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Difficulty: MediumMotherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

A technician is troubleshooting a custom-built desktop workstation that experiences random Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes with varying memory-related stop codes under heavy processing loads. The system contains two identical 16 GB DDR4 memory modules installed on a motherboard with four DIMM slots. Which of the following initial diagnostic actions should the technician perform to isolate the memory issue? (Select TWO.)

  1. Test each RAM module individually in a single known-good slot using a bootable memory diagnostic tool.Answer
  2. Verify that the RAM modules are installed in the designated primary dual-channel slots according to the motherboard manual.Answer
  3. C
    Replace the installed memory modules with high-density SO-DIMM DDR4 modules to ensure physical slot compatibility.
  4. D
    Reinstall the operating system immediately to correct system startup BIOS POST beep code errors.

Answer

The technician should test each RAM module individually in a single known-good slot using a bootable memory diagnostic tool and verify that the modules are populated in the motherboard's designated primary dual-channel slots.
Testing each memory module individually in a known-good slot pinpoints whether a specific stick of RAM is defective. Additionally, verifying that RAM modules are installed in the motherboard manufacturer's recommended slots ensures dual-channel operation is enabled correctly, preventing memory bus instability.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check memory configuration and slot arrangement against the motherboard documentation.
Ensures dual-channel architecture is correctly populated (e.g., slots A2 and B2).
Populating incorrect slots can cause bus timing errors and stability issues under load.
2
Remove one memory module and run a diagnostic utility on the single remaining module.
Determines if the first RAM stick operates cleanly without generating errors.
Testing sticks individually isolates whether the defect is isolated to one module.
3
Repeat the memory test for the second module in the same slot.
Confirms or rules out hardware failure on the second memory module.
Rules out slot issues while confirming individual RAM module health.

Key Concept

RAM Isolation and Dual-Channel Slot Population
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Topics

Motherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

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