Im gonna have to press it every boot?! :evil:

Sometimes core unlocking won't work because those cores that you unlocked aren't really meant to be unlocked because many times they are defective. I had an Athlon II x 3 core CPU a while ago and it could be unlocked it to a phenom with 4 cores and 6MB of l3 cache, it worked the first time I did it though it was a little unstable, then I switched back to 3 cores and after a while I wanted 4 cores so I tried to unlock it again but then the whole system just kept on rebooting so I turned the original 3 cores on and it worked flawlessly.

Dude, exactly what CPU do you have? Your MB might support core unlocking and your CPU might be unlockable but that doesn't mean it can be unlocked successfully, unlocking only works sometimes for some lucky people that get a CPU where the "extra" cores are functional and stable.

I am now pretty sure the CPU is the problem or rather, the unlocking of it which you shouldn't be doing.

First off, check your BIOS version on the top right corner of the Main menu page [see page 2-5 of your manual]. The 28-02-2012 version [ver 1002] has improvements to system stability and memory compatibility. The latest [1003] improves onboard LAN functions. If you don't have either of these versions then I suggest flashing your BIOS to 1003.
You need to access System Information on the same page. This will show what the machine sees with regard to your BIOS version, and CPU and RAM properties. [2-9]

Page 2-14 shows how to configure your internal graphics mode. You need to have GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI as your setting. Disabling drivers from within Windows doesn't have the same effect as this setting.

Page 2-22 has all the necessary info about updating your BIOS. Don't forget to have a thumb-drive ready. Read carefully.

There really shouldn't be an issue with Core-unlocking. If you have a six-core processor then the BIOS should recognise it and run it automatically. For example - I have a Phenom 2 x4 on an AM3 mobo. While the core-unlocking procedure is part of the pre-POST screen, I don't touch it. If I had an X3 then I might have tried unlocking the fourth core, otherwise it has no uses.

The system panel connector is explained on page 1-25.

Please remove the old specs in your sig :)

ok, Its saying four cores are still active. I dont understand why I must activate them?! They came with the board so I assume yes they should be compatable.

Im gonna see if this rules it all out.

As for the stuff in my sig - it ran just fine on that. Maybe Ill leave it so others have a guide. ;)

Hey Farber,

Did you update bios after new OS? New bios might like fresh os install afterwards.

A new bios could change fan profiles and memory settings.

Memory at correct speed and wattage in bios?

CPU fan at %100?(not turbo)

GPU fan profile ramped up? You wear a headset anyways : )

PSU come with drivers? (thats new to me)

CoD didnt install properly...did you try again before you manualy installed that stuff?

Internet explorer has a updated version since win7.

Good luck Farber!

Its been mentioned already, but I'd download Memtest and run that, if that shows errors you are on the right track, the symptoms you are experiencing are often down to bad memory (that can show fine in the BIOS) for sure all the other stuff is applicable too, but not necessarily the problem, give Memtest a go is my advice.

What MajorBoris said.

And reading through all this, what processor do you have?
In one post I read Phenom II x6?
If it is a quadcore right out of the box pressintg that core unlocker should not have been necessary and all four cores should have been detected.

And get yourself a case with proper connections for power and reset and so on, seriously, doesn't have to be anything expensive, my first case was $40.00. Just get rid of that HP thingamadingdong.

And you wrote the psu is new and 680 watts, it would be helpful to know the brand name, especially if you have enough amps on the 12 volt rail to properly support your video card.

I know all the things people wrote here are a lot to sift through, but if you spent all that money on new components it is very well worth it. However I would definitely start with a "normal" connection to the power button and after that cecking the specs of your psu, while making sure, as you certainly have, that all components are properly seated.

After that I would check the bios version and then check on Asus' website if your processor is in the supported list for your mobo and what bios version is the earliest that supports that processor. On the motherboard support cd you should find a utility called AsusUpdate, you can use that to update the bios easily under windows environment as well as verify your current bios version, easy peasy.

Good luck and let us know if you are faring better with your new build.

Ok just had the first BSOD in 3 days...

Damn! I had reseated the ram and "unlocked" the cores... Why they need unlocking is still a f&^*ing mystery to me.

Raggs, found out what my error code where. I'll follow his advice and see if that helps, but alsmost everyone is pointing to a bad stick of ramm... B$%^&teds! Why do they have to display them in the fecking MoBO? Feck!

:confused::-P:mad:

Bah, another BSOD.

Ill have to work out how to run this memtest then take the ramm back. They will probly want the whole board back then... Then Ill be back to reinstalling OS and wiping my HD again...

are you running Sandforce driven SSD's?