I used to get regular BSODs on my computer. I was using a cheap ECS Elite motherboard. After trying the usual tricks like turning off ACPI, I eventually replaced the MOBO with an ASUS A7N8X. Joy! The BSODs stopped!...
...
...then, after 2 months of smooth usage on my new Asus A7N8X mobo, this weekend the BSODs started again. I want to cry!
The BSOD error messages are often different, ranging from IRQ NOT LESS OR EQUAL to problems in Netbios.sys, or "win32k.sys page fault in non paged area". They happen at random times (e.g. after 20 minutes of using Cubase, or just while opening a folder in explorer.)
I think that my memory could be at fault, since it's unbranded mystery memory. Since memory is so cheap, this is also a good thing to try replacing first. I'll go to "cruical" upon the groups' recommendation.
My question is - which numbers should I watch for greatest stability? Crucial recommends three 512mb DDR memory options:
PC2100
CAS Latency=2.5
7.5ns
PC2700
CAS Latency=2.5
6ns
PC3200
CAS Latency=3
5ns
It's clear which is fastest, but does faster=less stable? I really just want stability, because a fast machine is useless if it only runs for 20 minutes!
Any advice appreciated.
Toby
B.S.O.D.
The best thing to do with memory is to buy the fastest (i.e. in your case PC3200) and then if necessary run it at a slower speed for increased stability by setting the speed in the bios. To be honest, though, I doubt you'll have a problem if you run it at the maximum it will allow anyway.
If you haven't already, it might be worth checking the current memory timings in the bios and the Mhz setting it is running at, as you might be able to use more conservative settings. Some bioses need special key-presses to get to this menu, so I'd check the manual.
If you haven't already, it might be worth checking the current memory timings in the bios and the Mhz setting it is running at, as you might be able to use more conservative settings. Some bioses need special key-presses to get to this menu, so I'd check the manual.
