Computer wont work

[mhipsher34]

So a year ago I homebuilt my own computer - except it never fully worked. It worked for a bit, I installed windows 7, and loaded it once or twice. Then the problems came and I tried replacing the CPU and motherboard to no success. Whenever I would turn the computer on, it would come on for a few seconds and then shut itself off, and then it would turn itself back on. I recently got money to replace the PSU and got a Corsair 600W for it. I installed it and same thing was happening. I removed the memory and the graphics card, put the memory back in and turned it on and it stayed on. Then I put the GC back in and it started up like it should. Now though it would not load past windows startup. I was using a old CPU before, because it seemed I had less problems with it. I decided to try a different CPU to see if that was the problem. Now when I start it it just goes to the main screen that says GIGABYTE on it but wont go any further. Also I have no use of my keyboard, it just freezes at that screen. I have no idea what is wrong, so anyone who has any sort of idea would be spectacular. Here is the list of components:


MB GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P P45 775 R
PU INTEL|C2Q Q8200 2.33G 775 4M R
WD Caviar 500GB Serial ATA HD 7200/16MB/SATA-3G
XFX Radeon HD 4670 1GB PCIe w/Dual Link DVI
Xion Solaris Black/Green Clear Side Case 450W PSU (Not using the PSU, using my Corsair 600W)
Lite ON 24X DVDRW SATA OEM
and finally I am using 512MB of ram from an old computer.

I am currently trying to find new/better RAM that I can try - I am not sure if this could be all due to a lack of RAM or not. the only other thing I could think of is the Graphics Card or the CPU but Im totally lost at this point.

Mark

 

[boiler1990]

Are you using an OEM copy of W7? You'll need to reinstall it because it is hardware specific.

 

[bs6749]

When reading through this I expected that it is a RAM issue.

First, and I know it sounds like a dumb question, but are you sure the RAM is 240 pin DDR2 and not 184 pin DDR? Second, according to your MOBO specs, the RAM may not be supported, especially if it is 533 MHz, which many of the 512MB modules were.

I suggest buying no less than 2 GB of RAM with 4 GB being preferred. 512MB will not go a very long way, especially in Windows 7.

 

[mhipsher34]

I am not sure what OEM means? It is a beta copy though I believe. As for the RAM - I was incorrect. it is a 1GB DDR2. It also says 533 and CL4 after that if it helps. It is made by Micron also. Thanks!

Edit: also I believe it is 240 and not 184, would a 184 even fit, isnt it a different size?

 

[boiler1990]

OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." When referring to the OS, I meant did you get it from Windows (digital download, etc.) or did you buy a retail copy from a store (comes in that box with the discs and codes).

 

[mhipsher34]

OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." When referring to the OS, I meant did you get it from Windows (digital download, etc.) or did you buy a retail copy from a store (comes in that box with the discs and codes).

I got a beta copy from Windows that was digital - I downloaded it from their site and they emailed me a activation code

 

[award2603]

I do believe that the beta of Windows 7 expired back August 1st last year. an 25, 2010 ... Effective August 1, 2009, Windows 7 Beta will expire. ... Windows 7 Beta users receive an expiration notification in the task bar one time ... But it does sound like a memory issue. Your board does not support 533. Need to buy at least 667

 

[mhipsher34]

I think Im going to buy some new memory in the next couple days so I can get this thing working hopefully. how does this look:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227495

 

[award2603]

Going on the motherboard that you listed that board will not take DDR3. Will take up to 1366 of DDR2.

 

[mhipsher34]

Going on the motherboard that you listed that board will not take DDR3. Will take up to 1366 of DDR2.

Should I get 1 2GB or 2 1GB memory sticks? was thinking about this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161182

or

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3322895&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#productresources

 

[award2603]

Id go with 2 sticks of the Wintec AmpX. i used that in a build for a clients PC. Worked beautifully. Been over a year now on that build.

 

[mhipsher34]

Best answer selected by mhipsher34.