P35 Neo2 Fr / Corsair RAM

Hi guys - help required!
Just completed my first build (second if you include a mobo rebuild);
P35-Neo2 Fr (bios v.1.8)
E8400
Antec EA-500W PSU
Asus EN8600GT
and Corsair XMS2-6400 2 x 2048C4DHX DDr2
initially couldn't get the system through POST - was hanging on the 'Memory Detection Test' - RRGR Led's. Tried all variations of dimm slots including single channel - all to no avail. Resorted to buying a cheap PNY pc6400 single 512 stick and now I can get through POST all ok. I've since tried changing bios timing settings to match the Corsair RAM but still won't boot when I switch the sticks? Are there any known issues with this RAM / mobo combi?
thanks

So, I've upped the memory voltage to 2.1v and managed to get one of the corsair sticks through POST, I can't however add the second. I tried with default bios settings (apart from mem v) and I also tried with manual timing (4.4.4.12) and manual freq (1:1.2 =800).
running out of ideas! (really don't want to flash new bios) - does the mem voltage need to be higher for dual channel working?
thanks

Similar Messages

MSI P35 Neo2-FR + 2x2GB RAM

1. I'm about to order that combo (MSI P35 Neo2-FR and 2x2GB TeamGroup Elite PC2-6400U CL5-5-5-15), but before I hit the Buy button I want to ask if the MSI motherboard has any known problems with 2GB sticks.
I intend to run the system @ 400MHz FSB so the memory can run at its rated speed 1:1.
2. What BIOS version is recommended here?
3. Does anyone know if the Asus Triton 75 heatsink fits in between all those motherboard heatsinks and heatpipes?

Quote from: AaronYuri on 06-December-07, 04:39:02
Well if 2GB sticks didn't work good with the board what would be the point of the bundle?
I dont understand that remark. Thats the point of this thread, will 4GB work good on the MSI P35?
The CPU will be an E6550.
As for 400MHz, I really hope that MSI didnt make another P965 Platinum here, which has a poor overclocking potential. 400MHz FSB is nothing for my Abit QuadGT and most other P965/P35 based motherboards.
I will be really pissed if the P35 Neo2 wont be able to reach 400MHz FSB.

P35 Neo2-FR: Problems with 1066 MHz RAM speeds

I have the following PC components:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
MSI P35 Neo2-FR LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
In order to get the memory to run at 1066 MHz, I need to set the FSB／Memory Ratio to 1:1.6 correct? When I do that, it shows it running at 1066 MHz but after doing that, I got a BSOD IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL five minutes into a game. I then changed that ratio to 1:1.2 so it runs at 800 MHz and I played for several hours after that without any problems.
That memory should be capable of running at that ratio correct? Possibly defective RAM? OCZ provides a utility to update the SPDs on their chips and when trying to update the one in the first slot, it gives several messages, something like "expected FF got 00," and will not update. The second DIMM updates fine. I am using manual settings for the memory in the BIOS and not the SPD but I'm wondering if the SPD update errors are indicative of a bigger problem.

Quote
Does the memory voltage also need to increase when changing this?
It depends on the modules you are using. In most cases the answer is "YES".
Look for the specific part number of your modules and check on the OCZ Produkt Page to find out what DRAM Voltage is recommended for 1066 MHz.
http://www.ocztechnology.com/
EXAMPLE:
For OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 SLI-Ready Edition (OCZ2N1066SR1G) OCZ recommends 2.3 Volts. BIOS Standard is usually 1.8-1.9V.
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_8500_sli_ready_edition
Quote
n order to run 1066 MHz, I need to set it at 1:1.6
Yes:
333 MHz x 1.6 ~ 533 MHz (~1066 MHz DDR2)

Have MSI P35 Neo2-FR mobo, want 8GB RAM (4x2GB), anybody knows compatible ram?

