computer crash/reboot problem

[substance12]

I have a really old box at home that was basically on its way to the trash can. Upon installing an OS it crashes mid stream and I can never finish the install. I've already swapped out the HDD so I know it's not that. I'm guessing it's the SDram or mb. These types of crashes... what is typically the culprit?

 

[jme5343]

Depends on the OS you're installing, imho. XP will barf all over the place if the ram is bad. try www.memtest86.com to test the ram. Any other OS, it's anyone's guess..