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.

Captain Kwok · #6 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.

Fyron · #7 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 · #8 July 3rd, 2006, 03:04 PM

I should have clarified. I sometimes turn off auto-reboot to check the error messages (which are always the same message, with a different memory address etc.), but usually have auto re-boot on for stop errors so that is why I was saying re-boot.

It's not a power supply issue.

Atrocities · #9 July 3rd, 2006, 10:55 PM

I recall reading where many ASUS boards had been recalled because they were made with subpar parts. I know that the problem was world wide so again I would contact ASUS and inquire about it.

You have to really be amazed at the technology and the people who perfected it over the years. Can you imagen all of the things, all of the little hurtles that they must have had to over come in order to get a stable working mobo, memory, cpu combination?

The technology behind our computers is indeed amazing stuff.

rdouglass · #10 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.