Shuttle AK38N problems

[ragtop]

I'm trying to put together a system using a Shuttle AK38N (VIA KT333 chipset) - but I seem to have fallen into the project from hell:

First, I pop in an XP1700 and the MB refuses to POST. (Fans spin, but no video, no beeps, nothing) So I pull out the processor and replace it with an old Duron 750 - and it start up fine. I just pulled that XP1700 from a working system, but I assume it must have been damaged in the process.

Next, I try to install Windows, but it keeps rebooting itself and throwing BSOD's. After trying a bunch of things, I run Memtest86 and find that the RAM is producing thousands of errors. I replaced the RAM with another identical stick (256 MB Kingston PC2100 single sided DIMM) and it still fails Memtest86. I then try it with an old stick of Mushkin PC2100 double sided RAM and it finally passes Memtest86 with flying colors. The strange thing is that the "bad" Kingston RAM tests fine in another computer.

With the CPU and RAM finally working, I try again to install WIN98. The initial installation goes fine, but when I load up the VIA chipset drivers, the CDROM drive "disappears" from device manager, and is no longer accessible. Then when I try to reboot, the system just hangs. I then reinstall WIN98 one more time with the same result.

All of the parts I'm using tested good in other machines, and I tried two different power supplies and two vid cards to make sure they weren't the problem.

I am coming to the conclusion that I just got a flakey motherboard. But I just wanted to ask for other opinions or suggestions before I RMA this thing back to NewEgg.

[jkrohn]

I had the same type of ordeal with shuttle mobos.

Two AK39N's were flaky. Returned the first for another flaky (the second) and just returned that one for a refund.

I go t an AK38 after that since my brother had built two solid systems on it. It was quite flaky as well though. Finally just returned that one too (At this point I was sick of RMA's) and got a A7N8x.

Mine all had the same issues as yours. Reporting RAM as bad, wierd IDE errors, random BSOD, errors abound.

Jkrohn

[ragtop]

Thanks for the info jkrohn. I was looking for a cheap MB to update my kid's computer. All the user reviews on the AK38 and AK39 at Newegg were positive, so I figured they were OK.

Live and learn

[MitaDC]

I had a Ak38N also. Had major problems with it. Sent it back and got it rma'd it worx now. Actually it still has problems. Won't usually boot up. :0( Won't buy from Shuttle anymore.

[ragtop]

Just an update:

I RMA'd the board, and just got the replacement yesterday. I put it together, and this one seems to be working fine. Its running loops of 3D Mark Demo right now without a hitch.

Sometimes I guess its just the "luck of the draw"