Solved Frequent BSOD, need to determine faulty parts

[Augustus Maximu]

Hi, I'm having problems with random but frequent BSOD. It occurs randomly, sometimes when idle, sometimes when playing SC2/WC3 and sometimes during startup. I think the problem lies with the motherboard's RAM sockets and the RAM sticks themselves, but I would like a professional opinion before ordering new parts.

 

[James7679]

If you suspect that memory is your issue, please follow this Tutorial. Post back the results.

 

[Augustus Maximu]

See, I would, but I can't. I only have 1 out of the 4 RAM sticks still in and putting in any of the others means the computer crashes. BUT, only 2 of the 6 slots in the motherboard lets me put in the "working" RAM stick.

 

[James7679]

So, let me see if I understand correctly. You have 4 sticks of RAM. Your MoBo has 6 slots. 3 of the 4 sticks won't allow the system to boot, if they are installed. Are you following these guidelines?

 

[Augustus Maximu]

Yes, it's not that they never worked, but they stopped working 1 by 1 after a large thunderstorm that fried my router.

 

[James7679]

Then it's likely more than your router got fried. We can be pretty sure that you need new RAM. If only one of the sticks work in slot A1, then you need to buy a new set. A new set will at least enable you to see if the slots on the MoBo are bad as well. At the same time, if you are having voltage regulation issues, it could damage both the new RAM and other components connected to the MoBo. You have a few options here;

1. Buy a new set of RAM that is compatible with your MoBo and we can guide you through some steps that may help identify any other issues.
2. Bring your PC to a local repair shop to have the components individually tested.

No matter what you do, at this point, you need to get a Hard Drive that was not affected by this lightning storm and backup all of your data and important files to it just in case the Hard Drives installed were affected by the surge and decide to die as well.

After this is all said and done, you need to invest in quality surge protection. I live in Florida, the lightning capital of the world. I have had a whole house full of electronics rendered overpriced paper weights due to lack of proper surge protection. I recommend a direct feed surge protector, which can be installed by your utilities provider at you Breaker Panel. Also, you should have surge protection on your components individually. Pay attention to how many outlets on your surge protector actually protect against surges. Your cable and phone lines that are connected to electronics, such as your router, cable box, t.v. etc, should also have protection.

 

[Augustus Maximu]

Thanks a lot, I'll order some new RAM and get one of those surge protection things for my computer.

 

[James7679]

Okay, please let us know how things progress. If you need anything else, we are here.

 

[Augustus Maximu]

Hi again, I did the memtest but it didn't find any errors, however I noticed that the RAM was only running at 500 mhz, and when I checked my bios the 3.3v was red and going at 2.9v. Is this a problem or is it normal?

 

[James7679]

when I checked my bios the 3.3v was red and going at 2.9v. Is this a problem or is it normal?

That's very bad. You certainly need to replace your PSU if your getting a drop like that, especially in the BIOS.

 

[Augustus Maximu]

You know how you can split the power cable going to the motherboard and remove 4 pins of it right? I did that and it shows the 3.3v at 3.3v again, how does that work, and will it even work?

 

[James7679]

Honestly, it doesn't matter what you see now. If you saw the 3.3v rail reading 2.9 in the BIOS, that's bad. No it doesn't matter which plug of the pair you use. The power source is the same for either of the 4pins.

 

[Augustus Maximu]

I'm sure you are right, but is it guaranteed that it is the PSU that's bad and not the motherboard?

 

[James7679]

I'm sure you are right, but is it guaranteed that it is the PSU that's bad and not the motherboard?

No, nothing is gauranteed. Agh, my phone is.acting up. I will post.again when i get home.

 

[James7679]

Okay, sorry about that. My language got changed on swype and everything was in Spanish. So, you need to test your PSU, here's how.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[James7679]

Were you able to get this resolved? If so, please take a moment to post back the results and mark the thread as solved.

 

[Augustus Maximu]

Yes, turns out the motherboard was at fault. Replaced it and problem was solved.

 

[James7679]

That's good news, I am glad you were able to get this resolved. Please mark the thread as solved and if you ever need anything again, we are here.