Is it the motherboard, ram, or CPU?

[Stockmoose16]

Hi,

I've been having an issue with my computer randomly freezing, then
quickly showing the BSOD before restarting. I ran MemTest86+ and both
sticks of my ram (tested individually) came up bad. I borrowed a
friend's computer and ran the same MemTest86+, and both sticks came up
good. So now I have a predicament. The problem must be either the
CPU or the motherboard, but I have no idea how to figure out which
piece of hardware needs fixing. Any advice?

 

[smlunatick]

Hi,

I've been having an issue with my computer randomly freezing, then
quickly showing the BSOD before restarting.  I ran MemTest86+ and both
sticks of my ram (tested individually) came up bad.  I borrowed a
friend's computer and ran the same MemTest86+, and both sticks came up
good.  So now I have a predicament.  The problem must be either the
CPU or the motherboard, but I have no idea how to figure out which
piece of hardware needs fixing.  Any advice?

It is more likely the motherboard that is defective. CPUs are used to
do the '"calculations" needed for the applications to run.

 

[Stockmoose16]

It is more likely the motherboard that is defective. CPUs are used to
do the '"calculations" needed for the applications to run.

How do I know the CPU isn't overheating regularly, or that a prong
isn't broken, or that arctic ice didn't drip onto it?

 

[Ed Covney]

How do I know the CPU isn't overheating regularly, or that a prong

isn't broken, or that arctic ice didn't drip onto it?

Why would a CPU pin be broken? Why would the CPU
be overheating? Did you ever separate the heat sink from
the CPU, and/or remove the CPU from the socket?

Is it an Intel or AMD? Are you over-clocking?

Ed

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

Hi,

I've been having an issue with my computer randomly freezing, then
quickly showing the BSOD before restarting. I ran MemTest86+ and both
sticks of my ram (tested individually) came up bad. I borrowed a
friend's computer and ran the same MemTest86+, and both sticks came up
good. So now I have a predicament. The problem must be either the
CPU or the motherboard, but I have no idea how to figure out which
piece of hardware needs fixing. Any advice?

You should always use a heatsink and fan designed specifically for the CPU..

--
Mike Hall - MVP
How to construct a good post..
http://dts-l.com/goodpost.htm
How to use the Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups..
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=newswhelp&style=toc
Mike's Window - My Blog..
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/default.aspx

 

[smlunatick]

How do I know the CPU isn't overheating regularly, or that a prong
isn't broken, or that arctic ice didn't drip onto it?

Does you PC shutdown by itself often (usually a "thermal" protection
shutdown) and how often do you remove the porcessor chip?

If a pin is broken, the PC will not see a processor and will not boot.

If Arctic Ice (thermal compond in between processor chip and heatsink)
dripped into the wrong "place" (ie: prongs and socket) you would
"smell" it.

If Arctic Ice (water) then the motherboard would be fried and PC will
not start.

 

[Ian D]

Hi,

I've been having an issue with my computer randomly freezing, then
quickly showing the BSOD before restarting. I ran MemTest86+ and both
sticks of my ram (tested individually) came up bad. I borrowed a
friend's computer and ran the same MemTest86+, and both sticks came up
good. So now I have a predicament. The problem must be either the
CPU or the motherboard, but I have no idea how to figure out which
piece of hardware needs fixing. Any advice?

If you go to Control Panel>System>Advanced>Startup and Recovery,
you can untick Automatically restart. This will hold the BSOD screen
for you to check for any clues.