I have MSI P35 Neo2-FR motherboard and want to buy 8GB ram, preferably 4x2GB(2x2GB + 2x2GB). Anybody has such a setup and can recomend some RAM?
I dont want to buy some random ram, because the motherboards are very picky when youn install the maximum supported ram.

Crucial tend to have quite compatible RAM across boards. On their site you can enter your motherboard model to find the RAM that is compatible. A gave it a run and the following is compatible:
Part #: CT2KIT25664AA667 • DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64
Part #: CT2KIT25664AA800 • DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64
Part #: CT2KIT25664AA1067 • DDR2 PC2-8500 • CL=7 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-1066 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64
Part #: BL2KIT25664AA80A • DDR2 PC2-6400 • 4-4-4-12 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 2.0V • 256Meg x 64
Part #: BL2KIT25664AL80A • DDR2 PC2-6400 • 4-4-4-12 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 2.0V • 256Meg x 64
Part #: BL2KIT25664AR80A • DDR2 PC2-6400 • 4-4-4-12 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 2.0V • 256Meg x 64
The above are all 4GB kits so obviously you'd need to buy two packs to get the 8GB.
http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=P35%20Neo2-FR/FIR
You do need a 64-bit OS to access the full 4GB or 8GB so also bear that in mind.

P35 Neo2-FIR - slow USB

USB ports on this board have max transfer about 33MB/s. It should be about 60MB/s - 480Mbps (as I have on AMD NF4 board).
I've checked this on 2 MBs, 3 external HDDs, 1.1, 1.8, 1.9B1 BIOSes, all USB ports and a few USb cables.
My ext HDD is WD Passport 2 160GB and on NF4 board I've got 45-60MB/s of real transfer (Total Commander). On Neo2-FIR it's 33MB/s.
It' clear that USB is limiting my HDD because transfers from begining and ending of HDD are the same (should be higher on the beggining).
Is there any fix to this? Maybe BIOS fix is necessary.
Intel E2160
2GB 1066MHz RAM
MSI P35 Neo2-FIR
GF 8800GT
RAID0 1TB
Chieftec 450W
Windows XP x64

Hello
I've exactly same problem. I was testing external WD 500GB USB 2.0 Hard Drive and WD 320GB on different usb ports. Maximum transfer was 33.7MB/s. I think should be more.
Bios 1.3
Intel E8400
2x2Gb 800MHz ram
Msi P35 Neo2-FIR
GF 8800GT
Raid0
Corsair 520W
Vista Ultimate 64

Problem with new P35 Neo2 Build

Ok, I had a Gigabyte DS3 rev. 1.0 before and I narrowed it down to the MB failing, which I've heard alot of before. So I bought a MSI P35 Neo2 (rev 1.1, Bios 1.1) to replace it and just put it back together with the following parts:
C2D E6400, Mushkin 2GB XP PC2-6400, 2 Samsung 250GB Sata HDDs. On first boot up it went fine and I was in the BIOS and set it up, then booted into Windows Vista. Just today I tried to start the PC but nothing, so I cleared the cmos and it then started up, but hung. The leds in the group 1, 2, 3 & 4 are all red. In the manual it states "System Power On, The D-LED will hang here if the processor is damaged or not installed properly".
Am I to assume my cpu is toast now?

So I swapped my Q6600 into my P35 Neo2 and it still has the 4 red leds! I also swapped out the video card for my HD 2600XT, and the power supply with my Seasonic SS-500HT 500W PS, and ram (OCZ PC6400 2GB) and still 4 red leds. I also tried the C2D E6400 in my Abit Quad GT and it boots up fine. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the motherboard I guess. What are my options at this point?
Thanks
***Update***
Well, I just figured it out. When I swapped power supplies I forgot to plug the 8 pin connector into the MB. There is nothing wrong with my CPU or my MB.
The stats on my other P/S (SS-500HT are, +3.3v - 30A, +5.0v - 30A, +12V1 - 17A, +12V2 - 16A., not alot more than my other P/S, but just enough to get it to work??
Anyway, I am going to get a new P/S. I am looking at either the Corsair VX550, I can get it for $84 Cdn, plus a $15 MIR, which you probably never get anyway. How about PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610W EPS12V? It's more money, but I hear good things about their P/S's??
Is it better to go with a large single 12V rail as apposed to multiple lower rails?
Thanks for your help.

