double beep issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Larry G
  • Start date Start date
L

Larry G

i get a double beep on startup which indicates parity error in lower
(system) RAM

i've swapped memory many ways and still get this error
what are the chances of ;
A) bad motherboard - i.e. memory controller
B) bad processor - i.e. on board cache

i'm trying to decide which to buy (CPU or MB) to try to fix this

- it runs but has quirky errors - i.e. system A/V faults, reboots on warm
day, etc
i have a P4P800 delux
 
"Larry G" said:
i get a double beep on startup which indicates parity error in lower
(system) RAM

i've swapped memory many ways and still get this error
what are the chances of ;
A) bad motherboard - i.e. memory controller
B) bad processor - i.e. on board cache

i'm trying to decide which to buy (CPU or MB) to try to fix this

- it runs but has quirky errors - i.e. system A/V faults, reboots on warm
day, etc
i have a P4P800 delux
Click to expand...

Which version of BIOS are you using ? The older BIOS used to beep
once for each USB device connected. Don't mistake the USB beeps,
for error beeps.

You can test memory with memtest86 from memtest.org. The program
contains a floppy formatter, and using a blank floppy, the program
will prep a boot floppy for you. Set boot order to pick up the
floppy, and away it will go.

I believe your board also has Voice POST, and if you plug an
amplified speaker into the Lineout audio connector, you can listen
for any messages. The Voice POST is hardwired to the Lineout
connector, so even if you plug in a Soundblaster, the error
messages will still be played on the Lineout connector. Check
that Voice POST is enabled in the BIOS.

If you find memory errors via memtest86, then you can try boosting
Vdimm (a.k.a DDR reference voltage). PC3200 needs a minimum of
2.6V to work. Most modules can tolerate a bit more than that.

Check the memory timings being used by the motherboard, with CPUZ.
Compare to the specs for the memory modules. (The second link
shows what info will be given.)

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
http://www.abxzone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7213

HTH,
Paul
 
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