Ballistix Performance Memory

[Bl4cK-D4wN]

Hello!

I am using the Crucial Ballistix DIMM 2GB DDR2-800 Kit for a year now and now Im having mysterious BSODs the last days.

So I have checked my memory with memtest86, the resut was: no errors.

Now, as I took the RAM out to examine the sticks, Ive noticed that on one stick theres a missing resistor or some kind of component missing. Its the first component on the very left, the one thats a bit bigger.

Just now I tested this one stick with memtest and got no errors. Could it be, that  the RAM is damaged somehow and causing these BSODs?

Cheers

Bl4cK

[lordgllynn]

Have you used your Event Viewer to identify what actually failed and caused the crash? This is the best way to narrow down your troubleshooting needs. You can also use your favorite search engine and find some info on your Dump File. These two things may help you narrow down the possible issues causing your crashes.

[Colt1911]

Many PCB's (the little board the chips are on) are designed for 'options' this is what you are seeing. Think of it like this, look in many cars that did not come with all the features that were availible, say like a rear window wiper. There would have probably been a control for the wiper on the dash. If the feature wasnt installed you would see what I call an 'option plate', just a little cover that pops into the hole, or maybe a circle or whatever where it can just be 'popped' out. This is also true for electronics, the micro resistor or other component thats not there is just an option for the manufacturer to configure the PCB in a different way. Its not better or worse, and is nothing you should be concerned with.

This RAM has become notorious for failing. I'm not saying dont investigate other options, but if you have a solid system you can put that RAM in, that would narrow it down real quick.

Colt