Computer issues...ideas?

[dowen]

Ok so I bought a new computer about 6 months ago and the thing was having all sorts of troubles and kept coming up with DLL errors and stuff and randomly kept rebooting itself with no error or warning....just bam...reboot...wierd. So took it back and they checked it out and turns out i had a dodge stick of RAM, so they replaced it...and while they had it i decided to chuck in an extra 2 GIG of RAM...all the better to use my recording software with

So anyway, my computer randomly started rebooting itself again...no DLL errors or anything this time...but it annoyingly reboots...is it likely to be another dodgy stick of RAM? Or could it be something else?

[T-roy]

test your ram put one stick at a time and turn it on trouble shooting is your friend.

If it does the same shit every time you put new ram in then you know thats not it. i also recommend reinstalling windows.

[Klink]

Could be a number of things... but i'd go with either dodgy stick of ram... or a manky power supply.

It seems that the quality of power supplies is massively declining. Even if you buy a top of the range power supply, they seem to still use cheap ass capacitors and components.

[g0zer]

low end cheapo ram is the bane of stability. especially if you are running lots of sticks in dual channel configuration.

its usually better to run less bigger sticks that lots of little sticks ie: if you want to run 4Gb than run 2x 2Gb sticks not 4x 1Gb.

You can also try de-rating the RAM timings in advanced bios settings to improve stability.

also look for bios flashes and chipset driver updates for your mainboard.

[dowen]

Cheers for the replies. Yeah I would test stuff...but will void my warranty if I do...guess just means I'll have to take it back and be without it for 3 days...grrr

[g0zer]

you are allowed to open your case.

just remember when pulling ram sticks that if you are running DDR2 in dual channel configuration then you will have to pull two sticks at a time from the correct dimm slot. they are usually colour coded in DDR2 boards. your mainboard manual will also give you a fill order ie: fill DIMM 1+3 first then DIMM 2 + 4 second or something like that.

also if you are a noob re: pulling computers to bits and putting them back together again your mainboard manual should contain instructions that will explain how to remove and insert ram sticks without breaking anything- refer to it and read carefully.

[dowen]

Right oh, thanks ey. You sure I'm allowed to open the case? I got it from Austin and it's got a sticker over the corner of the case that says something about warranty and opening it...???

[mattio]

I wouldn't risk voiding the warranty myself. Perhaps phoning up their support desk and ask for clarification about this would be the go.

[g0zer]

Originally Posted by dowen

Right oh, thanks ey. You sure I'm allowed to open the case? I got it from Austin and it's got a sticker over the corner of the case that says something about warranty and opening it...???

well, like was said you should give them a call. At the same time give dept of consumer affairs a call.

thats an old trick used by computer shops, to force a customer to buy all future components and upgrades from them and to have them do the work as well.

i have never bought a built box in my life and only buy components. i have bought from austin although i prefer to use mcg-tech.com.au

if i buy ram i buy a stick and take it home install it myself and if it doesnt work i take it back to the shop. i have never had a shop refuse to honour a warrentee claim because they didnt install it.

[DaveR6]

just run a software test on the RAM. dont need to bother even opening the case

[mattio]

That's true. Memtest86

[dowen]

Yeah think i might give em a ring...not worth risking voiding my warranty. But it still under warranty so whatever the fault they should fix it at their own cost...see how we go I spose...cheers

[g0zer]

further to klink's comments re: low end power supplies.

when you buy a box system from a shop, unless you specify the hardware you will get a box filled with the cheapest componentry on the market. considering every single item is the cheapest of its kind, its hardly surprising the box is unstable!