Pass Memtest86+; Fail Memtest86

[GZeus]

Hi all.

As the title implies, my new system is passing multiple runs of MemTest86+, but failing MemTest86. In MemTest86, the testing process never completes as it stops testing during test #7 with +200 errors.

I have just installed new memory, so I am starting to suspect that it is not the source of my problems.

My Rig basics:
Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe
AMD X2 4400+
Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2PT (2x512)
XFX 7900GT (520Mhz)
XP Pro
Temperatures are all good
HDDs all passing SMART testing

Please let me know any additional info that is needed to help troubleshoot.

Is there any way to test the motherboard and CPU seperately?

All help greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[RebateMonger]

The older Memtest86 doesn't know how to handle some of the newer chipsets and, possibly, memory types. I'd trust the Memtest86+ results if it's a recent motherboard.

 

[GZeus]

Thanks for the information RM.
I wasn't aware of what the difference was between the two versions of MemTest.

I think I should explain a little better what my problems are:
- black screen lock-up when running PCMark05
- black screen lock-up when running 3DMark06
- occasional other black screen lock-ups (they seem random, but I am in testing mode for this new build)

Can a failure in a GPU cause PCMark to fail?

As I mentioned, I'm starting to think that my problems are either with the CPU or the motherboard. What is a good way to test my CPU? Is there a way to test a motherboard?

Thanks again - G

 

[Navid]

When did you buy your 7900GT?

Search the web for 7900 freeze.
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTA2OSwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA

Underclock the graphics card memory to see if the problem goes away before attempting to RMA.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: GZeus
Can a failure in a GPU cause PCMark to fail?

Yes

What is a good way to test my CPU?

Run Prime95 for 10 hours. If it does not error out, your CPU is fine.

 

[WildHorse]

Historical info on MEmtest86 is here.

You may find Memtest86+ available within the Asus bios. It is available inside the DFI bios.

There could be many possible sources of your problem. It's very time consuming to tweak a new rig & find good settings for everything.

As for your RAM specifically, need to tweak it by finding a good voltage, good timing settings, whether you run it 1:1 or on a divider, etc.

Looping each of Memtest86+ tests #5, 7 and 8 for maybe 25 cycles each can give you a good quick indicator of the more high-probability RAM failures, before you run the full time-consuming gauntlet of all the tests. While the tests are running, you can experiment by changing different RAM settings within Memtest86+ and see whether each change results in any RAM bandwidth increase. That helps you find best settings.

But I recommend that you get one of the many good overclocking guides available free on the web. If there's some Asus discussion forum, you may find a good one there. There's one here on Anandtech too. Even if you're not overclocking, that's still where you'll get good detailed guidance on how to tune your RAM & CPU to play together harmoniously.