I've been having various BSOD showing up since I built my PC around 2 months ago that indicate memory faults or corruption. After receiving these errors I've performed tests using Microsoft's Memory Diagnostic tool or MemTest86 and they've come back with hardware issues within the first few seconds. However, after having the computer turned off for a while, to try the RAM in a different slot configuration, or just to slam my head repeatedly against the wall, a second memory test reports no errors with the RAM whatsoever. I have run tests over 16 hours with absolutely no errors shown.
After further messing around I have thankfully found out to consistently recreate this issue I need to:
After doing this it reports hardware issues guaranteed, and loading Windows after this can result in a variety of BSOD. If I then shutdown the computer and leave it off for a few minutes I can start it back up and request a Memory Diagnostic test. This test will then complete with several passes, showing absolutely no errors.
I have taken this testing further, testing each 4GB stick seperately in slot 1, and then again in slot 3 with the same results.
As it would be unlikely for both sticks of RAM to have the same issue I believe this discounts the RAM as being the root cause. Same with the slots on the motherboard. Does this mean the CPU's memory controller is the most likely suspect, or is there another explanation? My BIOS is set to all defaults, with nothing overclocked.
These are my systems specifications:
After further messing around I have thankfully found out to consistently recreate this issue I need to:
Shutdown the system via any usual method;
Immediately start it back up again and allow windows to load;
Start Microsoft's Memory Diagnostic test, allowing it to restart the computer.
After doing this it reports hardware issues guaranteed, and loading Windows after this can result in a variety of BSOD. If I then shutdown the computer and leave it off for a few minutes I can start it back up and request a Memory Diagnostic test. This test will then complete with several passes, showing absolutely no errors.
I have taken this testing further, testing each 4GB stick seperately in slot 1, and then again in slot 3 with the same results.
As it would be unlikely for both sticks of RAM to have the same issue I believe this discounts the RAM as being the root cause. Same with the slots on the motherboard. Does this mean the CPU's memory controller is the most likely suspect, or is there another explanation? My BIOS is set to all defaults, with nothing overclocked.
These are my systems specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4590
Motherboard: ASRock B85M-Pro4
Memory: 8G Kit 1600 Patriot Signature Line CAS 11
GPU: Gigabyte R9 290 4GB
PSU: Fractal Design Integra M 550W
OS: Windows 8.1 (Fully Updated)
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