Troubleshooting a custom build

timhm

timhm

timhm

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12 Nov 2010
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7
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Kent
I'm hoping you guys can help me find the cause of this problem with my new build. The other week I was graciously allowed to build a machine for use at work instead of buying something pre-built. Using the recent 'build a gaming PC' article in Custom PC (issue 86) as a base, I ended up with the following:

Intel Core i5 760 [link]
Corsair XMS3 DDR3 (2x2GB) [link]
Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 [link]
Generic 550W modular power supply [can't supply external link]

Other bits: Gelid Tranquillo HSF, Raven RV02 case, ATI Radeon HD 5450, Crucial C300 SSD 64GB, Samsung SpinPoint F3 HDD, generic optical drive. I've had to change the links to OC ones but I actually bought the parts elsewhere.

I've put it all together and it POSTs fine, but whenever I go to install Windows it reboots just after the "Windows is starting..." screen (except a couple of times when it has got to the first installation stage, but it never succesfully boots into the next installation stage). With the exception of initially putting the memory in the incorrect banks (oops...), the hardware is properly installed.

I've tried using the default BIOS settings, optimised settings, underclocked settings, disabling all unnecessary features and unplugging unnecessary hardware, and the result is always the same. The CPU temperature never gets past the mid-thirties. Running MemTest on it does not reveal any problems. The rebooting happens with both 64- and 32-bit editions of Windows 7. I've still got a few things to try (using only one memory stick at a time, using a different graphics card, using a Linux live CD) and I've filed a support ticket with Gigabyte over the weekend (no response yet). Can you guys suggest anything, or see where I might be going wrong? I must admit it's been almost 3 years since I built my current system, and I fear I may be losing it :P Plus the failure is making me look bad at work!

Thanks in advance for any comments.
 
The PSU is an Arianet one, I guess a generic rebranded by the seller. But that's a good idea, I should try another PSU. Oh well, more reason to cannibalise my machine this weekend :)
 
Have you increased the memory voltage to 1.65v in the BIOS and possibility of running mem test to check for any errors.

Don't like the sound of a Generic PSU.
 
The default was 1.5v, which I increased to 1.6v to no effect. Increasing above that (I tried both 1.62v and 1.64v) still displays the rebooting, but it also gives a nasty message on POST and entering the BIOS about a failed overclock (or something very similar; sorry I don't have the machine to hand right now). I've put it back down to 1.6v.

Since this is a work machine I didn't want to take the **** too much over the PSU, considering how expensive the other bits are (the case alone rasied quite a few eyebrows). That said, it doesn't 'feel' cheap and nasty, if you see what I mean.
 
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Can you try another optical drive?

Is optical ahead of HDD in boot order?

Have you checked the DVd in another machine?

Try installing from a USB stick?

andy.
 
Disable XMP to get the RAM running at stock 1333MHz @ 1.5V.

Are you trying to install to SSD or HDD? Maybe try the HDD first (OK you'll have to reinstall to SSD when all is sorted) which will allow you to see if it's perhaps a drive problem.

Cant believe you got a case like that past your boss! And skimped on the PSU. LOL :). What line of business out of interest?
 
I can try another optical drive, but I'll leave that option 'till last because I really can't see it being that.

XMP is disabled. Very good point about the SSD/HDD. A colleague suggested installing to the SSD in another machine first, and then moving it over. Worth a shot if nothing else works.

Re: the boss, I showed him the Custom PC article and he obviously didn't pay enough attention. Certainly noticed when it arrived though! I'm a software dev at a small firm which makes a physical access control system (dealing with card readers, electronic locks and stuff like that).

Thanks for all the comments and ideas guys, they're much appreciated.
 
Got a response back from Gigabyte which said to flash the BIOS to the latest version and load the optimised defaults. Did that and the problem is still there. Pinning my hopes on trying a different PSU now.
 
Hey guys, just to let you know the machine booted fine when I plugged in the Antec PSU from my home machine. I'm going to return the other one as faulty and look for something decent.

Thanks for all the help.
 
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