PS or Ram problem?

[Someone]

Hey all..

Recently added 512 Pc3200 Mushkin Ram (the week before HL2 came out). I have never had a single problem before adding the ram.

Since then I have had a "feezing" problem off and on while doing multiple things. Sometimes it "unfreezes" and continues what it was doing, and sometimes I have to restart. Doesn't seem to happen unless more than two or three things are running (doesn't seem to matter WHAT two or three things, only that there are multiple things running).

My first thought is Power Supply since it's only an Antec 300watt. I knew eventually it was going to be too small for what I have in the case:

Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe
Barton 3200+
2x512 Mushkin pc 3200 in dual mode
Radeon 9500pro (flashed and oc'ed to 9700pro numbers)
floppy
2 hard drives (one an 80 gig SATA)
2 cd crives
3 fans

But...could it be the Ram itself freezing like that? And what should I test it with (for the life of me I can't remember the name of the two programs people always mention).

Should I check that out before investing in a new PS?

I mean I know I should get a new PS anyway, but I'd rather hold off for the time being if possible (christmas shopping leaving me broke).

Thanks in advance

 

[Ecthe|ioN]

It does sound like a new PSU would be a good choice, but does this happen if you remove your old ram, and just leave the new one in there ?

 

[Asus]

I don't think it's a RAM issue, actually sounds more like a Harddrive or setup issue. I bet if it was a fresh install you wouldn't be having these issues.

 

[RABIES]

Sounds like VPU recover pulling this BS again since your video card is flashed and OC'd. Turn off VPU recover, that crap is useless and can acually lock your PC up. Its under [Desktop]>Properties>Settings>Advanced>VPU Recover just in case you are not familiar with it.

I had an issue when I first got my AMD 3200, it was with the FSB settings on my board. Apparently you do not have that issue because yours it a 400 board, thus supporting your 400FSB I on the other hand had to get an AN7 to support the 400 bus.

But check this in your BIOS, make sure your RAM is not going past 400FSB. Sometimes if the RAM is set to 100% (vs By SPD) it can go past the CPUs FSB clock speed for some reason. Also, pull your timings back manually. Try 2-3-3-6 for kicks and see what happens, if it becomes stable, return the RAM and get a different brand. Or try pulling your RAM out of dual hannel and kepp 1 stick in the board. See what happens then.

Also make damn sure that CPU is not overheating...lol.

 

[Someone]

It does sound like a new PSU would be a good choice, but does this happen if you remove your old ram, and just leave the new one in there ?

Geez, didn't even think of that. Very good point...I will try that tomorrow.

I don't think it's a RAM issue, actually sounds more like a Harddrive or setup issue. I bet if it was a fresh install you wouldn't be having these issues.

Twas a fresh format/install directly after installing the ram (in prep for HL2). And from that point on I have experienced these freezes (although never in any game, or surfing the web or anything other than doing multiple, random, things.)

A couple concerns, though, which I noticed after reading your post. The cable to the SATA drive is pretty wobbly for lack of a better word (I'll replace it this week to be safe), and these feezes are taking place when there is access to the drive. So, the drive may be the issue on some level.

Sounds like VPU recover pulling this BS again...etc

Yep VPU is off (had problems with it a while back and learned a lesson lol)

Not a single problem with the mobo until adding the extra Ram (same exact type which I already had). Actually love this Asus mobo.

CPU appears to be fine (between 35-40c all afternoon).
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Looks like I'll spend the weekend playing with Bios settings and Ram placement and also have a good look at the hard drive and cables.

Also will free up some power by disconnecting both cd drives, the extra hard drive, and the extra fans and see if I can duplicate the freezes.


Thanks for the advice guys...gives me a few things to look at.

 

[Ecthe|ioN]

Just glad to help out. Let us know if the freezing is still appearing when you've tried the stuff we told you.