Hi, I'm new to the board although I've had an RME Multiface for years. I built a desktop and I've been having problems with it from the beginning, since around September/October 2008. I'm at the point where it looks like the problem is the motherboard and I'd like some recommendations. I want the most reliable and stable thing I can get after experiencing all these problems!

I've also decided I'm going to try to write music again so that's why I'm posting here. There's a lot of information I posted on my system and my troubleshooting of it here: http://forum.cubase.net/phpbb2/viewtopi … highlight=

Here is the current configuration:

mobo: Biostar TG31-A7
Q6600
PCI Graphics card: Asus EN9600GSO/DI/512MD3: http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=CIZSDULRZI4VCsZ8
PCI RME Multiface version 1
OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … CZ2P8004GK Currently only using one 2 GB RAM stick since both don't work at the same time.
PSU: Antec TP-650 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6817371021 I used to have the True Power Trio TP3-650 but it failed so Antec replaced it with this model so that was one problem that was fixed.
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.a … 6835186134 (Actually this looks like an updated version. Mine has the plastic pins you push in instead. Hopefully it will fit a new mobo if I get one.)

So again I'm looking for which mobo you think works best with the Multiface and PCI card, and I will probably be using Cubase 5 as a host although I haven't decided for sure yet.

I'll also post the last troubleshooting I did below. Please let me know what you think, thanks!

I feel like I might be getting closer to narrowing the problem down.

I got some PNY RAM, removed the OCZ RAM and put the PNY in the same slot. Then I tried to export a project in Vegas. At a certain point the screen froze.

So I removed the PNY, but the OCZ back in on the same slot and removed the Asus video card. Then I ran Prime95 with the same test as earlier and at a certain point the screen blanked. I also noticed the red error light on the RME Multiface was blinking so I tried to reboot. I had to unplug the power and plug it back in to get the machine to boot.

It looks like I've narrowed it down to either the CPU or the mobo. I don't think it's a hard drive or software because I got those 2 lockups when running Memtest off the mobo (although it wasn't exactly a screen freeze because the cursor was still blinking). Shouldn't be the RAM because I tested 2 different brands and the freeze behavior seems the same.

I guess the question now is, is the CPU overheating or is the mobo trash? I posted the CPU temps here: http://forum.cubase.net/phpbb2/viewtopi … highlight= They don't seem too hot for a stress test right? Since I RMAed the mobo and have the same behavior with the new one that should rule out an individually defective mobo. I also had the PSU replaced because that one did fail. The guy I talked to at Biostar said 650 watts should be enough for what I've got installed. Other than what I've listed I only have 2 sata drives, a dvd-rom drive, and a dvd burner, and several usb devices that run fine when the system isn't being pushed in some way.

Again 2 RAM sticks don't work with this board, so I don't think it has to do with how much CPU is being used. Also, I had the problem with the top PCI slot not working with the wireless N card I just got.

It looks like I have 2 choices. RMA the processor, or buy a new mobo and see if that one works. If I buy a mobo I think I should get it locally and not through Newegg if I have the same problems and have to return it. What would you suggest? And if I get a new mobo I want the best I can get. By now mobos for Core 2 Quads should be pretty inexpensive right?

Thanks!