Problems with new Core 2 Build... random reboots

[Corren]

Ok. Both sticks passed tests one at a time.

Upon trying both sticks together, i can generate errors on test #5 within 30 minutes in either set of slots.

Manually setting voltage in bios to 1.9v.

rerunning tests.

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: Corren
Ok. Both sticks passed tests one at a time.

Upon trying both sticks together, i can generate errors on test #5 within 30 minutes in either set of slots.

Manually setting voltage in bios to 1.9v.

rerunning tests.

It looks like your mem is fine. You may have a faulty mobo or psu. Which BIOS are you running, again? Also, are you using the lastest version of memtest?

http://www.memtest.org

-phil

 

[Corren]

Yes, I'm running the latest memtest, v 1.65

I just came home after 7 hours of letting memtest run with both sticks at 1.9v at DDR2-800, and it had run 242 passes with 216 errors. I had last looked at 2 or so hours, and it had not produced any errors.

I'm going to let it run overnight at 1.9v DDR2-533.

You think it's Mobo?

 

[phile]

I would say motherboard or powersupply. Easiest and quickest way to find out which one: go buy a new PSU from Best Buy. You can always reutrn it should the mobo end-up being the culprit.

-phil

 

[Corren]

Sure that seems reasonable about the motherboard.

I'm not convinced about the power supply though. I can't see a system working into windows, and running memtest fine for one stick, but bad for two when it's anything but a mobo issue.

 

[Gronich]

I have gone down the same path myself: calculated all the wattage of all the devices and convinced myself that there was enough power; had random lock-ups; memory errors; rebooting when the graphics card tries to run DirectX games, etc.

Replaced the 250W PSU with a 400W PSU and all the faults went away...

As phile says you can always return it or keep it as a spare/future computer.

As you say it could be the MOBO but the only way to find out is to isolate each component in turn and replace with a "known good" component - start with the PSU!

 

[phile]

Obviously, I concur. Nothing like going through the time and trouble of an RMA, only to find you RMA'd the wrong component.

-phil

 

[imported_Crusader]

First thing I'd do is set all bios options to defaults and replace the PSU.

Even if its not the PSU, having a great test/backup/spare isnt a bad idea, so not a very useless purchase.

If you cant fathom that, do the BestBuy thing so you can return it.

Sounds to me like a possible short, maybe you dropped a screw in the case touching a portion of the motherboard, or more likely PSU. PSU denial is easy to come by, I understand full well.