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Old 12-19-2005, 04:24 PM   #4 (permalink)
linderman
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I would looking into swapping the PSU / 420 watts is not really "plenty" of power = especially if the PSU is a generic or low quality one.

I would look towards an Antec or Enermax of atleast 500 watts >>> 550 is better the majority (85%) of case combo deals come with a generic quality PSU which can not take a good load. Remember 70% of the rated 420 is all your PSU can produce at full load or equal to 323 watts !!! Even the highest quality PSU's boast about only 75% efficiency. Your system requires atleast 300 amps at full load espcially if you have two hard drives !!
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The other good possibility is a memory mismatch >>> thats why its best to install memory in like dual channel kits of like specs

try running your computer with a matched pair of memory modules if you have a matched pair. it could very well be the third stick is causing your trouble. Make sure you memory sticks are listed on the memory makers website as bing tested for YOUR motherboard model.

Your system will run faster with 2 matched sticks of 256 (dual channel kit) than it will with three sticks of 256 >>>> with a matched pair the mobo will run in dual channel mode which doubles the speed and ability of your ram to process data / when you install three sticks >>> your mobo will run in single channel mode = slooooower

if your sticks are of diff CAS latency that will also cause you troubles

let us know how you progress & any additional info youmay learn while testing

try running memtest (free & in my signature) if you are able to get past a bios screen

regards

joe
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