K7M/Athlon 500 system problems

[Teek]

I have had a local computer store build an Athlon 500, ASUS K7m, ASUS V6600 card, 128 MB PC-100(Brand?), WD 20GB UDMA/66, 300W power, system. When the store was first building the system they were having problems finding RAM that worked. They told me that although the RAM they were using was on AMD's list, the RAM was not working with the motherboard and that ASUS had told them to use very specific RAM. I got my system last week and have had nothing but problems with it. Problems include: VFAT and VCACHE errors, black screens during switch-on, windows protection errors, and while using ASUS Probe software I noticed that the -12v and -5v readings were out of threshold. My sense is that my local computer guy is not as experienced as I would like him to be in building these systems. Does anyone have any insight or personal experience with a system similiar to this? Thanks for your help.

[On the Lam]

Hmmm...it's unfortunate you're having problems there; I have the same cpu and mobo, and have been fortunate enough not to run into any major problems when building my system...

I ported over some older components when I built my system, eg. pc100 memory (64MB and 32MB sticks, generic as far as I know) 6.4Gb Quantum HD, voodoo3 2000...I always choose good quality name brand parts because I never believe that wasting a whole day on incompatible parts is worth the money you save...

Anyways, you might want to try pc133 ram, that might help, although I have been successful with pc100. If you bought it from the store, and it doesn't work properly, don't put up with it and see if they can either make it work properly, or get your money back.

Good luck...

[CMonster]

What power supply are you using? It sounds suspiciously like the power supply has a problem or is under rated for the system.

[Susan]

From what I've heard, the K7M can be very finicky about power supplies.

[Caffeine High]

I had a freind have that exact same problem with his ram.All he did was get a high quality power supply.

[jbob]

You may indeed have a bad power supply. When we build Athlon systems, that's the only power supply we use. They've never failed us before. When the voltage readings are out of spec, the first thing to look at is the power supply.

[This message has been edited by jbob (edited 01-25-2000).]

[codybear]

I have a 400 watt power supply in my k7-500@800 and have tried all kinds of memory from generic 100 as well as 133 and brand name 100 and 133....32 64 128 and 256 sticks and have yet to find a stick that will 'not' work in my system...granted not all athlons are created equal but from my own experience I do not see where ram is the cause of as many problems as people want to blame on it..I have the asus k7m also..

I think the person whom put your system together just didnt do his homework and your hardware is not all compatible...I've built my share of systems but when it came to the athlon I went to someone else because of the problems you and others are having..I have a very stable system running 24/7 with NO problems and let me tell you...800 is awesome..900 was better but scary so 800 and rock solid and built by someone who did his homework...

I dont remember where I read it but the WD harddrive was not recommended for the athlon because of problems with compatability..



[This message has been edited by codybear (edited 01-25-2000).]

[Teek]

Thanks to all who responded. I am using a Sparkle FSP300-60GT which is on AMD's recommended list. Could be as easy as a bad power supply? Would a bad power supply have errors so exact that -12v and -5v were problems but all the other voltages were fine? My other question is if the K7M is designed for PC100 memory how would putting in PC133 help? By the way, that was the response directly from AMD support. Bottomline, don't buy products not on AMD's recommended list (V6600 card and K7M board) unless you are a gambler. Thanks again!

[On the Lam]

I'm glad you mentioned that about the WD HDD; I was considering getting one, as the 20Gb is very cheap, but if there is a potential problem, I'd be glad to avoid it.

I'm using a Quantum HDD now, and I think I'll stick with Quantum. I haven't had many hard drives, but I feel extremely confident with Quantums...

[alpha]

The K7M set fire to Hardocp's ram!