P35-DS4 problem

[BullockBob]

Guys

I have a GA-p35-ds4 r2 (not overclocked) running F9 bios version with:

2 x 1Gb Kingston HyperX DDR-2 1066 RAM (dual channel mode)
CoolerMaster RealPower 850W psu
Gigabyte GeForce 8800 GT gpu
4 x 500Gb Samsung drives (non RAID)
Intel Q6600 with std heatsink and fan
CoolerMaster Cosmos 1000 case

The problem:
Ever since assembling the machine when trying to install either WinXP or Vista I receive numerous STOP errors. Errors are always different.

Further diagnosis showed that running on a single stick of 1Gb RAM I was able to install the OS and run games etc without any errors. As soon as I installed the second stick in Dual Channel I was back to getting STOP errors.

If I placed both sticks in NON Dual Channel mode I could also run without any errors.

I have my own theory on the source of the problem.

Just wondering what everyone else thinks?

Cheers
Bob

 

[ilnmlu]

Use F8 BIOS revision. F9 has a bug.

 

[treker1]

I use F7 with my Q6600. F8 offers nothing for your processor. My DS4 has run perfectly for months. It came with F6.

 

[BullockBob]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I went back to the F8 bios, switched to Dual Channel and BAM! STOP error almost immediately.

Looks like my problem isn't related to the bios then.

 

[Nastro]

This won't help fix the problem, but maybe help in the process of diagnosing it.

I've got a GA-P35-DS4 rev2.1, Q6600 GO (Zalman CNPS9500), 2gb x 1 Corsair XMS DDR2-800 DHX (4-4-4-12), EVGA 8800 GTS 640mb, Antec 650w psu, 1 150gb raptor hdd, 1 160gb hitachi hdd, CoolerMaster Cosmos 1000.

I've got XP on my primary boot hdd (raptor), and Vista Home Premium on my secondary boot hdd. If I want to go to Vista I hit F12 on boot and boot from that hdd.

I built the whole system on Christmas and it posted and has been running great ever since. Never had any problems.

Bios version: F8

 

[weilin]

try memtest86, perhaps u have a weird stick of ram? also check voltages, some want 2.1v.

 

[BullockBob]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

I had the Kingston RAM swapped for another set. Same deal.

I would say most things seem to be pointing to the main board. Real pity.

Runs great when not in dual channel mode

 

[BullockBob]

Well, just thought i'd give anyone who's interested an update.

I have finally figured out the problem, no thanks to the people that sold me the gear. The Kingston RAM is rated for 1066Mhz. Clearly the original pair i had couldn't achieve that and nor could the replacement pair. As soon as i dropped the speed to 667, bingo !!! No more errors in Dual Channel.

I managed to squeeze 886Mhz out of it without any errors. Thats close to 1066 but not really a cigar IMO.

I think an email to Kingston support is in order.