Defective i7 930?

[Dulanic]

I have never had a bad CPU before, but I may have run across one? I have 2 i7 930's /w Corsair 3x2GB memory, Crucial 550W PSU, ATI video card blah blah...

OK, so I can not run one of the PCs /w 3 sticks of RAM, even underclocked. I have replaced the memory, motherboard, and PSU and am out of options on what else it could be. The i7 does have the memory controller on the CPU, so I guess that is the only last option?

The 2nd PC works, and I have tried using the memory and PSU from that PC and it still has the same issue.

 

[InMurkyWaters]

I would say use memtest to test the individual memory sticks, but since you said you've replaced all that, and it still doesn't work, then it might actually be the CPU. I've actually had to Intel CPUs go bad on me before, a Q9550 and a Q9450. I don't know if it was bad luck or what, but luckily Inte's RMA process is really easy. Just explained to them the problem and the troubleshooting steps I took, and I had my replacement within a week of sending it out (they use 2nd day air to ship back).

 

[Dulanic]

I've rotated all 3 sticks around and using any 2 always works but it is always a problem with 3 sticks.

 

[Atheus]

I've rotated all 3 sticks around and using any 2 always works but it is always a problem with 3 sticks.

Well, as you said, the memory controller is on the CPU these days...

The only way to really tell is to try another CPU. Go into your little local PC fix shop and see if they'll try one of their known-working spares in it without charging you anything. This usually works if you imply you're going to buy a new one off them if it turns out yours is faulty. Of course you're not, you're going to buy it for way less off the net, but it's always good to give off that impression