Random, Unexplained System Crashes While Playing Guild Wars ...

[Guest]

Hi there,

Am experiencing random, unexplained crashes (application only) and was
curious to know if there is indeed a "ghost in the machine". Sorry for the
verbosity below, but I suppose it would be easier for the nut & bolt folks
amongst us (I'm a programmer\analyst myself) to render an opinion if they had
just a bit of detail.

I personally suspect the ram ... especially when you look at the timings of
the two 256 Mb sticks compared against the 512 Mb. But I'm totally out of my
depth at this point.

Bottom line, the overall system is stable ... but this damn application
(Guild Wars) is somewhat flaky. GW's techs are pointing their fingers at my
system ("Heaven knows *our software is PERFECT* ...)

Questions, comments ... do I have mismatched Ram sticks?

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904
(DirectX 9.0c)

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4
540J, 3200 MHz (16 x 200)
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 8400
Motherboard Chipset Intel Alderwood i925XE
System Memory 1024 MB (DDR2-533
DDR2 SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (10/11/04)
Communication Port Communications Port
(COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port
(LPT1)

Video Adapter Properties:
Device Description NVIDIA GeForce 6800
Adapter String GeForce 6800
BIOS String Version 5.41.02.17.25
Chip Type GeForce 6800
DAC Type Integrated RAMDAC
Installed Drivers nv4_disp
(6.14.10.9147 - nVIDIA ForceWare 91.47)
Memory Size 256 MB


[ DIMM1: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450C236Ch
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM2: Micron Tech. 16HTF6464AY-53EB2 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Micron Tech.
16HTF6464AY-53EB2
Serial Number C8033C56h
Manufacture Date Week 51 / 2004
Module Size 512 MB (2 ranks, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us),
Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-12
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-9
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM3: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450922B9h
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

 

[Guest]

With most boards,memory should be in pairs,installing 2 256mb & 1 512mb
most boards will not even start......You can try 2 things,in run typeXDIAG
run Direct X tests.The other,chk the ram,go
to:httpca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp Download & install to a MS-DOS
formatt-
ed floppy,then boot to floppy,let it run for an hour or so.I believe it
will run off
a cd also.....

Hi there,

Am experiencing random, unexplained crashes (application only) and was
curious to know if there is indeed a "ghost in the machine". Sorry for the
verbosity below, but I suppose it would be easier for the nut & bolt folks
amongst us (I'm a programmer\analyst myself) to render an opinion if they had
just a bit of detail.

I personally suspect the ram ... especially when you look at the timings of
the two 256 Mb sticks compared against the 512 Mb. But I'm totally out of my
depth at this point.

Bottom line, the overall system is stable ... but this damn application
(Guild Wars) is somewhat flaky. GW's techs are pointing their fingers at my
system ("Heaven knows *our software is PERFECT* ...)

Questions, comments ... do I have mismatched Ram sticks?

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904
(DirectX 9.0c)

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4
540J, 3200 MHz (16 x 200)
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 8400
Motherboard Chipset Intel Alderwood i925XE
System Memory 1024 MB (DDR2-533
DDR2 SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (10/11/04)
Communication Port Communications Port
(COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port
(LPT1)

Video Adapter Properties:
Device Description NVIDIA GeForce 6800
Adapter String GeForce 6800
BIOS String Version 5.41.02.17.25
Chip Type GeForce 6800
DAC Type Integrated RAMDAC
Installed Drivers nv4_disp
(6.14.10.9147 - nVIDIA ForceWare 91.47)
Memory Size 256 MB


[ DIMM1: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450C236Ch
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM2: Micron Tech. 16HTF6464AY-53EB2 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Micron Tech.
16HTF6464AY-53EB2
Serial Number C8033C56h
Manufacture Date Week 51 / 2004
Module Size 512 MB (2 ranks, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us),
Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-12
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-9
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM3: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450922B9h
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

 

[Guest]

Yes, the MS Memory Diagnostic *will* run off a CD ... I just haven't quite
figured out how to do it ... YET. Have downloaded & installed the Windows
2003 Resource Kit Tools (with the supposed capabiltiy of creating a bootable
CD). Am pretty much stuck at this point.

Regarding the memory, the system came with the two Samsung (256 Mb) sticks
.... I added the 512 Mb later on ... Have had NO problems UNTIL I got hooked
on Guild Wars ... darn it ...

