HcoolP

i appologies in advance for i havent read all the resonses just the main post but i would suggest you try and check not using the windows vista sidebar (sidebar.exe) and especially the ms rss feed reader for it tends to create this such of problems in certain cases .. other then that ill take a better look and c if i can think of something else when i am rested and lucid :-) anyways good luck..

__________________
CPU: Q9450 C1 Yorkfield 2.66GHz@3.6GHZ 12MB L2 95W(Zalman CNPS7700-Cu).
MB: ASUS ROG Rampage Formula(Intel X48).
RAM: OCZ DDR2 4GB PC2-8500 1066MHz Enhanced Latency Reaper HPC.
HDD: Segate Barrcuda 7200.11 2X 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 2 32MB Cache - NCQ - RAID 0.
GPU: Gainward Bliss 8800GT (Zalman VF-1000LED) 512MB.
Audio: Creative Audigy 2ZS.
PSU: Tagan TG480-U02 480Watt.
Case: ANTEC SOHO File Server 3XArctic Cooling Fan 80MM 2x120MM.
Monitor: ViewSonic VP912s.

Sylvan

Read the thread, and I can tell you from building tons of machines that the fist thing that would get my attention especially since you said that hardly any programs were installed would be the memory voltage settings. Be sure your stick are set the the specified vdimm settings (eg 1.8-2.1V) in the bios and that the timings also correlate to specifications. Also run memtest86 forn UBCD or a floppy or USB stick on your sticks to make sure they're both good. You might have a marginal stick of ram.

Syncroneyes

Because this is the first time I have installed a CPU and cooler (or even a mobo) I just want to check something:

I installed the cpu in the socket and spread very thin layer of silver based thermal compound then installed an Akasa 3u cooler on top - this has thin aluminium fins. Now in my past experience after just an hour or so the cpu + cooler usually gets very hot but mine isn't really hot after a couple of hours when I touch the aluminium fins at the top.

This means my cooling solution is either working really well (i hope) or really badly,

If my cooling isnt working properly could this be causing the problems in windows? i.e short lag or hanging in windows desktop?

__________________

---------------------------->> 9800 Quad SLi - Feel the Power! <<----------------------

Syncroneyes

Well, I havent changed any vdimm voltages or memory setting from default in the bios - maybe I should, but i don't know anything about memory timings

my ram has been working absolutely fine in my Asus M2N rig up to now so i don't think theres anything wrong with the dimms...

__________________

---------------------------->> 9800 Quad SLi - Feel the Power! <<----------------------

Unixlord

You changed your MOTHERBOARD of course you need to check the RAM settings!

__________________

Sylvan

Ok then, it's very possible that one board can load the default settings proprely for ram whereas another can't for certain sticks. I see it all the time. The fist thing I do when I build is sit in the bios for quite some time after loading optimized and sit and read each and every page I see, most especially the page for the memory and I make sure the votages and timings correspond to what they should be. EG cas 3 15-5-5-5 @ 1.8v.

Also, it's possible that a board can undervolt, and you might need to raise vdimm a hair from what the sticks are rated at to get it working correctly. EG rated @ 1.8v raise to 1.85 or 1.9v

The PSU listed in the build was used in your AMD rig stably I take it? In any case I would look at the voltages on your +12v rail (and other rails) on the bios and in speedfan or HWmonitor.

Syncroneyes

Hey, you learn something new everyday


Of course I checked the memory timings after booting for the first time, just in case bios said something bizarre like 6-6-6-6, I know enough to know that would be bad -I just didnt know what the hell I was looking at! Like I said I really dont know anything about memory timings so i just left them on default setting *auto*

I will double check the timings & voltages again and anything else you tell me to, oh wise ones!
-watch this space!

thanks again for help fellas, much appreciated..

__________________

---------------------------->> 9800 Quad SLi - Feel the Power! <<----------------------

Dyre Straits

Yes, check the RAM as I stated previously. Pull out a stick and check the label on it OR download and run CPU-Z. But, any recently made RAM should have a label telling you what it should be set to.

Good luck!

__________________

Syncroneyes

I checked the memory timings and all seems to be well there, although it says the timings are set to 5-5-5-18, dont know if that makes any difference.

The more I think about it the more I think the problem is related to my hard drive, what can I do if it is? (as Dyre mentioned it could be) I would like to see if it is indeed causing the problem so that if it isnt then i can eliminate it from the equation...


By the way is it better to have memory speed "linked" to the CPU or "unlinked" ?
- bear in mind I am planning to overclock the hell out of this Q6600 soon

__________________

---------------------------->> 9800 Quad SLi - Feel the Power! <<----------------------

Dyre Straits

You want the memory Unlinked for OC'ing.

What is the Voltage on the memory? Did you check that yet?

Also, what PSU are you using in that new system?

__________________