this is a new build using GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 Mobo
Intel E8400, 4gb ddr2 1066 pc8500 dual channel memory, EVGA 8800GTS(g92), Antec 900 case, and this PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817182046
 
The problems start when booting. First it only sees my 3.0 Ghz cpu as 2.66, 80% of the time it will post then restart right after posting and repeating, the times it did get past that i tried to install x64 xp and it keeps locking up at random points, havent gotten past 15% install. Can someone suggest some things to try.  
 
I know the ram and gpu and psu work because ive used them before this built. only items that are new to this build are proc and mobo.
 
Thank you in advance.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] wer-supply
 check out this forum post on power supplies,you might try doing your install with just one of your ram sticks and installing the other later,and,,make sure that your ram is supported by your mobo..:> )

but could the psu be causing the install to freeze? i am going to try different dimm slots on mobo, this seems to be a common problem with these boards with different causes, psu memory and fans. going to try different slots, one stick and messing with bios. if i dont fix it by next monday im getting a asus or biostar

please dont quote me on this:
 
my thoughts
-faulty board
-do check the BIOS for any mishappenings (no idea what im talking about)
-clearing CMOS does anything for ya? (probably wont hurt)
-PSU underpowering...? (no idea)
 
keep posted
 
gl

If you haven't already, make sure you are using the lastest bios F6 as it fixes some memory and vga compatability issues.

will make sure when i get home.  are you aware if it comes with current disks supplied with board? or will i have to dl them at work and burn them to cd to load

ty for the update bios hint/slap. guess after working 15 hours then trying to build a new machine wasnt smart idea. looks like f6 bios is more compatible with my proc and memory. duh...will give update if its resolved and will be a sad monkey if its still giving problems  
 
quick question, i just download the bios at work and it contains a flashspi.exe ep45ds3l.f6 file and a autoexec.bat file, which one is need to use the q flash feature on gigabyte boards?

If your setup is flaky, then updating the BIOS becomes very risky. You would need to install compatible CPU and RAM or it is very likely that your BIOS flash will be corrupt.
 
Kind of obvious when you think about it, aye?

well i know its compatible, look at mobo and the products i listed.

2.66GHz isn't a coincidence.  That is what a FSB of 333 with an x8 multiplier yields.  The multiplier should be 9 for the E8400.  Just check bios to make sure you are on 9.  
 
If you didn't already, try using just one module of RAM and see if your posting issues go away.  What it could be coming from is that when you cross over from 2 to 4 modules, you need to increase the voltages slightly.  Just check with one stick...if it doesn't do the reboot crap then you need to bump the voltage slightly to get 4 modules to work.  
 
Go ahead with installing your OS while using one module of RAM if the rebooting stops so you don't have to F around with rebooting/tweaking voltages while you are installing the OS.  
 
Let us know if any of this helps.  Also, post your BIOS version please.

will update bios first, then change multiplier, and try it, if problem persists i will try one stick of ram. Also auto voltages on mobo for memory were set to 1.8, my memory says it can do 2.0-2.1 so i changed to 2.0 and problem didnt  go away.

after buying new psu, swapping ram from dual to single stick in different dimm locations and updating bios, IM STILL SCREWED, first it did the whole scanning harddriver for bios cycle over and over, reset cmos and now i get stuck in endless boot cycle. im pretty sure my board is messed, will send back and rebuild old machine

 
I'm having the same problem with my new GA-EP43-DS3L.  I bought some pretty plain vanilla Mushkin DDR2  800 memory (2x2G - see: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146693 ).  Boots fine with one 2GB stick.  But with both sticks it goes into the same reboot cycle others described here.
 
Anyone know what the prob. is and/or a workaround?  It'd be a real shame if I only was able to use half my memory.
 
BTW, I upgraded the BIOS to F6, but no improvement.

Interesting ... looks like the F6 BIOS is no longer available on the Gigabyte site:  http://www.gigabyte.us/Support/Mot [...] uctID=2871
 
Anyone know what gives?  Buggy BIOS release?