Startup Problem

[mikeyikeey]

Hey everyone,

When I start up my computer I get an ASUS splash screen that looks something like this. This is the first screen displayed before anything else happens.

The problem is, sometimes my system freezes up on this screen and I am unable to load windows, enter setup or do anything. So far, a simple restart has fixed this. But I don't want my brand new system to be having problems! Anyone have any ideas whats up?

I've updated my BIOS to the latest version available, but the problems started after I had already updated. Either way, I want this to go away!

Heres what I've got:
Motherboard: P5K-E/WIFI-AP
Processor: Intel Core2 Duo E6850
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce 8800GTX
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB
Power Supply: CORSAIR 620W
CD/DVD Drive: Samsung CD/DVD Burner
CPU Cooling: Tuniq Tower
And I'm running Vista Ultimate.

Let me know what you think!
And thanks for all your help!

 

[Cutthroat]

Next time you can get into the BIOS turn that splash screen off so you can see what you're doing, there is an option there. Manually set your RAM voltage and timings to the manufacturer's specs. Set anything else in the BIOS that needs to be, depends on your config.

 

[mikeyikeey]

Sounds good Cutthroat, I'll look for the option to turn the splash screen off.
Also, I've set my RAM timings to DDR2 1066.. I don't know what to do about voltage though. Does it really need to be changed? I don't want to fry my memory or anything.

Let me know about that.

 

[Cutthroat]

The motherboard is going to default to a vDimm of 1.8v, if your memory is rated for a higher voltage than that for default you could have troubles. I looked up your RAM and see a spec voltage of 2.2v, that must be the max though, it`s not entirely clear by the website. I would manually set vDIMM at 2.1v, if the PC is stable after a day or two, drop the voltage down another notch until you find the lowest possible stable voltage.

 

[mikeyikeey]

I see what you're saying. However, my system seems to be stable right now. I don't have any games installed at the moment since I'm waiting for finals to end, but would that be the way to determine if my system is stable? When the computer / memory is under some stress?
Also, the problem doesn't occur all the time. I would say it happens one out of every ten startups. Its only happened to me three times since I built this system four days ago.

Still, I will look into changing the voltage in hopes of solving this!

 

[Cutthroat]

Orthos is a good stress test. Distributed computing apps such as Folding @ Home also do a good job stressing your PC, and they're kinda fun to do if you like that sort of thing.

 

[mikeyikeey]

Should I just run that program for.. a long time? What do I do with it?

 

[Cutthroat]

Rule of thumb is if you can run orthos blend test for 24 hours you are stable. Honestly if you can even run it overnight you are likely ok.

 

[mikeyikeey]

Well good news, the test ran successfully overnight! So I'm guessing I'm in the clear there. The next time the problem happens, at least I'll be able to see what it is in BIOS.
Thanks for all your help Cutthroat!