Dybdal

Hi guys. I have a problem that i simply doesn't undderstand.

Im fixing a computer for a friend, and the problem is that it restarts randomly, but if i move the ram to new slots the problem changes.
Let me explain

If i have the ram modules in slot 1 & 3 the computer randomly restarts.
If they are in slot 2 & 4 the computer no longer restarts, but now it hibernates constantly
If there only are one in slot 3 the computer wont boot, the cpufan just starts spinning at full speed and then nothing happens, no mather what ram module i use.??

Im thinking it's the mobo, because i have tested both ram modules, one at a time with memtest

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PruritusAni

That is a very curious problem indeed. I think you may be right in your suspicion of the mobo, but the PSU can also be added to that list (it's always one of the suspects when the computer shuts down/restarts). Are you getting any sort of mobo beeps at boot?

Dybdal

It doesn't make any sounds at all. And i have also though of the psu, but thats one thing that wouldn't make sense, since the ram doesn't change power requirements if they are in a different slot.

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PruritusAni

Hmm, there's really not a whole lot for me to go on here. I was hoping for some beep error code or something to help troubleshoot the mobo.

I understand that it is logical that the PSU shouldn't be at fault, but I will continue to suspect the PSU. If you have a spare PSU laying around you can easily rule it out.

Once the PSU is ruled out however, it's all mobo:
- make sure the BIOS is up to date
- make sure that the memory is in the slots recommended by the mobo manufacturer
- make sure the timings/voltage of the RAM is what their manufacturer recommends
- make sure everything is seated properly and all cables are plugged in (maybe even check for dust in the slots - I know I'm stretching here, but it's worth a shot)

If all that fails, then yeah the mobo may be due for retirement.

EDIT: There might be something else to try as a last resort: with sticks in slots 1&3 start up the computer and as soon as you get in the OS, disable hibernate. Then switch the memory to slots 2&4 and see what happens. It shouldn't be able to hibernate again, so the problem ought to manifest itself differently. Either that or through nothing short of a "miracle" the problem disappears.

Dybdal

i cant test it right now. But i have tried disabling hibernation, but then it just goes to standby instead.

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PruritusAni

Hmm, I think there might be a way to disable standy/sleep as well, but that might be complicated, and have unintended consequences. And even then your computer will probably just shutdown/restart, and I can't think of a practical way or a reason to stop the computer from doing that. Let me know when you do get some time to test some of the things I listed or if you find a solution to your problem, as I am very intrigued by it.

Dybdal

I'll do I'm looking forward to getting your help solving this problem.

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