At wit's end...

[DipDewDog]

Ok guys...I'm at my wit's end here...I hope someone can help me.

Here's my rig:
Epox 8k7a Mobo
Athlon 1.2Ghz
256 MB Kingston PC2100 DDR SDRAM
ATI All in Wonder Radeon
Soundblaster Live! 5.1 Platinum
Netgear FA310TX NIC
Western Digital 60GB HDD
Liteon 12X CD-RW
Pioneer 32X DVD
Enlight 300W Power Supply
Windows XP Pro

Here's my problem:
When cold booting, the computer sometimes takes 5 or 6 restarts to get past the POST screen. Even after Windows XP loads, any time I do anything remotely CPU Intensive (Watch a DVD or DivX, play any 3D Game...) the computer will freeze. I reinstalled XP and every other piece of software I was using, and also eliminated the sound card and NIC as the problem (the computer did the same thing whether they were installed or not) At first, I thought the Radeon was the problem. I went and bought a cheap 32MB PCI Geforce2 MX200, but the problems still remain. After asking around, I found that people were having trouble with the 8K7A and cheap power supplies. I went out and bought a new 400W power supply...still had the same problem. At this point, I'm about ready to go out and order a new mobo off of newegg.com. I'd rather not have to deal with trying to return the board if it doesn't solve my problem...so does anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks,

John

 

[DaveSimmons]

Did the VIA - Soundblaster clash ever get ironed out? You could try putting in a cheap non-SB card. Also, I assume you've checked that the CPU temp is reasonable?

 

[BD231]

Sounds like it could be a bad stick of ram, that or a bad mem slot. I would make sure to check your memory before you get a new board.

 

[DipDewDog]

My CPU is running at about 105 degrees idle...but my computer tends to lock up whenever I run the memory tests that you can download at www.simmtester.com. Would this be indicitave of a memory problem? I really don't want to have to keep eating the 15% CompUSA restocking fees.

Thanks.

 

[Maggotry]

What happens if you boot with only (and I mean, ONLY) the cpu, vid card and 1 stick 'o RAM plugged into the mobo?

 

[TheCollective]

I'm betting on a bad stick of RAM as well.

 

[DipDewDog]

Yup, it was 1 bad stick of memory. Thanks guys

John

 

[DipDewDog]

Ugh...maybe not. Seems the machine is up to its same old tricks again

 

[Legendary]

Perhaps a bad memory slot? Try other slots and good luck.