New AsRock H67M-GE/HT build unstable

[jgodfrey]

Hi All,

I just completed an HTPC build consisting of:

- AsRock H67M-GE/HT mobo
- Intel i5-2500
- Crucial M4 64GB SSD
- 8GB (4GBx2) PNY MD8192KD3-1333
- ASUS BluRay

The initial build went great and the system was working as soon I turned it on. However, I began to notice an intermittent freeze while doing "normal" HTPC stuff (mostly via Boxee). Originally, I just attributed it to Boxee issues, but then I ran into it outside of Boxee several times.

Curious, I started by running MemTest86+ using the default tests. Interestingly, the tests run along fine for about an hour (and are on maybe the 3rd complete test cycle) when things go south. Out of nowhere, the screen goes black except for a vertical band of red, green, and blue "static" on the left edge of screen. At that point, a hard reset is needed.

I've tried testing with both 4GB memory modules together (in both pairs of DIMM slots), as well as each module separately. Each time, the result is nearly identical. Just over an hour of 100% clean MemTest86+ and them BAM! - black screen with RGB static on the left edge.

I can't find any published timing for the PNY memory, but I'm running it at 9-9-9-24-1, which was the default assigned by the MOBO.

Since both mem modules produce the same results (together or individually), it doesn't really seem like faulty memory - could it be just a bit incompatible?

I have updated the mobo BIOS and all drivers to the latest version. When the system is working, it's absolutely flawless, but inevitably freezes up. Nearly always, the band of static exists on the left edge in case that's a clue.

I am using the integrated HD2000 graphics on the i5-2500. Since that shares system memory, might the tell-tale "static" after the freeze be related to the memory some how?

If you'd like more details, I'm happy to provide them. Any advice you can provide would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff Godfrey

 

[jobz]

My Asrock H67M-GE, i5-2400, 2x4GB Samsung M378B5273CH0-CH9 is running stable for several months. Well, keyboard locks up when coming out of hibernation every few weeks. It happens infrequently enough I simply ignore it.

Did you check if your ram is compatible with the mb? If not, borrow some that are and see if problem goes away. You might also want to check pny ram on another machine to confirm they are ok.

Take a look in the following forum as well:
http://forums.tweaktown.com/asrock/

 

[jgodfrey]

My Asrock H67M-GE, i5-2400, 2x4GB Samsung M378B5273CH0-CH9 is running stable for several months. Well, keyboard locks up when coming out of hibernation every few weeks. It happens infrequently enough I simply ignore it.

Good to hear...

Did you check if your ram is compatible with the mb? If not, borrow some that are and see if problem goes away. You might also want to check pny ram on another machine to confirm they are ok.

It's *NOT* on the list of compatible RAM. Unfortunately, I didn't find the list until after I placed the order. It does, however, have the proper specs. I don't really have a good way to borrow more RAM or try the current modules in another box.

Take a look in the following forum as well:
http://forums.tweaktown.com/asrock/

Ah, yeah - good idea. I'll look around there and post if necessary.

Thanks for the reply.

Jeff

 

[pauldun170]

When it comes to Asrock boards, use the recommended memory

 

[jgodfrey]

When it comes to Asrock boards, use the recommended memory

Yeah, I'm leaning toward a memory incompatibility here too. I just wish I'd noticed the compatibility list on the AsRock board before ordering what I have...

 

[jgodfrey]

I just heard back from PNY support. They suggested I try the memory at 8-8-8-24 and 1.65 volts. Running that test now, but only 40 minutes in...

Jeff

 

[pauldun170]

Can you return\exhange the PNY memory? Sell it?

 

[jgodfrey]

Can you return\exhange the PNY memory? Sell it?

Yes, if I do it in the next few days (nearing the end of NewEgg's return window). However, it'd be nice to know that was the problem first.

Update - the most recent test (with PNY suggested memory settings) locked up in memtest at 1 hour 22 minutes.

Now, I've heard back from ASRock support - who has me running a more "bare-bones" test. Running that now.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[jgodfrey]

Nope. The ASRock tests were a no-go too. To their credit, both PNY and ASRock have offered to RMA their portions of the build. Hoping that it's simply a memory incompatibility, I opted to RMA the memory to NewEgg for a refund (as opposed to a replacement had I RMA'd it to PNY). I've now ordered some G.SKill memory that ASRock specifically lists as "supported" on the mobo's product page. I'll report back when I've received and tested it.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[pauldun170]

Nope. The ASRock tests were a no-go too. To their credit, both PNY and ASRock have offered to RMA their portions of the build. Hoping that it's simply a memory incompatibility, I opted to RMA the memory to NewEgg for a refund (as opposed to a replacement had I RMA'd it to PNY). I've now ordered some G.SKill memory that ASRock specifically lists as "supported" on the mobo's product page. I'll report back when I've received and tested it.

Thanks,

Jeff

good luck.

 

[jgodfrey]

Well, I'm back - this time with some new (specifically supported by the MOBO) memory modules. Unfortunately, I have exactly the same results (a freeze in memtest86 at about the 1 hour mark) and random freezes during actual use.

So, I guess it's not the memory...

I'm currently trying some tweaks suggested by someone in another forum, but so far, no luck. I've sent another email to ASRock support, but haven't heard back yet (just sent it).

Any other ideas?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[groberts101]

did you try setting the memory to static voltages and manual timings? because these issues have plagued these platforms from nearly day one.

Some use XMP profiles successfully while others are advised(by the mobo mfgrs) to use completely stock or manual settings. Some swap memory and find stability.. while others must tweak and tune. It's a PITA.. but many have overcome the issues if you read through the various mobo mfgr forums. Good luck with it

 

[jgodfrey]

did you try setting the memory to static voltages and manual timings? because these issues have plagued these platforms from nearly day one.

Yes, I have set up the memory voltags and timings manually - though not with my *new* modules. I'll give that a shot next (running a test now). Since it takes at least an hour to freeze the system, testing changes takes a while...

It's a PITA.. but many have overcome the issues if you read through the various mobo mfgr forums. Good luck with it

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep at it...

Jeff

 

[SolMiester]

did you try setting the memory to static voltages and manual timings? because these issues have plagued these platforms from nearly day one.

Some use XMP profiles successfully while others are advised(by the mobo mfgrs) to use completely stock or manual settings. Some swap memory and find stability.. while others must tweak and tune. It's a PITA.. but many have overcome the issues if you read through the various mobo mfgr forums. Good luck with it

This^

 

[jgodfrey]

This^

Sorry, I'm not sure what you're saying...

 

[jgodfrey]

Update - ASRock support has asked me to RMA the mobo...

 

[jgodfrey]

Received new mobo from ASRock. So far, so good. System stable for 2 days. I think this one's behind me now (crosses fingers)...

Jeff