Orion329

The heatsink was a beast to put on, but I'm almost 100% sure it's solid. I did manage to get into the mobo and cpu temps in the bios one time, and they were both mid-30's, so I'm thinking that's okay at least.

All pci and usb devices are detached, I almost put my audigy 2 zs in the box, but I have everything removed except for the bare minimum. Only have a monitor, keyboard and power connected now.

I've reset the bios a couple times now, but I'll do it again....I am using onboard sound as well.

I haven't seen where I'm able to specify the FSB, and I'm assuming it's defaulted to auto, but would you recommend I try to set it if I can get into the bios long enough to do so?

Are there any memory settings that would be pertinent to this problem, perhaps running them with a command rate of 2t?

I guess the biggest question is whether updating the bios or adjusting ram settings are more crucial, and if updating the bios is more important, how would you advise flashing without the system hanging during the flash?

EDIT: (haha) I forgot about your comment on the 8-pin vs. 4-pin 12v rail. At first I didn't give the 8-pin connector any thought since ASUS covers one of the 4-pin sets with a little cover on the mobo. Since you mentioned it, I moved some wires and plugged in the 8-pin....crossed my fingers....and there was no change.