First Build Problem

[Wizaado]

This is my 1st build of a computer and my problem is, when ever I try to install, windows vista, or windows XP, or even try to run Ubuntu Live CD, the system hangs during each process. Sometimes the screen will go blank as well.

The hardware is
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 LGA 775 1.86 ghz
2x PQI Turbo 1gig DDR2 800 PCS6400
Western Digital Caviar 250gig SATA HDD
Sapphire Radeon X800 128mb
HP 16x DVD +R DVD Burner
Intel G965 Express ATX Motherboard
Mitsumi Floppy Drive
RoseWill ATX Case with 400watt Power Supply


I'm not sure what could be causing it, maybe something dealing with processor/HDD or possibly power supply, what are your thoughts.

Thanks in advance

[newbuilder14]

Things that seriously stick out: Power Supply and Memory

Yes, a power supply can cause instability with poor/insufficient voltages... how are the rail ratings in BIOS?

Try each stick of memory once, one could be causing hangs, or both could be incompatible.

[Wizaado]

Thanks for the speedy reply, it seems that removing a stick of ram solved the problem, not sure for how long but we shall see when vista finishes installing.

Btw. the ram slots are color coded black blue black blue, should i be installing my ram sticks in the same color slots or what, before i removed them they were in the black and blue slot.

thanks again

[chuck4456]

Whether it's the POWER SUPPLY or not, you should seriously consider getting another one. The PSUs that are included in Rosewill cases are bottom-line el cheapo. Some of them aren't even color-coded correctly. If you don't have much cash, at least replace it with a 450 watt XClio. They're only 40 bucks. More upline PSUs worth looking at are made by FSP and SeaSonic.

[Wizaado]

Thanks I'll consider that

EDIT: Actually I'm going to have to since when i power on the computer after 1st flipping the power witch on the power supply from off to on, (for when have to go in the case to change things around) the computer turns on for a few seconds and shuts back down. after a few seconds i press the power button again and it starts up normally. I read somewhere way back that was due to inadequate an power supply.

And it seems the problem with the system hanging was due to a faulty ram chip.

[newbuilder14]

Your manual will explain which slots to insert the memory into to enable dual channel mode. If it still fails, then you may have a defective stick.

[Wizaado]

Yea I've concluded that the stick is defective i removed the working one and tried to run the system on the defective stick and it was a no go.

[glc]

Some Rosewill PSU's are halfway decent, but not the ones that come in their cases - those are L&C's and are total garbage. You have a 10 buck power supply there.