Memory and A7N266-VM Problems

[joshd2012]

I recently put together a new computer with the following:

ASUS A7N266-VM
AMD AthlonXP 2200
Kingston PC3200 256MB

I have been having random rebooting, and I think it may be due to the memory. When I ordered the mobo/cpu combo, I specified I wanted PC2100 memory to match the capabilities of the MoBo. I am think now, that I am having these rebooting problems because the memory is faster than what is capable for the MoBo. I am pretty much a newbie with this, so I am wondering if this could be the problem, or should I be looking at the integrity of the Memory itself or even look at replacing my older hard drive? Thanks for the help.

 

[Bleep]

I am think now, that I am having these rebooting problems because the memory is faster than what is capable for the MoBo

Not correct thinking, memory is rated by it's top speed but will run at lesser speed.

Bleep

 

[joshd2012]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Is there any program out there that will test the integrity of my Memory?

Another thread suggested that I turn off the automatic reboot setting when Windows detects an error. I did so and the computer rebooted soon after that. This leads me to believe that it is not a problem with Windows, but rather a problem with the Memory itself. Should I be looking a possible replacing my hard drive as well or does this sound like a memory problem?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

What power supply are you using? If it's a generic PSU that came with the case I'd look there first. As to testing the memory, use memtest86+

 

[joshd2012]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
What power supply are you using? If it's a generic PSU that came with the case I'd look there first. As to testing the memory, use memtest86+

Thanks for the link. I tested out the Memory and it came back with 166 errors. Just got back from the store with a replacement stick, and everything is going good so far. But just incase I come up with some problems on this stick (Kingston PC2100 DDR 256MB) I am using a Antec SmartPower 350 that came with my Antec 3700AMB case.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[joshd2012]

As is typical, minutes after making this post, my computer rebooted. I then switched the memory to the other memory slot, and the computer rebooted.

I am running the MemTest on the new memory in the second slot, but I am sure it is going to come back with errors. Assuming that I didn't happen to purchase two separate memory sticks that are bad, what else could be the problem? All signs show my Power supply giving a steady voltage and my cpu temp never goes over 37 deg C. Am I looking at a bad MoBo here? Or is there something else I need to check?

 

[Slammy1]

Check Event Viewer (in control panel) to see if you're getting a specific error. A bad CPU can cause reboots also, but the fact that you are getting errors with Memtest suggests you've found your problem. You can try to lower the timings to see if that will corrects things, in case your board is misidentifying the SPD settings.

 

[joshd2012]

Originally posted by: Slammy1
Check Event Viewer (in control panel) to see if you're getting a specific error. A bad CPU can cause reboots also, but the fact that you are getting errors with Memtest suggests you've found your problem. You can try to lower the timings to see if that will corrects things, in case your board is misidentifying the SPD settings.

I checked Event Viewer, and the only error it showed was for a failed Internet Explorer execution. Is there anyway to limit the memory speed via the BIOS? Or do I have to do that by moving the jumpers on the board? I'm using Award BIOS, btw. Thanks for your help.

Is there anything I should check to see if it is the CPU? Or am I just to assume it is the MoBo because it is producing mem errors?

 

[mechBgon]

I've had two A7N266-VM's myself and there's another bunch of them down at work (about three dozen). They're all running Crucial PC2100 and never a problem. What's interesting is that I did put a stick of my Corsair XMS 3200C2 into the last A7N266-VM/AA that I owned, and it wouldn't POST until I'd cleared the CMOS. After that it did run fine, however. The board is going to run the RAM at 133MHz/PC2100 or else 100MHz/PC1600, depending on how you jumper it.

Suggestion: get Crucial PC2100

 

[joshd2012]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I've had two A7N266-VM's myself and there's another bunch of them down at work (about three dozen). They're all running Crucial PC2100 and never a problem. What's interesting is that I did put a stick of my Corsair XMS 3200C2 into the last A7N266-VM/AA that I owned, and it wouldn't POST until I'd cleared the CMOS. After that it did run fine, however. The board is going to run the RAM at 133MHz/PC2100 or else 100MHz/PC1600, depending on how you jumper it.

Suggestion: get Crucial PC2100

Hmm, so you are saying there may be a conflict between the Kingston memory and the ASUS board? What is very strange, at least to me, is that I put the old (PC3200) memory in the second slot and ran the test right off the bat. It came back with no errors. When I started up, it booted up fine, but after a few minutes the computer rebooted. I'm running the test again, and I assume that I will see the same errors I saw last time.

