Epox 9NDA3+ powering down problem

[susano]

I recently decided to build a new system and picked up this MB. Problem is, within the first 90 minutes of use the system powers down without any error. Also having issues with the ram slots. Seems bank 1 and 2 work fine, but if I put the same ram that works in bank 1 and 2 into banks 3 and 4, the system won't even post.

What do you think the trouble is. Would the board cause the random power downs? Or do you think I could possibly also have a PSU issue along with the mb/memory problems?

 

[MDE]

What are you using in the system? List CPU, RAM, PSU, video card, # of drives, etc and temperatures (especially the ambient room temp).

Welcome to Anandtech

 

[susano]

Thanks for the welcome. Been a lurker for years

CPU: AMD 64 3000+ (venice)
RAM: Crucial DDR 400 512x4 (have determined 1 of these to be bad and 1 to be flakey by testing in another board)
PSU: Turbolink 450 (came witht he Aspire case I purchased)
Video: ATI x800pro 256 AGP
Drives: 1 250g Seagate SATA (have unplugged all CD/DVD drives to lessen PSU load)
Temp: Room temp has always been cool, I would say 65~70 degrees. Not overclocking at all.

 

[MDE]

I'd blame the cheap power supply if anything. Go for a 350-400W unit from a quality company like Enermax, Antec, Fortron, etc. I used a 380W Antec TruePower until I swapped that into a system that the PSU's fan seized in. Replaced it with a 430W TruePower 2.0 and everything is still great. Here's my system:

Athlon 64 3000+ Winchester @ 2.5GHz
9NDA3+
2x512MB Mushkin PC3200
430W Antec TruePower 2.0
GeForce 6800GT
2x36GB Raptors 1 250GB IDE Maxtor

Also, if you do overclock plug your SATA drive into the ports near the AGP slot.

 

[susano]

I have a PSU that's never given me any trouble, so I'll try that one and let you know the results.

Even if it stays stable I may return the board. If it won't work with all my ram it's pointless to keep it. Any suggestions for a good board if I decide to replace this one?

 

[MDE]

The MSI boards seem to be popular, but I like my Epox.

 

[susano]

Do all your dimm banks work properly? I tried a new bios but the system won't even post with ram in bank 3 and 4. The ram works fine in bank 1 and 2.

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: susano
Do all your dimm banks work properly? I tried a new bios but the system won't even post with ram in bank 3 and 4. The ram works fine in bank 1 and 2.

When I set it up banks 1 and 2 seemed flaky but 3 and 4 work.

 

[susano]

Ok, I tested it with a PSU I know is sound and it was up for 12 hours on some dimms I know are stable also. So the power downs are being caused by the PSU.

Now the ram issue. Now ALL the new dimms aren't functioning in any of the banks. I'm going to take the dimms to my friends work where he has a memory tester and see if they are ok. If they check out ok, I'm just gonna RMA the board, eat the 15% restocking fee, and get a different board.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: susano
I recently decided to build a new system and picked up this MB. Problem is, within the first 90 minutes of use the system powers down without any error. Also having issues with the ram slots. Seems bank 1 and 2 work fine, but if I put the same ram that works in bank 1 and 2 into banks 3 and 4, the system won't even post.

What do you think the trouble is. Would the board cause the random power downs? Or do you think I could possibly also have a PSU issue along with the mb/memory problems?

Soon as I read the word "Epox" in your title thread, I knew exactally what was wrong... it's the board quite simply.