Solved Memory is faulty (assuming) but passes memtest86. Did I miss anything?

[Fanboi]

So I recently upgraded the old gal (my laptop, Inspiron 3558) to 16GB (from 4 to 8 to 16 -- 8GB was a waste). I checked with intel's specs, the 5200U supports 16GB (https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...r-3m-cache-up-to-2-70-ghz/specifications.html)

Anyway, she's my work machine and pretty critical. Since the upgrade I have had two incidents where she's frozen and the display has been reminiscent of a TV when you put a busted VHS in the VCR. I did wonder if the iGPU had just happened to give in, but it wasn't reproducible and as a precaution, I did disable hw accel in my browsers. I figure it would've happened more often than once... well then again today. It's not the display because I used the keyboard to blindly open a terminal and create a file and that was not in my homedir post-boot. Doubt it's the CPU because it'd be much worse.

Nothing in the system journal indicating anything bad so I assume it's something with the memory sticks. Problem is I've run memtest86 twice: once on buying the sticks as SOP, and once after the first incident. They come back clean.

So, I can't return what I can't prove is broken... Unless I did miss something... or she's just dying really really slowly?

 

[kc1di]

How long did you run the memory tests for? If it's an intermittent problem it may take awhile for it to show up. And sometimes it may just be a dirty connection. I use a little denature alcohol to clean the contacts very carefully.

 

[The Duck]

Did this issue occurred after upgrading the memory.

Do you have 2 memory sticks.

If so pull one memory stick and use the laptop for awhile and see what happens.

If everything is okay repeat for the other memory stick.

I run non-matched memory sticks in my desktops without issues.

Look at the motherboard specs and see what memory sticks are recommended.

Laptops can be finicky about what memory sticks that work with them from my experience.

 

[Fanboi]

How long did you run the memory tests for? If it's an intermittent problem it may take awhile for it to show up. And sometimes it may just be a dirty connection. I use a little denature alcohol to clean the contacts very carefully.

I ran the standard 4 passes (takes about 3 hours on this machine) and did so twice. I wiped the sticks with isopropyl, always do. I did check the seating, and any dust in the dimm slots too.

Did this issue occurred after upgrading the memory.

Yup. First upgrad to 8GB was fine. This jump, not so hot.

Do you have 2 memory sticks.

Yup...

If so pull one memory stick and use the laptop for awhile and see what happens.
If everything is okay repeat for the other memory stick.
I run non-matched memory sticks in my desktops without issues.

...I only buy memory kits or sticks from the same lot when I buy loose (only done that once; the 8GB upgrade and actually called them to make sure). I know you can mix stick, even different die, but I err on the side of caution there...

Look at the motherboard specs and see what memory sticks are recommended.

Laptops can be finicky about what memory sticks that work with them from my experience.

Well, Dell says it's compatible with all DDR3 laptop memory that the CPU can handle; i.e 16GB max up DDR3-1600.

 

[Condobloke]

That's a bummer. The worst problems are those that defy being reproduced.

The speed of the new sticks ?...I know they say they are x....but are they ?

Is there a setting anywhere in bios that needs your attention?

(I am just firing off suggestions that may ring a bell....hopefully..)

Did you bump something when installing them ?...check.

Are there any connections related to power close to there ?

 

[kc1di]

I'm not sure your problem is associated with ram. Could be something else best way to figure it out would be to search the system logs next time it occurs. most logs are kept in /var/log folder. there are tools out there that can search the for you but at the moment my memory is lacking. Hopefully you will find the answer.

 

[Fanboi]

That's a bummer. The worst problems are those that defy being reproduced.

Tell me about it. The last time I had a 'goblin' I was running an an Celeron hand-me-down with WinXP and the blue screens turned out to be this amazing Yahama soundcard I'd bindived. That was over 20 years back.

The speed of the new sticks ?...I know they say they are x....but are they ?

Yup, checked in the BIOS and memtest. Running at 1600Mhz.

Is there a setting anywhere in bios that needs your attention?

Nope, she doesn't support over/under clocking. Downside to older laptops.

(I am just firing off suggestions that may ring a bell....hopefully..)
Did you bump something when installing them ?...check.
Are there any connections related to power close to there ?

No bumps; I'm super paranoid like that. And the DC input is on the other side away from all the components -- one thing about Dell is they have good layouts both for laptops and workstations, which is why they're my first choice.

I'm not sure your problem is associated with ram. Could be something else best way to figure it out would be to search the system logs next time it occurs. most logs are kept in /var/log folder. there are tools out there that can search the for you but at the moment my memory is lacking. Hopefully you will find the answer.

Yeah, I'm starting to wonder myself if it isn't just the worst coincidence... The only thing I can think is the CPU may actually have developed those micro fissures. Checked the system logs after the recent crash and there's literally nothing weird.


Well folks, thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep trying to figure this out but it looks like the old gal may need to retire. It's sad and I'll probably keep running her in a non-critical role until death do us part because I'm sentimental about my machines, but with work, needs must.

 

[Fanboi]

Just wanted to post an update on this for anyone stumbling on the thread:

The Weird Screen of Death happened again today, but I had my speakers off mute this time, and I got the surge-pop. Battery has been playing up a couple years (well, maybe 18 months) and with the new RAM, I'm able to do more work and push power consumption up (more tasks = more CPU etc.), and, well, bang, literally.
Thus, likely the battery (or the internal DC to DC converters -- I'll have to borrow a voltage meter to be sure, but removing the battery has put an end to it thus far). So, Brian, on the right track...

Are there any connections related to power close to there ?

...about it being possibly power-related.

Take home for users of old laptops: it may be the battery, (or power supply) if something like this happens to you. If it's the battery, be grateful the battery is removable because loads of the modern ones aren't. While it defeats the point of having a laptop without a battery, at least you get a little extra mileage and a chance to save up for a replacement machine.