[mfrank1]

Hi Skeptic--

Thanks for taking the time to read through this thread.  I've been trying to follow the advice here, but I feel like a fish out of water with this stuff.  I've previously been told it is not uncommon for the graphics card to run so hot.  In any case, I don't know how to identify another graphics card connector, if I have one.  Will SpeedFan also tell me the temp of the CPU?  Memtest had it at 78-79 degrees with an open cover.  Could a hot graphics card be the reason?  So far I've ordered new RAM and a new fan.  I do worry that without knowing what caused my RAM to go bad in the first place, the same will happen to the new modules I install.  I'd hate to have to wind up getting a new computer only after spending all this money on attempted repairs.

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As you are concerned about damaging new RAM, 

Miss out this part from my reply #26.

"Now would be the time to change the RAM.   Remove the stick closest to the CPU, use a marker pen, (1).   install one stick of new RAM into that empty slot.   Repeat for the other stick, mark it (2)."  just do the cleanup and cooler replacent, you can have speedfan running during the test, then upload a screenshot for us.

 

Gettting the CPU temps under control first is the more important task, then we can move on to the other issues.

[iammykyl]

As you are concerned about damaging new RAM, 

Miss out this part from my reply #26.

"Now would be the time to change the RAM.   Remove the stick closest to the CPU, use a marker pen, (1).   install one stick of new RAM into that empty slot.   Repeat for the other stick, mark it (2)."  just do the cleanup and cooler replacent, you can have speedfan running during the test, then upload a screenshot for us.

 

Gettting the CPU temps under control first is the more important task, then we can move on to the other issues.

[The Skeptic]

Hi.

 

The problem with your computer is of hardware origin. Presently you identified two problems which may, or may not be related:

 

1) BSODs

2) CPU ovgerheating.

 

BSODs are commonly (but not exclusively) caused by faulty hardware. It may be the RAM, CPU, motherboard, unstable PSU etc. An overheating CPU is an unstable one and can easily cause the same problems. It's very possible that a RAM module is defective but the fact that you got a number of memtest runs showing no problem but then you got bad results look suspicious to me. To pinpoint the problem we must diagnose it systematically. 

 

I suggest the following:

1) Since you already ordered new RAM modules, please install them. You shouldn't worry, they will not be damaged. With some luck that will solve the BSODs problem.  

2) To find if you have another graphic card in your computer (a one which is integrated into the motherboard) look at the back of the computer and see if you have another connector for which the monitor cable can be connected. If you do have one, please take the overheating one out and connect the monitor to the buit-in one and see if it makes any difference. It is very possible that your computer does not have another graphic card.

3) Regarding the overheating: We looked for obvious causes such as faulty fans, blocked air inlets etc. There are other possible causes such as  faulty PSU or CPU. Having admitted your limited knowledge in computer repair (which is the case with most posters to this forums), you may be better off taking the computer to a decent technician who has the knowledge and means to diagnose and solve the problem.

 

Kind Regards / The Skeptic 

[mfrank1]

Skeptic -- I don't seem to have another graphics card connection.

 

One question about Plan B.  If I wind up purchasing a new computer that will likely have Windows 8, can I take the hard drive out of the broken computer, add it as a second drive in the new machine, and boot to Windows 7 (which is on that bootable drive)?  If not, what would be the best way to migrate my programs and settings from that drive onto the new computer's drive?

[iammykyl]

 

 

I don't seem to have another graphics card connection.

You don't have an alternative video source,, onl the GPU add on card.

 

 

 If I wind up purchasing a new computer that will likely have Windows 8, can I take the hard drive out of the broken computer, add it as a second drive in the new machine, and boot to Windows 7 (which is on that bootable drive)?

You can reuse the old HDD in the a new computer as a storage drive but not to boot into the windows 7 OS that is on it.   the old W7 OS will have chipset driver, + other, installed and they will not match ones needed for the new MB, result is, no boot.

 

 

 what would be the best way to migrate my programs and settings from that drive onto the new computer's drive?

You cannot successfully migrate programs, only your Data.   On a new computer, (with just your new Boot drive connected, best practice is a clean install of a OS, then connect up the old drive and copy your Data onto the new drive, then format the old drive and use it for storage/backup.  

[mfrank1]

Thank you to all who offered advice to me in this topic.  Dell wound up sending me the wrong RAM and I have to return it.  I have bitten the bullet and ordered a new computer.  I'll follow your advice on getting my data from the old hard drive.

 

Once again, my thanks to all.

[iammykyl]

You are welcome mfrank1  

Please give us the brand/model of the computer you are buying, just so we can check that you won't have problems, hardware wise, transferring you Data. 

[mfrank1]

I'm replacing my Dell XPS 8100 with an XPS 8700.

[iammykyl]

You will have no problems connecting up the old hard drive but you will have to use a SATA cable from from the old computer.

 

Please contact the retailer or Dell, tell them you want to connect a hard drive,  internally, to transfer your old Data.   I ask you to do this as sometimes, branded computers prohibit the opening of the case, except by an authorized person, otherwise the warranty is void.  If this is the case, we can transfer using other methods, but direct connection is the simplest. 

[mfrank1]

Thanks for the tip, iammykyl.  I'll check into this.