Need help - building new PC - error I've never seen

JohnPhoenix

Junior Member
Jun 10, 2002
10
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Hello, I am hoping I can get some help/advice about a new computer I am building for my cousin. I am A+ Certified and have built computers before.

I recently purchased a Intel socket 423 Pentium 4 1.4 GHz, Motherboard, and 2 PC800 RD-RAM sticks to go with all the other stuff that was working fine in his old one. I put it all together and the BIOS seems to post fine...no beeps. However, the computer "freezes" after post. Either in the Setup utility or while trying to load windows. Obviously something is wrong and I think its a defective part. My question is which one could it be?

I tried removing all pci expansion cards (except video) and I also tried booting from floppy and still no dice.

I want to send them back to AMEX return protection but they say the items need to be in working order. I asked a professor of mine and she thinks it could be the motherboard but she never heard of this happening before (me either). The motherboard was only $20 (the CPU and RAM cost about $220 together -- all puchased at Compgeeks.com). I kinda hope its the MB because its the only thing still under warranty.

Can anyone help? If its allowed here, I will try to offer a coupon or something if someone can help me.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
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Have you tried clearing the CMOS? Can you get into the BIOS setup to check the settings? Was 800 memory commonly available when that mobo was made. Perhaps you will need to install some slower RAM and update the BIOS.
You need to provide some specifics for someone to diagnose at a distance.
.bh.
:beer: time!
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
4
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any way to try your cpu/ram in another machine?

bad ram does weird stuff, but id guess a $20 mobo wouldnt be too reliable for very long; maybe thats just me
 

Jazzxx

Junior Member
Apr 13, 2003
11
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You may want to try reseting the configuration data in CMOS, its a little option that is usually under the "Plug and Play OS? [yes/no]" option. It has on occasion resolved small mb related boot issues from time to time.... harmless and worth a shot since its free and you are obviously approaching this from a cost concious perspective.
 

EeyoreX

Platinum Member
Oct 27, 2002
2,864
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I would seriously consider a memtest of your RAM too. That way you can either find out if the RAM is the problem, or eliminate it as a problem. Also it's free,

\Dan
 

JohnPhoenix

Junior Member
Jun 10, 2002
10
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the motherboard RAM specs and the RAM I bought are an identitical match. the mem test at boot says no problems so thats why I think its not the RAM. I cant do anything in BIOS setup because it freezes in there as well. I can't test the RAM in any other machines. I have never experienced BIOS setup utility freezing before. I didnt think to physically reset the CMOS on the mb but I dont know if that would do any good..worth a shot I guess. Assuming RAM is ok... could this be a bad CPU or is it possible this 1.4 GHz isn't getting enough cooling or something? I guess from what I am hearing though all around it looks like it is a MB issue.
 

gdtaylor

Member
Feb 17, 2003
80
0
66
The memory test which occurs when you start your computer isn't very rigorous. You should use a program such as MemTest86 to fully test your memory.
 

GonzoDaGr8

Platinum Member
Apr 29, 2001
2,183
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I would look into powersupply and cooling issues.. Do you have the 12v AUX power line plugged in? (you know, the little square 4-pin deal)