memory - Computer resets randomly?

07
2014-07
  • Cobra_Fast

    I have recently upgraded my machine with another 8GB ram stick to 24GB.

    However, ever since I have random poweroffs (no BSoD, nothing in error logs) followed by a regular boot.

    They occur completely randomly, I can go days without one and other times I have three a day.

    Any Ideas on how to fix this?

    • Answers
  • steve

    Run memtest86 and test every bit of ram you have. It is probably a bad stick of ram. It also has the possibility of being a dying power supply or hard drive.

    Check the most recently changed first! memtest will tell you what stick of memory is bad if there is one.

    Upvoted the comment below and I'm adding it to the answer because it is very valid. BIOS will halt your PC if the temperature reaches unsafe levels.


    • Related Question

    Computer resets when put under load
  • oneat

    I've got a problem with my computer for around one year. You know when I want to install netbeans or watch movie for some time my computer resets. I've got GeForce 7300 gt (6.14.10.9381 driver), Win XP, Pentium IV 2.40 GHZ. Do you know any solution ?


    • Related Answers
  • akira

    it could be something else, but i tend to believe it is hardware, and the last time i saw such a behavior was caused by a faulty powersupply.

    so i would start replacing one part at a time and see if things change.

  • lajuette

    You should check your hardware.

    ...and make a Backup right now!

    The first thing to do (after the backup) would be monitoring the Systems temperatures. SpeedFan may help you with this. Install it, set it up to log your temperatures to a file and then do whatever you need to do to kill the machine. Maybe it's just overheating and the CPU (or another component) resets itself?

    If this does not work boot from any fairly modern linux live CD (like ubuntu) and selevt "check memory" at the boot prompt. It will run memtest+86 which checks your ram. Let it run for a while (over night?) and complete 2-3 complete cycles.

    Everything else will be hard to check. I'd reinstall windows at this point and see if the problem goes away. Otherwise: Change each component step by step (if you have spares).

  • ChrisF

    Check for the CPU (more likely) or graphics card overheating. Watching video can take quite a bit of processing power, so this could be the cause.

  • wag2639

    This may sound silly, but try cleaning your computer. Like literally taking a vacuum and compressed air can and cleaning out the dust. It may cause overheating or clogging some fans which may draw extra power from the power supply and overheat your processor.

    Otherwise, it might be your power supply.

  • MadMan

    If you are running this system with a 300W power supply, it is time for an upgrade. I would recommend no less than a 450W. With that out of the way, also run some full hardware diagnostics. The Hirens Boot CD should cover all of that. If there are still problems after replacing the power supply and anything that fails hardware diagnostics, then update your drivers and codecs. If, after all of that, you still have issues, time for a clean install. Beyond that, you either missed something in the diagnostics or it's time to retire the system.

  • moon

    this seems to be a system heating problem check your system's fan speed also tried the following

    trun off your system unplug ram and start the system it will give beep then turn it off plug the ram again and then start the system

    give update after trying this.