Does this inconsistency in the memory test suggest something with the MoBo? Does it suggest something else? I'm trying to get some sort of valid test result which I can use tomorrow when I call up the retailer to get a replacement board.

 

[mechBgon]

Bottom line, I think your PC3200 is simply wanting more than 2.5 volts. Remember, when the A7N266-VM was designed, there was no such thing as PC3200 or even PC2700. PC2100 was the last word in RAM. It's quite common to give PC3200 a little more voltage, such as 2.6V-2.7V, but this board doesn't have that option. So why not use what it was designed for, that's what I say If you look at the guide in my sig, you can see that I've practiced what I preach... same case/PSU/mobo as you, Crucial PC2100, no disappointments.

 

[joshd2012]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Bottom line, I think your PC3200 is simply wanting more than 2.5 volts. Remember, when the A7N266-VM was designed, there was no such thing as PC3200 or even PC2700. PC2100 was the last word in RAM. It's quite common to give PC3200 a little more voltage, such as 2.6V-2.7V, but this board doesn't have that option. So why not use what it was designed for, that's what I say If you look at the guide in my sig, you can see that I've practiced what I preach... same case/PSU/mobo as you, Crucial PC2100, no disappointments.

Trust me, I want to fix this problem as soon as possible. In a way, I have followed your advice. As I have mentioned, I did try a PC2100 Kingston memory, and had the same result. I have also noticed that the errors I am getting while testing are not consistent... does that say anything important? As far as I can tell, via the BIOS and ASUS software, I am getting a constant and sufficient voltage on everything. I'm pretty much convinced now that I have a defective board and that I need a replacement. I just hope the retailer sees it that way when I call up tomorrow. Its just going to suck that I won't see the board until sometime next week because of the weekend. *Sigh*. I thank everyone who responded for your help and hope a replacement board will fix the issues.

 

[mechBgon]

Good luck with the new board

 

[Slammy1]

Actually, assuming memory is not the problem, the next suspect is CPU rather than MoBo. Something easier to check would be HD integrity, as when you have reboots you can have some lost clusters and such giving you problems. If you turn off system restore option, recreate the swap file and see an improvemeent in stability you might have your problem (implying the need for OS install). But given what you've said, I'd still lean towards memory. Memtest will not show all errors, which is why you have people running it for extended lengths of time to test their system stability. Make sure you run the extended tests, they're much more likely to spot problems.

Bottom line, you've run into an issue which is very hard to diagnose. When you have problems as mentioned, it can create other problems (like HD miswrites) that will confuse you even when you fix the root problem. I went through it recently with a bad CPU, which is why I mention it. Before any Windows install, you should test your memory as you can get a FUBAR'd install (which may be why you could pass memtest yet still get the reboot problem). Also, PSU can give reboots especially when they occur soon after entering Windows. Then Video could cause reboots if you're hitting the D3D functionality. Like I said, given how problems tend to be additive once they occur it's not easy to deconvolute. Memory can cause video problems which cause HD problems or the memory can cause reboots which cause HD problems. God speed!

 

[lsman]

is the HD format with this new computer (or just plug from old MB without reformat/reinstall OS)?

 

[joshd2012]

Originally posted by: lsman
is the HD format with this new computer (or just plug from old MB without reformat/reinstall OS)?

The HD was formated and XP was installed using this MoBo.

I have a replacement MoBo in the mail, it should be here Tuesday. They didn't have any A7N266-VM in stock, so they are sending me an A7V8X-VM in its place. Not a bad upgrade if I remember the reviews of this board. Hopefully, that will solve my problems.

 

[RagingGuardian]

I had a a7n-266-vn recently that did the same thing to me and I was using Crucial PC2100. I replaced the board with an Abit KM400 board and it runs perfectly with no reboots and I can run Prime95 for over 24hrs without errors. The only thing I didn't like about the KM400 board is that it's no faster than the A7N266-VN I replaced it with but it's way more stable.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

A7N266-VM in my son's rig was originally a client's but it started acting funny so I swapped it for them. Turned out the IGP was overheating, I felt the heatsink and it was scorching hot. I'd used several for builds before with no issue so I was really Anywho, I put a Vantec copper iceberg kit on both the NB&SB with the provided 3M thermal tape anfd it runs like a jewel now folding 24/7, using Kingston value ram 2100DDR BTW.

 

[joshd2012]

I would just like to update. I replaced the mobo with a ASUS A7V8X-VM SE and everything has beeing running smoothly for a couple days. Of course, I now have to pick up a sound card (because on onboard sound blows), but I am happy that everything worked out. I would like to thank everyone who helped me out.