Faulty Memory? or more?

[RWise]

Computer Spec:
Asus P5K Deluxe Motherboard
Intel Q6600 Core 2 Quad
2 x 2GB Corsair XMS2 6400C5DHX DDR2 Memory
HIS Radeon HD2900 XT
Corsair 620W PSU

My computer has been running fine for a year or so but a few months ago I started getting random crashes in games (crashing to desktop or BSOD usually with different error codes). I tried different DRAM settings in the BIOS (using auto settings, manually setting values to manufacturers recomendations, upping DRAM voltage slightly) with no change. I then tried running with only one module at a time and this worked fine, it didn't matter which module I used, both worked on their own with no crashes but when I put both back in again the crashes started occuring again.

For the next step I tried running memtest on one stick at a time while I was at work (approx 9 hours). When I came back to check on the first module the computer has crashed (monitor had entered power save and computer would not respond at all. Initially after rebooting the computer it would not boot, it took multiple tries of rebooting before it actually brought up the POST screen from where I went in to BIOS but then a few seconds after that the monitor went in to power save again and then I had another several goes of rebooting with no success before I decided to remove the graphics card and swap the memory to the other module, reset the CMOS, reseat everything and try again. Again this had patchy success after that where it would sometimes POST but then crash again, and sometimes it actually loaded up Vista completely before crashing again. I then left it off for an hour or so and when I came to try it after that everything worked fine and let me play GTA 4 for several hours with no problems.

The next morning I set the computer to MemTest the second module. This time when I came back after 9 hours memtest was still running and reported no errors on the module. However when I rebooted the computer I had the exact same problem as with the other module where the computer would crash with no errors displayed and the monitor switched to power save mode. I did the same troubleshooting as I did previously but as yet have been unable to get the computer to boot successfully again.

Can all these problems be caused just by faulty memory or could the problem have progressed to other hardware like the motherboard or graphics card?

If I have to get new memory is there a recomended module I should go for for this motherboard?

Thanks

edit: By the way the computer is not overclocked in any way, all motherboard settings are on auto and I have not made any changes to the graphics card.

 

[Cob]

I would try to get your hands on a dirt cheap 512mb stick of PC2-4200 or PC2-5300 and test it. You should be able to get one from the auction site.

If it still crashes then it should be the board. If the crashes stop then you can blame the old memory.

I don't think the board has any issues with that Corsair, but it would be a good idea to post your issue on the Corsair support forums over at HouseOfHelp http://www.houseofhelp.com/v3/index.php Ram Guy has a wealth of knowledge on Corsair and should be able to offer some helpful suggestions.

 

[Mark228]

Computer Spec:
Asus P5K Deluxe Motherboard
Intel Q6600 Core 2 Quad
2 x 2GB Corsair XMS2 6400C5DHX DDR2 Memory
HIS Radeon HD2900 XT
Corsair 620W PSU

Mine is:
BFGnVidia 680i SLI
E6600 2.4 Core Duo
2 x 1g SLI OCZ 8500 RAM
Same PSU

And i've been having similar problems.

My computer has been running fine for a year or so but a few months ago I started getting random crashes in games (crashing to desktop or BSOD usually with different error codes). I tried different DRAM settings in the BIOS (using auto settings, manually setting values to manufacturers recomendations, upping DRAM voltage slightly) with no change. I then tried running with only one module at a time and this worked fine, it didn't matter which module I used, both worked on their own with no crashes but when I put both back in again the crashes started occuring again.

Same has happened to me and I tried similar things as you.. although a lot of my crashes were my 8800gts driver problems (thanks nVidia!) not sure what your BIOS is but did you do the UNLINKED and set the memory manually to its correct speed etc? I am running my BRAND NEW 2 gig 8500 OCZ (other 2 just sent on RMA) at 666.7mhz at the moment instead of 1066 because its the only way it will stop the BSODs, am awaitig the RAM Cooler to se if that stops it.

For the next step I tried running memtest on one stick at a time while I was at work (approx 9 hours). When I came back to check on the first module the computer has crashed (monitor had entered power save and computer would not respond at all.

Yep, had this as well (one stick working, but not when two are in).

(snip for brevity)

Can all these problems be caused just by faulty memory or could the problem have progressed to other hardware like the motherboard or graphics card?

THIS question I woud like to know and answer to myself. I've just bought two new Gigs of OCZ while I RMA the bad ones and am still having problems. If I try to run it at the stated 1066 speed, I get BSOD occasionally. I am currently thinking it is a overheating issue so have bought a RAM Cooler and a PCI Blower for the back to cool my GFX card especially as well as main board (as well as my front and back fans and other system fans). What cooling do you have and have you tested your temps?

If I have to get new memory is there a recomended module I should go for for this motherboard?

Sorry cant help with this one, but if it takes OCZ they at least have a LIFETIME RMA guarantee (even though it just cost me £6 in postage to send them back.)

 

[RWise]

I have been able to test my computer with another memory module and had the same problems, further investigation now indicates that it is my graphics card that is faulty. I swapped my HD2900XT with my Dads old Radeon X850 and now my dads computer will not boot, while mine works fine. This solves the booting issues I had, however I have not been able to see if games still crash with both memory sticks in as none of the games I currently have installed, that had this problem, will play on the X850 graphics card. However I have now been able to do two full 9 hour memtests on each memory stick, without the computer crashing, which reported no errors on either stick, so I am hoping it was the graphics card causing the game crashes aswell.

 

[Mark228]

What OS are you running, I gather Vista but which version and bit? Have you upgraded your drivers and everything, I know a lot of card makers have been having driver problems with Vista. I had loads of trouble with my 8800gts until they came out with a stable driver. Also when some cards are running at max they are overheating, which is why a lot of people are buying extra cooling or changing the stock cooler on the card.

I then left it off for an hour or so and when I came to try it after that everything worked fine and let me play GTA 4 for several hours with no problems.

Maybe because it had had time to cool down. What extra cooling do you have in your machine? And do you have the latest BIOS version for your mobo?

 

[Mark228]

p.s. Also, the cooler fan on my card wasn't running at full speed until I realized how to change that in nTune or similar program (or bios).

 

[Mark228]

My computer has been running fine for a year or so but a few months ago I started getting random crashes in games

Just had a thought. Now this happened to me as well.... but it was straight after a Windows Update that had updated my card drivers to the latest (crap) ones. I had to re-install the older, more stable drivers. I now don't use Auto on Windows Update.

 

[RWise]

What OS are you running, I gather Vista but which version and bit? Have you upgraded your drivers and everything, I know a lot of card makers have been having driver problems with Vista. I had loads of trouble with my 8800gts until they came out with a stable driver. Also when some cards are running at max they are overheating, which is why a lot of people are buying extra cooling or changing the stock cooler on the card.

I am running Vista 64 SP1, Catalyst 8.12 and the motherboard has the latest BIOS upgrade available, however the problem with my card is that it will often not go past the BIOS screen before it shuts down even after it has been off all night, somehow I don't think we can blame Vista or drivers on this even if we wanted to.

 

[Mark228]

Did you get any beeping and codes on your mobo digital display? The thing is I have had very similar problems, not booting up same as you etc, and afaiaa its not my gfx card, it was the RAM.

 

[RWise]

There were no error beeps/codes and when I tried the graphics card in another computer it did the same. Also when I tried another graphics card in my computer everything booted fine.