New AM2 system unstable. Any suggestions

[tfboy]

This is an update on a thread I posted about memory speeds (here).

Complete system parts are as follows:

• Abit KN9 SLI NF570 AM2 mobo
• 2GB (2x 1GB) Corsair Value Select 667MHz DDR2
• Retail boxed 3800+ dual core AM2 (running stock volts / speed using OEM HSF)
• Pioneer DVR-111D DVD-RW
• 320GB WD SATA-2 HDD
• 2x 256MB XFX 7600GS XT GPUs (not running in SLI - need 3 monitor support!)
• FSP Bluestorm 400W PSU

Initially, whilst installing XP, I would get some "files cannot be found / copied" during the file copying process (the initial DOS-like blue screen).

I found slowing the RAM down to 400MHz seemed to resolve the issue (but I shouldn't have to!)

Now I've installed XP (RAM still at 400MHz) and the system seemed stable, but when copying files across from another PC over the network, I get a BSOD indicating a major error has occured which has caused Windows to stop operating.

On rebooting, I now have a windows file protection error (can't remember the exact term for it, but it's the error when a system file has been changed and clever Windows notices it and warns you).

I also then get an illegal operation for one of the critical windows services (can't remember now it's getting late).

Unfortunately, this is the only DDR2 system I have built so I have no other stable system available to swap components.

I've started an extended memtest overnight at the higher 667MHz speed to see if it flags up anything.

I've also updated the bios of the KN9 mobo to the latest revision (version 12), but still have the same problems. chipset has nforce v9.16, gfx using reference forceware 91.31

I've used System restore to get me back to a previous point so I no longer get the illegal operation on that windows service, but if I start copying over the network, I get the same BSOD.

Any suggestions? This is my first AM2 system and so far, I've not been very successful

TIA

[EllTheGamer]

Can you do an rma and try to swap the ram or hdd? It certainly seems either of them to me. But most likely the ram as it seems to work better as you slow down (so far )

[[GSV]Trig]

I'd say ram or hdd too, most likely ram, does it past a memtest run?
Oh the joys of buying a new system eh...

[tfboy]

Hmm well, the memtest's been running overnight (put the ram back to 667MHz to really make any error come out) and it's passed 7 times, no errors.

Just popping out to buy a different hard drive (getting a samsung spinpoint sata2 drive) which is completely different and will have a go at installing windows on that and see how it goes

Edit: I was hoping it would be the RAM, especially as the review on hexus did mention they had problems running ram at full speed, although I think they said 800MHz, throttled it back to 667 and it was fine

[EllTheGamer]

I havent done it myself but mak sure you either run the sata drives as pata drives (some bios's have this) or use a floppy disk with sata drivers on it.

[BUFF]

If you are running with the SW IDE drivers try with the stock MS IDE drivers.
There's a 1.3 beta BIOS kicking about.

With a X2 & 2 7600GTs that PSU may be marginal?