This post is a bit of a long one, I am in desperate need of some advice on how to fix a 2 year recurring computer problem.

Basically I have had the same problem occur on 2 motherboards of the exact same type, both being the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe edition. On each unit the memory ports and or memory corrupt over a certain period of time. Using one type of memory, Corsair XMS CMX1024-3200PRO (1gb x2) the computer would crash and upon reboot I would get an error telling me my BIOS checksum file was corrupt and prompted me to insert a BIOS floppy disk to continue, this would loop until I turned the computer off. I swapped the motherboard for a new one at the time of that error and inserted memory of the same type 2 new 1gb sticks.

Today I experienced the same error as before and I have just run memtest on both sets of memory, sure enough they are all corrupted. I even put in a set of Mushkin 2-2-2 special 2x512mb sticks. When I used this memory the computer would randomly turn off and turn on several times providing no stability. When I would try to access certain applications (WoW, Sony Vegas, WC3, Counter-Strike..etc.) I would get fatal errors saying the memory could not be indexed at a certain instruction and tell me that the game file/ music file/ video file was corrupted.


So I am left with the same issue happening to me on 2 motherboards. My first thought is to go to the store tomorrow and buy 2 new 1gb sticks of 3200 ddr memory to test in the current system. However I think the motherboard is defective and the memory ports are somehow corrupted and are corrupting the memory I put in them, I could understand this if it was a first time occurence on a motherboard, however this is the 2nd time this has happened to me so I am wondering if an external source could be causing the problem. Any help or insight on the issue would be much appreciated.

Other facts about my computer:
Case: Lian Li 65b
Power Supply: Enermax Liberty 500w model ELT500AWT
Processor: AMD 64 X2 4600+
Video Card: NVidia 7600GT pci express
Sound Card: Soundblaster X-FI FATAL1TY edition
Hard drives: 2x 250gb Western Digital drives in raid 0 configuration
Memory used: Corsair CMX1024-3200PRO 2x1gb

I had the same board and had major memory problems. When I first got it and put my 2GB Corsair 3200 dual channel in there it wouldn't boot. Put one stick in and it did. I thought it was one of the modules and tested to find they both ran fine in other computers. I assumed it was just a compatibility issue so I used 1GB until I could afford more, then I saved up and got 2GB of G.Skill HX which worked, OC'd really well, then the next day wouldn't boot. I kept trying to fix it but couldn't get it to boot without removing one stick.

I eventualy blew one of the modules when I was hella frustrated trying to get it working, and high as hell on some good weed, I removed the stick whilst the power was on and a few of the contacts got fried.

I later sold the board with the 1GB to a friend on the cheap.

Asus are usually fantastic and along with EVGA and DFI make my top three motherboard manufaturers list. It did clock well though and with just the 1gig stick ran immaculately.

And it was a major waste of good RAM. They did 250-260mhz at 2.5-3-2-5 1T. Best DDR1 I ever owned.

Glad to hear I'm not alone in having this problem. Although the board did fry my memory with only 1gb in on the right memory bank (which was suppose to be the good one) If I were to buy a new DDR2 motherboard with a new processor, which would you recommend? I am looking for something fairly advanced for video editing and gaming.


I was also wondering if it would be possible to save the information on the hard drives and directly implant them into a new system with a new motherboard, preserving the raid configuration I currently have.

New DDR2 motherboard and CPU?

Firstly - definitely go with the socket 775 and the Intel Core 2s without a doubt. Then you can chose between single, dual, or quad-core CPUs. It's all about your price range really. What's your total budget for both CPU and motherboard?

If you want a high-end board, the Asus Striker, Asus P5K Deluxe or EVGA 680i A1. I hear the Striker can be a little more difficult to set up than is ideal for someone less experienced, and it's more expensive than the EVGA.

I have used 3 of the EVGAs 680i boards and only one of them broke when I overclocked it really high and I RMA'd it yesterday and will have a new one by Wednesday. I'd definitely recommend them especially for the customer service and warranty:

Newegg.com - EVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

And here is the Asus Striker:

Newegg.com - ASUS Striker Extreme LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX The Ultimate Gaming Motherboard - Retail

Here is the Asus P5K Deluxe:

Newegg.com - ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Now lower down in the motherboard price range is the EVGA 650i which I put into a PC that I built for my friend along with an Intel core 2 E6600 CPU. On my first attempt it hit 1600FSB. Meaning a completely stable overclock of 3.6ghz (from 2.4ghz at stock) on the CPU.

It'll handle high end RAM up to rated 1333mhz and will take quad-cores too. Only thing is it's not got SLi but if you had, say, one 8800 graphics card in there then for visual/graphic editing stuff you wouldn't be needing SLi.

