Random Blue Screen Of Death

[SSA]

Just built new system using all new parts. Keep geeting random BSOD when installing Windows XP. I think there's a problem with the mobo but does anyone have any other ideas such as upgrading the BIOS?

Thanks.

[Agent]

The error could help us a bit more

[SSA]

They're random Stop errors. For example: page_fault_in_nonpaged_area.

Also, when transferring files during the early part of the install, it has problems transferring random files - never the same file twice, so I doubt it's the CD.

I'm using:

Abit KN8 SLI s939
AMD 64 3700+ (std HSF)
1Gb Corsair dual channel RAM
nVidia 7600GT Extreme PCI-E (Leadtek)
Sony FDD
Samsung SpinPoint P120 SATA300 (on channel 3)
LG DVD-Writer (on channel 1)

Because of the random nature, I thought of the BIOS. However, a lot of advice on the net suggests hardware faults.

[Agent]

Whats the PSU ?
Have you ran memtest on the system ?

[SSA]

HiperPower 580W Type-R Modular

Memtest? Which one? The BIOS check finds it all but that's probably not what you mean.

[SSA]

example error message: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

another example: STOP: 0x0000008E (0x0000001D, 0x808473B5, 0xF73E9724, 0x00000000)

[Silent Shark]

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL usually points to RAM problems.

memtest is the way to go. Google it and you'll find it's an app that you can run on CD at boot to test the memory (there is also a version for use in windows, but the CD version is regarded as the better option). It's free so give it a go.

[Agent]

example error message: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

another example: STOP: 0x0000008E (0x0000001D, 0x808473B5, 0xF73E9724, 0x00000000)

http://www.memtest86.com/

Your voltages stable in the BIOS ?

[SSA]

I assume the voltages are stable - how would I tell? They've not been changed from the default. Carrying out memtest next.

[ChrisC]

I've had this problem crop up a few times in the past before.

I think once was the memory wasn't compatible and another time I changed the 300 sata hardisc to run at 150.

Tbh those BSOD could mean anything :S

Have you tried the support forums for your motherboard?

[SSA]

Memtest results:

Test 5 - 1516 errors
Test 8 - 839 errors

All other tests - 0 errors

Been checking the official Corsair boards at www.houseofhelp.com.

Will check Abit next...

[Agent]

Try it with one stick of RAM at a time, you may have a bad one.
Make sure you have an up to date BIOS.
To check your voltages, go into the BIOS, then because your using an Abit it'll be under uGuru. Look at the +3.3 / +5v ect... and make sure that the actual reading is near that

[SSA]

Checked Abit's site. CPU is compatible with motherboard.

Tried using one stick of DDR at a time but still no improvement.

Tried switching the HDD to SATA150 mode but still no improvement.

Had the BSOD message 'PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA' a couple of times now.

I've been using default BIOS settings throughout although I have raised the DRAM voltage to 2.7 (from 2.6) per guidance on the Corsair forum but it made no difference.

I think the time may have come to RMA the memory and the motherboard (which has a broken opt-out1 connector but I didn't think this would have much impact and I wanted to be sure all of the other components were sound. Lucky for me that I did, else it would have been two delays for RMAs).

[SSA]

In the BIOS, the DRAM clock was originally set to 'Auto' and I got errors.

I changed it to DDR400 (because that's what it is) and I got errors.

I've now changed it to DDR200 and Windows is finally installing!

Why is this and what does it mean??

[Agent]

Try changing it to "by SPD", then change it directly to "Manual" (do NOT cycle past "Auto" - go the other way, or press enter and select it).
It is a known issue that some NF4 boards can pick up the correct timings of the RAM.

[scrandman]

Instead of Auto, try using "By SPD". This should set the correct RAM timings.