How do I test my Motherboard for damage?

I have a computer that is giving many errors. I have already replaced two bad Hard Drives (thank you Seagate)

I am testing the RAM with MemTest86+ - over 110 passes and no errors.

I have tried to install fresh HD's with new System (XP Pro) and it crashes before the install can complete. Done this several times.

Took it in to Staples for diagnostics and they could not pin down anything, but told me they thought it was either the memory or the motherboard.

MB - Asus P5Q Pro RAM - OCZ Platinum DDR3 HD - Seagate 500GB Barracuda 7200.11

asked Jan 30 '11 at 23:19

jimpook
16●2●2●5

3 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

Memtest each RAM module alone to see if it's only one of them causing your errors. I had the same problem last week, too many BSOD's and weird things happening, it was one faulty dimm :( I took out the faulty dimm and have had no problems now.

EDIT: OK I just read you had no memtest errors, maybe it is your mobo, try your components on another one if you can.

answered Jan 30 '11 at 23:30

Alekz
2.7k●5●21●49

edited Jan 30 '11 at 23:31

Alekz: Thanks for the reply.

I have had the computer running for about 5 days now running MemTest86+.

It has now completed 112 passes without any error.

I wonder if removing one of the DIMMS or perhaps swapping them would make any difference?

I am going to try and clear up a free WD HD and install a new System on that and see if that works. I still can't get away from the fact that every HD I put in that system (Seagate 7200.11) had errors crop up.

Question: Would faulty HD's be the cause OR would a faulty MB be causing the problems on the HD's?

Also, someone suggested that the source of the problems might be the Power Supply. Antec TruePower 650 Watts

Thanks!

answered Jan 30 '11 at 23:43

jimpook
16●2●2●5

If you already tried two hard drives with the same result it's possible that it's your motherboard that's messing up. Try doing a chkdsk on them just in case.

(Jan 31 '11 at 00:14) Alekz

Alekz:

I have Hard Drive Sentinel installed on my own computer and I have run the HD's through the tests - that is where they have failed.

I've had bad luck with the Seagate 7200.11 's - I have already sent one back, and I have 4 more waiting to be boxed up and sent back to Seagate for replacement. In this case, it is the HD's that are the problem, but the other system SEEMS to have some sort of hardware problem not related to the HD issue.

I'm looking for some software program that will run tests on the motherboard in the same way that MemTest86+ runs tests on the RAM - so far the only one I've found is very expensive and requires a hardware dongle to work.

Again, thanks for your comments!

answered Jan 31 '11 at 00:23

jimpook
16●2●2●5

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