Can bad RAM lead to processor instability?

[onemorekornkid]

I am in the process of RMAing my faulty kingston hyper-x ram (won't run 100% stable even at default settings), and I am noticing my 2400+ won't do 2.5 ghrz stable anymore

I've been trying to burn in this processor for about a day now and nothing is working.

Could it be that the processor is dying? I've had 1.9+ (up to 2 volts) in it for about almost half a year now, but that's a bit quick for a cpu to lose it's grip, isnt it?

Does RAM affect the processor's stability?

 

[ribbon13]

RAM effects the overall system stability for sure, have you tried memtest?

 

[Mrvile]

Change the ram to something you trust (some older sticks), turn the CPU back down to its stock everything, and try running burn in. If it doesn't work then, then I'd say the CPU is crapping out.

Also, like Ribbon said run memtest with the Kingstons. If it craps then it's definately the ram. If not, its the CPU.

 

[thriemus]

Have you had a power cut recently? Power cuts can blow ram internally but the machine will still post and boot. Try running memtest as ribbon13 says and also check your hard drive for bad sectors as these are also attributed to system instability because of paging. If SMART is turned off in the BIOS then enable it for a quick test to see if the hard drive is bad or not.

Another thing to check is if the CPU cooler fins are clogged up with "fur" as this greatly reduces the cooling capacity and leads to the processor overheating which will give you plenty of BSOD's. Also if you have upgraded to Win XP SP-2 you may be getting problems with DEP. Especially with antivirus programs and internet explorer. If you are getting "The memory could not be read" error then add exceptions to DEP using the system control panel - advanced - performance - DEP - add program.

Hope this helps you some