New Build problems. im about to throw this computer out the window.

[lstxremaningxsn]

I built a new system recently with the following parts:
-DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX
-AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939
-OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Platinum System Memory Model
-Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 ST3250823AS
-GIGABYTE Radeon X800 GV-R80256D

I read about issues w/ the DFI mobo and the AMD Athlon X2 and i knew that i would have to update the BIOS for the X2 to work, so i did. however, i waited a couple weeks to update the BIOS because i didnt have a floppy drive. during those weeks, the system was unstable and would completely freeze up every 1-4 hours. i figured the BIOS update would fix the problem so i eventually updated to the newest one (10/19/2005) from this site. This didnt fix the problem. I also tried older versions and the same thing occured: the computer freezes when the CPU is under moderate to high stress(ie. large file transfers to USB hard drive, gaming, etc.) or goes to a quick BSOD screen and restarts itself. Cooling isnt a problem b/c i have a zalman cooler for the CPU and three system fans. any ideas on what could be causing the system instability?

and merry christmas!

 

[mechBgon]

1) look at this picture. Are all four of those plugged in?

2) which window are you throwing this out of, so I can catch it and steal your video card out of there 🙂

3) what brand and model of power supply is it?

4) did you give the memory 2.8 volts? If not, do so.

 

[lstxremaningxsn]

well, my motherboard looks like this and i have the proper connections on both my power connectors, but i'll check the voltage right now..oh and the power supply: Antec Phantom 500 ATX12V 500W.

thanks for the quick reply

 

[lstxremaningxsn]

ok i changed my ddr voltage to 2.8. why exactly did i do this, btw?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: lstxremaningxsn
ok i changed my ddr voltage to 2.8. why exactly did i do this, btw?

Because the DFI has a reputation for liking an extra dose of DIMM voltage, mainly 🙂

and i have the proper connections on both my power connectors

The word "both" implies "two," but your motherboard has four power fittings. Are all four of them connected? They're marked 1 2 3 4 in that pic I linked to above.

 

[lstxremaningxsn]

well, i own the nf4 ultra infinity, not the sli model. i think SLI needs more power thus the extra power inputs (?) anyway, my motherboard doesnt have four power connectors as shown by the link...[L]http://storeandserve.com/?PHPSESSID=99a42b7643e13cf8886dd95ba06ea442[
L]

 

[lstxremaningxsn]

sorry. this is the link. (click the "download" button on the right side then click the file name to dload)

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: lstxremaningxsn
well, i own the nf4 ultra infinity, not the sli model. i think SLI needs more power thus the extra power inputs (?) anyway, my motherboard doesnt have four power connectors as shown by the link...

Ooops, my mistake 😱

 

[lstxremaningxsn]

no problem...thanks for the input anyway.