Memory/XP Pro Problems

[SpedeRacer]

I cannot start my computer up with 2 sticks of ram in dual channel mode but I can with only 1 stick in single in the B1 slot (when I try 2, it has the screen where I can choose what mode I want to boot Windows and even if I click on safe mode, it just reboots to that point).

When I start XP Pro, there's this screen much like the installation screen and it says "Welcome" in the middle and not much else. Then windows loads and my start bar/tray is all glitched up. I don't get that box that says user/pass and has the shut down feature like I do on my other computer with XP Pro when I start it up. Windows itself is also very glitchy; it reboots whenever under stress.

I noticed that I cannot adjust my PSU's 3.3v rail. It is stuck on 2.51v. Could this be the problem? I don't know how it could make the Windows start up all glitchy but I can believe it making those other things messed up. Anyone know what could be the problem? (the 5.0v and 12.0v rails are fine) Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[mechBgon]

If the PSU is actually delivering ~2.5 volts on the 3.3-volt line, then it's probably the problem right there (check this with a multimeter, not software). If it's delivering the proper voltages and the mobo is goofing them up, then make sure all three of the mobo's power plugs are hooked up. Your main ATX cable is 24-pin, not 20-pin, is that correct?

If the memory's running on AUTO voltage then boost it to 2.7 volts or so, after determining that the PSU is healthy.

 

[SpedeRacer]

I am getting the 2.51v from my BIOS. I think it's an accurate reading because I see it fluctuate from 2.49v and 2.51v not just constantly 2.51v. Also I have the PowerStream so I can adjust the voltages on all 3 rails and when I adjust my 12.0v and 5.0v I can see the voltage change in realtime in the BIOS. I crank the 3.3v all the way down and all the way up and it stays at around 2.51v. I only have 2 of my mobo's power plugs hooked up because I am running only 1 videocard and the red light doesn't light up (lights up when more power is needed). Should I plug the 4-pin into the EZ PLUG anyways? And yes it is 24-pin. I set all my memory stuff to manual (voltage/timings) and set them properly with the help of PDP's tech support. Thanks again.

 

[mechBgon]

If it were me, I'd plug in the EZ Plug too. But I'd also get my little multimeter out and see if the 3.3V reading is really that off, or if the mobo's making it look that way. If you need a multimeter, you can probably get one at Radio Shack or etc. for $15 or less. Or you can try out OCZ's swapout program.

Good luck with the troubleshooting

 

[SpedeRacer]

I plugged in the EZ Plug deal but nothing changed. I dug up my dad's multimeter and will now try the multimeter thing although I have no idea how to use it nor do I know where to use it. Some instructions would be nice Here's a pic...
http://speedmin.wasystems.net/.../images/multimeter.jpg (sorry for the large size)

 

[Blazer]

raise the DDR volts in the bios to 2.7 that should fix it,being that no sig was reported and i have to guess what you have

 

[SpedeRacer]

Originally posted by: blazer
raise the DDR volts in the bios to 2.7 that should fix it,being that no sig was reported and i have to guess what you have

I already manually configured the memory in my bios and my rig is the "Weapon of Choice" deal. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[mechBgon]

Plug the probes into the multimeter, turn it on with the Power button, set it for V DC 20, and then stick the black probe into a black wire on a vacant 4-pin drive plug.

Now use the red probe to check the voltages on the main ATX cable while the system's running. You can use a straightened-out paperclip to reach into the ATX plug. The voltages should be laid out as shown here.

 

[SpedeRacer]

It's confirmed. I followed your instructions mech and I got a reading of 2.58v. Seriously mech...is there anything you don't know? Thanks for the help =P I guess it's time to RMA this baby...I spent so much time shoving wires in nooks and crannies to make it look pretty . Having a low 3.3v rail doesn't do permanent damage does it...?

 

[mechBgon]

Seriously mech...is there anything you don't know?

Just don't ask me for girl advice...

Anyway, you can check at http://www.ocztechnology.com and it appears they'll advance-ship you a new PSU. I didn't read the details because I was over at my folks' house on their system and it was browsing super-slow due to a driver download at the same time (dial-up).

I doubt it came to any harm from the low 3.3-volt line. Hard drives draw from the 5V and 12V lines, as far as I know, and they're the component that I would worry about the voltages being too low. Everything else, my gut feeling is "better too low, than too high." So think optomistic thoughts

 

[blodhi74]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Seriously mech...is there anything you don't know?

mech is god

*waves Hi to mech*