RAM fried? Or something else?

[Meatwad]

I posted here a few days ago asking for help with my computer that was constantly freezing. Here is the thread - http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=32&threadid=1377429&highlight_key=y&keyword1=constantly. As was suggested in the thread, I pulled RAM out to put them in by themselves to see if that was the problem. Well, I pulled them out, tested them, and Windows fails to load with either stick. I have tried both sticks in all three slots and get the same results. I then tested my RAM in my roommate's brand new computer to see if it worked good in it, and Windows would not load for him when my RAM was in his computer.

Now I realize that I have a RAM problem, but what I want to know is if the RAM is the reason my computer was freezing before. Also, why would the simple act of pulling the RAM out completely kill it? Do I have a bigger problem, such as my motherboard somehow frying the RAM, or what? What else would explain both sticks going dead at the same time?

This really sucks since my RAM is pc3200 Corsair XMS, and I don't really have enough money to replace them with something as high quality.

If anyone has any thoughts on what is going on, please help me out. Thanks.

 

[HermDogg]

Did you OC at all? That's really the only way that you can fry your RAM from the board, unless your voltage levels are way off. If you're brave and can replace the memory IF it fries, try your roommates RAM in yours to see if it works, or borrow a small stick from someone else to at least get in the BIOS and check voltages. When you put your RAM into his computer, did you leave his in as well?

 

[Meatwad]

No, I haven't OC'd at all. My computer has run fine on the same exact settings for 1.5 years, and then it started freezing. That is when I made the thread I linked in my first post on this thread, and I decided to check the memory like was suggested. The only thing I did was pull the memory out to test one at a time to see if one was bad and was the source of my problems.

Yes, when I put my RAM in my roommate's computer we left his in as well.

Could my power supply have gone bad and somehow fried the RAM, or what? I'm just afraid of buying more RAM to only have it fried as well.

 

[ockky]

if it were me, i'd wipe the whole system and start from scratch. but, i of course have nothing of value on my system that i'd care about losing. the reason i'd do this is because, A) if it works, you've saved your self some money, and B) you'll clean up alot of garbage is probably floating around on the system. of course, 😀 if it doesn't work, you've completely wasted your whole day.

but that's just me and i have time to waste baby!

 

[thecrecarc]

if u pull the ram off if ur not careful u might break the ram because of static but its unlikly

 

[Meatwad]

When my computer started freezing I formatted my hard drive thinking that would solve the problem. It still froze after reinstalling Windows so formatting didn't help at all. Click the link I posted in the first post on this thread to see more about that.

I can't really get a new system because I don't have the money, and this one is still good enough to get the job done.

What I really need to know is if both memory sticks being fried was just a freak thing and I shouldn't worry about putting new RAM in my computer, or if I have bigger problems such as mobo or power supply or whatever.

 

[Meatwad]

Earlier today I tried starting with my old RAM again, and when I turned the comp on something smelled like it was burning. :Q I turned it off immediately so as to not cause further damage, and I don't know where the smell was coming from. Does anyone have any ideas where the smell was coming from?

 

[Meatwad]

Is my motherboard fried? :frown:

 

[Meatwad]

What component could the smell have come from? I have no experiance with something like this, and I'm sure someone here has. Help, please.