charm

I recently bought 512MB of PC2700 DDR for a system that previously had 2 x 128MB PC2100 DDR. Since installing the new memory I've had lockups and random reboots. I'm trying to diagnose whether it's the memory (which I suspect), the software, video card or the combination.

My System has a:
Asus A7N266 motherboard
ATI X1300 256MB AGP video card

Now the A7N266 supposively takes up to 266MHz, and PC2700 is 333MHz, but from what I've read here buying the 333MHz seems to be a smart decision. It should clock down. However, I'm aware how finicky motherboards can be with memory sometimes.

That said, some of the problems seem to have stopped recently. The problems seemed to occur while playing Diablo II. At one point I was using Alcohol 52% to save my CD accesses. When I stopped using it the reboots stopped. I didn't seem to have a problem using it before with the older memory, which makes me question if the memory might be partially at fault. However, Diablo II does still lock up from time to time.

My PSU is rated at 400W, so I don't think it's a power problem. That said, I just bought a PSU tester capable of testing all connections. So I might give it a shot. Like I said, the reboots have stopped. But the system seems to periodically lock up while playing Diablo II. I haven't noticed lockups during other uses... but I tend to use my notebook more than this desktop box.

Thanks

Cromewell

Since you said the random reboots only started when you got the new RAM that suggests that the memory is at fault but if it is only happening at load (ie playing games) then it could be the PSU or even heat related.

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