Intermittent BSOD and memtest errors

NoobSauz

NoobSauz

NoobSauz

Associate
Joined
9 Aug 2015
Posts
19
Hello all. I've recently built a new system and have been getting almost constant BSOD's (MEMORY_MANAGEMENT_ERROR and 'ntfs.sys' driver crashes) in windows 10.

System specs are:

Processor
I7 6700K Skylake

Motherboard
MSI Z170A M7 GAMING

RAM
Corsair Vengeance® LPX 8GB (2x4GB) DDR4 DRAM 3200MHz C16 Memory Kit


So far I've tried:

- Reseating the ram
- Formatting SSD & resinstalling windows 10 (3 times!)
- Checking all board connections, wiring etc
- Checking capacitors for damage
- I ran 'CrystalInfo' SSD checker and the drive report stated 'Good/healthy'.


I then ran 'memtest 86' for five hours (with and without the 'XMP' profile enabled) and got 9 errors (see image below)





I contacted Overclockers.co.uk (where I purchased the RAM modules) and requested an RMA. I've now sent the modules back. However, I'm confused as to these RAM issues as the board specifications state that the ram and the OC/XMP profile (3200mhz) are supported. I don't want to get the same ram type back and encounter stability/compatibility problems.

I'd like to ask the good folks of OCUK forum: could it just be faulty RAM module(s)? or is it an issue to do with RAM timings or some other setting I've overlooked when matching the RAM to the Motherboard?

Also: I've read worrying posts on forums about 'bent processor pins' and the like, and as I've never had this issue in years of building my own systems, I'm not sure what the 'standard' RMA policy is, if the board or processor was damaged and needed to be returned. Together the board and processor set me back £460, so I'm dreading the possibility of having to pay for replacements..

Thanks for taking the time to read/respond.
 
Last edited:
I've used OCUK for years and the RMA service has indeed been fantastic =]

Thanks for clearing up the worries about dmg to other system components. I didn't test both sticks as they are a dual kit and if one was failing, they'd both have to RMA. As for voltages and the like, I've never tried that before. I'd assumed that the XMP profile (which applied correctly, 1st time I tried according to the UEFI BIOS) would automagically handle that?

I appreciate your feedback!
 
Hello again.

Well, I got the new RAM (exact same just new), installed, ran memtest and..memtest crashed on 'pass 1: test seven (modulo)"

Attempted this a few times and memtest would crash at the same point on every test.

I then wiped my SSD, reinstalled windows and was able to install, update the motherboard, gpu and all other drivers with the MSI 'AUTO UPDATE' tool and the system didnt' crash once.

I then reboot the machine..and it hung on the MSI logo POST screen. I had to power down the machine and restart to get back to windows.

The system then ran smoothly (for the entire install of GTAV, some hours) and I went to bed. This morning, when I boot the PC, the system started but the monitor would not show the display (power light on, but no signal from pc apparently). After trying a restart etc, I then decided to clear the CMOS using the Clear CMOS button at the back of the motherboard. This worked, and I got back to windows.

I've applied the RAM XMP profile in the BIOS and I've been on the machine for the last few hours with no crashes/BSODs or any issues.

Does anyone have any advice to offer on the following, please:

- Why would the first set of ram run in memtest but hang with the new set?
- Could the Memtest hang/POST issue point to a problem with other hardware, such as the CPU or Mboard?

As always, thanks for reading and for your responses. They are much appreciated!
 
Hello purgatory and thanks for your response.

I've never updated a BIOS manually before. The board came with a utility tool "MSI LIVE UPDATE 6' which scans the system and offers any recommended BIOS updates. I've just ran it and it mentioned 'your mainboard/drivers/utilities are the latest version there is no need to update'

I'd like to ask:

- will updating the BIOS manually invalidate my warranty? I've been having problems as stated above and I have been thinking of RMA'ing the board.

- How easy is it to update a BIOS manually?

Lastly, yesterday the system locked up while playing Guildwars 2 (total hang, with looping sound, had to hard reset the system with power button for 4 seconds). When I checked 'WhoCrashed' program, the program reported 'no valid crash dumps found on your computre'. Does this point towards the hang being a hardware failure?

Thanks again for the help.
 
Hello.

I've successfully flashed the BIOS from1.2 to 1.6, haven't had a chance to run memtest86+ yet, will do that tonight.

The cooler is a liquid cooling block: coolermaster nepton
120 xl.

Thanks for all your help guys.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom