Bad RAM, bad board?

[Big_Dog]

Read HAL 9000's quick start guide and searched the forum to a degree. My problem is, I powered up this build, (ASUS P4S8X mainboard, P4-2.4G Northwood CPU, 512mb 333 DDR and an ASUS Ti4200 video card) outside the case. I've got the power switch rigged so I don't need to jump the pins on the mobo. I get the beep code (according to the manual), indicating no DRAM. Simple enough, right? It was "Value" RAM fron TigerDirect so I assumed it was a bad stick. I ran down to the local computer store and bought another stick 256mb, same beep code. Any suggestions? TIA Don.

[morriswindgate]

I take it that this is the budget RAM, so you probably have a compatability problem and need to go up to the next quality of RAM. Circuit City sell Centron and it is pretty good at working on all boards.

[Big_Dog]

I don't know, Morris, both sticks are Corsair although they are marked differently, thanks.

[glc]

The P4S8X is developing a spotty reputation - you may have a defective motherboard.

[morriswindgate]

If it is Corsair and it is Non-ECC then I agree that it is more than likely a bad board.

[Big_Dog]

Thank you, this forum rules. I bought the second DIMM at the same place I bought the board, and they sell a lot of it. In researching this board, the reviews were both ends of the extreme, it either owned. or it sucked (can I say that), I rolled the dice. I really wanted this board for all that it brings, firewire up front, serial ATA, LAN etc. ASUS offers seemingly very little in regards for FAQ or support for this paticular board, although its been out for some time. I won't have any problem returning the board, or the RAM. Can you guys clue up a noob to a board similar? Thanks all, again.

[Alienware_Dude]

It's the same with ECS boards. I read up on the K7S5A for a build, and everyone was either, "it bites, stay AWAY!!", or, "it rules!". I, too, rolled the dice, but I came out on the winning end. No problems yet, after a few months.



Edit: My 666th post, and in defense of ECS boards! Creepy.......

[glc]

Check out the P4PE from Asus, it uses an Intel chipset. No need to totally give up on the P4S8X, you just may have to hold out for a later rev or keep RMA'ing the things till you get one that works.

Much as I like Asus, I agree that their support is abysmal. Their policy is that the end user is to get support from the retailer. I also do not totally embrace SiS chipsets, as good as they *seem* to be for an Intel platform, I do not feel that they are up to Intel quality yet.