Do errors in Memtest 86 mean bad RAM?

[Frugal1ty]

i have been having stability issues lately. the computer locks up multiple times in a day, sometimes going to the blue screen of death.

i just recently reinstalled windows, and just bought another motherboard to replace my bad GIGABYTE one, so i ran memtest86 for 24 hours to see if it was the memory causing lock ups; it registered four in that time.

with memory running at the defaults (no overclocking) does this mean that it's likely this is the cause of my lock ups in windows?

 

[HauntFox]

Maybe, but I don't know with only 4 errors. When I had bad RAM Memtest showed tons of errors.
If you have more than one memory module, try using one at a time to see if you still get lockups.
Could be something else that is causing the crashes too, write down the stop codes when you get a BSOD and look them up here: http://support.microsoft.com/ph/1173 or in google.

 

[Fern]

Hey DerSoldat,

Might be a good idea to identify your specs (and voltages and ram timings).

Might try bumping up your voltage a notch. Often time that'll clear it up if it's not downright faulty ram.

Good Luck with it,

Fern

 

[SGtheArtist]

I think Memtest is a pretty solid tool for identifying bad memory. Just read the website to see why.

http://memtest86.com/

As far as if its causing your problems I'm not sure. Stability issues can be caused by many things (weak PSU, buggy OS, buggy drivers, hardware incompatabilities, etc.)

If the PC was fine before the new Mobo, I would conclude that either there is a problem with the new mobo or the drivers for the new mobo. However, reinstalling Windows over an existing Windows with the old mobo drivers could be causing problems as well. You might try taking an Image if possible and doing a fresh install to see if things clear up.

 

[WildHorse]

1st liklihood = bad timing settings in bios
2nd liklihood=bad vdimm setting in bios
3rd = too hot due to too much vdimm
4th = defective ram

If your ram is of good brand, known good performance and with the memory modules on the sticks 100% tested before shipping (like OCZ), then more likely your problem is bad timings & voltage.

If your ram is of UTT condition, which means the memory modules on the sticks were untested prior to shipment, then it's more likely to be defective ram.

 

[Frugal1ty]

thanks all. it is reputable ram: OCZ. i will try timings voltage ect. and also try looking up the death screen error message. and you're right it could be anything. but i must say i was having very similar lock up problems with my other motherboard, maybe it wasn't even the motherboard to begin with. anyway i have a couple weeks to mess around with it before the warrenty runs out.