Handling memory issues and blue screen occurrences
Handling memory issues and blue screen occurrences
Last week I encountered a blue screen related to memory management for the first time. After installing Memtest86, it detected numerous errors on my system. But when I connected either stick in slots 2 or 4 (the standard ones), the test ran smoothly without any issues. Since then, I've experimented with various configurations—single sticks in slots 1, 2, 4; single stick in slot 3; two sticks in slots 1, 3, or 2—without any problems. The computer still boots, though it doesn't start properly. I'm trying to figure out what might be causing this issue. I don’t have any spare components on hand, especially not thermal paste. The machine is only a few months old, it's a desktop, and it comes with the default specs: Ryzen 5 5600G, 8GB DDR4, Corsair Venvence LPX 3200MHz, and an Asus PRIME A520M-A II/CSM BIOS version 3002. I’ve also got a WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD (500GB) and a cooler master MWE BRONZE 500W. There’s also a Wi-Fi card installed. MemTest86 logs show errors on certain configurations, but I’m still trying to pinpoint the problem.
Recorded 141 mistakes within approximately 30 minutes. File: 141 errors in ~30 minutes MemTest86-20230617-182735.log
The blue screens weren't linked, likely due to an incorrect driver for the Wi-Fi card. The issue probably stemmed from Wi-Fi drivers, so I followed the troubleshooting steps and copied all the dump files.
Performing checks on a single dump file is challenging. The memory management issue likely stems from a corrupted page table entry, possibly indicating RAM failure, though storage corruption could also be the cause. G-series CPUs generally had less memory compatibility compared to mainstream models, which might explain the situation—especially since I have limited experience with the 5000 series. I recommend testing each stick individually in slot two, starting from the CPU socket. If both remain stable on their own, the problem likely lies with the CPU, motherboard, or compatibility. If one fails while the other works, the faulty stick is the culprit. I’m aware that memory testers sometimes give inconsistent results with DDR4 and newer modules, so I wouldn’t rely solely on testing for stability. The best approach is to let users run the system normally with one stick at a time.
I experienced only one memory management blue screen. I checked the error code and decided to test the RAM using Memtest86. Both sticks functioned individually but caused issues when connected together, even though they should operate on a single channel. I reviewed my motherboard warranty, which remains valid until September 2025 for the CPU, and a quick search indicated a three-year warranty. I plan to continue using my system with two sticks and monitor for additional blue screens. Although a single error in Memtest86 is concerning, I’m curious if reinserting the RAM could help. Someone on Discord mentioned that the system would normally boot when the stick was in slot 3, but they were surprised it worked in slot 1. I’m unsure if that’s typical. Regardless, I don’t have a way to test the CPU or motherboard, so I’ll likely wait before taking further action.