Conflicting Memtest reports

[Andrewcc]

So, I've been having some issues the last week or so with my computer. I'll spare you the whole process, but basically I'm getting random BSODs, typically with the error message "IRQL not less than or equal" (I got a "bad pool caller" error once too). As soon as this happened the first time, I did some research and found out its probably memory or drivers. Since I haven't installed any hardware in about 3 months, I went with memory. I ran memtest and got 1 error over a 9 hour period. I realized I'd run the test with both sticks in, so I pulled one out and did it one at a time, and got no errors for either. Put them back in, and everything works. So, since I'm a glutton for punishment, I keep trying to figure out which stick is killing me here.

The process goes like this:
-Computer works for certain period of time
-Computer crashes to blue, won't restart
-Memtest initiated on restart, throws any number of errors from 1 to 74000+
-Dimm removed or swapped, memtest shows no errors
-Computer restarts to windows, works, starts process over

I called Crucial after the first BSOD, and I have new Ram showing up tomorrow, so it's not really a big deal, I'm just curious at this point what might be going on.

[beerandcandy]

what are the system specs?

[YMAA]

680i boards often have problems with memory. You're not running 680i by any chance? What are the sticks' rated voltages and what were you running them at?

Welcome to XCPUs by the way.

[Andrewcc]

Gah! Sorry...I can't believe I forgot to include those. This spanish homework is killing the brain cells I actually want.

Everything is running at stock:

E6600@2.4
Asus P5K Deluxe
Ballistix DDR2-1000 @ 2.1, 5-5-5-18 (Not 1066, but it's on the QVL for the board)
MSI X800XL
Seagate HD-Sata
2 Lite-on DVD drives-Sata

[YMAA]

No te preocupes.

Try swapping the sticks around in the slots, e.g. stick 1 in slot 3, stick 2 in slot 1 (for dual channel). Sometimes that can help. Lo adviso mejor...esperate por los nuevos

[Andrewcc]

Heh...yeah, I know, but waiting is hard! Plus, I find it odd that on one memtest run there will be a ton of errors, but if I simply restart and let it run again, it won't pick any up at all. It's weird. Anyway, it was mostly idle curiosity on my part to see if there was any explanation for it. Though I should officially ask: does it sound like bad RAM to you too? Or is there maybe something else behind it I'm overlooking?

[YMAA]

If Memtest is picking up errors, even if it's not every time, there probably are errors. Certainly sounds like bad RAM to me. Inconsistent = bad. Is your system overclocked? Were you running your RAM over or under their rated voltage? How long do you let RAMtest run before pronouncing the stick(s) error-free?

[brentpresley]

RMA the memory. There is a KNOWN problem with P35 based boards and the entire Ballistix line. (I've been through a couple sets myself)

Crucial will send you replacements.

[Andrewcc]

Nope. No overclocking. Everything is just puttering away at stock speeds, settings, and voltages, though when spring classes are done, and I ahve some free time, hopefully I'll get to play with it (I've been saying that since I built it last September, but, you know, whatever). As for pronouncing them "error free" I really haven't since the first memtest showed error, but after about 5 hours I'm usually willing to try and boot the system again, if it shows no errors for that particular scan.

But yeah, Inconsistent is the key word here, that's for sure.

Edit: Thanks Brent, I've actually got new RAM coming in from Crucial tomorrow, I'm just having a curiosity attack on the inconsistent memtest results. It's my second set too, actually. I just figured I'd poke at the old until the new came in, since the cross-ship charge is going to be there for a while regardless.

[Tark]

Crucial bastards... I destroyed 3 sets of their RAM on my maximus formula.. DO NOT go above 2.1v(make sure the board isn't overvolting the memory). I was setting the voltage to 2.1v in the BIOS but the board was adding 0.1v to that and it was frying the RAM, I now set it to 2.02v and it runs perfectly(on new sticks)

[Andrewcc]

Hmmmm......I don't think it was getting too much juice...I basically left it at the board defaults, but for dang sure I'll keep on eye on that when the new stuff comes.

[anticupidon]

Hola y bienvenido !
Si quieres hablar en idioma de Cervantes,pues estoy aqui chaval!
Not a RAM pwnmaster myself btw...

[Andrewcc]

Alright, well, I can see that my term and a half's worth of spanish is thorougly outclassed here . Muchas gracias for all your input on the RAMs...supposedly they'll be here in about 15 hours and I can things back to normal.
Adios!

[Tark]

if its all on defaults its possible it wasn't getting enough juice.. default is 1.8v, I'm sure the RAM is only rated for 800mhz @ 1.8v.