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System Lock Up Problem

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So I've run into a pretty serious issue with my desktop over the last few days. Last week I decided it was time for a piecemeal, budget upgrade and went from:

Old -> New
CPU: Athlon 3800+ -> Athlon 6000+
GPU: ATIx1900xt -> EVGA GTS 250
RAM: 512mbx4 (2gb total) DDR2 533 -> 2gbx2 (4gb total) DDR2 800
PSU (same): ENERMAX Whisper II 460W ATX12V
OS (no change): XP home
Mobo: ASUS M2N-E

I'm running the ASUS M2N-E mobo that I decided not to upgrade, as it wasn't in the budget to do a full overhaul. My first major problem occurred when flashing the BIOS to recognize my new CPU. The flash utility provided by ASUS failed at the third step for no apparent reason, and my computer basically bricked. I then reset the BIOS (by removing battery and jumping it) and was able to update the BIOS through the BIOS flash utility to version 1701 (the most recent for my mobo). So far, so good... BIOS loads fine and I don't see any issues. However, once I reload XP I get an error that I need to reactivate it and I begin to have XP crashes. I wanted to reinstall XP anyways at this point, so I begin doing that. I then continue to have random system freeze errors during installation - generally immediately following the XP loading screen with the moving bar. There will usually be little discoloration pixels around my mouse cursor if it is on the screen.

Solutions I've tried that haven't worked:
Switching back to old RAM
Switching back to old GPU
Reformatting HD
Running chkdsk on HD

But I'm still having the same problem of system freezes, even during fresh XP installs. I understand it is most likely a BIOS problem, but wouldn't that generally only become apparent during the initial system boot? I don't understand how it is now causing system lock ups. Is it possible my PSU is underpowered, even though I believe it meets all the power requirements?

Edit: I should note that my computer had locked up twice while playing WoW the night before my failed BIOS experience - with all my new equipment in the computer at that point.

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Have you checked that the RAM is getting the correct voltage in the BIOS?

How about temps?

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Reply to Proximon

Proximon wrote :

Have you checked that the RAM is getting the correct voltage in the BIOS?

How about temps?



Temps seem fine that BIOS is able to give me, I'm generally not able to be in XP long enough to get a GPU temp reading. If I remember correctly, my CPU was hovering around 38-45 degrees Celsius, and the mobo was approximately the same.

The RAM part I have not checked - I'm not a huge fan of OC'ing anything and generally just leave the BIOS settings on "auto" everywhere available. Not to be a pain, but do you know where I can find the specific voltage I should set for my RAM (DDR2 800)? I originally thought it may be defective RAM, but since I tried my old sticks and encountered the same problem, I've been forced to focus elsewhere so far. :(

Thanks much for your comments.

Reply to jcizzle

Which exact RAM kit did you buy? The RAM will have a sticker on the side that lists the correct timings and voltage to use.

Reply to shortstuff_mt

Auto settings sometimes don't work. If your RAM requires more voltage than the default settings in your BIOS that can often be an issue.

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A big list of recommended parts
Troubleshooting Guide w/links
Reply to Proximon

You cant just use auto. If you have 2.1v ram and auto is 1.8v, your going to have problems. This is likely your problem as In my experience, 1.8v on 2.2v ram wouldn't even load windows.

The voltage can be found on the sticker on the ram, or on the package it came in. Lordy Lord.


Message edited by zipzoomflyhigh on 10-14-2009 at 10:03:10 PM
Reply to zipzoomflyhigh

I just checked my RAM and the voltage should be 1.8v, which is supported by my mobo. I changed it from the 'Auto' setting to 1.8v manually and will see how it goes. The timings were also automatically correct. Sorry for the obtuse question, I should have looked into it more thoroughly before asking


Message edited by jcizzle on 10-15-2009 at 01:13:56 AM
Reply to jcizzle

So I'm just about to give up on this and order a new motherboard... but then I notice that printed on my mobo is "M2N-SLI DELUXE". I checked my Newegg invoice from three years ago and I definitely ordered an "M2N-E". I had always just assumed it was a misprint since there is no second PCI-Express port (and obviously no SLI capability), but now I'm beginning to wonder if flashing the BIOS with one made for "M2N-E" is what is causing problems. I'm pretty confused by this because online there are pictures of boards clearly labeled/printed with "M2N-E". I also don't know what kind of damage I can do by flashing the board with a "M2N-SLI DELUXE" BIOS (if there is any difference at all) if I actually have a mislabeled "M2N-E" board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131022

Edit again: After some further searching, it seems like ASUS did ship out a lot of these boards mislabeled. Very annoying, but oh well.


Message edited by jcizzle on 10-15-2009 at 06:07:55 AM
Reply to jcizzle

Yeah you could have the wrong bios and that could cause your problems.

Reply to zipzoomflyhigh
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