Memory Errors Can it be a problem OTHER then memory?

[Runes911]

Ok I just got the Intel retail bundle (yes I know intel boards aren't that great) and I was trying to use Kingston HyperX memory with it. I have 2x256MB chips I have them running in Dual channel mode. I just had them RMAed because I was having memory problems. So I tried the new pair they (newegg) sent me and I don't get as many errors as I used to but I still get one small memory error. I am running this program and I was wondering, can you get a memory error and it be something other then the memory? Motherboard, CPU, etc? The memory passes all test but one: the test that applies 1's and 0's to the memory to simulate a checkerboard. That is the only test it fails on all others are fine.

 

[thorin]

Could be heat.
Could be bus speed (if you're running the mem out of spec).
Could be socket (mobo).
Could be CPU and/or CPU Cache.

If you get errors then you should check with one stick installed at a time.

I'd definately suggest that you double check with MemTest86.

Thorin

 

[Runes911]

Alright I will try that one. Will it give me a better understanding of the error?

 

[thorin]

Not likely but it has two advantages.

1) It's been around for a long time and is tried, tested, and true. (Microsoft's tester just came out this year....actually this quarter).
2) It has a smaller memory foot print (IIRC) and so is able to test your RAM more fully. (Since RAM that is in use can't be tested).

Thorin

 

[Runes911]

Ok I know its not heat and the timings correct, so how can I determine if its the cache on the CPU? I can move the sticks around to see it its the memory banks, but I want to make sure its not my CPU how can I test that? Also, windows runs fine except for a page fault in non paged area that happens every 20-30mins or so.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

could be the mobo as well.

 

[Runes911]

Ok it failed the same test as it did on window's (the 1's and 0's) memory tester. How can I narrow it down between the CPU or the motherboard?

 

[Need4Speed]

swap out with parts you know are good

 

[BFG10K]

It could be a weak power supply too.

 

[Viper96720]

Find someone with a MB that uses DDR memory and test it there

 

[yhelothar]

yeah could be your power supply... If you read Anand's PSU roundup, he said power supplies could emit interference that can cause memory errors

 

[Runes911]

Well I doubt its the power supply, I have had this one for about a year now and never had problems. Its an Enermax 425W I am gonna try bringing my memory to a friend and see what he can get out of it. According to him HyperX isn't the greatest he had to RMA his about 5 times before he got a stick that worked.

 

[Looney]

Kingston memory is pretty good, but it could be incompatible with the motherboard. I've seen lots of memory/motherboard incompatibility that shows up as memory errors.

Can you check the memory in another board?

 

[Runes911]

Ok I figured out that I had the timings on the memory wrong. I thought that the automatic values that the motherboard set were correct. I set them manually and it was fine.

 

[Perplx]

Your northbridge could be running hot.