Here's the 650i:

Newegg.com - EVGA 122-CK-NF66-T1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i Ultra ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

As far as CPUs, again dependent on your budget you could get a nice E6600. They overclock veeery easily on stock, standard cooling, it's the best price for performance in it's price range and will handle most of what you'll be doing with ease. I have one myself:

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

Or if that's too much and you're on a tighter budge, but still want dual core for the intense editing go for the E4400:

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Allendale 2.0GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

Or they do an E4500 for $20 more:

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Allendale 2.2GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

And lastly if you're really looking to treat yourself and want the best, you could get a quad core. They range from like $300 to $1000.

Here's a Q6600:

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

Personally if I could, I'd go for the Q6600 to get quad-core and some of the best performance for money, and get the EVGA 680i A1 for what is arguably the best board out there.

Regarding your hard-drive question - I would back up all your information onto an external hard drive, but you're not going to be able to keep anything installed, i.e. games, anti-virus, drivers and so on...

Back up anything like images, music, movies etc and then format your hard drives and start anew. You'll want a fresh, formatted hard-drive to put a fresh Windows installation on to put your new drivers onto and for general smoother operations.

Also, you could maybe erase one of your hard drives, and copy all the important crap you need to keep onto the other, then install your fresh operating system onto the blank drive, then drag all your crap back onto the fresh drive, then format the other OS and such from the other drive, filtering out the files you need to keep. It's a pain in the ass, so I'd just recomend buying an external hard drive, something like this:

Newegg.com - Seagate FreeAgent Desktop ST302504FDA1E1-RK 250GB 7200 RPM USB 2.0 External Hard Drive - Retail

Your information has been very useful! I would give you more rep but it wont let me :/. Basically most of my time is spent playing WoW or rendering movies and 3d renders in Photoshop, Vegas, 3D Studio Max. The rendering and such is what kills my current cpu. My only question about the Q6600 is would it out preform say a dual core equivalent in gaming or rendering? I have been told that all the cores aren't utilized yet specifically in gaming, but I am fairly inexperienced in the matter. My budget for the new machine is around 1400$ considering I will already be using my 500w enermax liberty, sound card, and hard drives. I was planning on purchasing an 8800GTS with 350 mb memory

So far this is what I think I would like to purchase:

EVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - EVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

CORSAIR Dominator 4GB(4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Quad Kit Desktop Memory
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Dominator 4GB(4 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Quad Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Newegg.com - EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail



These are the components I am unsure of but will need to purchase also:

LIAN LI PC-65B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.com - LIAN LI PC-65B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Freezer 7 Pro
Arctic Cooling

all totaling to around 1350$ and change.

I'm not sure if the heatsink is the best but I am concerned with the CPU as all of the reviews said it operates at a very high temperature, I want to make sure i get the best possible cooling available for the cpu. Was also wondering if the memory package was worth the money, or if I could get something cheaper that would perform better in a different package. Thanks again so much for all your help.

What quad-cores don't outperform in now, they will do soon, as apps are released and updated and made ready to utilize 4 cores. You really won't run into any situations where your quad core causes you to have less performance, so it's definitely worth the move.

Yeah, you chose well. The 8800 will do nicely there too.

And the 4GB of RAM I have also, same modules (maybe that's why you picked them). They're pretty versatile sticks. You can run them in 1:1, 5-5-5-15 @ 1066mhz with the CPU FSB @ 1066mhz if you don't overclock, and if you do need to overclock and want to keep your RAM synced in 1:1 then you can get the timings to 4-3-2-8 @ 800mhz and push 1600FSB (800/1600=1:1) and lower the multiplier to x8 and hit 3.2ghz on your Q6600, which it should do nicely.

If you want any advice on overclocking or setting your rig up when you get it and build it all, feel free to PM me your MSN addy or something and I'll talk you through anything you need to know.

Oh I nearly forgot! If you have 4GB RAM, you will nee to have a 64bit operating system in order to address the whole 4GB, comprendez? If you're on a standard 32bit edition of XP or Vista, you'll prolly only be able to see about 2.5-3gig max. If you're running Vista (moreso on Ultimate Edition) you'll notice some substantial performance gains with 4GB of RAM.

Yeah you probably will find some modules that do clock better, and are cheaper than the Corsair Dominator range. They're kinda designer to be honest. G.Skill, Crucial, even OCZ will probably be cheaper, though not substantially. I just like sticking to Corsair for the lifetime warranty, the great reputation, and the fact that I've never had a stick of Corsair RAM fail on me. Period. Also a lot of sticks are cheaper in 2GB but don't do the 4GB packages like Corsair do with the 8500. Someone else'll prolly reply here soon with an opinion different to mine, but my word is that you can't go wrong with that kit.

For your cooling, go with the Thermalright 120 Extreme:

Newegg.com - Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler - Retail

Or a Scythe Ninja, wherever you can find one. This is assuming, of course, you can't afford water-cooling. If you can - get it! I made the move to water-cooling this month and my E6600 idles at 30c, reaching 47-50c full-load when overclocked to 3.6ghz.

