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Question: is there a way to test RAM, CPU 's, and motherboards in a computer without just replac...


G+_Frederick Claus
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Sure, run some tests!  LOL  Actually the Linux Mint Cd you make when you get the iso has a ram test on it that's a good start or you can run a more complete suite of tests to check everything.  USB ports can be hard to test but I found that an internet radio dongle is a good test if you plug it in and the radio player will run.

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Yes... there are diagnostics that can help you stress the components to failure, but they are not consistent, nor do they tell you how to fix the overall problem of system stability.

 

Differential diagnosis is the key: start with the cheapest component (memory) and put in a known-good stick(s). If that solves the problem, it was the memory. If not, try the cheapest CPU that will fit that socket... then, finally, the motherboard.

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Troubleguessing, as opposed to troubleshooting, is sometimes not so bad. The free utilities such as the one Lance mentioned are useful as well. I had to resort to a combo of these to diagnose a RAM issue that caused Win Update to fail, as well as occasional BSOD. Win7's built-in memory test would also fail.

 

Using CPUZ I could see that the identical memory modules were not reporting or running identical timings. Regardless of memory installed, 2 sticks was bad, 1 was good, with no regard to which stick was installed, or in which slot. I left it with 1 stick of RAM and it runs like a champ. I figured the mobo or processor might've been hurt when the PSU took a dirt nap before. It's been in service about 8 months since leaving it on 1 stick of RAM, and the customer has had no issues with it. 

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