New build help...

[janitor53]

Hi all, I hope someone on Anandtech can help me out here. I have a new build that I finished yesterday but during Windows XP install, I always end up at the blue screen of death. I'm kind of stuck so any help you could offer would be great, I'm not even sure where to go from here.
My specs:
DFI Lanparty Sli
AMD 4000+ San Diego
2 gig Patriot Ram
Seagate 7200.8 hard drive
Seasonic s12 500w PSU
Geforce 6800 Ultra
SB Audigy 2 ZS
Plextor DVD writer

Thanks everyone.

 

[DrMoe]

What error message are you getting with the BSOD? I had a similar problem on a recent system that finally turned out to be due to a faulty IDE cable running to the hard drive. The specific error message will provide more information as to what the problem might be.

Moe

PS - at what point of the install are you getting the BSOD?

 

[RussianSensation]

Try to increase memory voltage to 2.8 and reduce latency timings to 3-3-3-8 or something.
Raise cpu voltage by 3-4% or so. Once you get into windows, run Prime95 or WinMemTest86 for memory at your original settings (not using the ones which i just said) and see if an error occurs. Sometimes components need a little more voltage (since motherboard may be undervolting) or relaxed settings (cant meet the specifications due to reduced compatibility with a motherboard or what not). Try to upgrade the BIOS to the latest version. Check for PSU rails stability using Motherboard Monitor 5.3.7.0. Install latest chipset drivers and for now official videocard drivers. Make sure videocard is secure in the slot. Try ram in different Dimm slots instead of 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 whatever you have it in.

 

[janitor53]

Well, I've gotten 3 different forms, one doesn't have a message, one is DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, the other is PFN_LIST_CORRUPT.
My drives are all SATA but they are being recognized by the system.
I should mention this, on the BSOD it mentioned turning RAM caching and shadowing off so I turned it off in the BIOS and it appeared to work fine, the only problem was it went REALLY slow so after 3 hours I ended up having to stop the install because i needed to get up and come to work today and it was already 2 am, plus my bro-in-law was sleeping on the couch (tons of family staying with me right now as if anyone cared ) so I couldn't sit up and tinker with it.

 

[DrMoe]

How far along are you getting in the install before the BSOD?

Moe

 

[DrMoe]

Also, which version of windows are you installing - XP, XP pro, server 2003....

Moe

 

[janitor53]

It has crashed at different times, sometimes it will get to the Installing Files screen and sometimes it won't get there, I'll put my Name/Company info in and it will just crash. Other times it will crash while it is loading the windows install so its really varied.
I am using Win XP Pro.

 

[rise]

along the lines russiansensation said, first off get it off stock or auto volts. many of the dfi nf4's like mine undervolt. set the volts to this-
startup: start up
vid: 1.4
special vid: +104%
ldt: 1.3
chipset: 1.5
dram: 2.8 (2.9 if you need)

set the timings loose, like 2.5/4/7/3 or even the 3/4/8/3 he says and leave all else on auto. enable memtest and run at least a pass, more if you have time.

if you still have trouble, try memtesting the sticks individually using dimm 2, orange closest to the edge of the board.

i'm assuming you're running at least the 3.10 bios and have all 4 power connectors plugged in.

 

[janitor53]

I ordered the MOBO combo from Monarch, so it came with CPU/MOBO/RAM and allegedly the latest version of the BIOS. I'm not sure what you mean by 4 power connections. There is the main pin to the motherboard, there's a 12 volt to the motherboard, there is a 4 pin I believe to the graphics card, I'm not sure if there is another one or not.
Sorry, this is my first build in about 10 years so there's a lot of new stuff I wasn't 100% familiar with.

 

[rise]

no sorrys, the manual is fairly lacking.

you need the 24 pin, the 4 pin atx, a 4 pin molex above the chipset fan and a floppy connector above the top 16x pci-e card. thats in addition to the pci power connector on the card.

that probably isn't your whole problem though. you need to find your bios version. turn of the dfi-splash screen and on the first post screen it should show down on the bottom left side of the screen. if you still have the 1.25 theres your problem.

you should have the 3.10 bios.

 

[nothingbutrich]

have you tired using only one stick of ram ? and a pata hardrive instead of of sata ?

 

[janitor53]

Hmmm, that's a lot of connectors, I think I might be missing one but I don't know which one it is, I definately have the 24 pin and the 4 pin ATX, I'm not sure if I am missing the chipset fan or the floppy connector. Any more info on where either of these two are located?
thanks for the assistance.