Anyway to confirm whether issue is with the laptop's RAM slot or the modules?

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Last Comment 2024-05-15

2024-04-04

My Acer laptop had 4GB RAM soldered and a slot in which another 4GB module (ADATA) resided. I had switched out the latter with a Crucial 16GB one about a year later. For ~4.5 years there was no issue but suddenly over the last 2 weeks several BSODs occurred resulting in the laptop stuck at the BIOS (garbled display, nothing could be made out) with the LED backlight switching on and off every few seconds in an infinite loop. Hard pressing the power button seemed to have no effect.

Since one of the BSODs had displayed "Attempt to execute no execute memory" error I thought of removing the module to check and it allowed the system to reboot normally. Thereafter removing the module every time the system got struck at the BOIS was the necessary fix.

I then inserted the original ADATA module but the problem persisted to my surprise. It mostly occurred while playing games (because of high RAM demands the module was in greater use? ) However if I kept the slot empty I could play the same game with no issue albeit I had to switch to the NVIDIA GPU from the Intel GPU as otherwise with just 4GB RAM the game was just killed a few minutes after launch probably because the Intel GPU had to share the physical memory unlike the former with it's dedicated memory (Event Log showed Resource Exhaustion errors).

I had run Memtes86+ from USB drive, which found no issues with the soldered RAM after letting it run for 1 hour. Afterwards I inserted the Crucial module and a little over an hour later I found that the system had crashed again (completely garbled display ). I didn't bother testing with the Acer supplied original module.

It's highly unlikely for 2 modules to become defective at the same time so I am thinking maybe somehow the RAM slot itself has become defective? I don't have access to another laptop to test the modules.

Anyway to diagnose this issue?

P.S. Just last month the battery charging lights and USB ports on the right side had suddenly stopped working. Permanently I had assumed. But some days later they had again started working...

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https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_9995190

lXl

2024-04-04

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It’s unfortunate that you’re experiencing issues with your Acer laptop’s RAM. Let’s troubleshoot this step by step. Here are some actions you can take to diagnose the problem:

Test Each RAM Slot Individually:

Shut down your laptop and unplug all components.
Open the laptop casing following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the position of the RAM slot and gently remove the RAM stick from this slot.
Inspect the RAM stick carefully for any physical damage.
Insert a working RAM stick into one slot and check if your laptop starts without problems.
Repeat the process for each slot to identify if any specific slot is faulty1.

Swap RAM Sticks:

If you have multiple RAM sticks, try swapping them between different slots.
This will help determine if the issue lies with the RAM stick or the slot itself2.

Use Diagnostic Tools:

There are diagnostic tools available that can help identify faulty RAM slots.

You can run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:

Open the Start menu, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic,” and press Enter.
Reboot your laptop to perform the test3.

Check for BIOS Updates:

Ensure your laptop’s BIOS is up to date. Sometimes BIOS updates can resolve compatibility issues with RAM modules.

Inspect the RAM Slot:

Visually inspect the RAM slot for any physical damage, bent pins, or debris.
If you notice any issues, it might indicate a faulty slot.

Check for Other Hardware Issues:

Since you mentioned other issues (battery charging lights and USB ports), it’s essential to consider overall hardware health.

If possible, consult a professional technician to assess the laptop’s motherboard and other components.

Remember that diagnosing hardware issues remotely can be challenging, especially without access to another laptop for testing. If the problem persists, seeking professional assistance is recommended. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution soon! 🤞

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_9995669

LIMBO

2024-04-04

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Yes if there's physical damage to the RAM slot a visit to the technician will be necessary as apparently a microscope will be reqd. to inspect for any damage to the pins. However my last laptop didn't survive after being turned over to technician for repairs so it's something I will try only after exhausting all possible options.

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_9995259

HasdaChehra

2024-04-04

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It's time for you to upgrade.

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_9995607

freebaba

2024-04-04

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@LIMBO - Did you try Windows Memory Diagnostic. Run dialog, type mdsched.exe and hit Enter.

Did you boot the laptop in safe mode with Crucial RAM module installed?

"However if I kept the slot empty I could play the same game with no issue albeit I had to switch to the NVIDIA GPU from the Intel GPU"

- Is it something to do with graphic card drivers?

- Is there a possibility of reinstalling the OS?

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_9995656

LIMBO

2024-04-04

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Actually the first few times it crashed was during local video playback(mere 1080p). Thereafter almost always while playing games. Not possible to play the game with the Intel iGPU with only 4GB RAM as it uses upto 1GB RAM and the game gets killed(no crashes).
I did update the graphics drivers as well.
Even in BIOS while testing the Crucial module in Memtest86 the issue recurred so I don't think it's an issue with Windows. I will try a fresh install sometime later. Will try Windows mem diag as well.
I checked in Linux Mint with the iGPU and the game didn't crash. However the perf. was unacceptably low compared to Windows. Even the Nvidia GPU underperformed despite installing the latest proprietary driver. I had actually planned to keep the slot populated and switch to Linux for gaming but that didn't pan out as I expected.

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_9997932

bikidas2060

2024-04-05

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RAM Module issue. Take some isopropyl alcohol and paper wipe. Use a cold air blower to make sure every bit of liquid is evaporated. It should solve your issue if you are lucky. 🙂🙂🙂 Use dry wipes to gently wipe Ram slot.

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_10000121

LIMBO

2024-04-06

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With the original Acer module the system doesn't boot anymore. I guess as unlikely it might be both modules are probably defective. The Crucial module is still within warranty so I will try to get a replacement sometime in the next few months. Potential issue: the Amazon seller had actually sent CB variant instead of the CT one I had ordered. Other users had also complained about the same. I had been completely oblivious about it until now.

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_10060068

LIMBO

2024-05-05

Link Copied

I decided to get the Crucial module replaced and fortunately the service center is open on Sunday as well. I was going to Bengaluru on the coming Sunday anyway. Surprisingly the branch doesn't have it in stock but they are willing to courier it free of cost to my place.

However a potential issue could be caused by the invoice mentioning CT series but the seller had sent a cheaper, CB series variant. I hadn't noticed this all these years unfortunately. Many other customers on Amazon have also posted regarding the same.

What should I do? Do I inform Crucial customer service or hope that they somehow miss it?

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_10060302

LIMBO

2024-05-05

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Bump.

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_10079416

LIMBO

2024-05-15

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Very good service by Kaizen. No issues with the product mismatch and in fact they sent a CT series module promptly by courier au gratis.

Unfortunately the laptop still doesn't even get to the boot logo with the new module installed. So it's pretty much confirmed that the memory slot itself is faulty. Need to look into buying a new one soon.

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_10079466

Deal_Breaker_

2024-05-15

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Bro you're literally laptop expert here and you got tripped 😀

https://www.desidime.com/discussions/anyway-to-confirm-whether-issue-is-with-the-laptop-s-ram-slot-or-the-modules?page=1#post_10079507

LIMBO

2024-05-15

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Not even remotely an "expert" and of course no way to predict future hardware issue. Not easy to diagnose any possible damage to the RAM slot. TBH getting 6 years out of an Acer laptop is no mean feat especially one that has been used as much.