per day for the last couple of years with my computer. When I first started diagnosing the problem, I though it was related to a video card-motherboard kind of thing that had been reported with my board. Anyway, after a long time of trying the suggestions, bios tweaks etc., and even getting a new video card - it didn't solve my problem.

Further work revealed that it's memory related. I've confirmed that there is a problem with the RAM system, although not (likely) with the modules themselves. The only test that is reporting errors is the random number test (test 7 with memtest86, or lrand/erand with MS's memory diagnostic tool). I think the problem might be with the mobo's cache - can I disable these guys from bios?

Atrocities · #2 July 3rd, 2006, 01:14 PM

Why not simply just replace the mother board and be done with it?

Captain Kwok · #3 July 3rd, 2006, 01:34 PM

Err... don't have the cash upfront to do such a thing?

Atrocities · #4 July 3rd, 2006, 01:42 PM

That is really too bad CK.

Have you considered contacting the mobo's manufacture directly and asking them how to do it or if it can even be done?

Have you googled the problem and mobo? Perhaps someone else has had the same issue.

Is it a lap top or a PC. Can you provide specs? Maybe, if its a PC, someone can provide a used but still good mobo to you.

Daynarr · #5 July 3rd, 2006, 01:56 PM

Another possible reason for random reboots can be power supply. Usually power supplys that aren't working properly or aren't adequate for you power usage are the cause. Memory would cause you frequent system freezes or BSOD, hardly reboots.
Sometimes it can be even memory conflict between applications or even some not-working-as-it-should application (betas can do that sort of thing).

However, since you experience it for a long time I'd say it's power supply.

Fyron · #6 July 3rd, 2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Memory would cause you frequent system freezes or BSOD, hardly reboots.

A BSOD is a reboot though, unless you manually disable that "feature."

Captain Kwok · #7 July 3rd, 2006, 02:03 PM

The motherboard (asus p4s8x) has good performance and is generally a quality board. Outside of these error, I have no qualms about it.

I think the problem is referred to as a soft or transient error with the RAM - which means my RAM isn't physically bad, but problems with the system timing etc. can cause random errors. Since the bad memory addresses are different with each test, I think this might be a probable cause. However, until I get home later I can't fiddle with the speeds. I've also found some info that identifies a timing issue with the board and the auto setting - so hopefully I can make some progress here.

rdouglass · #8 July 6th, 2006, 04:54 PM

What kind of memory does it use? I probably have 50 sticks of various good memory around right now and would be willing to part with 1 or 2. Just let me know the spec's and I'll let you know if I have any.

Captain Kwok · #9 July 6th, 2006, 05:21 PM

rdouglass,

Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll pass since it's highly unlikely my memory is bad. You can save them for some other guy in need.

For the record, I have two 512Mb PC2700 333Mhz sticks. One is the original stick that came with my computer, and the second is one I just bought on July 2nd. Based on the test results and some tech forum references for my particular stop errors and failed memory tests seem to indicate a problem with the system timing. I've tried to boost the voltage slightly for the memory and fiddled with various combinations for the timing, but no luck yet. There is an observation with my board that the PCI frequency runs higher than what is indicated in BIOS; but I haven't figured out quite which way to adjust the settings to reduce it.

The stop errors are not constant or anything - but I'd like to eventually solve the problem.