P35 NEO2-FR startup problems, cannot get into BIOS

Hello!
So i recently bought new parts for my computer:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16GHz 1333Mhz
Motherboard: MSI P35 NEO2-FR
RAM: 2x Corsair TWIN2X 2048MB 6400 DDR2
PSU: Corsair Powersupply 550W (3.3v/30A, 5v/28A, 12V/41A)
Graphics Card: GeForce 7800 gtx (this part was not new, so i dont have any more details for it)
I start up my computer with only the CPU, graphics card and one RAM module installed, and a keyboard attached to the ps2 slot (using a converter) for simplicity. The problem is that the computer freezes up when the MSI screen comes up, and i cannot get into the BIOS. The LED lights on the motherboard is indicating the state "Testing base and extended memory". And b/c i go straight into the MSI start-up screen i am unable to find out what BIOS version i am running, though i am fairly sure (i have talked with another person that bought the same motherboard from the same shop as me at about the same time, and he is running BIOS v1.8) that it is 1.8 and it is therefore compitable with my cpu. I have also tried several different types of RAM with the same results. I am also very certain that i have all the cables plugged in correctly (have also tried resetting CMOS ALOT of times) but still the same result.
Does anyone have any clue what could be the problem ?

Quote
i am unable to find out what BIOS version i am running
Have a look at the sticker on the BIOS Chip of the board to check the factory BIOS Version. The following picture shows the location of the chip on your board (it is actually a P35 Platinum, but it has the same PCB as the P35 Neo2-FR):
Quote
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16GHz 1333Mhz
If you have an E8500, E0 (and not an E8500, C0) you will need BIOS v1.9 [A7345IMS.190] to have full support for your processor. You can identify your processor model by checking its sSpec number (on the CPU itself or on the box):
E8500, C0 ---> sSpec#=SLAPK {Supported since BIOS v1.6 [A7345IMS.160]}
E8500, E0 ---> sSpec#=SLB9K {Supported since BIOS v1.9 [A7345IMS.190]}

MSI P35 Neo2-FR / FIR

Hello,
Yesterday my pc didn't start and my motherboard status led were stuck on all green.After I turned off the PSU and turn it on again the leds went to all 4 red. After an hour of powering on and off ( and 1 CMOS reset) it went on red green red red (ram failure). I kept trying while changing the ram position around but no luck. While doing my attempts I notice that only a few times did the leds blink confirming that the their status changed. Also i noticed that when the leds blinked , the pc fans were making more noise, normal to when the pc is on and working. The other times i noticed that the leds just kept their old colors and the fans were a bit quite than normal.A few times the leds changed from red green red red to all 4 red (cpu failure) and with the fan noise like when pc is working normally.
The day before I had the same problem but I managed to start the pc within the first hour.
Now i'm stuck at all 4 reds with no status change on them and fan noise lower meaning i think that is not getting to the point where is checking the cpu,ram etc.
PC Configuration:
- Motherboard : MSI P35 Neo2-FR / FIR BIOS Vs : 1.C
- CPU : Intel e8400 no OC
- PSU : Fortron Blue Storm II 500 W
- GPU : Gainward ATI Radeon HD 4850 no OC
- RAM : 2x Corsair XMS2-6400 ver 5.4 no OC

Update:
I removed the battery and reset the CMOS. After 2-3 hours i reinserted the battery and now the status led blink once to red green red red ( ram failure). I had this ram failure problem for a long time but i used to fix it by a CMOS reset or a few movement of the rams and was fine for a couple of months until it resurfaces at random.
I have tried 2 different rams and the same led status show. Also when i press the reset button, in 3 seconds the PC shutdown and restarts. Before yesterday pressing reset was just making the motherboard restart and the leds were blinking once again to show the status change but now no blink on the leds when i press reset.

