Windows 7 64bit freezes - Related to RAM?

captainhazza

captainhazza

captainhazza

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Joined
19 Jul 2011
Posts
18
Hi guys, I was wondering if you could help solve my problem.

I am running a new build machine on Windows 7 (64bit) and I am suffering from random freezes. These freezes occur during anything, whether it be internet browsing, playing games or watching movies. They can also occur after 10 minutes, 1 hour, or 4 hours, with no signs beforehand.

I have found the QVL for the motherboard, however very few memory models are listed, I was however under the impression that the model I purchased would work fine. I have tried memtest+, which completed and found no errors with memory. I have reseated the modules into different blocks, but the same thing happened, random freezes. I don't particularly have the time at the moment to try the "one at a time", but if it's necessary then I will. Here are the specs from my machine, and information gathered from CPU-Z.

  • Asus M4A87TD EVO 870 Socket AM3 8 Channel Audio ATX Motherboard
  • Sapphire HD 6570 1GB DDR3 DVI VGA HDMI PCI-E Graphics Card
  • AMD Phenom II X4 840 Socket AM3 3.2GHz 2MB Cache Retail Boxed Processor
  • Crucial 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz/PC3-10600 Memory Kit CL9 1.5V

CPU
xAOrWfG


Memory
NUSL9SL


Slot 1
7p6MY96


Slot 2
TxzaltM


Any suggestions of what to try next?
 
There doesn't look anything wrong in any of the screen shots you posted.

The memory and processor are overclocked a tiny amount as the Bus Speed is 200.7MHz rather than 200MHz but that shouldn't really cause any issues.

I think you do need to try one stick of RAM at a time.

It will only take you 2 minutes to take one stick out.

Run with that for a while and if you still get problems it'll be another 2 minutes to swap the sticks.
 
I do not have a ssd, have a Samsung pinpoint 1tb installed, looking to upgrade to an SSD later (when they're slightly more affordable).

So far, running on just one memory stick, I have had no issues (other than the computer refusing to wake up from sleep, but this seems to be a common issue with Windows 7 (64 bit).

Now, I am unsure where the problem lies, is it that the memory is defective? I thought I could rule this out after memtest ran 7 passes without finding any errors?
 
captainhazza said:
I do not have a ssd, have a Samsung pinpoint 1tb installed, looking to upgrade to an SSD later (when they're slightly more affordable).

So far, running on just one memory stick, I have had no issues (other than the computer refusing to wake up from sleep, but this seems to be a common issue with Windows 7 (64 bit).

Now, I am unsure where the problem lies, is it that the memory is defective? I thought I could rule this out after memtest ran 7 passes without finding any errors?
Click to expand...

Take the stick you're using now out and put the second stick in.

If the problem comes back then the second stick is likely faulty.
 
Surveyor said:
Take the stick you're using now out and put the second stick in.

If the problem comes back then the second stick is likely faulty.
Click to expand...

OK, so I ran the first stick on it's own for a couple of days, no problems.

The second stick ran for a day or two, but has today frozen while just the browser was open. I was almost beginning to suspect that my mobo was simply having a few problems with the dual channel of the memory, but it seems this memory stick may be faulty.

Based on my spec, is there a particular model of memory you would recommend to me to replace these? They were very cheap, and I don't fancy the hassle/time taken to try to get them sent back and replaced. I have noticed on here that many have noted the price of DDR3 memory at the moment is good, so don't mind upgrading to a pair of 4gb sticks!

Thanks for your continued help!
 
Nightglow said:
Kingston HyperX Genesis Grey 8GB (2x4GB) on offer at OcUK should be fine, but, I would wait & see what others recommend as well.

Suprised Stulid hasn't post his suggestions yet.;)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-094-KS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion!

However...

It has frozen again, this time with the second stick. Not sure if this suggests an error elsewhere, as 2 brand new faulty memory sticks seems unlikely.

I've put the same stick into a different block, so as to test that it's not just a faulty input on the mobo.

Is there possibly not enough power going to the memory? 1.5v is quite low, considering my old computer runs its memory at 1.75v.

I have not mentioned that fairly soon after building, I tested out the OC'ing software that came with the mobo (Asus Turbo V Evo). This was simply to "test out" the processor and look at potential temps. I reverted back to standard defaults through the programme. I have since however been reading into OC'ing, and if I had known how unadvisable it was to use software to do it, I wouldn't have done it in the first place (doh!).

No idea what's causing it, no idea how to fix it...:confused:
 
Nightglow said:
Remove the battery & clear the cmos would be a good idea & start afresh.

Also are you using latest bios for the board?

Just been googling, I see others have had same issues, any chance you could RMA the board?

http://www.overclock.net/amd-memory/989503-m4a87td-evo-mobo-memory-issues.html
Click to expand...

I have never had to clear cmos before on a mobo, and so will have to consult the manual in order to do it...

I am unsure if I am using the most recent bios, what is the best way of checking?

I'm still learning, I'm only pretty clued up about the memory now because I've been reading stuff on it for week.

I suppose I could RMA it, it should definitely still be under warranty (no more than 3 months old). Obviously I'd prefer to avoid having to do this.
 
Thank you for your help Surveyor.

I updated the mobo to the most recent BIOS, again it ran smoothly for a couple of hours, then froze on me again.

I have had an RMA accepted, and it will be collected in a couple of days.

My question is, that after they test it, what happens if they cannot find a fault? Will they simply send the motherboard back to me?

I am looking to buy another mobo, as I can't be doing with buying the same model again, only to discover the same stability issues.
 
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