Normally mismatched memory would generate parity errors, gripes during POST
and glitches in the CMOS\BIOS right?
--
Pendraig
Esse quam videri

With most boards,memory should be in pairs,installing 2 256mb & 1 512mb
most boards will not even start......You can try 2 things,in run typeXDIAG
run Direct X tests.The other,chk the ram,go
to:httpca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp Download & install to a MS-DOS
formatt-
ed floppy,then boot to floppy,let it run for an hour or so.I believe it
will run off
a cd also.....

Hi there,

Am experiencing random, unexplained crashes (application only) and was
curious to know if there is indeed a "ghost in the machine". Sorry for the
verbosity below, but I suppose it would be easier for the nut & bolt folks
amongst us (I'm a programmer\analyst myself) to render an opinion if they had
just a bit of detail.

I personally suspect the ram ... especially when you look at the timings of
the two 256 Mb sticks compared against the 512 Mb. But I'm totally out of my
depth at this point.

Bottom line, the overall system is stable ... but this damn application
(Guild Wars) is somewhat flaky. GW's techs are pointing their fingers at my
system ("Heaven knows *our software is PERFECT* ...)

Questions, comments ... do I have mismatched Ram sticks?

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904
(DirectX 9.0c)

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4
540J, 3200 MHz (16 x 200)
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 8400
Motherboard Chipset Intel Alderwood i925XE
System Memory 1024 MB (DDR2-533
DDR2 SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (10/11/04)
Communication Port Communications Port
(COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port
(LPT1)

Video Adapter Properties:
Device Description NVIDIA GeForce 6800
Adapter String GeForce 6800
BIOS String Version 5.41.02.17.25
Chip Type GeForce 6800
DAC Type Integrated RAMDAC
Installed Drivers nv4_disp
(6.14.10.9147 - nVIDIA ForceWare 91.47)
Memory Size 256 MB


[ DIMM1: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450C236Ch
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM2: Micron Tech. 16HTF6464AY-53EB2 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Micron Tech.
16HTF6464AY-53EB2
Serial Number C8033C56h
Manufacture Date Week 51 / 2004
Module Size 512 MB (2 ranks, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us),
Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-12
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-9
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM3: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450922B9h
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

 

[Richard Urban]

I would certainly suspect the RAM that is not matched. Your bios has to be
adjusted for the slowest RAM, and even that may not work, as Windows XP uses
the RAM much more aggressively than previous Window operating systems.

If you are adjusted for the faster RAM, your are overclocking the slower
RAM. This will cause some instability if the slower RAM is not capable of
using the faster timing settings.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

Hi there,

Am experiencing random, unexplained crashes (application only) and was
curious to know if there is indeed a "ghost in the machine". Sorry for
the
verbosity below, but I suppose it would be easier for the nut & bolt folks
amongst us (I'm a programmer\analyst myself) to render an opinion if they
had
just a bit of detail.

I personally suspect the ram ... especially when you look at the timings
of
the two 256 Mb sticks compared against the 512 Mb. But I'm totally out of
my
depth at this point.

Bottom line, the overall system is stable ... but this damn application
(Guild Wars) is somewhat flaky. GW's techs are pointing their fingers at
my
system ("Heaven knows *our software is PERFECT* ...)

Questions, comments ... do I have mismatched Ram sticks?

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904
(DirectX 9.0c)

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4
540J, 3200 MHz (16 x 200)
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 8400
Motherboard Chipset Intel Alderwood
i925XE
System Memory 1024 MB (DDR2-533
DDR2 SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (10/11/04)
Communication Port Communications Port
(COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port
(LPT1)

Video Adapter Properties:
Device Description NVIDIA GeForce 6800
Adapter String GeForce 6800
BIOS String Version
5.41.02.17.25
Chip Type GeForce 6800
DAC Type Integrated RAMDAC
Installed Drivers nv4_disp
(6.14.10.9147 - nVIDIA ForceWare 91.47)
Memory Size 256 MB


[ DIMM1: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450C236Ch
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM2: Micron Tech. 16HTF6464AY-53EB2 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Micron Tech.
16HTF6464AY-53EB2
Serial Number C8033C56h
Manufacture Date Week 51 / 2004
Module Size 512 MB (2 ranks, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us),
Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-12
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-9
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

[ DIMM3: Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CD5 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M3
78T3253FG0-CD5
Serial Number 450922B9h
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4
banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-533 (266 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

Memory Timings:
@ 266 MHz 5.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 266 MHz 4.0-4-4-11
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8
(CL-RCD-RP-RAS)