Memory woes continue

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ZollyMonsta

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#19887 4-Mar-2008 20:48

I've been waiting for a replacement memory module (Twinmos) after discovering 18 errors at around 71.6mb in.
The replacement arrived today, so I thought I'd check it using the same memory test (memtest86+ v1.70) and the new module has 3 errors at 8mb in. I repeated the test twice with the same result. Is it likely to have two memory modules from the same manufacturer which are faulty? Or would this point towards a motherboard fault?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Grant

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tonyhughes

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#114689 4-Mar-2008 20:53

Borrow some compatible ram and retest (or test your ram in another board).

grant_k

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#114696 4-Mar-2008 21:07

ZollyMonsta: ...Is it likely to have two memory modules from the same manufacturer which are faulty? Or would this point towards a motherboard fault?

Any help greatly appreciated.

My money would be on the motherboard. I cannot remember the last time we had faulty RAM. Years ago it used to happen occasionally, but not for a long time.

TwinMOS is a good brand, which is another reason for suspecting the motherboard. Personally I prefer Kingston RAM. We have sold literally thousands of those over the past few years and never had a single faulty one.

ZollyMonsta

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#114697 4-Mar-2008 21:09

Yes.. looking suss.. I will try the memory in a different slot next.. just making a quick image of the disk before I do too much more.
If no errors in the other slot then probably a faulty slot (It's an Asus M2A-VM motherboard.. currently memory is in slot DIMM_A1
will try slot DIMM_B1

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grant_k

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#114699 4-Mar-2008 21:14

ZollyMonsta: Yes.. looking suss.. I will try the memory in a different slot next.. just making a quick image of the disk before I do too much more.
If no errors in the other slot then probably a faulty slot (It's an Asus M2A-VM motherboard.. currently memory is in slot DIMM_A1
will try slot DIMM_B1

I just had an ASUS mobo die on me over the weekend. Generally, I've had a good run with Asus, but genuine Intel mobos are now only about $5 more than Asus so that's the way I'll be going from now on. I've bought 3 different Intel mobos now and not a single problem with any of them (one is about 10 years old).

ZollyMonsta

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#114703 4-Mar-2008 21:20

grant_k:
ZollyMonsta: Yes.. looking suss.. I will try the memory in a different slot next.. just making a quick image of the disk before I do too much more.
If no errors in the other slot then probably a faulty slot (It's an Asus M2A-VM motherboard.. currently memory is in slot DIMM_A1
will try slot DIMM_B1

I just had an ASUS mobo die on me over the weekend. Generally, I've had a good run with Asus, but genuine Intel mobos are now only about $5 more than Asus so that's the way I'll be going from now on. I've bought 3 different Intel mobos now and not a single problem with any of them (one is about 10 years old).

Yes, it's very strange. The fault occurred suddenly just over a week ago. The PC is brand new (built by a PC shop in November last year). Just validating the image of the disk I've made.. then will try moving ram to different slot and report back for comment

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ZollyMonsta

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#114720 4-Mar-2008 22:35

An update.

Moved RAM to DIMM_B1.. Did memory test.. no errors found. So looks like a faulty memory slot. The PC still runs like a dog however and on board sound is still affected. CPU is 1.9ghz.. RAM is 1gb so theres no reason for this. Taking into account slot DIMM_A1 gives errors when ram is installed in my opinion the motherboard is at fault.

A background.. the original PC sent suffered impact damage by the courier. It had a big dent in the case. PC was sent back to have case replaced (I don't think the motherboard was changed). This impact may have caused a hairline crack(or cracks) in the motherboard which have, over time with heat and use got worse.

It's been an interesting night, but still with no fix. Looks like a faulty motherboard which will mean a trip back to the place of purchase.

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dnb4life

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#114731 4-Mar-2008 23:49

i would say without a doubt that it will have been the impact damage your computer suffered when shipped to you. no doubt they replaced the case and nothing else. you shouldn't have any problems getting a replacement as it's clearly the retailer in the wrong.

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ZollyMonsta

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#114732 4-Mar-2008 23:52

dnb4life: i would say without a doubt that it will have been the impact damage your computer suffered when shipped to you. no doubt they replaced the case and nothing else. you shouldn't have any problems getting a replacement as it's clearly the retailer in the wrong.

Yup... and the motherboard has a 3 year warranty. I don't think any reinstall of Windows will help the situation (which was what was suggested in the first instance by the retailer).

Cheers,
Grant
(Now tired of computers and considering playing with an abacus instead)

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."