Striker Extreme boot-up problem

I spent the weekend assembling my new PC which included one of those challenging Asus Striker Extreme motherboards.

On first boot I managed to get into the Bios setup to update to the latest v1303 but then restarted the PC. I intended to go back into the start-up on re-boot to set-up the drives etc. However, problem appears to be that I can't get into set-up again.

When I re-boot, I press the <DEL> key as said on the initial Striker Extreme 'G' screen and the statement 'Entering Setup...' comes up (so keyboard works) but the system hangs there with the LCD post on the rear reading TEST MEM (or MEM TEST etc..).

If I press <TAB> on boot-up to continue to POST, I get full confirmation of the correct CPU, Memory size and BIOS v1303 but again either pressing F8 or <DEL> takes me to the same hang.

The memory I'm using is Corsair DDR2 Twin 2x2048-6400.

My very early concerns (before all these) were related to the PSU which is a Coolermaster 850 Real Power Pro which has had issues but I have confirmed that mine is the '80Plus' modified version.

Cleared CMOS after the flash?

Hi Big B:

Yea- that's been my approach at the moment. Been following the user manual to clear CMOS and also removing the battery overnight.

I think the issue may be due to the RAM not being set up on first boot.

As an attempt to jump start it I've just purchased a 512mbstick of Kingston Value RAM KVR667D2N5/512 online so it should be here tomorrow. I have heard that its closer to the default settings on the board and it is possible to get into the setup by installing it long enough to adjust everything.

I'd be glad to hear of any other ideas....

well is the computer booting up and only hanging when entering bios?

There is no OS installed as yet and it posts as normal but obviously the drives don't register as they have not been sorted out in the Bios Setup.

If I press the <DEL> key at the Striker Extreme start page or once the Post info comes up then it hangs. Otherwise it will Post.

I've discovered something today.... Still getting the TEST MEM on the back of the board.

When I press the <TAB> to go from the RoG screen to the Bios Post screen, all the info tallies up except one line:

MEMORY TESTING - 2096128k OK (INSTALLED MEMORY: 2097152k)

Does this make any sense? Should the numbers be the same? Damaged RAM?

OK - Finally solved this issue.

Purchased a cheap stick of DDR2 RAM and intalled it. Switched on, pressed DEL key and it opened the BIOS to me. Changed memory settings for my Corsair, switched off, installed corsair, switched on and everything working ok.

Only problem is now I'm having great difficulty getting Vista and RAID0 set up.