P35 Neo2 FIR does not boot at all

Pretty similar to another topic, however my problem is with MSI p35 Neo2 FIR...
Mobo doesnt start - it stops on the welcome screen, where it says to hit "del" to enter bios setup. Hiting keyboard keys doesnt do anything (yes, keyboard is fully operational a proprely connected:), and the mobo stops. The first time I ran the system i went a little bit farther - i've seen the bios version (1.8) and a proper CPU recognition (C2D 8400) - than mobo stopped as well... Now each time i try ro stary the system it sops on teh welcome screen...
My config is (all hardware is brand new, nothing has been overclocked):
- mentioned mobo
- Corsair CMPSU-620HXEU
- 2 x ADATA VITESTA 2x2GB Extreme Edition DDR2 800+MHz CL4 (4-4-4-12)
- Gigabyte GTX 260
- C2D 8400 45nm
Tested with another graphics (Radeon 1950 Pro) another RAM modules and a diffrent PSU - still nothing...
Any ideas how to solve the problem?

If I am not mistaken the new E8400 E0's require the 1.9 BIOS. If the S-Spec # on the box and on the front of the chip is SLB9J, then you do, which is mixed news. The E0's are great overclockers; however, you'll need to flash that BIOS.
Here's a thread about that problem, if, indeed, you have an E0:
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=119827.0
If you have a USB thumbrive, you can flash it with this:
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=108079.0
Instructions:
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=116721.0
Otherwise, you'll have to do the floppy method. You'll need a different chip to place in there to get to that stage.
Other options:
#1) Try to get a BIOS replacement ship from MSI.
#2) Return the board and find something that will work with that chip, if it is an E0.
If it isn't an E0, then my intuition is incorrect.

P35 NEO2 FIR boot problems

Hi,
I'm another unlucky MSI P35 NEO2 FIR user whose mainboard does not boot. My config is as follows -
mainboard: MSI P35 NEO2 FIR
cpu: E6750
ram: OCZ Platinum Rev.2 800 2x1G
gfx card: MSI 8600GT
psu: Corsair VXEU450W
In the beginning it worked flawlessly for about 4 months. Then the boot problems started to appear. After turning on, the mainboard status leds configuration was red-red-green-red, the system kept rebooting and I had to wait several minutes before successful boot occured. (The whole procedure involved additional amount of hassle for me because I had to open the case and disconnect the harddisk during the "warm-up" time.) Gradually the time before successful boot increased. At one time I was not able to boot for several hours. Then I changed FSB jumpers configuration, moved memory to different slots, reseted BIOS and I don't even remember what I tried before eventually miraculously booting the system. After this accident I had to wait 0.5-1.5h for successful boot. In the meantime I upgraded BIOS to v1.8. Nothing changed. This lasted few weeks, and now the big problem reoccured. Initially, the behaviour after turning on slightly changed. Instead of red-red-green-red leds, I got 4 reds. The big additional disadvantage of this was that the system was not rebooting automatically after a few seconds. I had to manually turn it off then turn on again and repeat it until I got red-red-green-red leds, after which automatic reboots started. It's been getting worse and worse since then and now the situation is that I haven't been able to boot the system for a few days. Each of those days I tried for several hours without success (still trying while writing this post).
The one thing I haven't tried is using the 667 memory, I read that it might help. But even if 667 memory will help, does it solve the problem once and for all, or it's possible that the problem will reoccur later (note that my mainboard worked fine for 4 months)?
Also, do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks for help.

