New build freezing on POST

[TKinton]

I have just built a P4 1.6 Ghz, using a Soltek Mobo (Intel 845 chipset) with 256Mb SDRAM. I have plugged it all in but when I turn on, it freezes on the POST screen. It is also overreporting the RAM as 542000. My FSB is set to 100MHz.

Any ideas what could be causing it. I initially thought that it could be the 12v rail for the peripherals but I have tried both the square 12v connector and the standard 12/3v connector.

Running out of ideas...

Thx

T

 

[MA5]

Hi Tkinton
Clear COMS and restart. Do this several times to see if the problem was a bad COMS config.
Then test your PSU.
Please repost with the results
Good luck

 

[TKinton]

It was the RAM in the end, at least I think it was the RAM.

I replaced the stick with an old 64Mb I had kicking around and it booted fine. I then stuck the new 256 back in and it hung.

With the 64 in the DIMM1 and the 256 in DIMM2 it booted but gave me a BSOD on trying to install XP. With just the 64 in XP loaded very nicely (if a little slowly).

I tested the RAM in another machine and it booted, but still over-reported the size in POST.

RAM on the way back to the shop, new RAM on it's way to me. I'll let you know if I get the same problem with that.

Thanks

T

 

[pcs800]

One thing that caught my attention here is that you said you put in a P4 1.6, that alone could be your problem. That particular processor was badly designed. There are articles all over the net about it. I ordered an IBM P4 1.6Ghz system about 4 months ago, before I knew about the problems. And it did similar things to what you are describing. Not to mention that when I did get it going, it was put to shame by my AMD Athlon 900Mhz system, that is was supposed to replace. Needless to say, I sent it back to IBM, and they had no problem refunding my money.