BSOD - Memory Management?

Jeff1961 · 08 May 2015

essenbe said:

Jeff1961, sure you can try it and see if you have any more BSODs. But, as I stated before, if you run memtest86+ for less than 8 passes, it is not fully tested. Memory can be pretty difficult. No test is 100% accurate, but the test I asked you to run is the best test we have. I don't recall it ever showing errors where there were none, but it can pass ram that is bad occasionally. If the ram was not fully seated or locked into place, that could cause an error. If you continue to have BSODs, you are going to have to spend the time and run the tests right. 8 complete passes or an error, whichever happens first. With 16 GB of ram, 8 passes will take about 20 hours to run, and they all have to be run in one test. I know what an aggravation that is, but there is no way around it. I can't tell you how many times I have been through it and if there was a short cut, trust me, I would be using it.

Okay. I hear ya. :)

Can we clarify the definition of "8 passes" though please.
Do you mean the part in the middle-right box of the memtest interface that shows "2" for the number of passes in my last screenshot? The box that also shows ram, timings and errors in it.
If that's true...then I screwed up my initial tests as I thought it only needed to do one of those. Which are 1.5 hours to do for one stick in one slot. That would be 12 hours per stick, per slot. That's going to add up to a lot more than 20 hours to test all four sticks independently in all 4 slots.

essenbe · 08 May 2015

Yes, it states 'Passes' that has to be 8. But, the time it takes depends on how much ram you have installed. 16 GB takes about 20 hours, depending on your machine. 8 GB takes about 9-10 Hours for 8 passes. So, I would imagine that 4 GB would take 4-5 hours for 8 passes. Each pass consists of 10 tests. Each pass tests something different and each test runs a different test. So, you are not running 1 test 8 times, you are running 8 different tests with 8 passes. So, 8 passes is the minimum number of passes to run in order to completely test the ram, more is better. However, while running the 8 passes, if you get an error, you can stop the test right then. It has failed, so no need to run the 8 passes. I hope that explains it better.

Jeff1961 · 08 May 2015

Ya...that's a better explanation, but I don't know where you get the overall time of 20 hours. I think you are saying 20 hours for each stick. (and that's just on one mobo slot)
My time is more valuable than the cost of replacement ram. I doubt I will continue with this. Thanks for your help though.

essenbe · 08 May 2015

That is not what I am saying. It is not 20 hours for each stick, it is 20 hours for 16 GB (4 sticks in your case). If you are running 1 stick, the time will be much less. I know that with 16 GB it takes me roughly 20 Hours to run 8 passes. With 8 GB it takes me roughly 9.5-10 hours. So if you were running with 1 4 GB stick, I would imagine you are looking at 4.5 - 5 hours.

As far as just replacing the ram, you can do that too, if you prefer. But, I would duplicate the issue and make sure before I spent money. You could also try using it the way it is right now and see if you still have the BSODs. It could have been caused by the ram not being completely seated.

Jeff1961 · 18 May 2015

No more problems, so I think it is safe to assume it was due to the RAM not being seated all the way in to the mobo.
Thanks for you help. :)

essenbe · 18 May 2015

You are more than welcome for whatever help I gave. I hope it continues to work well for you. Thanks for the Rep too. That was very thoughtful of you.