Quote from: Jack the Newbie on 14-March-08, 04:44:40
Try to boot your system with only one stick of RAM installed in Slot 1 (test both stick seperately).
Tried this today, though not too long (<20 manual reboots).
Quote from: Jack the Newbie on 14-March-08, 04:44:40
Also, clear CMOS with main A/C power cable removed from PSU before next start-up attempt.
I did something similar today - I removed the battery completely (and rebooted without a battery since then).
Quote from: Jack the Newbie on 14-March-08, 04:44:40
Your current RAM modules could be faulty. Do you have different modules to try (different brand/model, if possible)?
I believe RAM is ok, because when my system worked I ran Orthos a few times for several hours in "blend" mode and no errors occured. Unfortunately I can't easily get 800 or 667 modules.
I'll try again tomorrow, enough for today.

Video & boot problem with p35 neo2

Hi all!
I recently ordered components to build 6 identical PC´s.
My problem is that they all have the same problem, and I obviously need help solving it
I chose the following components,
MSI P35 Neo2
Intel c2d e6750 2.66Ghz
XFX 8800GT Alpha dog
Corsair VS 2x1gb ddr2 667Mhz
160gb Seagate s-ata disc
Dvd-rw
Antec Sonata III with a 500D Earthwatt
The problem is that I can´t enter bios on any of the machines, the second i try i get either "green green red green" or the video dies.
I tried changing something randomly when the screen went black, the computer rebooted after i struck F10 + enter, I guess that is the standard "exit & save" key so it seems that it´s working, just that I can´t see anything.
Also, the only thing that booted was an original WinXP disc, got halfway through the installation and then the video died. Seems to be quite random, sometimes it happens after a few seconds, sometimes after a couple minutes.
I already tried with a different graphic card, single stick of ram, no hdd or rw, usb or ps/2 keyboard etc, so I´m running out of ideas.
I flashed to 1.8 on one of the machines, no difference.
/ Jonas (I´m from sweden so my english might be a bit rusty )

Quote from: Psylocke on 03-April-08, 20:10:57
I would suggest trying another brand of Graphics card besides XFX. Because PCI-E Gen 2 is suppose to be backwards compatible with Gen 1; so XFX telling you that they are not compatible is a bunch of bull. I'm running a BFG 8800 GTS 512 (a gen 2 card) in my system (P35D3) which is 1.0a compliant and I'm not having any problems. I think it is more XFX is having trouble getting some of their Gen 2 cards to work in a Gen 1 PCI-E slot.
Psy
Probably, but returning the cards takes atleast a week, and i have til next wednesday to fix this.
The computers are bought to a meeting place, sort of community center as gaming computers, thus they are bought through a municipality.
So the normal 30-day etc don´t apply here, we have to pay a fee for each unit returned.
That´s why it would be nice if I could flash and get six working cards
I found a modified bios, now I only have to find another computer with a mobo that accepts this card, flash one of them and cross my fingers hoping it will work.
/ Jonas
small update:
Nothing new yet, i´m still searching for a computer to flash the card in and finding one was harder than i thought.
XFX hasn´t provided any new information, although i´m not surprised by that since i read kerrys whole thread including the xfx support ticket.
cheers, Jonas

Wireless problems P35 Neo2-FIR

Hello,
I hope someone can help me with a PCI card issue. I have a Netgear WG311T wireless card that I want to use with my new PC which has an MSI P35 Neo2-FIR motherboard. When I install the card after installing the drivers the LED next to the PCI slot does not light up and the card isnt recognised my the board. I have tried disabling most of the onboard devices such as the LAN controller and Extra IDE controller but its still not working. The card works perfectly i have tried it in another pc and in both of the PCI slots on the motherboard.
Hope someone can help me out.
PC Specs: (nothings overclocked)
Intel Q6600 G0
P35 Neo2-FIR
2Gb PC2 6400 RAM
2 HDD's
Videomate T750 TV card (PCI)
Sata DVD drive
Corsair 450 watt PSU

Quote
When I install the card after installing the drivers the LED next to the PCI slot does not light up
That is normal, if there is a gap on Pin #12 (count pins from the left):
Only if there is a Pin in the 12th position (from the left), the LED will get a signal and light up. However, this should not affect the functionality of the card.
Quote
and the card isnt recognised my the board
Have you tested both PCI slots? Try setting "PCIeX4 Speed Controller" to "x4" (instead auf "AUTO" in BIOS (Cell Menu)).
Quote
Videomate T750 TV card (PCI)
Remove the TV Card for testing and see if that changes anything.
Also, which BIOS-Version are you using?

