So lately I've been getting some programs crashing, incorrect memory references, that sort of thing. So I decided to run Prime95 to see if it was the programs (it was mostly Warcraft III and my TV tuner software) that were causing the problem, or my hardware. Prime95 won't go for more than a minute without returning a message like "FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4". It does this consistently, mind you. So I decided to run memtest to make sure it wasn't my memory. Well, I let it run overnight, 29 successful passes, no errors. Does this mean it's the processor for sure, or have I not ruled out another culprit?
The motherboard is brand spankin' new, EPoX 8RDA+. I got it to replace my old motherboard which I'd effectively killed by accident. I thought the processor, though, was fine for sure (XP 1600+ Palomino). The PowerMax software from Maxtor assures me both of my hard drives are error-free. The power supply isn't the problem either - 500W, no anomolies being reported on the lines. So, it's gotta be the processor, right?
Just as a note, I've been running the system overclocked at 166 MHz on the FSB, but I put everything back to stock, default settings a few weeks ago when I first start noticing problems. Even after a full, fresh reinstall of WinXP, I still get programs crashing, even bluescreens now. It's not a heat problem either - if MBM and the BIOS's PC Health Status screens are to be believed, the temps being reported are just under 40 C idle, getting up to mid/high 40's with some gaming going on. I'm not sure what the temp gets to under full load, since the system won't last long enough to do anything terribly intensive, but I can't imagine it's much higher than that.
Before I go an unnecessarily purchase a new processor from NewEgg, I just wanted to make sure my conclusion is sound. Any confirmation or speculation someone can toss my way is greatly appreciated.
The motherboard is brand spankin' new, EPoX 8RDA+. I got it to replace my old motherboard which I'd effectively killed by accident. I thought the processor, though, was fine for sure (XP 1600+ Palomino). The PowerMax software from Maxtor assures me both of my hard drives are error-free. The power supply isn't the problem either - 500W, no anomolies being reported on the lines. So, it's gotta be the processor, right?
Just as a note, I've been running the system overclocked at 166 MHz on the FSB, but I put everything back to stock, default settings a few weeks ago when I first start noticing problems. Even after a full, fresh reinstall of WinXP, I still get programs crashing, even bluescreens now. It's not a heat problem either - if MBM and the BIOS's PC Health Status screens are to be believed, the temps being reported are just under 40 C idle, getting up to mid/high 40's with some gaming going on. I'm not sure what the temp gets to under full load, since the system won't last long enough to do anything terribly intensive, but I can't imagine it's much higher than that.
Before I go an unnecessarily purchase a new processor from NewEgg, I just wanted to make sure my conclusion is sound. Any confirmation or speculation someone can toss my way is greatly appreciated.
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