Random reboots and starting problems

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

Hi.

I built a PC for my son 1yr5mths ago that developed a problem that I fixed 12 months ago by replacing the processor. Recently it developed another problem.

When starting, it would boot up but FAIL to POST and go into continues restarts with/without the BIOS beep noise, and I can’t go into BIOS. If I switch it off for longer it would start up, fail to POST and just stay on without loading BIOS or Windows. I will also hear a repetitive clicking noise every 2-3 seconds. If I remove one of the RAM modules and then start the computer, it works fine. It will also start when I put back the RAM module. I can run PRIME95 with no problems and it work for hrs. Plus if I restart the computer it works. BUT, if I switch the computer for hrs or a day, the symptoms come back, which I can fix again by removing the RAM and putting it back in.

The components are all new apart from the RAM (Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B that came from my 16gb PC) and the 2nd hard drive. Could this be a RAM problem?

I’ve just ordered new Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 RAM (they are compatible according to Gigabyte)

Components
Motherboard- Gigagabyte Z97X- gaming 3
PCU- Intel Pentium G3258
RAM - Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B (two sticks 4gb)
PSU- Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX/EPS PS
Primary HD - Crucial CT256MX100SSD1 256GB MX100 SATA
Scondery HD –Samsung 2tb

 

[Gallarian]

To be honest, it looks like you've both diagnosed and fixed the problem yourself. It was more than likely down to a faulty RAM module, so I'd wager it will go away when your replacement arrives.

 

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

But, don't you think its odd that it works again after when I put the RAM back in, but for it fail hours later?

 

[Gallarian]

Logically, yes its odd. However, this is PCs we're talking about, and those sorts of 'it works for a while, but then doesnt' and vice-versa situations happen all the time.

For example, my old PC used to fail to start up if I left it off for a few hours, and would take 2 or 3 attempts. But if it was only off for up to an hour, no issue. Again, I once had a fan that would sometimes fail to start, but other times it would start fine.

Theres just so much going on at the same time, and sometimes so far behind the scenes when it comes to PCs that a lot of the time, the most we can do is identity what part is causing a problem, but not why or how, and replacement fixes it.

 

[JimF_35]

If you feel the RAM is faulty then I recommend running a memory test on it.

http://www.memtest86.com/

Also have you done any overclocking? If so did you mess with the BLCK?

 

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

Thanks.

I'll post the result of the new RAM tonight. If it fails then it must be the motherboard. It should still be under warranty. Hopefully gigabyte will fix/replace the board.

 

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

Same thing happened again. I put in new ram sticks, computer worked OK. Then I switched it for an hr, and it failed to start again. Works when I take out the RAM stick and put it back in. Just updated the BIOS to the lates to see if it helps.

 

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

The PC still worked this morning. I had it with only one stick of RAM 4gb, to see if its a problem with the connector. I test again this evening and put in 2nd RAM and retest.

 

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

If you feel the RAM is faulty then I recommend running a memory test on it.

http://www.memtest86.com/

Also have you done any overclocking? If so did you mess with the BLCK?

I did OC a year ago, which resulted in a similar symptom. I got the processor replaced by Amazon and motherboard was fine as it was tested at Novatech and Gigabyte. When I put it back together last year I decided not to OC unless my son wanted me to, as its only used for youtube and minecraft.

 

[JimF_35]

That's some interesting information. You ever consider that it might be a power supply problem not delivering clean voltage?

 

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

Forgot to add that I also replaced the PSU last year with the processor.

 

[davout777]

Forgot to add that I also replaced the PSU last year with the processor.

I have suffered from these symptoms too.
My experience is that you need to find out what is the faulty part like Gallarian said.
Use a part your are sure is good, and replace it, and test. Start with your ram, psu, board, keep an eye on the temps, if something is way too hot, this is also a sign of problematic parts.

 

[Dylan_Draiggoch]

Since updating the BIOS I've had no issues so far. A bit puzzling why a BIOS update would suddenly help, or perhaps it was sthe new RAM I bought.

 

[Gallarian]

Hmm.. the original RAM stick could have caused a problem that messed with your BIOS...

Still not figured this one, but if all is working so far, then thats as good as