Jorsher

Try updating the BIOS to F6a:

http://tw.giga-byte.com/Support/Moth...ProductID=2668

If that doesn't fix it, then burn memtest to a CD and let it run a few times (it will take a while). If you get any errors, then you have a bad stick of ram. It does happen. I bought 4 x 2gb DIMMs, and one of them was bad and the BIOS wouldn't even post.

http://www.memtest86.com/

Also, you might want to try this first:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=929777

Why are you running 32-bit? I don't know if it's the same for Vista, but on 32-bit XP, even if you have 4gb installed, you can only use around 3gb.

YW

BoostForLife

Yeah, I was aware of where you work.

jo_gobel

i will try the bios update


memtest to follow if that doesnt work (should i be doing the bootable disk, or just from the dvdrom after Vista loads?)


SP1 is already installed, so that update is included in my install.




32bit was used because thats what was available at the time i was trying to download. i didnt get your PM until i had already spent 4hrs downloading the 32bit version and i know that my board's max is 4gb so no point of getting the 64.

i will start to DL'ing your link now

Jorsher

If you already have the update that really sucks, because it fits the symptoms exactly.

Memtest needs to be a bootable disc. It's just an ISO you burn to a disc and boot from.

The link I gave you should download quickly, depending on the load. It's the best ISO floating around the torrents right now.

jo_gobel

just did a quick search about bios updating on these boards and lets just say, the consensus is to NEVER update them. bios flashes on these boards can and usually do cause them to fail horribly.


i am just going to return the RAM and get my money back.


in a few months i will build a newer pc with a much better board and processor (currently intel e4500 dual 2.2).



Vista runs GREAT with just the 2gb's i have now, i just wanted to make it more because my ram is running at 40%-45% when doing normal stuff (cores run at 0-10%)

i figured i would just double it and not worry about anything else, but i guess for me to double it i am going to need to do a bit more to the PC than i wanted. i will most likely sell this off to someone and get another one built.

jo_gobel

FYI - the link you gave is now dead.

Tom-Guy

I'm about to pull the trigger on a Q6600 and this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128364

Jorsher

Weird, I've updated the BIOS on both the gigabyte mobos I've owned, including the one I'm using now, and never had an issue. If it's done right it won't cause problems... It even kept my overclocked settings after updating to a new BIOS.

JD: that looks like a pretty nice board. I'm using this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Tpk=ep45-ud3p

Seems very similar, except for the one you linked to supporting DDR3. They both support 16gb max which I don't understand since the one you posted has 2 extra ram *****.

Q6600 is nice. It's the cheapest intel quad-core, and will take 3.2ghz from its stock 2.4ghz with ease.

Tom-Guy

The one I linked to is also $2 cheaper. FIE!!

Jorsher

Yah but it doesn't support Crossfire/SLI so I can add a second video card when mine falls to $50 and is no longer sufficient on its own.

I have a feeling you couldn't give a ---- though.