GA-880GMA-UD2H Rev: 2.0 Memory issues, RMA, upgrades

[j5]

After a year of stable operation, my system has decided to start blue-screening.
Windows 7 extended memory test reveals "hardware problems have been detected"

System specs:
CPU: Phenom II 555 BE (never overclocked or core unlocked)
Memory: G-Skill Ripjaws Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL (I've tried other modules, with similar results, so it's not the RAM)
Memory is unganged and tighter timings running at 1333
PSU: SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold
GPU: ATI Radeon 5870
HD: 2 WD black...750GB...something, 1 Samsung spinpoint 1.5TB..something. (All set to RAID ready, but not RAIDed)

So... a couple of questions:
1: where the heck is the serial number so I can determine if I can RMA the thing?
2: Assuming RMA is not viable, can I upgrade to a 970 or 990 chipset and still be able to use my hard drives with no data loss? (I understand I may have to reinstall the OS..maybe)
2.1: I have a spare GA-78LMT-S2. Can I use that board in my system until I get a replacement (either RMA or new?)

[absic]

Memory: G-Skill Ripjaws Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL (I've tried other modules, with similar results, so it's not the RAM)

Although the problem could be with the motherboard you shouldn't discount other hardware, especially the CPU as the memory controller is part of this and it could be causing the issue. Also the RAM could be a problem too so don't be so quick to dismiss this. I have experienced similar issues even though RAM would seem to work OK in other systems.

The serial number for the motherboard is usually printed on a sticky label that is attached to the side of the 24 pin ATX socket. If you still have the original box, it is also printed on a label on that.

Your hardware should be OK on the GA-78LMT-S2

Using your current hard drives on either the GA-78LMT-S2 or a new AMD board shouldn't be a problem. You probably won't have to reinstall the OS either, although you may need to update a couple of drivers and also there is the possibility you will need to reactivate Windows because of the hardware change(s).

[j5]

Memory: G-Skill Ripjaws Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL (I've tried other modules, with similar results, so it's not the RAM)

Although the problem could be with the motherboard you shouldn't discount other hardware, especially the CPU as the memory controller is part of this and it could be causing the issue. Also the RAM could be a problem too so don't be so quick to dismiss this. I have experienced similar issues even though RAM would seem to work OK in other systems.

The serial number for the motherboard is usually printed on a sticky label that is attached to the side of the 24 pin ATX socket. If you still have the original box, it is also printed on a label on that.

Your hardware should be OK on the GA-78LMT-S2

Using your current hard drives on either the GA-78LMT-S2 or a new AMD board shouldn't be a problem. You probably won't have to reinstall the OS either, although you may need to update a couple of drivers and also there is the possibility you will need to reactivate Windows because of the hardware change(s).

Thanks for the reply absic.
As background, I did replace the CPU last year (or maybe longer) over the same issue. In that case, I could isolate the problem to one channel vs. the other. In the current case, it doesn't matter which slot the memory is in, and I tried 4 different modules with it with similar results.
I have a new 965 I can try in order to isolate the CPU as cause, but if the CPU was good, and now it's not, it's a troubling thing since I'm not overclocking the RAM (still running @ 1333)

[absic]

It would be worthwhile testing with the 965 even if it is just to eliminate the CPU as the cause. The problem with these kind of issues is usually having enough different hardware to test with.

I agree that if it is the 555 CPU at fault then it is a worry but, I would not be unduly surprised, as I have had a lot of feedback since the release of the Phenom ii's, from all over the world and a lot of it has been telling me of faulty memory controllers.

[j5]

965 is in and seems to be running well.
12 hours on Windows Memory diagnostics extended testing with no errors.
4 hours of Transformers Fall of Cybertron
8 hours of Handbrake BD encoding
No issues so far.
RMA opened for the 555 chip, this would be the second one for the same problem....grrr.
I sure hope the 965 fares better.

[j5]

Well isn't that a fine howdy do.
Last month, the 965 started hard freezing under load out of the blue.
I dropped vCore and gained stability for a bit, but it soon started getting worse and worse.
So I RMA'd the 965 and they shipped me an X6 1075T instead.
4 hours in and the thing hard locks again.
I can only conclude that this motherboard is cooking CPUs, and now it's out of warranty by a month with no equivalent available to even purchase.
FML

[j5]

I think I fixed it!
On a whim, and after I had ordered a new ASUS MA78, I removed and reapplied the thermal compound on the North Bridge heatsink. The thing has been running stable on Prime95 for a few hours now.
Fingers crossed.
(ASUS order cancelled, for now)

[j5]

Crap!!
nevermind.
Locked up overnight while doing a handbrake encode....