A315-41G instabilities

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/au/ygxx1s1y9585.jpg

Last week, a client ask me for a recommendation regarding a laptop that will be suitable for their intended workload. When I searched around for a unit that would fit the usage and budget, I recommended this unit. And now a few days later, I'm beginning to regret that. The unit had been unstable for the most part. The client was complaining of BSOD's from Windows Update. At first I thought it was Mcirosoft's fault but now I'm thinking it's the hardware, possibly, the memory upgrade when the unit was bought.

Unit originally came with 1709 pre-installed. As it was trying to upgrade to 1803, the unit would go into a BSOD followed by an repair process. Thankfully it would boot back into windows but it will happen again at some point. After several attempts to upgrade via Windows Update, I attempted an In-Place Upgrade but all 3 attempts failed. The last option I did was to do a clean install using MS's MCT for W10 1803. I was able to install the OS but was also met with some instabilities, BSOD's and such. I don't seem to have a problem with the driver as it installed successfully.

By the way, laptop BIOS was updated to the latest. Waitied for WIndows 10 1803 to finish the updates but still the same issue. This is an all familiar feeling for me on my last Ryzen 2400G build, I was met with instabilities like this with the ASRock motherboard. I was able to solve it by switching to an Asus board. But since this is a laptop, that is not possible.

However I'm still looking at the possibility that the issues could be caused by the memory upgrade that was done by the store when the unit was bought. they added an A-Data 8.0GB DDR4-2400 SODIMM to the original SK Hynix 4.0GB DDR4 module already installed by default. Now I'm going to test this theory later and hope to yield some good results.

This is really frustrating and disappointing for both me and my client. I'm beginning to think Acer is not yet ready for Ryzen Mobile as I've seen a lot of forum threads about a lot of issues. It's really too bad that the BIOS doesn't offer much in the way of memory settings. Nor do Ryzen Master supports Ryzen Mobile.

Anyway, any information anybody could provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Accepted answers

Commodore_1995#

What bsod error code is displayed? Have you checked if disconnecting the 8GB ram memory, does the problem remain? You do not lose the warranty when you open the ram compartment!

All comments

Commodore_1995#

What bsod error code is displayed? Have you checked if disconnecting the 8GB ram memory, does the problem remain? You do not lose the warranty when you open the ram compartment!

Leorick

The first day I got the unit, different kinds of BSOD errors are showing. When I wiped the drive and installed 1803, I'm only getting WHEA BSOD's and thats when I decided to remove the additional 8.0GB module. Which seems to be the cause of the issue. I still got one BSOD yesterday caused by an AMD driver when I was testing a new version of VLC. Lost hours of installation when the system restored from an earlier restore point. I"m taking things slow and try to remedy that but I'm hoping for the best.

It's gonna be hard to explain to the store why I need to have the memory module swapped out. The module is running and I even run memtest on it and it passed.

Anyway why don't Acer have a QVL for memory? I don't know how many are my options, I think they only have 3 brands, G SKill, Kingston and A.Data on that store.

And thank you for the reply by the way.

Commodore_1995#

Try this: reinstall the factory operating system by pressing alt + f10 when turning on the notebook! You should see some options and choose "fully clean the driver" as in this video!

Leave the notebook with amd video driver factory and then reinsert the 8gb ram and make sure the problem still remains!

Acer has a QVL for memory:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/oh/4bzo8lbyjwo7.png

Leorick

okay where did you find that qvl? I was looking for that but all i stumbled into are a bunch of 404 error on Acer's website. Anyway, unit is stable now without that A-Data module in.

Commodore_1995#

I found it in the service guide! Did you try to leave only the 8gb ram memory connected and remove the original to see if the problem occurs?

Leorick

oh that's disappointing. that qvl should be in the downloads. yes i did, same result. Based on the screenshot you gave, we would be swapping out the ram for the Kngston.