I've just built a new computer, but I've had problem after problem with it. First, here are the specs:

Athlon 64 3200 Venice Core
BFG nForce4 Ultra motherboard
OCZ Modstream 520w PSU
Geforce 6800GT
2x OCZ 512MB DDR 3200 Gold Edition RAM
2x 160GB Seagate SATA HDs
1x 200GB Seagate IDE HD
Soundblaster Audigy
Liteon DVD +/- RW


I've posted a couple of other threads concerning this computer, but here's one big thread to explain everything that's driving me nuts. My problems started the first night. I put the computer together and booted it up only to get blue screens of death each time I tried to install Windows. I ran memtest86 on my RAM and it gave a ton of errors at the end of Test 5. So, I RMAed the RAM and used two 512MB sticks of my old Crucial PC2100 RAM. Using this RAM I was able to OC my processor to 2250Mhz with no problem whatsoever. I thought "Man, I'll really be able to OC once I get the replacement RAM."

Yesterday my replacement RAM got here. I installed it, left all of the settings at default, and booted up. I got two blue screens of death within 10 minutes (IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL). I ran memtest again and the RAM failed at the end of Test 5, just like the first set I had. I figured that the problem had to be with my motherboard, not with the RAM itself, because there's no way I could have been sent two sets of defective RAM. I've spent the last three hours playing with motherboard settings, trying to get the OCZ RAM to run stable. I lowered the timings to 2-2-2-5, since that's what the RAM is rated at, and I left all of the clock frequences at their default. Windows started fine, but my 3D mark scores were FAR lower than when I was using the Crucial RAM. I tried overclocking the OCZ memory, but I can't overclock it the slightest bit or else my computer won't boot.

After trying for so long to get the OCZ memory to run well I said "screw it" and threw the Crucial RAM back in. Then my motherboard wouldn't boot. So I moved the RAM to the channels 3 and 4, reset the CMOS and booted again. The computer started up and I bumped my clock frequency up to 225 so my processor would run at 2,250Mhz, which is the same setting I had it on before. However, now the computer wouldn't boot at all. After clearing the CMOS several more times and moving the RAM around several times I was FINALLY able to get my computer to start up, but it's running at stock speeds.

In addition to all of these problems the XP-120 heatsink that I ordere won't fit on this motherboard (A capacitor blocks a mounting bracket) and the fan on my NV Silencer 5 was dead on arrival. However, both of those things can be easily fixed. I've RMAed the NV5 and I sold the heatsink on eBay. My main concern is with my RAM/motherboard. I know the processor is just fine, but what in the hell is the deal with my RAM? I can't figure it out. Both the RAM and motherboard are made for overclocking, but nothing I've tried works. I can't even get the OCZ RAM to run stable at it's stock speeds.

At this point I have no idea what to do. Should I RMA the RAM again? Or could the problem be with the motherboard? I ordered everything on the 5th from Newegg, so I only have three days left to get an RMA approved on the motherboard.

Thanks in advance for any help. Also, thanks to everyone who's helped me out in other threads.

BFG makes motherboards?

No they dont. Google does...

http://www.bfgtech.com/testy/nForce4_motherboard.html

Quote: Originally Posted by j-dogg BFG makes motherboards?

So far they've only made one. I would've gotten a DFI board, but I just can't stand the ugly colors. So I did some research and the BFG board seemed to be really solid. So far I'm not impressed with it at all.

Here's a review of the BFG board.
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=Nzcw

RMA your mobo. If HardOCP gave it a good rating I'm not gonna argue. Personally I'd go with Abit. I've tried other brands (Asus, Gigabyte, Chaintech,MSI and Epox). I alway go back to Abit.

Id say get your money back on the mobo, and check to see if your ram is compatible with whatever new mobo you choose. I know that sounds dumb, but trust me with these new boards and new chipsets its more than just a 184pin issue. If its not going to look like it get your cash back on the ram and go with some corsair and a dfi mobo. Just what i would do though.

Quote: Originally Posted by Sparky Id say get your money back on the mobo, and check to see if your ram is compatible with whatever new mobo you choose. I know that sounds dumb, but trust me with these new boards and new chipsets its more than just a 184pin issue. If its not going to look like it get your cash back on the ram and go with some corsair and a dfi mobo. Just what i would do though.

I think I'm going to RMA both the RAM and the motherboard. I'll get the DFI Lanparty NF4 Ultra-D and pay $10 more to get the OCZ 3200 VX RAM. I just hope Newegg is nice enough to let me RMA both items.

Is it worth upgrading the stock heatsink for the A64? I have my eyes on the Zalman 7000AlCu. I might as well order it at the same time as I send back the rest of my stuff.

^ Hell yes.

Thermalright all the way

Quote: Originally Posted by Dex ^ Hell yes. Thermalright all the way

I had the XP-120 and it wouldn't fit on my BFG board, so I sold it. I'd feel really supid if I bought the same heatsink again when (if?) I get the DFI board. Plus, the Zalman is $20+ cheaper.

Go to zalmans website www.zalmanusa.com and itll let you know whats compatible of theirs with what motherboards. Let us know how it goes man.

The new ram sounds good. You mobo should be RMA'd. try using the bar essentils and try to single out the problem from there.
Jrod

I'm RMAing the board and I'm going to get the DFI Ultra-D to replace it. I'm also going to just go ahead and get another XP-120. I just think it looks a lot sexier than the Zalman, and from what I've heard it does a better job at cooling.

Thanks again for the help!