Help?

[SteveZilla]

Hi all, first post here. I am trying to build a new PC (see Sig for details), but during the install of the OS, it's going into a hard lockup. It happens at a different time each attempt I make, sometimes during the formatting of the new partition.

I *think* I have the BIOS settings for my RAM entered correctly, but there are some values that I am ignorant of their proper setting, and am being "generous" on those points. I've also tried "AUTO" on everything to no difference.

I have run Memtest86+ v4.00 for several hours (with the "default" Memtest86+ settings), and while it hasn't reported any errors, it has locked up on it once, and maybe has also rebooted once as well.

I have built & repaired many systems in the past successfully, but this is the first time I've had a multi-core system and intended to attempt to overclock anything.

in the past, I did have XP loaded and running, but the system started showing instability after about 1-2 weeks, and I haven't been able to get a fresh install to take.

I'm just about at my wits end, not wishing to throw more money at this by buying random parts to swap out in testing.

[wazza300]

could be ram incompatible with your board

[Conners]

Reset your CMOS and then load optimized defaults. Reboot and set up your bios the way you need it.

[Chike]

What DDR rate and timings does memtest96+ report, do they match your ram spec?

[Greyform]

I would check the voltage spec of your ram vs what is set in the BIOS many times the BIOS defaults to 1.8 and a lot of newer ram needs 2.0-2.1

[SteveZilla]

Originally Posted by wazza300

could be ram incompatible with your board

I've read that this is a somewhat often ocurrence, but I am puzzled why it happens. Don't both the M/B and the RAM have to abide by a standard in the same way the M/B and expansion card manufacturers have to for PCI/PCIe slots/cards?

I thought that by buying a (somewhat at least) better brand of RAM, I might not have issues. But if it is incompatible RAM, why am I not seeing errors in Memtest86+?

[SteveZilla]

Originally Posted by Greyform

I would check the voltage spec of your ram vs what is set in the BIOS many times the BIOS defaults to 1.8 and a lot of newer ram needs 2.0-2.1

Actually, that BIOS defaults to 1.6V, and I raised it to the stated 1.8V for my RAM.

[SteveZilla]

Originally Posted by Conners

Reset your CMOS and then load optimized defaults. Reboot and set up your bios the way you need it.

I'll try that in the morning after I get home from work.

PS: Like the Avatar, Conners. Are you a fellow Texan?

Originally Posted by Chike

What DDR rate and timings does memtest96+ report, do they match your ram spec?

I'm fairly sure it is reporting what I have set in BIOS (7-7-7-21), but after I try what Conners recommends, I'll post the full list of BIOS settings for my RAM and what Memtest86+ is reporting.

[Conners]

Originally Posted by SteveZilla

PS: Like the Avatar, Conners. Are you a fellow Texan?

Why heck yes... HOOKEM HORNS!

[computery]

MEMTEST 1.7 and earlier (different program to memtest86+) are notorious for producing errors on newer chipsets and with newer RAM; errors that don't really exist. If it checks out with Memtest86+ then your RAM is fine. Another way to verify is to run a test in Windows