Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Hey guys,
Ok, let's post this in the right forum this time! :stupid:
Over the last few weeks I've been experiencing very sporadic crashing with my PC - and it came to a stage last week where I couldn't play Bioshock for 30 seconds without the PC locking up, so I started to look into it.
I replaced my PSU anyway with a Zalman 500W as it was quieter than my old one, so that eliminates that. Also my gfx card has been replaced (just because I wanted to upgrade from my 7600GT, bought an X1950XTX from a friend. The lockups pre-date this though.).
I ran memory diags (MS Memory Diag and Memtest86) and the tests failed or locked up at random points (4x512mb PC3200 GeiL matched pairs). So I played around a bit and this is what happens.
All sticks tested independantly - Pass
Memory in slots 1+2 (Dual Channel) - Pass
Memory in slots 3+4 (Dual Channel) - Pass
Memory in slots 1+2+3 (Single Channel) - Fail
Memory in all slots - Fail
Basically, with more than two sticks of memory in (or if the CPU is trying to address more than one bank?) it fails/locks up the diags, and crashes repeatedly. So, I replaced my Mobo. Old mobo was a DFI CFX3200 (ATI Chipset), new is a Foxconn NF4SK8AA-8EKRS (nForce 4), but the same is happening.
I've borrowed some OCZ RAM off a friend and the same happens. I have an Athlon X2 4400+ so I'm thinking it must be that, as the memory controller may be faulty. I am currently running with only 2 sticks of RAM in slots 1+2 and have been playing bioshock for the last 2 days with no issues whatsoever, and no crashes.
Does anyone have any other ideas? Or do I seem to be on the right track? Has anyone come across an Athlon 64 with a faulty memory controller before?
Based on what someone has asked, everything is running at stock speeds. As for Temperatures , my CPU runs at between 35-45C depending on load, my ambient case temperature is ~40C.
Cheers,
qbie
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
What moderboard?
Latest BIOS?
Have you set the RAM timings manually in the BIOS? (set them to 'manual' and not auto or SPD)
Up the voltage to the RAM a bit?
Overclocked at all?
Do you get the issue if you _under_ clock?
Just a few things that'll help nail it down to one thing or another :)
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Didn't a lot of nf4 boards have issues with using all 4 ram slots, or was it just that they wouldn't OC when four were used......?
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Agent
What moderboard?
Latest BIOS?
Have you set the RAM timings manually in the BIOS? (set them to 'manual' and not auto or SPD)
Up the voltage to the RAM a bit?
Overclocked at all?
Do you get the issue if you _under_ clock?
Just a few things that'll help nail it down to one thing or another :)
Foxconn NF4SK8AA-8EKRS
Yes
Tried Both Auto and Manually Setting
Yes gone up to 2.8
Nope
Yes
:)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GSte
Didn't a lot of nf4 boards have issues with using all 4 ram slots, or was it just that they wouldn't OC when four were used......?
It happens with 3 sticks in too though.
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Make sure you aren't using 1T command mode. It won't like it if you're using more than 4 slots.
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
this_is_gav
Make sure you aren't using 1T command mode. It won't like it if you're using more than 4 slots.
It's 2.5T as thats what the RAM is rated at.
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
2.5T doesn't exist. Command rate is either 1T or 2T. 939 generation memory controllers can't run 4 banks at 1T so you have to drop to 2T.
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kalniel
2.5T doesn't exist. Command rate is either 1T or 2T. 939 generation memory controllers can't run 4 banks at 1T so you have to drop to 2T.
Yes sorry 2T, My mind was somewhere else! 2.5 is CL.
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Had that problem before on an Opteron system (identical memeory controller on board to the Athlon 64). Turned out to be a dead CPU. Replaced under warranty after a LOT of discussions with Scan) and it has been fine ever since. So I assume because it has been sold.
Re: Mem tests failing - CPU Faulty?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
behappier
Had that problem before on an Opteron system (identical memeory controller on board to the Athlon 64). Turned out to be a dead CPU. Replaced under warranty after a LOT of discussions with Scan) and it has been fine ever since. So I assume because it has been sold.
Well, to fix the issue I've just ordered a 2GB matched pair of OCZ ram from eBuyer. I know it's not fixing the problem, just working around it, but I've had enough messing around with this now so if I put 2x1GB in and sell off all my old RAM and a few bits and pieces I'll be ok.
I'll be happy just to have everything working again.
q