Issues with memory: CPU or motherboard problems
Issues with memory: CPU or motherboard problems
Hi everyone, I just finished assembling a PC for my son. It includes an Intel 12600KF Asrock Z790 PG Lightning with a 16GB DDR5 RAM (2x8GB), a 2TB Samsung 980 PRO SSD with heatsink, and a 12GB RX 6750 XT graphics card. After initial setup, I ran Memtest86+ and everything looked fine. Recently, my son has experienced crashes in games and occasional blue screens. When I analyzed the crash dump using WinDbg, the issue pointed to a file system driver problem, suggesting a potential memory fault.
I rechecked with Memtest86+ and still found errors, mostly random bit flips. I’ve swapped RAM sticks and tried different configurations—switching RAM between slots or using 4800 MT/s in the PCIe settings—but the errors persist. If both sticks are in separate channels, it works; if not, problems arise. I also tested another computer with identical specs, but the same issues appeared.
The BIOS was updated to the latest version, yet the problem remains unchanged. This makes me think the CPU or motherboard might be the culprit. Since both CPUs are from different suppliers, I can’t return them for testing. My guess is that the connection between CPU and RAM in modern boards is passive, so any instability could stem from the board itself.
I’m hesitant to replace the CPU (I have another with a 12400F) because of the risk to the pins. What should be my next troubleshooting step? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I would test the RAM on another machine, followed by checking the CPU.
Hi @Robchil. Thanks for the guidance, but this appears to be a hardware issue confirmed by tools like Memtest86 and Memtest86+ that target memory testing on Linux. It’s unrelated to drivers or software settings. As mentioned, analyzing crash dumps with WinDbg has revealed NTFS file system driver problems, indicating potential hardware faults. The recurring memory errors seen in crashes to desktop and blue screens suggest the motherboard or CPU might be affected.
What exactly happened? Your son? breaking it? ... just a joke... seems like a RAM timing problem then... crashes without XMP too? K skew or not shouldn't really matter... it takes a lot to damage a CPU... and the effect is usually total shutdown. Have you looked into mounting pressure too? Random errors can occur.
I've attempted to lower the modules to 4800 with xmp profile 3, likely the CPU memory controller's native speed, but the problem persists. I'll also check if reseating the cooler helps.