Q9400 on P35 Neo2-FIR: how to flash the BIOS to 1.9?

Hi,
I recently purchased the parts for a new system. The specs are as follows:
Corsair 550W PSU
P35 Neo2-FIR Mobo
Q9400 CPU
2x2GB Corsair PC6400 CL5 DDR2 RAM
ATI HD 3450 Graphics card
I put it all together, only it won't work. I get a red message saying the overclocking settings caused an error and a standard BIOS config had been loaded, then I'm asked if I want to save the current BIOS settings. Regardless whether I enter Y or N, I get a "4096MB OK" message, and then nothing happens. Rebooting just gives me the MSI post screen, but it doesn't go beyond that and hitting DEL to enter the setup doesn't work either.
Now my guess is that the reason this doesn't work is because my CPU isn't supported by BIOS 1.8, which is the one that came with the motherboard. It is supported by 1.9, however. But how do I flash my BIOS to 1.9 if I can't even get past the POST screen?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Quote from: AaronYuri on 31-August-08, 05:01:15
Correct. That's why I said to not flash the BIOS.
Have you tried a barebone configuration?
I've tried with just the CPU, graphics card, one harddrive and one stick of RAM, and here's what happens:
It tries to boot up a first time, the four small status leds on the mobo light up red and power cuts off.
Then it boots up again and it seems to be getting farther as the leds flash red and green in different patterns. I even get the MSI logo on the screen for a fraction of a second. Only it seems to be stuck in a loop: the screen disappears again, the leds flash the patterns all over, the logo flickers back on and off, and so on...
The only way to stop the loop is to hit DEL, after which I get the boot screen saying Genuine Intel etc, 2048MB OK and that's where it freezes. At this stage, the LEDs are stuck on the following pattern, top to bottom: green red green red, which according to my manual means "Testing Base and Extended Memory".
So I thought something might be wrong with the RAM and I tried to switch to the other stick, but that didn't help, same problem.
Any ideas?

A problem with the P35 Neo2-FR

Greetings
Firstly I'm new to this forum and by the looks of it its not based in Europe so you're all probably asleep right now.
Anyway, I am having trouble getting this motherboard, Neo2-FR, to boot at all and nothing but a blank screen. No BIOS, no splashscreen, nothing.
When I short the power switch it turns on, then off, then on and the LEDs go through the sequences of red/green until it reaches green, green, red, green and stops. The red CMOS LED is lit constantly, the blue PCI-E LED is lit, LED 13 (PCI slot 1) flickers constantly but the PCI slots are empty.
I've tried using 4 sticks of RAM, 2sticks of RAM and 1stick of RAM. It makes no difference. The FSB has been set to 200, 266 and 333 to no effect. I have tried plugging in a floppy drive, CD-ROM and harddrive all to no effect. I have tried pressing the CMOS switch, shorting the power, shorting the reset switch and patience.
I'm very thorough and usually something is faulty when I can't fix it.
Whats wrong with it? Is LED flickering a bad sign?
edit: this board should boot without a BIOS update for 45nm chips
Thank you for all your support
-MSI P35 Neo2-FR (UK) revision A7345 IMS 150 and BIOS unknown
-Intel socket 775 E8400 "Wolfdale" stepping C0 Retail
-DDR2 Crucial Ballistix PC5300 CAS 3 1Gb x4
-Ati HD3850xt 512MB DDR3
-Enermax Noisetaker 600w 3.3V 34A 5V 34A 12V1 18A 12V2 18A
-Hard Drives: Not available
-Optical Drives: LG 4123B DVD-RW
-Operating System - not installed
Here is a picture:
http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~zen12084/Storage/helpme.jpg

