Not the way I wanted to start the New Year...

[tamakun]

I've been trying to get my new computer up and running ever since 4pm this afternoon. If you look at the timestamp right now. it's safe to say that I am not in the best of moods.

While installing everything, I started trying to power up the system only to get no beeps (meaning the motherboard didn't even get through its POST, or Power-On Self-Test). After a little venting and time to walk away from it, I discovered that one of the pair of memory sticks I bought is faulty. (Strike One.)

So, now that I'm running on less memory than my old computer, I've started to try to get into Windows. Seeing that the system is a completely different unit than the old computer (the only thing now remaining are the drives), WindowsXP has all the wrong drivers and simply reboots when it gets to the splashscreen. (Strike Two.)

Continuing on, I know that I'll have to reinstall Windows, or at least run Kubuntu or Knoppix or something until I can determine a) what hard drive I can slate to start fresh on and reinstall. I want to install Windows on this computer because it's my gaming rig. However, every time I try to load an OS (any OS), it reboots or kernel-panics and freezes up. (Strike Three.)

So now, I'm running MemTest to see if the system is holding up and --holy shit, it froze up, not even two minutes into the test. A second test didn't last 3 minutes.

Something is seriously fucked here. I'm going to have to disassemble the system and reassemble it all over, and run tests on it every step of the way until I find out what the fuck is bringing this to its knees.

I'm tempted to take it to Canada Computers with all the components, dump it on their Service table and say "fix it" but I'm already so damn in-the-hole for money (this computer being a massive sink right now) that I don't want to spend another fucking penny on it.

Right now I have one of the world's most expensive and powerhungry doorstops. And I will not be happy until I get it fixed.

Comments

[bassbeast.livejournal.com]

Without compounding the problem, are you throwing good money at bad? I mean, is it really worth this hassle to upgrade a system that isn't terribly current to begin with just to save a buck? I'm not sure exactly what you kept/replaced, but this computer has been such an emotional hassle that it doesn't seem worth it for the head-banging-against-the-wall.

[tamakun.livejournal.com]

The only thing that's old now is the data. Everything else has been replaced. And due to that, it's gone from a 2-or-3-generation-old Dual-Core Athlon to a very modern Quad-Core Phenom II, something I hope I will not be needing to upgrade for a long time.

This thing could theoretically run Crysis at a decent clip. If I can get it working. And if I had the want to play Crysis.

The upside to this is that once it works, the happiness will totally offset the sheer grump that I am right now.

(What really concerns me is that all my games and data are on those disks. I didn't move my SBB data to the Google Cloud so I need to access that drive.)

[scruloose.livejournal.com]

First thing, I would try different memory, likely a different brand of memory. Maybe check the mobo manufacturer's website for a list of recommended memory--they often have a list, because even supposedly compatible components sometimes just don't get along.

On a not-completely-unrelated note... what speed is the old Athlon, and what mobo is it on (is it a PCI-E-capable board)? And, err, what are your plans for the old parts once then new system is happy?

[tamakun.livejournal.com]

Well, here's the motherboard (http://ca.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=Bz2b2aYdPioLbN04), and the CPU's a Phenom-II X4 940 ("Black Edition", whatever that means) - the motherboard/CPU came as a pair from NCIX so I would assume that the computer company wouldn't bundle two incompatible products ;)

The Memory is Patriot PC2-6400 800Mhz DDR2 Memory (2x1GB sticks). Interesting that you mention that there can be compatibility issues between memory and motherboard; this was what stumped me way back in the day too. When it starts getting to the point where memory trips me up, I think it's time I stop piecemealing my computer. In any case, I see Patriot on their list, but not the specific model that I have. I may need to look further into this situation. Thanks for that!

As for the old computer parts, It was an Athlon... erm, I can't remember now. It was a Dual-Core, and the reason I've been forced to upgrade was because the power supply and motherboard had popped capacitors and I bought all of those electronics at their End-of-Life so it would be hard to find replacement. I tried to rescue the CPU out of the motherboard but the heatsink's really firmly affixed. However, if you want it, it's yours!

I wanted to try to build a FreeNAS box but I can wait on that... I need a functional computer first, anyhow :P

[tamakun.livejournal.com]

I just discovered that this motherboard carries a "lifetime warranty (http://mach-speed.net/support/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=43)" on it as well... I have to wonder if it would be worth it to you to get it functional again. If you want, I'll try to find the receipt. ^^

Also, yes, I believe it is a PCI-E capable board. I remember having to replace my AGP video card (so ancient!) when I got this system :P