memtest86+ showing errors.. now what ?

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

So, I got a BSOD earlier today (and one a few weeks ago ,while forcing 16:10 widescreen on an old game, but thought nothing of it) and said "Ah must be video drivers" .

However, I ran memtest86+ and came up with errors at 358.6 MBs, and 359.8 MB's . Is this something to address and possible cause of BSODs ?

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

Nothing to do with this RAM if it shows errors on memtest, need to get new RAM. If you still have warranty you can probably replace them.
And yes RAM errors can easily cause your PC to BSOD.

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

Originally posted by Rumpelcrutchskin:

Nothing to do with this RAM if it shows errors on memtest, need to get new RAM. If you still have warranty you can probably replace them.
And yes RAM errors can easily cause your PC to BSOD.

So replace the RAM ? Someone told me to try popping it in and out, see if it came loose.

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

Originally posted by weehawky:

So replace the RAM ? Someone told me to try popping it in and out, see if it came loose.

This is unlikely. I had same problem with new PC once, it kept crashing in some games and memtest had errors, replaced the RAM and everything worked fine.

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

Originally posted by Rumpelcrutchskin:

Originally posted by weehawky:

So replace the RAM ? Someone told me to try popping it in and out, see if it came loose.

This is unlikely. I had same problem with new PC once, it kept crashing in some games and memtest had errors, replaced the RAM and everything worked fine.

I wonder why it'd just suddenly begin happening ? It's been 3 years and suddenly .. bam! Green and black streaks when I tried to open Chrome.

I figured it was just AMD drivers ,but if memtest is showing errors.. I guess I have to not ignore that.

[videogames]

What do you have? Most RAM manufacturers should offer lifetime warranty.

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

Originally posted by videogames:

What do you have? Most RAM manufacturers should offer lifetime warranty.

G.Skill.

[_I_]

what ram and specs?

post a cpuz validation link
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
cpuz -> validate button -> submit button
it will open a browser, copy the url (address) and paste it here

also look at the spd tab, if its an intel 1155/1150 build, running ram over 1.55v will damage the imc on the cpu

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

Originally posted by _I_:

what ram and specs?

post a cpuz validation link
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
cpuz -> validate button -> submit button
it will open a browser, copy the url (address) and paste it here

also look at the spd tab, if its an intel 1155/1150 build, running ram over 1.55v will damage the imc on the cpu

It's an AMD AM3 machine, but:

http://valid.x86.fr/pnaqvm

[_I_]

you have 2x 2g dimms

test each one
rma the one that gives errors
http://www.gskill.com/en/warranty

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

Originally posted by _I_:

you have 2x 2g dimms

test each one
rma the one that gives errors
http://www.gskill.com/en/warranty

"Please include all modules of a memory kit for RMA when possible. Memory kits are tested together to ensure compatibility. We do not guarantee compatibility if the faulty module(s) is returned without the remaining modules of the same memory kit."

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Originally posted by _I_:

you have 2x 2g dimms

test each one
rma the one that gives errors
http://www.gskill.com/en/warranty

^This

Remove all installed, then re-seat just one, test that one. If checks out, power off, swap out for another, test that one... rinse & repeat to narrow down the actual bad RAM module.

If sold as a "kit" however, most brands will require u to RMA that entire kit. So be mindful of that. Warranty should cover u here.


EDIT:
YES so you need to RMA the kit in it's entirety.

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

Originally posted by Bad-Motha:

Originally posted by _I_:

you have 2x 2g dimms

test each one
rma the one that gives errors
http://www.gskill.com/en/warranty

^This

Remove all installed, then re-seat just one, test that one. If checks out, power off, swap out for another, test that one... rinse & repeat to narrow down the actual bad RAM module.

If sold as a "kit" however, most brands will require u to RMA that entire kit. So be mindful of that. Warranty should cover u here.

Bingo. it was sold like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231275

[Bad 💀 Motha]

See if GSkill can do a priority RMA. I know brands like Corsair and WDC do this, but not sure about GSkill. The point of that kind of RMA is that:

You supply them with a payment method (such as CC) during the RMA process. They will put a "hold charge" on that payment method. Once they receive the faulty product, the charge will be lifted. This way you get your replacement much much quicker.

[WeeHawky RIP Norm]

Originally posted by Bad-Motha:

See if GSkill can do a priority RMA. I know brands like Corsair and WDC do this, but not sure about GSkill. The point of that kind of RMA is that:

You supply them with a payment method (such as CC) during the RMA process. They will put a "hold charge" on that payment method. Once they receive the faulty product, the charge will be lifted. This way you get your replacement much much quicker.

Yeah it'l lbe a pain in the ass to go back to E2160 and 4670.. on Debian for a week+ .

[Azza ☠]

Even one memtest error is too many and will cause random issues/corruption/crashing... highly recommend replacing the memory stick(s).

If your considering replacing the lot, make it a slight upgrade.

Highly recommend for gaming purposes:
Crucial Ballistix Elite 1866MHz - CL9 - 1.5V

These have a tall heatsink, are actually factory underclocked compared to what they can do, but already "maxed" peak performance for what you need and extremely stable.

1600MHz or 1866Mhz is optimal for gaming performance.

1.5 voltage is ideal for Intel 1155/1150 builds. For your AMD build, this shouldn't matter.

Most importantly, CL9 timing or less. When you get overclocked memory, they will normally increase CL timing and/or voltage, you don't want that.

Calculate like this:
1600MHz / CL9 = 177.78 (Optimal gaming)
1866MHz / CL9 = 207.33 (Peak gaming)
2400MHz / CL13 = 184.62 (Starting to choke due to overclock)
1600MHz / CL7 = 228.57 (Server quality memory, but expensive)

In most cases, it's actually better for lower CL.