Random Reboots/not posting since installing X2 3800+

[pcoltrane]

I recently decided to go dual core and swapped out my venice 3000+ for a new X2 3800+. All was well for a little while, passed dual prime at 2.55ghz stock volts etc. Then all of a sudden i started getting random reboots in windows, and sometimes not even posting at all.

Hardware:
Asus A8n-e
X2 3800+
7600gt
Sata samsung 250gig
Antec 380W PSU
XP90

When it refuses to post I just get a single long beep followed by 2 faster beeps. From what i understand that would indicate a gfx card problem, but although changed gfx card at the same time, returning to the original card or a PCI one didn't seem to solve the problem. I have also updated the bios to the most recent v1.11 version.

I am at a loss now. I am convinced the problem is either a compatability issue between the 3800+ and the mobo or else a fault with the chip. I just can't see anything else causing the problem

I have tried: trying just 1 stick of ram, all default settings, different gfx cards, unplugging as many peripherals as possible etc. Temperatures are all good.
I would try a new install of windows, but currently it is far too unstable - if i can get into windows it rarely stays there long. The funny thing is that it had worked fine for 24hrs before that.

Please tell me someone else has experienced this and has an easy fix!

 

[pcoltrane]

I just tried swapping my chips around and put the X2 in my MSI htpc board, and the venice back in the asus.

Both computers seem to be working fine.

Surely that points to a compatability problem between the asus and the X2? As i mentioned before i have flashed to the latest bios.

Is it possible that the crashes within windows are causing the failure to post after the crash? It only ever seems to fail to post after one of the random reboots / crashes in windows. Incidentally the only thing that gets it back again is pulling the power to the board (even a cmos clear does nothing)

Any help appreciated!

Marc

 

[pcoltrane]

i'm running out of options now, X2 definitely works in my htpc board and the asus board works fine with a single core chip. Any ideas?

All i can think of is to try an older bios - say v1.08 when dual core support was introduced on the off chance they messed up in the newer ones. Problem is asus update and the Alt-F2 bios upgrade methods don't allow me to flash an older bios. Anyone know how to get around this?

Marc