New Build, powers on, but reboots after POST

[itchyrain]

Hi, hope you can offer me some advice here.

I've just built a new AM2 system:

Mobo: Asus M2n32-SLI Deluxe Nforce 590
Processor: AMD Athlon X2 4200+ AM2
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 1GB (2x512MB Dual Channel) PC2-6400C4
Graphics: BFG GeForce 7900GT oc 256MB
HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB SATA-II 7200RPM 16MB Cache
PSU: Qtec 550W Dual Fan 24P ATX2.0

I can get into the BIOS and past the POST tests no problem, however as soon as i try to boot from either a floppy, CD or another hard drive i've got, it restarts. There is evidence of a BSOD when trying to boot from HDD with winXP installed. When booting from the winXP setup boot floppy disks it gets to 'Setup is inspecting your hardware configuration' and then reboots.

I've heard there's problems with this motherboard and RAM compatability, i was wondering if that's the most likely cause, or if you can suggest anything else that might be going on? The mobo, graphics and RAM have already been RMA'd, and the mobo replaced, and the same problem still happening. The ram and graphics were tested OK. Please, if you can help, i'm at my wits end with this damn machine!

[moistmule]

this may seem like a long shot, but i've seen it happen; are there any shorts on the motherboard? i.e: is the bottom of the board touching any metal?

[itchyrain]

Nope, i've assembled it on an insulated mat, and still getting the same problems alas

[SputnikSweethrt]

I'm no expert but I just finished building my machine with the same motherboard.
Try calling Crucial and ask if there are any known issues for that RAM when it comes to Asus M2N32. Maybe it'll give you a better idea of where the problem is (until glc or another guru comes to your aid).

I called OCZ to check on my RAM also because I've heard the same stories concerning this mobo. Thankfully, the RAM turned out to work great even though it's not in the QVL.

[itchyrain]

Just a further point to add, i've since flashed my BIOS and reset the CMOS memory, and i'm not getting a 'CMOS checksum error - defaults loaded' message on the POST screen. Any suggestions? I'm completely stumped, it's been 3 years since i bought a new mobo/CPU combo, and i've got a bit out of touch..

[glc]

Do you have another power supply you can test it with? Can you get into the bios and monitor the CPU temperature?

[itchyrain]

CPU temp levels off around 45-50 deg C, unfortunately i don't have another power supply that'll run it

[itchyrain]

Hi again, don't wanna bug people, but if you have anymore suggestions, i'd be really grateful, as i only have a few days before my return policy expires

[Kareeser]

Try booting from the CD rom with one stick of RAM, instead.

[glc]

Is the Ballistix ram on the Asus QVL for that board?

[FLG]

Its on there, but i dont believe its the one he has.

http://usa.asus.com/100/download/pro...63/1163_10.pdf

[itchyrain]

Hmm, looking at the QVL list it says Ballistix BL6464AA804.8FA, i've got the BL6464AA804.8FD, could that really make that much of a difference?

[glc]

With my experiences with Ballistix, I wouldn't use it if it WERE on the list. It has a very high defect rate.