Random "System Failed Memory Test" A8N-SLI Deluxe

[spudmurf2k]

Hi guys.

This has me stumped. I recently (Friday 19th May) installed a security update for Nokai Connectivity Suite and when the system rebooted and gave a long beep followed by "System Failed Memory Test". It sent a chill through my spine. It had been a long time since I'd heard that voice. The problems have been getting worse from then on.

I could boot for a while perfectly and the memory error voice would only come on if I rebooted. Then today it started doing it when I just turned it on. But went away if I turned the PSU off and on and then turned on the PC. But when it got into windows it would run for I'd say a minute and then BSOD too quick for me to read and then reboot to a system failed memory test error voice. Then when id turn it off and on again it would just turn on the fans and not POST and just sit there.

I really am stumped. My specs are in my signature below. All the fans are working, so I don't think its a temperature thing (which I thought the random BSODS and reboots might be). Has anyone any ideas? Thanks in advance.

** The ram is in two 1gb sticks.

[The BlackSaint]

Alright, first is your Cpu, memory, or anything overclocked or has it been. Doing so will cause spuratic system stability. Sometimes it won't be noticeable for a few days then goes haywire. That's why I always recommend running prime 95 for a day or two straight, with a system temp check going. If my computer 1)Get's too hot or 2)crashes then I take my overclock down a notch or two. I only mess with the FSB multipliers but I'm sure the same results of instability can be accomplished through other means such as overclocking the HTT or memory

If you've not overclocked it, the first thing I suggest is taking out the power cord, then ground yourself and take of the case. Then Disconnecting all the drives. Go ahead and clean the case out with some Dust off and a vacuum cleaner, and then reconnect everything. Make sure everything is pushed in right. More often than I can remember I have had failed boots because the memory sticks weren't in right or I had jarred something loose.

If that doesn't work go to a "restore point" on your system about 2 weeks before you had any problems. This thing could also be software related, or virus related.

Try those easy ones first and hopefully they might help, and besides it never hurts to clean out your computer.

[spudmurf2k]

Hi,

Thanks, but I played around with it and discovered that it was one dodgy Ballistix DIMM that was causing the trouble. Problem now is that I have to RMA BOTH chips so Ive no RAM (and hence no PC) for the next week!! Otherwise they won;t guarantee that Dual Channell will work. Dammit!

BTW, From what you said above Saint, I wouldn't advise taking out the power cord - as this would allow charge to build up. Instead turn off the power at the wall, this way the aerth pin will allow you to discharge yourself periodically by touching the PSU. But with our weather, living in Ireland, I generally don't have a static build-up problem!!

[Panama Red]

I'd recommend you download Memtest86+ and make a boot disk with it. Then run it for two full passes and see if you get any errors. If you do, test each stick individually to see if one or both is defective. Then contact the seller to arrange for an RMA.

edit: Looks like you were posting while I was typing! Good luck with the fix.

[spudmurf2k]

Yea, Thanks Panama, My CD Burner on my laptop is quite erratic (and I'm not too bothered to get it fixed, I no its a problem with some lapper cd readers and -r media.) and Ive no floppy on my main PC, so memtest was out as I can't boot from a USB Key. I thought I should have been able too though, but there's no option in the BIOS. Anyway, I took out all non-essentials and it was one of the sticks. Oh Well.

[The BlackSaint]

Thanks for the advice spudmurf2k.

That's a lot easier than wearing the wristband thing (which annoys the bloody hell out of me) or searching for a metal object nearby.

I'll keep that in mind for next time.