F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Identifying memory problems at first glance Understanding the signs and symptoms Approach to diagnosis

Identifying memory problems at first glance Understanding the signs and symptoms Approach to diagnosis

Identifying memory problems at first glance Understanding the signs and symptoms Approach to diagnosis

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NikyOruam
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05-15-2016, 11:10 PM
#1
Hey there! After not needing help with PC problems for a while, I’m reaching out for some fresh perspectives. This might be a good spot to get insights. My rig has been acting up lately—specifically, it’s crashing unexpectedly. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

- Recent upgrades: Swapped the mainboard last week, but the problem persists. Replaced it with another model for a different reason.
- Performance: Everything worked fine until about two weeks ago when issues began.
- Symptoms: Random crashes under load (sometimes even under light use), occasional restarts without errors.
- Load patterns: More frequent during low activity, mostly office tasks and YouTube.
- Diagnostics: MemTest passed multiple times. Prime95 with large FFTs causes random errors quickly—seems memory-related.
- Voltage tweaks: Raising CPU and RAM voltage slightly improved stability, but only temporarily. Higher voltage caused more instability, even leading to complete failure on several tries.
- Current RAM: G.Skill RipJaws 2666 (replaced about six months ago). Running Prime95 without errors for a day now; if it fails again, I’ll consider replacing it.
- Concern: MemTest passes but instability increases with higher voltages. It’s unclear whether the issue is in the RAM or the CPU controller.

I’m leaning toward checking the RAM first, since the memory tests are passing and the problem seems to worsen under higher voltage. But I’m not sure if the CPU or controller is the culprit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Reply
N
NikyOruam
05-15-2016, 11:10 PM #1

Hey there! After not needing help with PC problems for a while, I’m reaching out for some fresh perspectives. This might be a good spot to get insights. My rig has been acting up lately—specifically, it’s crashing unexpectedly. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

- Recent upgrades: Swapped the mainboard last week, but the problem persists. Replaced it with another model for a different reason.
- Performance: Everything worked fine until about two weeks ago when issues began.
- Symptoms: Random crashes under load (sometimes even under light use), occasional restarts without errors.
- Load patterns: More frequent during low activity, mostly office tasks and YouTube.
- Diagnostics: MemTest passed multiple times. Prime95 with large FFTs causes random errors quickly—seems memory-related.
- Voltage tweaks: Raising CPU and RAM voltage slightly improved stability, but only temporarily. Higher voltage caused more instability, even leading to complete failure on several tries.
- Current RAM: G.Skill RipJaws 2666 (replaced about six months ago). Running Prime95 without errors for a day now; if it fails again, I’ll consider replacing it.
- Concern: MemTest passes but instability increases with higher voltages. It’s unclear whether the issue is in the RAM or the CPU controller.

I’m leaning toward checking the RAM first, since the memory tests are passing and the problem seems to worsen under higher voltage. But I’m not sure if the CPU or controller is the culprit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Reply
Reply