first build, won't finish OS install

[foobajoob]

First, here's the specs on my build:

CPU: Intel core i5-750 (stock cooler)
Mobo: MSI P55-GD55
RAM: 2x2GB G.Skill 1333 DDR3
GPU: Gigabyte Radeon HD 4350 512MB
HDD: WD 160GB Caviar Blue
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream 700W
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922

Now the problem:
When I try to install the OS (I've tried Windows 7 and Linux Ubuntuu) it will get to the end on the installation and then the power to the computer will shut off completely, and then it turns back on on it's own. For Windows this happens at the "completing installation" step and Linux will actually finish installing and then have this problem on the initial boot up (which it never gets to).

In my attempts to solve the problem I have RMA'd the motherboard, had Geek Squad run a full diagnostic on it and they said the hard drive was the only bad piece, and RMA'd the hard drive.

It's been the same problem throughout all of this and I'd really appreciate any help in solving this issue.

Thanks and sorry about all the reading.

[glc]

Download and run Memtest86+ and test the ram. G.skill has been having quality issues recently.

[foobajoob]

I've run Memtest86+ on it before and got an error back, but I still couldn't get it working with either stick individually, which is when I decided to RMA the motherboard. I'm running it again right now, so we'll see what happens this time.

[cowboyup6983]

Try removing one stick of ram.

[foobajoob]

Originally Posted by cowboyup6983 Try removing one stick of ram.

Originally Posted by foobajoob I've run Memtest86+ on it before and got an error back, but I still couldn't get it working with either stick individually, which is when I decided to RMA the motherboard. I'm running it again right now, so we'll see what happens this time.

Tried that already and still had the same problem with each stick of RAM. That's why I thought it was the motherboard.

[glc]

G.skill and P55 chipsets have not been getting along well together. Exchange your ram for another brand.

[foobajoob]

Originally Posted by glc G.skill and P55 chipsets have not been getting along well together. Exchange your ram for another brand.

ugh, don't tell me that. i can't return them through newegg anymore...

anyway, here's the results of the memtest:

Pass #1
Test #5
Memory Slot: 0 - 10974 errors
1 - 0 errors

I've got the memory sticks in slots 1 and 3 on the motherboard, so 0 should be the stick in slot 1 and 1 the stick in slot 3 correct? Or should I just get some different memory and what brand would you recommend?

[Nikon]

corsair, kingston, crucial or a-data are the best brands for ram atm.

[glc]

Contact G.skill for warranty replacement.

[foobajoob]

Originally Posted by glc Contact G.skill for warranty replacement.

I know I can rma the sticks through G.Skill, but what if I end up having to switch brands? Isn't that harder to do through the manufacturer than through a retailer? Would you recommend trying to rma until I get a pair from G.Skill that works, or are their issues with P55 motherboards going to cost a lot of time and hassle?

[glc]

You can't exchange brands through the manufacturer. Try one RMA, if the new set does the same thing try to sell them to someone with an AMD system and buy a set of something else.

[foobajoob]

I meant returning the sticks to G.Skill and trying to get a refund. Although that'd be great customer service if they would replace them with a different brand, lol.

[glc]

No, they won't refund them. Only the vendor would, and you are past the 30 days, right?

[foobajoob]

unfortunately, yes I am past the 30 days.

[foobajoob]

finally got my RMA sticks from G.Skill and i got the same problem. guess i'll try a different brand like glc suggested.

i found these three options on amazon because i have a free subscription to amazon prime and free 2 day shipping. do you guys think one of these would be a better option over the other two?

Crucial 2x2GB kit - $89.99
Corsair XMS3 2x2GB kit - $89.99
Patriot 'Sector 5' G Series 2x2GB - $89.99 ($69.99 after rebate)

[foobajoob]

so i finally got my rma from g.skill and the new sticks resulted in the same problem. in that case, i'm going to take glc's advice and try a different brand. here are a few that i've found and i'm just wondering if you guys think one of these options would be a better choice than the others.

Corsair TW3X4G1333C9A XMS3 4 GB Memory Kit fro PC3-10666 1333mhz 240-pin Dual Channel DDR3

Patriot Memory 'Sector 5' G Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 PC3-10666 1333MHz CAS 9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Kit PGV34G1333ELK

CORSAIR XMS3 DHX 4GB ( 2 X 2GB ) PC3-10666 1333MHz 240-pin DDR3 CL9 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit - TW3X4G1333C9DHX

Crucial CT2KIT25664BA1339 4GB 2GBx2 240-pin PC3-10600 DIMM DDR3 Memory KIT

i'm using amazon cuz i have a free amazon prime subscription and it'd be nice to get free 2-day shipping.

[Khalil]

Crucial is about the most compatible RAM you can buy!

[foobajoob]

Originally Posted by Khalil Crucial is about the most compatible RAM you can buy!

i was leaning toward the crucial memory initially, but that $20 rebate on the patriot sticks is really tempting. any thoughts on that option?

[quartet-man]

A $20. rebate on memory that either isn't as good, or doesn't work isn't much savings.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Crucial is even better than Corsair.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by foobajoob i that $20 rebate on the patriot sticks is really tempting

I never trust rebates. They're usually a pain to claim. It's a nice benefit if you get one, but I wouldn't buy any product based on a rebate. Problem is: You really can't use a rebate to save money. By the time you get the rebate you probably have been paid twice already and the savings aren't really savings. It's now just an extra twenty spot that wasn't figured in the budget.

MY lesson:
We bought a combo pc once from Best Buy. It came with over 200.00 dollars in rebates. A rebate for each unit. The pc, the monitor, and the printer. My wife submitted them immediately, one month later BestBuy tried to say they weren't valid. About a month later yet, we actually got one of them credited. Two months later after a long drawn out battle we got the other one. We gave up on the one for the printer. About six months later it came in the mail, closer to a year after the initial purchase. Yeh, it turned out to be a good buy; but 200 dollars spread out over 8-9 months...well lets just say we didn't feel it.
Never again will I buy anything based on a rebate.

[foobajoob]

thanks for the tips guys. i really appreciate all the help from you more experienced computer builders.

i'm gonna go with the crucial sticks and hopefully everything works out with those.