I have a problem with a new computer here at work. It has a Intel D915GAG mainboard with 2 GB memory on it, and an on-board video card. All attempts to install the machine fialed at random moments, sometimes anaconda just got stuck, sometimes it lost its network connection (doing a nfs-based install) etc. Then I removed 1 GB memory, and all went fine. Putting back the 2nd 1GB module makes the system very slow, and it crashes at some random point during the boot. Usually with a totally messed up screen.
From the specs, it should support up to 4GB (in four 1GB modules, I guess). First, check if memory is good. Boot from CD (or DVD), and on "boot:" prompt as soon as CD boots, type "memtest86". It'll run memory test. Try it with only the first module, and than only with second module in the machine. That way, if all is good with first module, but with second one test fails, you'll know if it is memory, or motherboard.
Also, check what motherboard reports in BIOS is exactly the specs that are on your memory. Make sure memory is not either overclocked nor underclocked. Make sure that both modules are of same speed. Many motherboards don't work well if you mix modules of different speed (and many don't work at all).
If memory is good, I'd upgrade the BIOS. If there is BIOS update available. Than as last resort, call Intel support (which is, IMO, terrible and not generally helpfull). Tell them you run Windows XP on the box, or they'll refuse to talk with you. They'll probably blame all non-Intel components in the box. If you have Intel components (such as PCI cards) labeled as "server" in the box, they'll refuse to talk with you (because your motherboard is "desktop"). But it is worth a try.
Anyhow, my experience with Intel desktop motherboards isn't that great. General quality seems to be way bellow that of other manufacturers (almost as low as no-name boards). You'd expect much better from name like Intel. Bunch of strange problems and BIOS fixes for them that half-work. The latest and greatest (from yeasterday) is motherboard that gets stuck even before POST if connected to KVM switch (unless it is selected on the switch). I had at least 50 different models of motherboards connected to that KVM switch, and not a single problem until I connected Intel motherboard to it.
-- Aleksandar Milivojevic <amilivojevic@xxxxxx> Pollard Banknote Limited Systems Administrator 1499 Buffalo Place Tel: (204) 474-2323 ext 276 Winnipeg, MB R3T 1L7
