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RAM, Graphics Card or What?

zookopf

zookopf

zookopf

Associate
Joined
29 Jul 2009
Posts
131
Hi, I recently posted here with a problem i've been having. I've built a new system and ive been getting these pin stripe/black scrn crashes when watching net videos on fullscreen and while playing games. Thing is, i'm not that computer savy and I can't firure out if its a problem with the RAM or the graphics card. I'm not even sure if it is a hardware problem. Basically, I don't want to be sending parts back untill i'm sure what the problem is.

The graphics drivers are current and I did clean the old ones before installing the new ones.

I have run windows memory diagnostic several times and it keeps freezing and not completing, which suggests a RAM problem. Can RAM cause these sort of crashes? and if its the RAM why does it only happen during games and videos?

I have been unable to activate windows and download updates as I have no landline and the online activation doesn't seem to be working. (could updating windows solve a problem like this?)

I'm using a 28" lcd tv as a monitor, i have the resolution set to 1360 x 768, which is recomended under the windows settings. (could the wrong resolution be causing something like this?, if so, how do I find out the correct resolution?)

My graphics card runs 23'c idle and fan 21%.(I'm not sure how to check what it is just before a crash)

Do you guys have any suggestions or answers to these questions? Are there any freeware programs that can monitor all my hardware and keep a log so that i can see what happens before a crash? Any help would be most welcome, i'm at my wits end.

heres the link the previous thread, this has my system specs and more information on the crashes.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=16176581#post16176581
 
Sounds like your're having a few problems there lol.

First off, did the problem occur with the original disc graphics card drivers?

How many sticks of RAM are you using, if 2 or more, try one on its own and see what happens, then continue to test each one individually.
 
Get it tested with prime 95. Pursue that unstable memory lead.
Lower the timings in the bios and/or notch up the voltage one increment.

What mobo do you have? You might have to look at the northbridge side of the memory equation too.
 
yep, happened before I updated the drivers aswell. I'm using 2 sticks, i'll try testing them individually as you suggested and get back to you.
 
I probably should have with posted my specs in this thread, they are as follows.

OCZ Platinum 4GB DDR3 PC3-10666C7 1333MHz Dual Channel
ATI Radeon HD 5850
i5 750
ocz modxtreme 600w
Asus P7P55D LE
Samsung spinpoint f3
Tuniq tower
sony operatic DVDRW
Antec 300
Using 28" sanyo lcd tv as monitor(not sure of exact model)
windows 7 home premium retail.

i'll try what you guys suggested, immediately and report back, thanks for the posts.

Also, will messing with the timings and and voltage have any effect on warrantys?
 
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zookopf said:
I probably should have with posted my specs in this thread, they are as follows.

OCZ Platinum 4GB DDR3 PC3-10666C7 1333MHz Dual Channel
ATI Radeon HD 5850
i5 750
ocz modxtreme 600w
Asus P7P55D LE
Samsung spinpoint f3
Tuniq tower
sony operatic DVDRW
Antec 300
Using 28" sanyo lcd tv as monitor(not sure of exact model)
windows 7 home premium retail.

i'll try what you guys suggested, immediately and report back, thanks for the posts.
Click to expand...

Also have you overclocked any hardware?

As for a program to monitor your temps, performance etc, for your graphics you could use GPU-Z which allows you to record you temps to a log and view them at a later date.

For your CPU and other system hardware you could try everest, but it is a trial so might not have full functionality.
 
Have you tried testing with just one stick of ram then the other? Unlikely they are both defective if that is the problem...I'm assuming you can run one at a time, still catching up with the new stuff;)
 
I've just been downloading the programs mentioned first, i'll test them each individually now using windows memory test then i'll try that prime 95 thing and get back to you in about 30 mins
 
I have just finished testing the ram individually using windows memory tester, I ran them both on normal settings with 6 passes, the first one failed and I got a message saying that there were errors detected. I then ran the extended option and that froze. I then poped in the other stick and ran on normal settings 6 passes and it passed, but then when I ran the extended options that one froze aswell. all very confusing.

Heading to bed now, i'll run more texts tomorrow and report back if I haven't bored you all away.
 
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Hi guys, just to let you know, i've ran some more tests on the RAM individually using memory diagnostic and prime95 and i'm pretty sure one of the sticks is bad, as it keeps failing both.
Have removed to 'bad' stick and have had no problems all day, with games or videos. Won't count my chickens yet but its looking good
 
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