XP 3200+ Barton Core system reboots going into WinXP Pro

killswitch83 · Post by **killswitch83** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:12 pm

Ok, I just built a system for a friend using an AMD Athlon XP 3200+ Barton Core and MSI motherboard, KT6V-LSR (aka MS-7021), some sort of generic DDR400 RAM, and a WD 80 GB HD special edition w/ 8 MB cache. Windows installed flawlessly on this system, as did the mobo drivers and other software. However, one day I went to turn the system on, which POST'ed perfectly and all, however when it went to boot into Windows, it gave a really quick BSOD and rebooted(could not hit pause/break to view). It just kept doing that (keep in mind this happened after the temp came on up, which was around 49-51 deg C at idle. It would also reboot about 10 min or so after idling in Windows). I tried to run 3dMark and it caused a reboot. So I took out the processor and inspected, only to find a flawless core, and no burning (I used Arctic Silver 5 to install). I also flashed and updated the BIOS without a hitch, and yes it is the correct version. Also tested the HD and found nothing. So now I'm thinking it's the crappy memory that came bundled with the mobo. Any really good advice would be greatly appreciated, as I'm in a pinch.

Thanks

Inwin FS case
PowerMax FSP300-60BTV
AMD Athlon XP 3200+ Barton with AMD approved HS and Fan
256 MB generic (Ares) DDR400 (PC3200)
MSI KT6V-LSR (MS-7021)
Western Digital WD800JB
Sony DDU1613 DVD-ROM
Sony DW-D26A DVD-RW

LVCapo · Post by **LVCapo** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:33 pm

sounds like that generic memory

killswitch83 · Post by **killswitch83** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:05 pm

Figured it might be, considering everytime I went to run a 3dMark benchmark, it would reboot. And a correction to the original post, you could go into Windows on initial boot (hasn't been turned on in at least a few hours and has cooled completely). Well, I might just have to go get some Corsair ValueSelect RAM, as the PC is mainly used for minor to moderate tasks; no OC or gaming on this one. I know their stuff is always the best. I appreciate the reaffirmation.

Post by **Apoptosis** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 1:45 pm

have you tried running MemTest+ to see if your memory is throwing any errors? It is free to download and detects many common memory errors.

One4yu2c · Post by **One4yu2c** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 2:04 pm

Run Memtest as suggested to check your memory, but I would not rule out a driver issue just yet. What you want to do is disable your PC from automatically restarting when an error occurs, and this will allow you to see the BSOD's stop code. To do so:

Right-click MY COMPUTER
Select PROPERTIES
Click on ADVANCED tab
Under STARTUP AND RECOVERY, click on the SETTINGS button
Under SYSTEM FAILURE, uncheck AUTOMATICALLY RESTART

Additionally, your event logs may hold some useful information, though the above is likely going to be a bigger help. In any event:

Click on START menu
Select RUN
Type eventvwr.msc followed by enter
Click the Application and System logs and check for errors

LVCapo · Post by **LVCapo** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 2:23 pm

Really good points One, thanks.
I jumped top a conclusion, still think its the memory, but we need to eliminate all the possible causes. Do exactly what One said, then come back to us with what it tells you.

One4yu2c · Post by **One4yu2c** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 2:35 pm

capper5016 wrote:Really good points One, thanks.
I jumped top a conclusion, still think its the memory, but we need to eliminate all the possible causes. Do exactly what One said, then come back to us with what it tells you.

You know what, looking at those spces I'd be inclined to pick out a decent 1gb kit that could be transferred to a future build, even if Memtest comes up spotless. 256mb is pretty paltry these days, particularly when a Barton 3200+ is still a very capable foundation. ;)

All depends on the budget and what all it's used for I suppose...

killswitch83 · Post by **killswitch83** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 2:58 pm

Yeah One, the guy I'm building it for is a cheapskate; personally, if it was me, I wouldn't have even gone with the MSI board for that matter, I would have went with an Asus K7 solution utilizing the KT600 chipset and at least 1 GB of Corsair XMS (and even then I probably would have given the Prescott P4 a try [520 or 530 as I'm still saving for a 600 series]). but hey, at least I was able to give him a good thermal solution in the AS 5, but he insisted I stick with stock cooling. BTW, if you guys don't mind I would like your opinion on the new Antec TX series that is TAC compliant...Thanks for all the recommendations guys, and memtest looks like it will come in handy on this one

killswitch83 · Post by **killswitch83** » Sat Jul 09, 2005 11:48 pm

I appreciate all of your help......turns out it was the memory after all, so I decided to order a stick of Corsair ValueSelect 256MB DDR 400, and this system screams and very stable compared to what it was a few weeks ago...thanks again, definitely will be asking for more advice in the future, especially on my own build

LVCapo · Post by **LVCapo** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:53 am

Glad we could help. This is an excellent group of people who knows what they are talking about and are always willing to help out other members....its also a "flame free" zone, so you never have to worry about asking a "stupid" question, because there are none.

Post by **Apoptosis** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 9:15 am

woot Capper nailed that one home on the first try! Glad you could get the problem worked out!

killswitch83 · Post by **killswitch83** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:57 am

yeah, I'd say he hit it on the head on this one....the only problem is now is that while the customer had the computer in his possession, he knocked the DVD-RW tray off-track, so it looks like he'll be dishing out another 55 bucks for another OEM drive, but oh well, lol.