HELP! FC3 x86_64 install hangs

[kbr]

System:

AMD64 3000+
ASUS K8V-X motherboard
80 GB HDD (Seagate)

What happens:

1. Without the "nomce" option, I get a MACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION even during mediacheck.

2. All 4 CDs pass mediacheck with the "nomce" option, but installation hangs at (unreproducable) random points, shouting a fatal error due to a hardware failure.

Questions:

1. What is the origin of the MACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION? Am I ignoring a true problem by using "nomce"?

2. Why does the installation hang with "nomce" at random points?

3. What should I do to get FC3 x86_64 running on my system?

Please help...

[kbr]

Oops. I forgot to mention: I have 512 MB DDR400 (Hynix).

[karlg100]

Here's what nomcd does:


The `nomce' Argument

Some newer processors have the ability to self-monitor and detect inconsistencies that should not regularly happen. If an inconsistency is detected, a Machine Check Exception will take place and the system will be halted (rather than plundering forward and corrupting your data). You can use this argument to disable this feature, but be sure to check that your CPU is not overheating or otherwise faulty first.
http://www.ibiblio.org/mdw/HOWTO/BootPrompt-HOWTO-3.html


Check to make sure your processor isn't overheating... you might try triggering the exception, hit the reset button, and go into the bios and see what the thermo readings are on your proc. Also check that you have it clocked properly.

Karl

[kbr]

Karl, thanks for your reply. I finally managed to do a minimalistic installation of FC3 x86_64 with the 'nomce' option. I must admit, though, that I just haven't dared to drop the 'nomce'. On this, more below.

I did check (both before and following your suggestion) if the processor is overheating. No, it's running at about 37-40 degC. I've got two fans on my box, one for the processor and the other for the cabinet itself.

I've not tried any overclocking but without the 'nomce' option, if I try to reboot (by pressing the reset button) after encountering the MACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION, I sometimes get a screen saying "Overclocking failed! Press F1 to enter setup...". I enter setup and not knowing what to change, just come out. That itself seems to scare the error and it doesn't show up until the next reset.

I doubt the MACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION has anything to do with overheating (atleast in my case). If it was indeed overheating, why doesn't the system hang when I'm running FC1 x86 or even Win2k?

[karlg100]

hrm... strange... sounds like maybe your motherboard is imporperly setting up your processor or something. have you tried updating the bios to the latest?