Problem with irregular booting (p5k-e/wifi and c2d e8500)

[mp1206]

I have built a system, which booted fine, installed windows etc. Didn't have any stability issues when running tests.
It did however have some issues booting, i.e. it took multiple resets before it would get past POST.

The problem seems to have changed to something less random, now it will only boot with the default settings. If I so much as change the time in BIOS, it won't boot.

I've tested with other memory, and PCI graphics, but neither seem to make a difference.

I'm hoping it's just some setting that I need to change in BIOS, as the hardware all seems to work fine under load, once I get it to boot.

So, if anyone has experience with similar hardware, or a similar issue, or any ideas...

Components:
Asus p5k-e/wifi
Core 2 Duo E8400 (w/Scythe ninja mini)
Corsair XMS2-6400 2x1gb
Asus HD4850

No DVD or HDD currently plugged in.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[chechnyan]

you forget to mention the PSU
it could the main reason
check the wires there could be a short somewhere
try to turn on on and off directly from from the board front panel pins
check the manual to locate them
plus the heat

 

[mp1206]

The PSU is the Antec Neo HE 550 which came with the case.

When the system was running there weren't any power issues, but I'll look into it as an issue.