Several Problems with new computer

[dios_et_dios]

I have just recently finished building my first computer. Here are a few specs:
600w ATX power source
ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe mobo
AMB Athlon 64 3000+
1.5 GB Ultra PC3200 memory
Seagate 300GB SATA hard Drive
2x XFX geForce 6600 SLI graphics cards

I am having a few problems with the computer that I was wondering if anybody can help me with. First is I put a fan controller in, but for the two case fans all it does is dim the led's and but not slow the fan down. Additionally, one of the fans on the hard drive fan does not spin at all. Second, the computer will not recongnize one of my memory sticks. I do know that the stick works, and it is in the correct slot.

The biggest problem is that the video freezes up at startup sometimes (ont the screen that displays the ASUS motherboard picture). I had this problem when I was first building my computer, so I took the mobo out of the case and it ran fine. I replaced the mounting brackets with plastic ones, and so nothing metal is connecting the mobo with the case. My uncle (who is an electrical engineer) suggested that maybe my computer is trying to access my hard drive before it spins up all of the way? If I leave the computer on for a while (15 minutes) and then turn it off and on a few times, it will normally work. Any ideas on how to fix these problems? Thanks.

[Powertrip]

I'm a big fan of the ASUS boards so lets try everything else first. You've got 1.5 GB of memory so I am guessing 1x 1024MB and 1x512MB. Always try a reseat first (learned that from these forums). Even try just the module you can't get to POST by itself without the other. Could be incompatable memory modules (I.E. different latencies). This should also allow you to rule out a bad memory slot on your board.

If your video is freezing on POST sometimes that sounds like a problem with one of your cards but to be sure run only one 6600 at a time. See if it freezes with only one card in or only when both installed. The ASUS Download Site for the BIOS on that board spesifically says "- Fixed system hangs on POST while installing some PCI-E x16 VGA cards." That to me is enough to warrant a BIOS upgrade and to be less suspicious of your cards themselves.

And if your concerned about your hard drive being accessed before it's ready try disabling quick boot (Although I highly doubt that is your problem with a 300 GB drive, maybe if you had a slow 3 GB drive but not a new 300GB).

Sorry I haven't been doing much on the 939 side so hopefully someone else thats setup SLI on that board can shed us both some light.

[dios_et_dios]

How do you reset the memory?

[Kareeser]

Reseating the memory involves taking it out and putting it back in. Not reset

Good luck!

[glc]

Is your power supply SLI-certified? What is the brand and model?

[dios_et_dios]

I am pretty sure that it is this one right here:

http://www.gearxs.com/gearxs/product...oducts_id=4702

It is the one that came with my case.

[Alaron]

Yikes, a 600w power supply for $25 is never going to be quality. It is also not SLI certified. I would strongly recommend tossing it and buying a higher quality unit. Power supplies are never something to buy on the cheap. This is an excellent unit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103932

[dios_et_dios]

I am starting to see that. Somebody that was helping me build my computer thought that the case/psu combo would be a good deal, but apparetly the psu wasn't all that it was cracked up to be.

[dios_et_dios]

Will I be able to get by with a 550 or a 520 watt psu if I am running to 6600 with the system that I am running above?

What would be the symptoms of a cheap/bad power supply?

[jayb1234]

You should get a PSU from the certified list at this link. The 550W Antec Truepower 2 550 is pretty popular and should be fine. For a unit that isn't quite as costly look at the Sparkle or Fortron (FSP) units on that list.

[dios_et_dios]

Will getting a new power supply fix my problem with it freezing during startup or it not recongnizing my memory, ect?

Also, what is the importance of having a psu that is SLI-certified if you are only running two lower powered 6600 cards? Not trying to take a shortcut or anything, just wondering what the importance is.

[Alaron]

Poor PSUs can cause a number of problems, including freezes. And not only that, delivering clean power to your system is always better then possibly frying them.

The Nvidia SLI site explains:

"NVIDIA SLI certification ensures a quality user experience by putting each component through a rigorous series of tests including diagnostics, benchmarking, burn in, and card interoperability.

Only components that pass NVIDIA SLI certification can be called "NVIDIA SLI Ready.""

So even though you have lower power cards then some other SLI rigs, it is still important to power them with a power supply that Nvidia has deemed worthy of SLI.

[dios_et_dios]

What should you look for in a PSU besides SLI certification. What are some good brands to look at?

[dios_et_dios]

I e-mailed a vender of my psu, and they said that although it was not SLI-certified, they have used it on SLI systems with no problems. Do you still think that I should switch them out? How hard will it be to replace the psu? Thanks.

[Kareeser]

Not to be blunt, but the PSU manufacturer or vendor will always (100% guaranteed) tell you that their power supplies are sufficient.

Take the safe road, and switch to a higher quality PSU. It is quite simple, and we're here to help you if you run into problems.

[Alaron]

You should definitely change it. Jayb's link: http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies gives you Nvidia's list of certified units. Any of those are rated to work. The Antec I linked to earlier is a popular and solid choice.