• Memory Errors on shutdown
    2 replies, posted
[B] Problem: [/B] When I power down my computer, memory errors occur on reboot, and if I attempt to use Windows the computer will crash in short order. I know this from using Memtest86 version 4. It appears the longer the computer has been off or without power, the more errors occur. This problem happens if the computer is shutdown normally, put into hibernate (which I don't routinely use anyway) or cold booted (which I also avoid for obv reasons). Sleep mode however, does not cause errors. I can restart the computer using Windows without errors occuring, and when I have occasionally had the trip switch go (for an unrelated reason) I do find I have time to run downstairs and turn it on, and run back up and turn the computer on again before errors occur. My system is my first attempt at a self build which I put together in around April last year. This problem started occuring after the computer had been in use for around 4 months (from April last year), there was no change in settings or hardware when this problem started happening. According to the motherboards QVL, the memory modules I am using in it are certified as being supported. My computer is running at default specs and has never been OC ed. System Specs are: ASUS P7P55D-E PRO motherboard Intel Core i7-860 @ 2.80GHz 6GB Corsair XMS3 DDR 3, 3X2GB modules, part number (of the pack) TR3X6G1600C9 2XATI Radeon HD 5850 graphics cards in crossfire at stock freqencies 2TB RAID 1 array Corsair TX 950W PSU Windows 7 64 bit Antec 902 case (not relevant, just that this case does have good airflow & I keep it clean, so heat is not a problem) [B] Fixes I have tried [/B] When this problem first occured and I could not find an obv fix on the internet I tried changing some BIOS memory settings to see if I could fix it. I discovered that the errors seemed to dissapear when I moved the frequencies of the memory from their defaults up to the XMP frequencies. I do not consider this an overclock as all I was doing was setting the memory speeds at those printed on the sides of the modules themselves. This fix made all errors dissapear (according to memtest 86) until the computer was next shut down. I would then have to clock them down to default again to remove the errors that appeared when I next tried to turn the computer on. This frequency shuttling worked for about 2 months but eventually, after my holiday to america (where the computer was off for 2 weeks and developed literally thousands of errors) this fix ceased to have any effect. I considered RMAing the chips (which have a livetime warranty) but given that when the computer is on (which is now its full time state, that or in sleep mode) it works fine with no issues at all. Also, though their guidelines say if you get errors in memtest 86, send it back, I am concerned that the errors would not be repeatable, as when I take out the modules and test them one at a time (using proper antistatic precautions) I cannot get any errors on them. Also, normally testing them when the computer has just been restarted and not been of for any more than 10 mins then there will be no errors. I fear that RMAing the chips, even if they replaced them, would not fix the problem.... I tried posting this on official Corsair support forums and some other forums but recieved no valid replies (I was totally ignored on corsairs official forum). I am near at my wits end with this, escpecially given how expensive the computer was. I fear that it will not last as long given it has to be on so much more of the time than it otherwise would be, its also not so great for electricity usage! I am totally out of ideas here, and after being ignored on several forums including the official support forum, I hope that the generous ppl here will be prepared offer some of their valuble time in helping me figure out this issue. Thanks in advance and I will watch this thread in case you have any further questions you want to ask.
What could be a problem is bad contacts that start being conductive after they heat up. Best bet would be to just RMA it. If you're feeling especially insane (not really), what you COULD do as a test is bake them at about 40°c for some time and then put them in the computer. If it boots fine, there ya go. Just don't mention that in the RMA clain Not the most likely cause, but it's possible
ok ill try an RMA, im just afraid they will throw them back at me if they don't find the error repeatable :( Sadly I don't have another mobo thats compatible i could test them on :( Anyway thx for your reply, and I think I might try some other options before baking them at 40*C, but I may get there ;p
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