Persistent blue screen at regular intervals - memory?

I get the blue screen of death a random amount of time after using my computer. I think it must be an error in the memory, but I'm not at all sure, and I was wondering if this is likely.

My system:
MSI P35 Platinum
2GB of DDR2 RAM
Maxtor 500GB HDD
Intel Core 2 Duo processor
Thermaltake Armor LCS

The slightly quirky thing about my setup is that I am using a Liquid Cooling System to cool my processor - which came with the case. So I had to remove the fan that came with the processor and add the cooling block instead. But it seems to be working okay...

* General system woes *

So. I started off running Windows XP and Ubuntu 8.04. Ubuntu used to randomly log out from time to time, which I think might be it's version of a blue screen of death. After a while I got annoyed with the number of bugs in Ubuntu 8.04 and stopped using it in favour of XP.

After a while I stated getting the blue screen of death a while after I started my computer. The interval at which this was happening seemed to get shorter and shorter, to the point where I could only use my computer for about 20 mins before it would happen.

* Operating system error? *

I naturally thought it was an error in the operating system to start with. So I backed everything up, re-formatted the whole drive and installed Windows Vista Business edition.

This seems to be running a lot better, but still after it had been running about 12 hours I got the blue screen. And now I get it every few hours.

It doesn't seem to be linked to any specific program or action on my part.

* LCS woes? *

Next I thought it must be a problem linked with my LCS - like my processor over-heating. But my system never seemed to be particularly hot. So I downloaded an MSI program to monitor my CPU temperature - and it reports around 30 degrees, which is by no means hot for a processor. And this agrees with the stats in the BIOS as well.

* Hard drive error? *

Next I thought it was a corrupt sector in the hard drive, so I downloaded SeaToolsForWindows.exe (Seagate's diagnostics software) - but after running three thorough tests they all passed fine.

I think I read somewhere that this doesn't necessarily mean everything is okay with the hard-drive, but I think I should assume... Does anyone think I should reconsider this? Could it be the hard drive?

* Memory next *

Next I thought it was probably the memory. So I downloaded MemTest.exe and ran it. It got to over 800% without returning any errors, but then at 859% (by which time you would think it would have checked everything pretty thoroughly) I did get one error. In the FAQ for MemTest it says even if I find one error it is cause to replace the RAM.

What do we think?

* Other problems *
I also have a couple of other problems with my system. Sometimes my computer will just restart and then when it comes back the BIOS will report something like "The previous over-clocking configuration hasn't worked. Do you want to change the BIOS settings?" - but I have never attempted to over-clock anything.

Also every time I start my computer it shows the MSI welcome screen, then starts testing for bootable devices, then it goes back and shows the MSI screen again, before booting properly. It looks a bit like it's restarting the process... dunno if this is correct.

Also sometimes when I first turn on my computer, it turns itself off straight away, and then turns itself back on again after a few seconds.

Could these be linked to RAM problems? Or my LCS system?

Ta,
Robin.

I suggest downloading THIS and booting off the burned ISO. This will test your memory in a "clean" environment.

If you get even 1 error - replace your memory as it states. Blue screens are usually the first sign of bad memory or a weak power supply...

I really don't think it has anything to do with watercooling your CPU at all.

Will do, thanks

Could it be the power? I think my power supply is under 500W or something... maybe I should buy a new one?

Well I did as you said, burned the ISO to CD and booted off it. The memory test ran through twice and didn't find any errors, and after that I got bored. I'm confused now as to whether my memory is the culprit or not?

Can an insufficient PSU cause memory to fail even though the memory is actually absolutely fine? Cos that could account for the one error that I did get.

My PSU is 400w, and it currently has to run 5 case fans, 2 hard-drives, one DVD-RW drive, one GeForce 8800 GT and of course the motherboard. Do you think this is insufficient? I wouldn't mind replacing the PSU as I have identified it is currently the noisiest part of my system anyway. It would just be nice if this would fix the problem?

Ta,
Robin.

Oh and of course the PSU also has to run the Liquid Cooling pump. But actually only 4 case fas. So that's:

- 4 case fans
- 1 SATA HDD
- 1 ATA HDD
- 1 DVD-RW drive
- 1 GeForce 8800 GT and Fan
- 1 MSI P35 Platinum Mainboard - with Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
- 1 Liquid Cooling pump

If you think I should replace my PSU, could you advise as to where I can get a properly quiet one? As this is an important consideration for me.

Ta,
Robin.

Someone seems to be asking about power supplies on a system very similar to mine here:

http :// discuss.extremetech.com / forums / thread / 1004373193 . aspx
(sorry for fragmented URL, wouldn't let me post a proper one)

And they recommended > 600W. So maybe I should upgrade to 720 or so?

Think I might get a Thermaltake ToughPower 750W.

Moreso than wattage, look at the Amperage on the 12v, 5v, and 3.3v rails. You want high amps.. anything 500w or over with decent amperage on the 12v rails will suit you just fine. Make sure it's from a reputable vendor - there is a power supply sticky thread with recommendations in the power supplies forum.

From your specifications, it is very likely that the PSU is the problem.

its not the power or shit ,just call th guys u bought the ram and ask for a new module.Mine laptop did the same.1 week i was like crazy bc couldn`t find the problem.Power drivers bios changed slot 10 times ( mine is dual chanel) ...nothing.Finaly i called the guys they send me a new module and now everything is perfect.