8k5a2+ +1gb RAM woes

[Braddy_]

Hi there, i recently upgraded to 1gb of DDR333 (2x512mb Legend - Hynix chips) from 512mb (2x 256mb Samsung) and its really been a mission.

After putting the new ram in, my Windows XP SP1 immediately told my there was an error with "delayed writing of c:\$mft" or something... as well as MFT for all my other drives, i thought that to be quite rude, so i removed the 1 512 stick and put 1 256 back in (768mb then) and then WinXP didn't give me any errors... Putting the 512 back in gave me errors immediately.

So i reinstalled XP, and the errors have stopped, however now my 3com network card doesn't work, but the onboard VIA 100mb does, and a Realtek 8139 works. The 3com works in another PC with XP SP1 and it worked up until i put the new ram in. Not too mention some files on my HDD are now corrupt (perhaps from the error with the MFTs?). I thought for a second i might have a virus, so i tried to install nortons systemworks, but now everytime i boot up, it tells me some files have been changed, and i must push ok to replace the files with older ones, and reboot. this happens EVERY time i boot...

Also, CPU-Z tells me the RAM is running at 3CL, while sandra tells me 2.5, even though it is set to 2.5 in the bios (CPU-Z used to report 2.5 with the old ram)

So, I really am at a loss here, is the ram at fault? or is it the 3com card? the 8k5a2+? Somebody please help me.

My system:
Epox 8k5a2+ (11/01/2002)
AMD Athlon XP T-bred B 1700+@2150mhz (12.5x172)
Coolermaster HCC-002 copper HSF
Gigabyte ATI 8500 64mb (7006 bios)
Philips Acoustic Edge PSC706
WD120JB (120gb 8mb cache) and WD80BB (80gb 2mb cache)
Windows XP SP1
AOpen 16x DVD-Rom and 32x12x28x CDRW
350w PSU

Anything else you might need?

[Holst]

I assume you have tried at stock speeds?

[Braddy_]

yeah, tried at good old 11x133 (in fact, thats what i reinstalled at) and still nothing.

I didn't mention that i also tried that 2B08 bios off the german site, and also the 2905 which i had on my hdd still.

The 3com is a 3C905C if that makes any difference.

Any ideas? Its really got me rather annoyed and confused, i've reinstalled windows 5 times since friday