PCTech Forums

First of all, here is the computer components:

http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishR.asp?ID=636043


This computer has decided to annoy me some, and I'm a little stumped on what to do with it. Theres no OS even installed yet so it's not software.

The problem is as follows:

Upon turning on the system and checking the CMOS it will freeze moving through the menu. Not in a spefic spot, not after a certain amount of time, no real order to it at all. It says the CPU is running about 32 C so I wouldn't think it's over heating.

I figured I'd see what it would do if I tried installing something, actually even just using a Knoppix disk, part way through the install it just locks. There is no response to anything, the keyboard won't even change num lock or caps lock, there is just NO response to anything. The drives stop running and the computer just sits there. Tried installing XP, same thing, computer just locks in random parts of the install. Sometimes it locks at the agreement screen, sometimes right after it, sometimes during file copy. Has not let me get any farther then 3% file copy, it seems luck if I get that far.

One idea I could think of is the PS is too little (300W) but I just want some other peoples opinions on the entire situation before I go and do that.

The other thought is that the hard drive is physically damaged, the interface board under it feels a little loose to me.

Other then that, everything else is installed correctly, cables checked they are in right, jumper settings are right, everything that way I could think of I did my best with. The last option I am looming on doing at this moment is a BIOS update but I don't think that is going to work either.

Does anyone see a problem I currently don't? Any suggestions?

This sounds like a RAM problem to me. I do see you have baught kingston ram, but its possible it might be faulty or detected incorrectly. If your motherboard supports it, try UNDERCLOCKING your ram to 2700... just something slower than it currently is. You could try only one stick at a time to see if the problem is only with one chip

If all else fails, you could also try to go to a local office store (staples, OfficeMAX, OfficeDepot, CompUSA, Circuit city, best buy)and pick up some ram... if it doesn't work return it... if it works keep it, and return the kingston stuff.

Good luck