Is the RAM bad??

[DocGreen]

Dell Dimension 531 on the bench tonight.

Computer wouldn't post, instead gives single beep error continously. RAM config: 2 Nanya 512 DDR2's in slots 1 and 2, and 2 other brand (forgot which) 512 DDR2's in slots 3 and 4. Removed all 4 and powered on... same result. Changed config (Other brand in 1&2, Nayans in 3&4) and computer powers on and posts without error.

BUT... had the computer running Memtest86+ for the past 18 hours with no errors.

Should I replace the RAM?

 

[MSgherzi]

Do you have any RAM that you test with that you can throw in there? I've had bad RAM in MemTest run for days with no errors. It could also be the actual DIMM sockets on the motherboard, which is why some cheap test RAM would be a good idea just to see what it does.

 

[NYJimbo]

Check the speeds and timings on the pairs. Could be something picky.

Did you swap them back to the "bad" configuration to make sure it was the config and not just dirty slot or something ?

 

[DocGreen]

Do you have any RAM that you test with that you can throw in there? I've had bad RAM in MemTest run for days with no errors. It could also be the actual DIMM sockets on the motherboard, which is why some cheap test RAM would be a good idea just to see what it does.

I have some DDR2 on hand, but no guarantee that its good. Worth a try though.

Check the speeds and timings on the pairs. Could be something picky.

Did you swap them back to the "bad" configuration to make sure it was the config and not just dirty slot or something ?

I first tried with just slot 1 occupied (ok), then 1 and 2 both (no post), then tried a different pair in 1 & 2 (ok), then all 4 together with the pairs swapped (ok).

Will try the original config again to see what happens.

 

[DocGreen]

Check the speeds and timings on the pairs. Could be something picky.

Did you swap them back to the "bad" configuration to make sure it was the config and not just dirty slot or something ?

Well, switched back to the original config and everythings fine so far. Memtest hasn't come up with any errors after several passes, so I'm gonna call it a bad connection. Notified the customer of the test results, but also stated that the results are not any kind of guarantee that there won't be RAM issues in the future, just that right now I'm not getting any errors.

 

[HFultzjr]

Well, switched back to the original config and everythings fine so far. Memtest hasn't come up with any errors after several passes, so I'm gonna call it a bad connection. Notified the customer of the test results, but also stated that the results are not any kind of guarantee that there won't be RAM issues in the future, just that right now I'm not getting any errors.

May I suggest blowing out the ram slots with a blast of air.

Might be something "lingering" in one of them.

 

[brandonkick]

And wiping them down with alcohol.

A lot of things can get them dirty/grimy like cigarette smoke and so on. Wipe the contacts down with a cotton swab soaked with rubbing alcohol.

 

[DocGreen]

May I suggest blowing out the ram slots with a blast of air.

Might be something "lingering" in one of them.

And wiping them down with alcohol.

A lot of things can get them dirty/grimy like cigarette smoke and so on. Wipe the contacts down with a cotton swab soaked with rubbing alcohol.

Cleaning is on the todo list. Maybe I should make a habit of doing that first.