Is my motherboard screwed?

Joined
5 Oct 2008
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Kent
Hi all, a few weeks ago, my computer started behaving strangely, with problems that seemed to be memory related. One such example is that it failed memtest86 (Version 3.5) spectacularly, by restarting the computer during the second test. I initially thought it might have been the motherboard and I sent it back to the company I bought it from. They sent it back. No note of what tests had been done or what with, just sent it back, presumably meaning that it was working?

So I then tried the memory in a different computer, again memtest failed, but on the same PC with it's own memory in it there were no problems. So I RMA'd the memory which OCUK have just checked and replaced and I'm waiting for the new stuff so I know that it was at fault. However I also ordered 8GB of the new Kingston 1066Mhz DDR2 and it arrived yesterday, quickly as promised by OCUK.

The problem is that at 1066Mhz with the voltage altered as recommended by the manufacturers and all 8GB in, the computer becomes very unstable and fails memtest in much the same way as before (rebooting) and fails Windows Memory Diagnostics (alternative to memtest that I found) by freezing. If it is run at 800Mhz all 8GB, it still fails memtest, but the Windows Memory Diagnostics runs without a hitch and the computer seems to be stable. 4GB 1066Mhz also runs fine in WMDiag. Though I've only tested half the memory in this way. It looks like either my motherboard is dodgy after all (BAD Seller) or memtest has a compatability issue. Unfortunately whatever is going on, I cannot use all 8GB of my memory at 1066Mhz.

When I get home from work I'm going to test both sets of memory at 1066Mhz, then i'll be able to see if i've been unlucky with the memory. Otherwise I might have to buy a new mainboard after all :(

Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do? Or what tests I can try or anyone know of any known compatability issues?

Motherboard is a DFI Lanparty X48 DK X48-T2RS just incase that helps.
 
It could be a duff memory controller. On C2D, this is on the motherboard. I would certainly try one stick at a time and try in different banks. If one stick works in one banks but not another, then it will be the mobo.

Make sure the memory is getting enough juice.. Adjust the VDIMM as recomended by the manufacturer.

Try also flashing the BIOS too.
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

I've tried multiple single 800Mhz modules in the motherboard and memtest runs with no problems (haven't tried windiag). Also tried reflashing the BIOS with an updated one (most up to date one) and even backtracking it down to the previous one. No change.

So it might be a duff memory controller do you reckon? I'll wait until the replacement 800Mhz Modules arrive and try that at Dual. If it fails I presume I'm going to have to make an angry phone call and never buy from that competitor again.
 
Being brutally honest here mate Memory is Crap, I hate the ******* stuff, S'posed to be the easiest & physically is the easiest to instal but **** me it's finicky crap once you get over 2 sticks.
I have messed around with sets myself only to give up for a day or two only to come back to it & instal it EXACTLY like I did the first time for it to work, Kin stuff is Mental I hate it.
The Tiniest alteration in Bios & your ram will cruise along problem free forever, the slightest wrong setting & you will pull your hair out trying to get your system stable, kin stuff Aaaarrrggggghhhhhhhhh Lol.
My own prob was caused by a dodgey slot :mad: But it only showed dodgey with one set of ram :confused:
The ram is now running brilliantly & at good speeds with slight alterations in Bios to suit. The original ram won't run at all in any slots although it works fine in 2 of my other systems, like I said, kin Ram is mental.

Anyways after my rantings :D
I suggest more tweaking & more attempts using fewer sticks & different slots & tweaks to Bios, Slacken the timings & up the volts to give yourself the best shot.
Good luck.
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

I've tried multiple single 800Mhz modules in the motherboard and memtest runs with no problems (haven't tried windiag). Also tried reflashing the BIOS with an updated one (most up to date one) and even backtracking it down to the previous one. No change.

So it might be a duff memory controller do you reckon? I'll wait until the replacement 800Mhz Modules arrive and try that at Dual. If it fails I presume I'm going to have to make an angry phone call and never buy from that competitor again.

If you try the memory in single slots ect you probably wont get any issues.
the issues come from stressing the boards memory controller when all memory slots are being used...

Your board probably has issues with full dimms occupied.
i would RMA the board and stick a note in the box to test the board with all slots occupied with memory for faults. ect.

they probably didnt test for that.
 
Update. I sent a webnote to the company I bought the board from and here is what they say:

"Dear Matthew Fenn,

Thank you for your contact with our Customer Support Team.


The technician has noted as follows;

Status: Passed all our tests (including memtestx86). I used 4x2GB Kingston HyperX 6400 Cl5 800Mhz. Please, advise cust to set proper/correct memory settings in BIOS (MHz, timings, Voltage) as mo-bo is in full working order. Unit back to cust.

If you need more advice or information, please contact our technical support team"

OCUK have dispatched my new memory so it should be testable tomorrow, in theory. If not do you reckon they're trying it on (not ocuk, the other seller)? I can't see how they managed to get it to run memtest happily, honesetly I don't.
 
I seem to have found the problem by the way, for anyone who might be interested. It seems to be that memtest 3.5 has problems with 4GB+ of memory. The previous version (3.4a) and memtest86+ 2.10 as well as Windows Memory Diagnostics show no such problem.
 
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