Well this is embarrassing...

stroebs

stroebs

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So I know I usually help people out when they're having PC problems but this time I've tried everything I can personally think of so solve this problem, to no avail.

The Machine:
All parts are no more than 4 months old (Unless stated otherwise)
Asus P7H55-M/USB3
Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C7 (2Gx2) (DDR3-1600 CL7)
a few Segate HDDs
8800GTX (current one while I await the replacement) (5 years old)
PSU: CoolerMaster GX650
Win7 Pro x64

The Problem:
I went to sleep in the afternoon one hot afternoon, when I awoke, my PC was sitting on a BSOD (Firt I've had with this build). I switched it off, switched it back on and could not start up. Did the usual diagnostics and removed a stick of RAM which made it work but it would just BSOD as soon as Windows loaded the desktop.
So I wiped the drive and installed fresh.
When I installed the stick of RAM I previously removed, it would not POST. The GPU fans usually spin up to max and return to standard when the PC starts but with both sticks of RAM in it would stay at max and wouldn't boot.

I tried the memory in every single configuration possible and it would either boot but with only 2GB being detected or it would just hang there.

So I took the one stick of RAM back to the suppliers and had it tested... No fault. Although the memory had been working for about 4 months before this happened.
________________________________________________________________________
I've tried:
- Resetting CMOS
- Reinstalling Windows (had to anyways)
- Every dsingle different ememory configuration possible
- Removing everything except absolutely necessary from motherboard
- Flashing/Updating BIOS
- Returning the RAM to supplier

Please help?
 
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Last option would be the motherboard. What PSU are you running? could also be caused by a failed cap in the PSU increasing ripple voltages out of spec or something stupid like that.
 
If I were in your position I would try a new PSU first as that's very easy to do...failing which my guess would be the m/board.
 
I shall test taking the modules out completely.

I just find it strange that it is just that chip specifically that triggers the nonsense, as it will not POST with just that chip in it either.

EDIT: Also remembered that I had to turn my Anti-surge off on my motherboard because it is extremely irritating as every time I started the PC it would say "Anti-surge was triggered during the last startup. Press F1 to enter setup or F2 to load defaults and continue"
I'm guessing this is not normal? Happened from day 1.

EDIT 2: I think I may have found the problem, but it still doesn't solve the cause of the problem - could it be my PSU or motherboard that caused this? How would I find out?
04032011085.jpg
 
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stroebs said:
EDIT 2: I think I may have found the problem, but it still doesn't solve the cause of the problem - could it be my PSU or motherboard that caused this? How would I find out?
04032011085.jpg
Click to expand...

Check the ram slots with a magnifying glass, microscope, or small child (they usually have good eyesight). If there is no corresponding damage there, then it could be just the stick that was the problem.
 
Silly thing to try but it might work:

brush the RAM slots gently with a small brush to ensure that there is nothing in the slots. (once one client got a cat hair in a RAM slot - no I did not ask how that happend :rolleyes:). PC worked after that.

...........

Also take a white eraser & clean the contact (copper) points on the RAM chips. If there's something there that will clear it off. On older RAM chips that's how you remove corrosion.

Then after that - borrow a PSU from a friend for a test.

Then if still problems it's more likely to be your mobo
 
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Yeah I'm first going to get my RAM replaced then will go from there.

I also plan on buying a UPS as the circuits in my house are extremely old and every plug in the house pretty much runs off one breaker.
 
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Looks like you had a short / arching event on that particular model. essentially the connector pad is stuffed and I would recommend you replace the memory module with a new one and all should be well. I would also recommend that you use a vacuum cleaner to remove any (invisible) dust / dirt which may contain materials that would cause such a short / arching event.
 
CriticalConsumer said:
Looks like you had a short / arching event on that particular model. essentially the connector pad is stuffed and I would recommend you replace the memory module with a new one and all should be well. I would also NOT recommend that you use a vacuum cleaner to remove any (invisible) dust / dirt which may contain materials that would cause such a short / arching event. - Unless it's battery operated
Click to expand...

there .... fixed it for ya ;)
 
Haha wouldn't dare go near my PC with a vacuum cleaner.

I have an air compressor, will use that.
 
stroebs said:
Haha wouldn't dare go near my PC with a vacuum cleaner.

I have an air compressor, will use that.
Click to expand...

Good idea only if you want to blow rust into all the nooks and crannies. Most people wouldn't want to do that.
 
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