Is my RAM failing?

Drollic · 25 Aug 2013 at 19:13

Been having lots of issues with my pc in the last couple of days and fairly sure it's the RAM - need to buy some blank CDs tomorrow so can run memtest86..

Applications have been crashing and sometimes freezing. I did think it was software or driver related but a format hasn't fixed things. Sfc scan now after a format and a couple of installs shows errors. I've ran memory diagnostic and it states there is a memory problem.

Gfx card benches when they load tend to be fine so I'm doubting its the gfx card or CPU. I ran a couple of basic tests on the HDD with sea tools and it passed.

Inline with the above how do I know between the problem being the ram, motherboard or both?

scotsdragon · 26 Aug 2013 at 10:09

Cant you run it from usb stick?

Drollic · 26 Aug 2013 at 20:04

Can't even get into windows now to download it as it hangs on loading.

wazza300 · 26 Aug 2013 at 20:27

try with just one ram stick installed in second slot from cpu socket,if it hangs try the other stick in the same slot

could also be psu?

Drollic · 26 Aug 2013 at 21:18

Tried different slots and combinations. Doubt it's the psu as it's a fairly good one and 750w

wazza300 · 27 Aug 2013 at 01:12

does it ever freeze/crash in the bios?

maybe enable xmp for your memory or try with 1.08v cpu/vtt

Danny75 · 27 Aug 2013 at 05:35

skidmarks said:
Can't even get into windows now to download it as it hangs on loading.

I'd love to know what's causing this too, as I have an old XP build doing exactly the same from a few days ago as well lol. Trying to open certain programs crashes the computer, and then Windows XP hangs several times in succession, and I need to keep rebooting until it loads okay. I've also noticed all my restore points fail (they were enabled), and that I can't reinstall XP because it freezes at different points as well.

Which Windows version do you have?

Drollic · 27 Aug 2013 at 21:07

Taking it this isn't looking too good - all BIOS settings at standard/auto. I rang the place I got my build from and they have confirmed if the RAM is faulty they will replace free of charge.

Danny75 · 31 Aug 2013 at 16:56

In case it's of any help to others, I discovered what was causing the crashes and Windows XP stalling... removing the processor from the mobo revealed a piece of dirt on it... lol. Don't know how that got there, maybe just old crusty broken off thermal paste. Cleaned it, added new thermal paste, then re-mounted the heatsink/fan, and the computer works as good as new. No crashes or stalling anymore.

Really glad that the solution was inexpensive, too. So if anyone with similar issues has bypassed that, give it a try before replacing any hardware.

wazza300 · 31 Aug 2013 at 17:33

that was a good find,glad you got it working

Danny75 · 1 Sep 2013 at 12:13

wazza300 said:
that was a good find,glad you got it working

Thanks Wazza.