Cache memory error

Question

here is the hardware:
k8t neo-fis2r ms-6702, rev 1.0
latest ami bios version 6702ms.193
amd 64 3400+
kingston khx4000/512 hyperx ddr pc-4000, memory
msi fx5900-vtd256, geforce fx 5900, video card
antec sonata 380 watt case
zalman cnps7000a, cpu cooler
western digital rapter 74gb sata, hard drive
problem is at end of boot up error message "cache memory error"
system will not load windows xp pro.
system bios does not show hard drive.
can use floopy to boot into dos
have changed out cpu, same problem.
have changed out mother board, same problem.
have changed out ram, same problem.
at end of boot screen shows nvram and amount correctly.
have tried disabling system bios cacheable, shadow ram, etc. still same problem.
if the cache memory error can be remedied believe it possible system
will then recognize the hard drive in the bios section, which currently only reports the cdrom drive but not the hard drive.
any ideas? Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Hi Patrick
Sorry, looked again and see its SATA.  No jumper on SATA.
You will not see a SATA in normal post screens, you have to enable it in bios, either Via or Promise, I prefer Via.  In Integrated peripherals, look at page 3- 20 of manual, there is an item SATA IDE, that is Via controller, enable that. Above it is PATA IDE, the IDE1 and 2 controller, enable that. Below it the floppy disk controller, enable it (not auto).  Then go up to Onboard PCI controller, click on it, then the P20378 SATA controller, the promise controller, disable it. Check the LAN and onboard sound the AC97 controller, is enabled if you use it. The 1394 controller, the firewire for digital cameras etc. Now go to the advanced bios features, the Boot Sequence, set it to floppy, CD, and Serial CH_0 (SATA 1 on via). Enable  Boot from other devices, and enable floppy seek, (floppy swap is disabled). Then exit and save.
You can now out your XP CD in CD drive and boot, it will ask you to press key to boot from CD, the first blue setup screen, will ask you to press F^ to load drivers, then a couple of mins later it arrives at S screen, put Via floppy in drive A, press enter, this will give list of files, select BOTH XP drivers ( you need to load 1, then back to S screen repeat for 2nd driver, then enter to proceed, next the F* ' accept ' screen, then load windows setup, then it asks if you want to install to drive. partition, format and install.
In the bios screens your HDD will show as Via device called Serial CH_0 or Serial CH_1 (SATA2), which appear after the other drive screens.  If the promise controller is enabled, but no drive attached to SER1 or 2, then you will see a message ' Bios not  installed'
Any problems, there should be none, let me know.
cheers
jocko