Previously it was idling at 37c and hitting 60c at STOCK speeds (2.4ghz).

if you're wanting to OC your Q6600, water-cooling is definitely the way forward. It'll set you back a good $250 though.

Nice case too! Lian Li are my preferred manufacturer there.

Yeah Lian Li's are great to work with. At the moment I am running 32b XP Pro. So am I not even able to install the entire 4gb's or can I install them but they wont be fully utilized? I will need help with the OC settings so I will definitely PM you later. Unfortunately I don't have the cash or time right now to buy a water cooling system Perhaps over winter break I can scrounge up enough cash to try to put together a water cooled system.

I just wanted to add my two cents to this thread.

My NUMBER 1 rule when building or doing a major hardware upgrade. ALWAYS purchase a new quality power supply. Since your thinking of using your existing power supply into your new build, I certainly would not recommend it.

1. We certainly dont know if the power supply could have been the cause of your mb/ram failure.

2. It's definately not a gamble id want to play with new hardware costing a grand.

3. A new power supply that's compatible with your new hardware and will have no problem working with your new system. No need to buy extra connectors since your old one may not be compatible.

4. The power supply is the most important component in the entire system. Everything inside the box is ran by the psu. If the psu has issues it will affect everything inside the box.

Overall,
I took the time to build a system for you that meets your budget. I did go with a lower cost ram and upped your video card ram to 640mb if your a gamer. I also added the theraltake 120 heatsink and a pc power and cooling psu. The total bill came to 1396.93. Whew just made it....Then again there are a couple of rebates that should cover your shipping and still keep you under $1400. Opps i forgot to add a fan for the thermaltake heatsink. You can add one in.


Newegg.com - LIAN LI PC-65B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Newegg.com - EVGA 122-CK-NF68-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Newegg.com - EVGA 640-P2-N825-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Newegg.com - PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad (Black) EPS12V 750W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, ULC, CE, CB, RoHS - Retail

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

Newegg.com - OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Newegg.com - Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler - Retail

If your looking to cut corners a bit more....The asus p5n32 sli is $10 cheaper than the mb you chose. I personally own this board and im happy with it. No issues so far.

Newegg.com - ASUS P5N32-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

I hope this help.........The fun part is putting it together and making it come alive!

Wait a second.....where did i put my hammer.....LOL

TC
rockin'male

Awesome, I will consider all of the things said Should get the new pc by the end of the week (ordering after pay on wed.) I'll let everyone know how things turn out.

DONT FORGET!!!!!!!!!




I almost forgot if you don't have one of these. I highly recommend buying one.

Newegg.com - Rosewill RTK-002 Anti-Static Wrist Strap - Retail

Whether im on the job or working on my personal pc's. I always have it on when my hand goes inside the pc.

Quote: Originally Posted by NiSm0 Yeah Lian Li's are great to work with. At the moment I am running 32b XP Pro. So am I not even able to install the entire 4gb's or can I install them but they wont be fully utilized? I will need help with the OC settings so I will definitely PM you later. Unfortunately I don't have the cash or time right now to buy a water cooling system Perhaps over winter break I can scrounge up enough cash to try to put together a water cooled system.

Yeah you can install them just that Windows won't be able to address them. With 32 bit, Windows can only address 4GB of RAM at any one time, and that is across your whole system. So lets say you have an 8800 in there takng 640mb for it's memory, then you'll only be able to address 3.4GB. Then take into account anything else in your rig that has memory and it'll bring it down further.

4GB is not really necessary either, unless you're on Vista, in which case it is the sweet spot.

If you'll be sticking with XP 32 then sure, go for the 2GB OCZ and you'll save a bunch of your hard earned dollars.

Regarding dual-core CPUs, you could probably get better for the price if you went for an E6550 or an E6750. These are the new revision Core 2 Duo chips, and you can get a 2.66ghz E6750 for the same price as an E6600.

I would suggest a quad-core Q6600 for futureproofing if you can afford it, but bear in mind they usually don't overclock as high as the dual core chips. Highest I can get my Q6600 stable is 3.3ghz, and that puts out a shedload of heat.

If your going to spend that much on memory I'd say go DDR3.

Ok order has been placed, the video card arrived today, minus a dented box the parts seem to be fine Wasn't sure what size fan to get for the heatsink so I just got a 120mm 57.4CFM fan. One thing I am worried about is if the heatsink will fit inside the case. I also changed my case from the 65b to Newegg.com - LIAN LI PC-60BPLUSII W Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail . I think if I remove the CPU shroud it should fit but you never know :O . I was wondering if you have had any problems with the fan clip or installing the fan on this particular heatsink, as all the reviews said it was a problem. For the case I purchased 2 80mm and 2 120mm fans with a 120mm cpu fan. I pray to god that the machine won't run loud but I think it is going to :/ Should be arriving some time next week ~ tuesday.