Trying to pinpoint a hardware issue.

So 3ish weeks ago my computer began crashing, and blue screening frequently. Got to the point where I couldn't even get on my computer for 5 seconds.

So I reinstalled Windows, and I kept getting an error code. Can't recall the code, but basically it's the generic error code for whenever access to the hdd is cut off during the installation.

So I figured it could be a few reasons. Faulty CD drive, faulty hdd, faulty ram, or faulty ram slots (mobo).

I used a different hdd which did nothing to help the installation.

I used a different dvd drive, and still nothing installation.

Then I tested my ram (it said it was working), and also moved my ram from slots 1 & 2 to 2&4, and then to currently 1&3. After doing that I finally got Windows to install properly, but the thing is is I still have crashing issues occasionally, and recently I even turned on my computer and before doing anything my CPU usage was at 100%.

I'm pretty certain it has to be a ram, or ram slot issue. One or the other is shorting every so often that kills my computer which could be the reason why my ram check showed it working great, and why my computer beeps once whenever I boot it up.

Have you tested each stick of RAM independently? Have you tested a stick of RAM in each DIMM slot independently? What program did you use to test your RAM?

Instead of installing both ram sticks, try one at a time. It may pin-point the faulty stick.

And as for the future, your sticks should always go in either colour coded, or in slots 1/3, 2/4, 1/3/5, 2/4/6 or it won't be dual/triple channel.

Instead of installing both ram sticks, try one at a time. It may pin-point the faulty stick.

And as for the future, your sticks should always go in either colour coded, or in slots 1/3, 2/4, 1/3/5, 2/4/6 or it won't be dual/triple channel.

Amith12

I'm on the computer now, and the thing is is I could use it for the next day and not have it crash, or use it for a minute and have it crash which makes pin-pointing the problem very time consuming. It'd be one stick at a time in each slot to check for faulty slots, or faulty ram which could potentially take weeks. I was hoping there might be an easier way.

ANd yah I know about the dual channel. I figure even if it's not dual channel (which I'm sure it's not right now) it's not a huge hit to my performance in games granted I haven't booted up Crysis yet, so I guess I wouldn't know how badly as the games I have played since the reinstallation aren't too intense.

[QUOTE="Amith12"]

Instead of installing both ram sticks, try one at a time. It may pin-point the faulty stick.

And as for the future, your sticks should always go in either colour coded, or in slots 1/3, 2/4, 1/3/5, 2/4/6 or it won't be dual/triple channel.

treedoor

I'm on the computer now, and the thing is is I could use it for the next day and not have it crash, or use it for a minute and have it crash which makes pin-pointing the problem very time consuming. It'd be one stick at a time in each slot to check for faulty slots, or faulty ram which could potentially take weeks. I was hoping there might be an easier way.

ANd yah I know about the dual channel. I figure even if it's not dual channel (which I'm sure it's not right now) it's not a huge hit to my performance in games granted I haven't booted up Crysis yet, so I guess I wouldn't know how badly as the games I have played since the reinstallation aren't too intense.

I know its a pain, but testing RAM sticks independently is the only way.

Sounds like faulty ram, although it could be your CPU overheating, your mobo may have got damaged some how, or even your PSU.

[QUOTE="treedoor"]

[QUOTE="Amith12"]

Instead of installing both ram sticks, try one at a time. It may pin-point the faulty stick.

And as for the future, your sticks should always go in either colour coded, or in slots 1/3, 2/4, 1/3/5, 2/4/6 or it won't be dual/triple channel.

Amith12

I'm on the computer now, and the thing is is I could use it for the next day and not have it crash, or use it for a minute and have it crash which makes pin-pointing the problem very time consuming. It'd be one stick at a time in each slot to check for faulty slots, or faulty ram which could potentially take weeks. I was hoping there might be an easier way.

ANd yah I know about the dual channel. I figure even if it's not dual channel (which I'm sure it's not right now) it's not a huge hit to my performance in games granted I haven't booted up Crysis yet, so I guess I wouldn't know how badly as the games I have played since the reinstallation aren't too intense.

I know its a pain, but testing RAM sticks independently is the only way.

Yah, guess you gotta do what you gotta do.

Just hoping a single stick of 2gb ram will cover playing L4D2 since I absolutely love to play that with my friend who, sadly, lives 600 miles away from me now.

Thanks for the input though.