Memory Errors - Copying Did Not Result In Accurate Copy

SeK612

SeK612

SeK612

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I get semi frequent BSOD's in Vista Ultimate x64. These mostly related to memory (memory_management is a frequent one).

To test initially I used the desktop based software at http://hcidesign.com/memtest/.

I get quite a few of the same errors (two memory addresses with a note that copying didn't result in accurate copy) when running with all 4GB's of RAM. I've swapped them out leaving just a single GB of RAM in the memory slot closest the CPU. All allowed me to boot into Vista. Two posted similar errors again (the other two appeared to run the test without issue). I put one of the sticks generating errors into the next RAM slot and it still posted errors when booting with just that single stick.

  • How serious is this. Do I need to run further tests (say with memtest86+) - Vista's memory tester showed issues when ran (but it doesn't note specifics)?
  • The machine runs fairly stably normally (BSOD's happen every few days) but if left will it get worse?
  • Is it possible for the errors to spread to the other memory sticks or to other components in the system?
  • What is likely to be the cause of these errors (is it running the memory in too hot conditions for a long period of time or a defect which has always been present)?
 
Run Memtest86+ on each stick, with the memory running at its advertised speed, timings and voltage. If any fail then you've grounds for an RMA.

Errors do tend to get worse over time, and faulty memory can wreck your Windows install (tho it won't affect the actual hardware that it's running on).

It's probably just caused by duff memory chips. Which memory is it?
 
They're Crucial Ballistix (they were mid range ish when I got them a year or so ago).

I don't overclock any component so everything should be at the default settings.

I will run Memtest86+, it's just surprisingly difficult given that it needs to be run when booting (I don't have a floppy drive, my ISO burning skills are next to none and I'm not sure what to do with a .exe on a USB stick).

For the damage done, would generic data (normal files) lost or could it just be a case of salvaging the stuff from the disk and doing a reformat and reinstall? Will the memory fail entirely if left as is or is the threat just to the windows install?
 
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Imgburn will burn the .iso for free.

And Ballistix dies. Often. Very often.

Run Memtest86+ and if it fails then fill out this form, wait to be sent an RMA number and then post it off to their service centre in Scotland. You should have your replacements within 10 days. If only one stick is bad then you'll need to send off both sticks if you bought them as a kit.
 
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I've run memtest86+ fairly thoroughly. With all four sticks of RAM it posted around 72 errors in 1 pass. Individual testing of each stick showed 3 without errors and 1 with 6. Testing of two good sticks saw an error free pass. Testing of one good stick and the single bad stick saw the generation of 12 errors after 50% of the test had run (a second test switching the bad and good memory sticks around to rule out any slot related issue saw similar errors). Testing of the three good sticks saw an error free pass.

I've left the bad stick out of the machine for the moment. I get mixed responses from further tests. The desktop based memory software still throws some errors (but much fewer than when all 4 RAM sticks were in place) - I think this could just be that it's clashing with running processes (errors seem to occur when a third or fourth instance of the application is opened). The Vista memory diagnostic software didn't detect any errors when booting with the three good sticks, it also didn't report any errors with the single bad memory stick in (though it has reported errors in the past when I ran it after a system crash with all 4 sticks in). Prime95 seems to run a bit more stably (I was getting errors which appears to be related to memory when I tried it yesterday with all 4 sticks) with the three good sticks in as well.


Should I be doing further tests. For example booting with just the bad stick of RAM to test whether Prime95 generates errors or running the Vista memory test with all four sticks of RAM in to recreate the previous error or leaving the machine on for an extended period of time with just three the good sticks in to ensure no further memory BSOD's are thrown. Do I need to run Memtest86+ extensively (for multiple passes) to test all the sticks more thoroughly

In terms of RMAing,

  • Do I need to provide proof of purchase or send the memory back in original packaging.
  • Is any guarentee or warrenty proof needed.
  • Should I provide any proof of error testing (like a print of the Memory86+ error screen).
  • The sticks were sold as packs of two 1GB sticks, how do I tell which is the matching pair or do I just send any of the working sticks back with the bad one.
  • Is it okay to just send the memory back under normal recorded delivery (Royal Mail).
 
If the 'bad' stick is throwing up errors in Memtest86+ then that's grounds for RMA. It will only get worse.

SeK612 said:
In terms of RMAing,

  • Do I need to provide proof of purchase or send the memory back in original packaging. Nope and nope. But ensure it's well packed.
  • Is any guarentee or warrenty proof needed. Nope.
  • Should I provide any proof of error testing (like a print of the Memory86+ error screen). Nope
  • The sticks were sold as packs of two 1GB sticks, how do I tell which is the matching pair or do I just send any of the working sticks back with the bad one. There will be a batch number printed on each stick. If all 4 have the same batch number then any of the three good sticks can be sent back with the bad stick.
  • Is it okay to just send the memory back under normal recorded delivery (Royal Mail). Yip will be fine.
Click to expand...

Crucial will be very used to handling Ballistix returns, so you should have no problems.
 
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Is it worth me just cutting my losses, saving on postage and package by just purchasing a replacement stick. Something like picking up this set of 2x2GB Geil memory (so I'd be left with 2 of the good Ballistix sticks alongside the Geil's leaving 1 bad and 1 good stick of Ballistix RAM as surplus). Would that cause more issues (such as the existing slower crucial RAM causing a bottleneck for the new faster RAM or incompatibilities between the two)?

I'm also still seeing errors in applications like Prime95, despite there just being two of the good sticks left in the machine. Some of the tests, blend, run okay for a brief period of time (the error each time is "Rounding was 0.5, expected less then 0.4"). So I be worried about this or is it just an more general problem (such as not enough muster to the machines components to run Prime95 without issue)?

On RMA-ing, this might sound a little stupid but what should I send the memory back in so it doesn't get damaged in transit. I was assuming a brown parcel pack (the ones with lined with bubbled wrap). Do I need to add extra padding into there (newspaper?). I also have limited anti static bags, is there an alternative or is it okay to place both memory sticks in the same anti static bag?
 
Running two different brands of memory together is not really advised. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I would try to get hold of a small cardboard box. You can buy them at the Post Office for peanuts. Put the two sticks in the anti-static bag and place them in the box. That will do the job.

But don't be cutting your losses by not returning the memory. Recorded Delivery will be less then a couple of quid, and the whole RMA process is painless. Crucial are very well known for their awesome RMA service.
 
Is there any local place that might sell anti static bags. I just have a couple spare and those other surplus components (an old hard disk drive and an old network card)?
 
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