T30 - Risk of using a memory stick that failed memtest?

[cn487311]

I wonder how big the risk is if my T30 uses a memory stick that fails memtest?

I have a T30. I think now the whole world knows that the second memory slot fails after some time. So I followed the instructions on this board to solder it. As a result, this T30 recognizes two 512MB memory sticks. It passes the boot memory diagnostics. Computer boots into Windows XP just fine. I did some normal work such as Word processing, Internet, and emailing. It seems all fine. I did not encournter any error. It went into standby and hibernation without any issue.

However, when I ran memtest in Windows XP, the computer simply froze and had to be power reset. I then used DOS-based PC-Doctor and it reported error for DIMM 2. I also used DOS-based memtest and it freezes the computer at some point. So there must be something wrong with the second slot.

Since it is working just fine now, I wonder whether there is a big risk? Like a timed bomb inside or probably I can just ignore those memory test reports.

Thanks.

[rkawakami]

"Time bomb" .

A flaky memory problem can be hard to pinpoint and lead to lock-ups, BSODs, possibly even corrupt data being stored/transmitted. If you are certain that the problem exists with a particular module you would be better off removing that module and replacing it with one which passes memtest86+ and/or PC Doctor.

[Rick Aguinaldo]

To find out whether if a memory module or slot is defective, do the memory tests one module at a time. If a module is failing the test, then do as Ray recommends. If the socket is causing the error, it is worthwhile to re-examine the re-soldering job for solder micro bridges. Coating the solder pads with liquid rosin before solder re-flowing helps eliminate those micro bridges.

[cn487311]

Actually it is quite weird. Memory test succeeded with:

(1) 512MB chip A in slot 1
(2) 512MB chip B in slot 1
(3) 512MB chip A in slot 1 and a 256MB chip in slot 2

But it failed when

(1) 512MB chip A in slot 1 and 512MB chip B in slot 2
(2) 512MB chip B in slot 1 and 512MB chip A in slot 2

I used a magnifier to look at slot 2 but I did not find any obvious bridge. I did not add solder so the chance is quite small.

Anyway, I will let the machine run for a while to see what weird things can happen (none so far). I do not run mission critical applications on this machine so I guess I will not lose that much. I will report back on what happens.