Intermittent BSOD and memtest errors

NoobSauz

NoobSauz

NoobSauz

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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.
 
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Quite possibly is faulty RAM given the errors you have been receiving - did you try running with just one stick as this might have given you more indication if system was stable with one or the other (unless both are faulty)

As for bent processor pins you have no concern here as your processor wouldn't have successfully dropped into the socket let alone boot up which you have been able to do.

Bad RAM would not have destroyed any of your other components BTW so no worries there. Did you set the right amount of voltage for the RAM in the BIOS as defaults can sometimes be lower than what performance RAM requires (although assume XMP profile would have corrected this if necessary.)

You've done well buying from OC as I understand they have an excellent RMA service :)
 
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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!
 
NoobSauz said:
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!
Click to expand...

Yes the XMP profile setting should set the correct voltage. I'm pretty sure it's just bad luck and your RAM is faulty. One module even in a matched pair will work in isolation. Sure even if one worked you would still end up RMAing both anyway - it's just another test to be sure (of course both could test faulty in such a scenario too)

Let us know if the replacement works out for you :)
 
I had a "MEMORY_MANAGEMENT_ERROR" with my new build about 4 weeks ago - after 3 weeks of solid gaming, which was strange. I didn't have any other problems.

I upped the voltage for the DRAM slightly in the bios and touch wood, everything seems to be ok.
 
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!
 
Did you update the BIOS on the motherboard ?

If not update it to the latest one that came out on 3rd September 2015 Version 1.6

http://www.msi.com/support/mb/Z170A-GAMING-M7.html#down-bios


AMI BIOS Language English
Release Date 2015-09-03 Version 1.6
File Size 6.6 MB
Description
- Improved NVME device compatibility.
- Improved memory compatibility.
- Updated GOP driver and VBIOS.
- Updated Microcode.
- Patched PS2 Keyboard sometimes can not work normally.



If you still have problems, check you have not bent the cpu pins on the motherboard, also do not over tighten the cpu cooler and cause the motherboard to warp.
 
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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.
 
- 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. No will not invalidate warranty

- How easy is it to update a BIOS manually? Easy, instructions below.


Updating BIOS

Updating BIOS with M-FLASH
Before updating:
Please download the latest BIOS file that matches your motherboard model from MSI
website. http://www.msi.com/support/mb/Z170A-GAMING-M7.html#down-bios .Then save the BIOS file onto the USB flash drive (Remember to unzip the file and save its contents to the USB flash drive, the file name for the BIOS you need is "E7976IMS.160").

Updating BIOS:

1. Press Del key to enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
2. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the update file into the computer.
3. Select the M-FLASH tab and click on Yes to reboot the system and enter the flash
mode.
4. Select a BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process "E7976IMS.160".
5. After the flashing process is 100% completed, the system will reboot
automatically.



Download CPU-Z and check under the motherboard tab what version of the BIOS you have installed.


http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html


Remember to reset the BIOS to defaults after updating :-

●Clear CMOS button (on the back of the motherboard near the two USB ports and ps2)- Power off your computer. Press and hold the Clear CMOS
button for 5 seconds to reset BIOS to default values


Restart the PC and setup the BIOS again to confirm you have the correct settings you need (Use the Memory XMP profile). Do not overclock the CPU at this stage, if you normally have an overclocked profile. Then try memtest again to see if you still get memory errors.
 
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If your still getting issues after updating the BIOS, check the cpu socket for bent pins, bit of a pain :(

What cpu cooler are you using?
 
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.
 
If your still getting issues, have ago at loosening the cooler a fraction, there has been cases in the past where the cooler has been to tight.
 
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