Successful first build

[sisooktom]

So I got my system assembled and running last night without any real problems (A64 3000, ASRock K8S8X, AIW 9600XT). The only thing was that I had to manually create a SATA driver disk, since for some reason I couldn't boot all the way from the Support CD. After that, everything was flawless. No crashes or errors of anykind. I see why everyone seems to like this board. . . Couple of questions though:

1. When set to 'Auto' the system detects my RAM as DDR333. I manually set it to DDR400 and it runs fine, just curious as to why this would happen. It's a 512MB stick of PC3200 from Crucial.

2. Although my idle temps seemed reasonable (45C), I'm up to 56C (According to SpeedFan, is there something better?) after running Prime 95 for about 8 hours (no errors). Is this ok? I've heard temps will come down some after an initial "burn in", is this correct?

 

[mbackof]

1. The Auto setting on a motherboard under memory usually picks conservative values so that the system runs the majority of the time after selecting it. This enables "Joe Blow" computer builder to get the system up and running with timings that are not likely to cause a problem, even if he is using generic memory. Whenever I build a system I have to turn off Auto and tweak the memory timings to increase performance.
2. I don't know about "burn in" for computer temps, but my system runs at 54C under heavy CPU loads and 42C at idle. It is an AMD Barton 2500+ overclocked to 3200+ speeds in an Antec sonada case. I have no random reboots or crashes that are usually associated with heat related issues. I would expect your temps to remain about the same in the future and that is fine. You won't damage your system at those temps and you shouldn't have any stability issues that are caused by heat.

 

[sisooktom]

Thanks for the info. I have the Sonata as well. Are you running the chassis fan off the Fan Only connector? The manual said you can either do that for noise reduction or just run it off a normal power plug for maximum cooling. . .

 

[sisooktom]

Also, I noticed my A64 is the C0 stepping. Did I miss out on anything by not getting the CG?

 

[boomerang]

Your temps sound fine.

Try sticking that RAM in another system if you can and see what it detects at. It sounds as if it may have been mislabeled.

You may need a BIOS upgrade if you're not at the latest version. However, I checked the ASRock website, and I don't see any mention of memory issues in the latest BIOS for your board. The other possibility is that the Crucial stick is not compatible with your chipset. But after running Prime 95 for 8 hours with no errors, I would think not.

The BIOS should detect that stick for what it is, based on the SPD on the stick itself. I believe it's mislabeled.

 

[mbackof]

I'm running the chassis fan off the fan only connector. I probably could put more cooling in the box, but the machine is very quiet right now and I really don't want to make it louder. My other machine has some serious fan noise in case I want it loud. <grin>