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Mobo problem

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by mddddd

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I just recently built a new computer with an FIC VI13 motherboard and a Pentium 4 2.0 Ghz. The processor supports a 400/533 FSB which is quad boosted so its only around 100/133 mhz FSB. My motherboard runs at 100mhz by the default and I have tried to change it to 133mhz in the BIOS. However, the system will boot up fine, but after the Windows 2000 loading bar on the bottom gets to the end...nothing happens and Windows 2000 will not load. Can anyone tell me why this happens?

16 replies

by csmith

This is a memory problem.
The load poceeds until it hits the address in the chip that does not support 133MHz.
Swap memory modules, and the problem should move to locking up at a different point. (Assumming two DIMMs)
Is the memory under warranty?
If so, replace for free.
Otherwise run at 100MHz.
Regards, Chris

by csmith

Are you using DDR333 as RAM?
If you are, the problem may elsewhere, but the only quick way to troubleshoot is to swap DIMMs.
Regards, Chris

by mddddd

Actually, its intersting you should ask that because originally, I set the memory at 333mhz in the BIOS. But I noticed that when I would play a few games, the system would lock up for no reason. I went back and set it to recognize the speed of the RAM by SPD. After that, I didn't have anymore problems.

by sci

could be a number of reasons. not just your mobo. id check that the memory and the cpu, see if it works on a diff mobo at 133MHz. i m guessin that it runs fine at 100MHz so in my experience its sounding more like a cpu or memory fault.

by csmith

If setting the memory speed by SPD stops the lockups during games, it looks like mismarked memory. This is an old problem. Seen it in ATs (286s) and later.
I assume the DIMM swap did not change crash point.
Chris

by csmith

It looks like the next step is to run RamExam, or any other comparable memory testing program.
Chris

by mddddd

Well, I do have another thing to add that might help. The first stick of memory I got came with the motherboard and the performance was very sluggish. Later on, I bought a 256mb stick from PNY and there was a big increase in performance. I still have the first memory stick in with the PNY stick. Could the first stick be defective?

by csmith

The first stick may not be defective, it is just slow.
The memory controller can only run the memory at the speed of the slowest DIMM. The speed of the faster DIMM is wasted.
This is like the weakest link in the chain problem.
In your case, you may have to buy another DIMM from PNY, to get the memory controller to operate at maximum speed.
Regards, Chris

by csmith

The last sentence is about replacing the first stick of memory, so you can get maximum memory speed.
Chris

by mddddd

Ok, thats sounds like a good idea. Thanks. I'll see if I can pick up another stick from maybe Kingston. One last thing, does anyone know if DDR2100 runs only at 266mhz or 333mhz, or both?

by csmith

We try to put all identical DIMMS in a PC.
Same manufacturer, same size, same speed.
Not really necessary, but problems do occur occasionally.
Regards, Chris

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