Help with EPoX 8KTA3

[Mandlf]

I can?t get my EPoX 8KTA3 stable enough to install Windows. I?m using a Tbird 900 (set to default 9x100) , 1 256 MB PC133 CAS 2 DIMM (tried setting to PC100/PC133, CAS 2/3,) default vcore of 1.75. Prophet II MX card set to AGP 4x and 2x. Samsung UDMA 100 30GB, BIOS 31131. J5 is set to 100. CPU temp runs at 37C, Sys at 28 with a CoolerMaster DP-6H51 and Arctic Silver. I can boot to CMOS all the time, no POST problems. What am I doing wrong??:frown:

 

[goggleax]

Do you have a AMD certified PS running that thing? That may be some of the "flakyness"?

Just a thought, and a bump, come on folks help the "new" guys out.

🙂

 

[Killrose]

I take it this is a fresh install of windows on a new system? Just for grins, try upping your vcore to the max, and set cpu freq./multiplier to "Default" (so it's auto recognized) instead of "9x100". I would also set the "enable" dimm spd. in advanced chipset properties. Keep your j5 jumper at the 100 setting.

 

[Mandlf]

Thanks for both replies. Yes, my PS is 300-watt AMD-approved. I can boot into CMOS with no problem, in many different settings. Windows copies over all files fine. On the first reboot, when it's detecting hardware, I get various errors (SUWIN, SPOOLER32, MSGSRVR) and it fails. I have tried a different HD; installing from CD and HD; and a different AGP card. Tonight I will try a PCI video card, different RAM, and a different IDE cable. I also tried to install Win 2000 and it had trouble copying over some of the files. Have you ever had a bad IDE cable out of the box?

 

[Regalk]

Those errors look like heat problems. Better check your heatsink carefully - did not check what HS you are using but I hope it is not a chrome orb or smaller ones. Retail sg\hould be OK if not overclocking. Also check that power supply is at least 300w.

 

[Grendel99]

If you read his post he said he was using a 300 watt AMD approved powersupply and for his HSF he is using a CoolerMaster DP-6H51 with Arctic Silver. That HSF should be more than adequate since your not overclocking.

 

[DaddyG]

You only list the minimum components, no sound, modem or NIC. Is this how you are installing ?? Bare minimum is a good way to start. Try backing off your memory timings to absolute slowest (8/10-ns). If this gets your system to install, then increase memory speed slowly. Other than trying this, its all about swapping out components.

 

[1luckymf]

Mandlf, Try disalbling IDE Prefetch Mode in your bios. I beleive its under integrated peripherals.

 

[Mandlf]

Turns out it was my RAM. Popped in a different DIMM and all is well. Thanks for all the replies.