That's definetely a new one...
I would still flash to the correct BIOS with the CPU microcode for your Wolfdale. That BIOS would be v1.6: >>Link<<
Flash the BIOS with our USB flashing tool: >>MSI Forum HQ USB Flashing Tool<<

MSI P35 Neo2 (MS-7345) strange BIOS problem

Hi all,
My first post here - just wondering if someone could help me.
I recently 'accidentally' flashing my bios version from 1.8 to 1.C on my MS-7345 (P35 Neo 2) board, after deciding to install live update. While I know it's often considered a bad idea to flash the bios when everything's working, but I did it anyway. Since doing it I got many many BSODs. I'm running XP Pro 32 bit btw. I got these BSODs mostly when the computer was working hard, but not always. I'd barely be able to do anything sometimes. Occasionally Windows would even crash on start-up.
I made sure that i was running the latest drivers for all my components, peripherals, etc, including motherboard and graphics card. I even reformatted my HDD and reinstalled Windows from scratch just in case it was a virus. However, the problem has continued, and I even got a few BSODs during my reinstallation of Windows XP Pro.
Another thing I tried was reverting back to the old bios version (1.8), but this made no difference, so I eventually returned to the latest 1.C.
I've written down all the error message codes somewhere, though I've currently misplaced the sheet I wrote them on. If you need to know the exact codes I can locate it and add it to this thread. I probably got about 30 BSODs per day. Often they were IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL type ones, but definitely not just that. Each code I got I researched thoroughly to see if I could work out the problem. Some pointed to RAM Failure, some to HDD problems, some to bad Graphics card, some to corrupt drivers. Pretty much anything you can think of, the errors 'blamed'. However, I had a hunch regarding the bios / motherboard.
I eventually discovered (by chance) after re-flashing the bios (which I'm doing in DOS using the suggested AFUD after a reboot) that if I...
1. Switch on the computer
2. Enter BIOS Setup by pressing Del
3. Turn of the boot sector protection (in order to flash bios) and set USB stick to be the first boot device
4. Boot to DOS from my USB stick and flash the bios in DOS
5. Reboot
This is the critical bit...
6. When when I get the 'Bad checksum, Press F1 to enter BIOS setup or F2 to use default values' PRESS F2 (it won't work if you go into bios setup as this will then require another reboot before loading windows).
7. Let Windows XP load as normal.
If I follow all the above steps (I discovered this by mistake), the computer is 100% stable. I even tried some burnout tests and played some cpu & gpu intensive games with settings on full to give it a real workout, which previously would have ended up in a BSOD within seconds.
However....
If I then reboot the computer (or shut down and switch it back on the next day) and let windows load, it will be unstable again, just as before!
In other words, I'm currently having to flash the bios every time I switch on my PC or reboot it in order to get a stable system.
So this problem isn't fixed - but I've found a workaround at least for now.
Incidentally I've tried installing a new CR2032 bios battery, since I thought it might be losing settings on reboot, but this didn't make any difference.
I personally don't think it's actually the BIOS Reflashing that's making it work - just something weird in the bios settings. It's as if 'erasing the checksum' (cleaning out these dodgy bios settings), which forces the PC to load the defaults the next time it boots, is helping. I have to just mention that going into bios set-up and choosing 'Load Fail-Safe Defaults' does NOT help, since the computer reboots when you 'Save Settings and Exit'. It's as if the bios settings corrupt every time on boot, which causes the crashes.
Does anyone have any suggestions?

To return to the previous bios, just download the one you want and use the forums tool.
http://www.msi.com/product/mb/P35-Neo2-FR---FIR.html#/?div=BIOS
>>Use the MSI HQ Forum USB flasher<<
Before you do that, try to boot and enter bios. Hit f6 for optimized defaults save and exit see if the problem persists.

P35 Neo2 Fr / Corsair RAM

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