Mikkel L. Ellertson wrote:
I have to disagree about memtest86 being "a very lite weight test".
It is one of the more extensive memory tests software packages out
there. This is especially true is you let it run through several
passes. You can get a better test of the memory modules with a
high-end memory tester. (Hardware tester you put the memory in.)
But these testers do not find problems that only show up when the
memory is in the machine. (Bad MB trace, bad or dirty socket, etc.)
Mikkel
I find myself in _rare_ disagreement with you on this Mikkel.
There is no such thing as a memory test, except on purpose built,
very expensive hardware equipment like you mentioned. Software
tests, like memtest86, rely on the cpu/cache/ram/buses/motherboard
operating as a whole, an don't rule out errors attributable to just
the ram sticks. They, software tests, also will too often pass
marginal to even faulty systems.
http://archives.mandrivalinux.com/newbie/2003-08/msg02167.php
A better test, that runs when the complete system is up (lvl 3),
even with X runnin (lvl 5), is mprime's torture test.
ftp://mersenne.org/gimps/mprime2414.tar.gz Run it in your home
dir (preferably in /home/<user>/bin/mprime so it'll be in your
path) an run 'mprime -m'. Then choose 17 (torture test) from the
menu. It should run for hours, but if it aborts on "hardware
errors", you have faulty cpu/cache/ram/motherboard, or the
configuration of any part of the system. Usually the motherboard
(memory controller), overly optimistic ram timings, or just plain
marginal hardware (ready made or laptop, any "brand").
This of course assumes the PSU is operating properly, an the
system is adequately cooled. As always, during any extreme load
testing, cpu an mobo chipset temps should be monitored constantly.
Either with a GUI like gkrellm, or in another terminal with frequent
runs of 'sensors'. If a system doesn't support hardware monitoring,
it shouldn't be load tested for stability.
IMO, if the PSU is adequate, an the OP's system reboots even
from bios config screens, it's most likely the motherboard, somethin
on it, or plugged into it. Heat shouldn't be that much of a factor
as the system is under relatively light load at this point. An with
the case cover off an a fan pointed into the case, should be even
less a factor. To the extent of being moot. _Unless_ the system,
particularly the mobo, has been degraded from past overheating to
the point of being fubar'd. Only replacement with quality components
will fix that. An I havt'a add, there is no such thing as quality
components in or for ready mades an laptops. Y'allsMMV
--
Tom Brinkman Corpus Christi, Texas
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