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First of all here are the Specs:
Mobo: Biostar M7NCG 400 ver 7.2
CPU: Barton 2800
Memory: 2X 256 PC2700
HDD: 80Gig WDI just built a new system (for a friend) and am having problems keeping it stable. It seems to be a memory problem. Sitting still or working in word it seems fine. But once anything happens that might require any extra video memory (games, screensaver, etc..) its gets an error basically saying it is doing a memory dump. The video is onboard set to 32mb.
I thought maybe it was the MOBO so I RMA'D it for a different one and it does the same thing. I tried only one stick of memory at a time. I tried other memory that i know is good. I know for sure the PS works well because it came out of my current system. I downloaded the WD hard drive tools and did a complete check and it came up with no errors.
Although the HD came up with no erros I still have a hunch something is wrong with it because during OS installation it has problems copying files from the disc. I am now in the process of trying another HDD from a working computer and so far so good.
Is it possible the HD is still bad even though the tests come back good?
Another problem is that when i change the BIOS to FSB of 166 from 100 (to set the correct speed of the xp2800) it also changes the memory timing from 5,2,2,2 to 7,3,3,2.5 and I was wondering if the memory is supposed to run at those settings.Thanks for any help,
Joe
Have you installed the latest drivers for the video? Are you sure you haven't messed with the memory in BIOS? What speed is the Memory (333)? 166 x2 = 333. Coping files and having troubles usually means the disk is dirty or bad.
<===Lefty===
AMD 64 3200+
200 GB WD
Geforce 5500FX 256 MB
512 MB Ram Needs more.
Windows XP
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yes, i've tried the latest drivers for the on board video. And from a post on another section I found out that the settings for the memory are correct.
the second HD does the same thing. Whats the odds of getting 2 bad MOBO's in a row? And yes, I have flashed the BIOS with the latest version.
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I thought I answered this last nite? Was your post deleted?
1st of all, the XP2800+ is supposed to run at 2083MHz (12.5 x 166MHz)...if the FSB is set to 100MHz, it would run at 1250MHz. In your other post, you said it was running at 1.4GHz (1400MHz)?
RAM timings are different at different speeds. At 166MHz, basic PC2700 settings should be 2.5-3-3-7...if you have expensive/performance RAM, then the timings might be 2-2-2-5 at 166MHz. 2-2-2-5 does make sense at 100MHz though because timings tend to tighten up as the bus speed decreases.
Have you tested your RAM using memtest86?
Why are you using oboard/integrated graphics anyway?...they suck! I assume you have no intentions of ever playing games with this machine?
How's your IDE config? Don't put two HDDs or two optical drives on the same cable/channel & don't use the Cable Select jumper setting.
ASUS A7N8X-X
Athlon XP 1800+
8.5 x 200MHz
1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7
Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro SP2
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I just had a look at the board specs & read some reviews...considering what you probably paid for it, you could have done much better. I'm downloading the manual right now & I'll post back with some setting recommendations...
ASUS A7N8X-X
Athlon XP 1800+
8.5 x 200MHz
1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7
Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro SP2
0
Under Advance Chipset Features:
System Performance = Expert
CPU Ratio = Default
FSB Frquency = 166MHz
CPU Interface = Optimal
Memory Frequency = 100%
Memory Timings = Default
FSB & AGP Spread Spectrum = if possible, disable both
AGP Aperture Size = 128MB
AGP Frequency = 66MHz
System BIOS Cacheable = Disabled
Video RAM Cacheable = DisabledThe settings that I didn't mention above should be left at the default. The rest you should be able to figure out for yourself...
ASUS A7N8X-X
Athlon XP 1800+
8.5 x 200MHz
1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7
Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro SP2
0
Just found the other post in the overclocking forum. I forgot to ask...do you have the sqaure 4-pin ATX12V plug connected to the board?
ASUS A7N8X-X
Athlon XP 1800+
8.5 x 200MHz
1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7
Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro SP2
0
Thanks for the input Jam. Yes I know I could have done better. I've been kicking myself ever since I tried this board. I always use Gigabyte boards and have never had a problem. The only reason I went with this one is i was looking for onboard graphics and athlon xp processor. The system is going to be used primarily online, no high end games. Lesson learned.
Ok, for your input. I have the HDD and the CDROM on diff IDE's, both set to master. I tested the memory sticks using the program you recommended. I did them together and individually. All three tests show errors. One of these sticks is new and the other one worked fine in the prior system. I am in the process of testing these sticks in a system I know works well. I'll post back on those results. And No, I dont have the square 4-pin hooked up, this mobo doesn't have that connection. But I'll double check just to make sure. I have set everything in the Advance Chipset as you said. At first boot I get 3 "Windows has recovered from a serious error..." errors. It goes to the screensaver and locks up.
I've built many comps and have never had this much of a problem.
I'll post the progress of the memory stick tests from the working system.
Thanks again,
Joe
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OK Jam, here are the latest memory test results. Both sticks of memory test to be fine in the "good" system. I did them individaully and together like I did in the other system. No errors at all.
But here's the weird part. I took the memory out of the "good" system and put it in the one I am having trouble with and the darn thing works fine now. Even did a memory test on it and no errors at all. All three sticks are PC2700. But, its only 1 stick of 256 and I need to have 512 because thats what they wanted (bought).
Confused...
Joe
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