The Mother Board

[Frozti]

[Mr T]

Is it XP 32bit or 64bit? A 32bit operating system won't see RAM over about 3.5Gb and even less depending on the video card and other PCI cards you are using due to 32bit limits on 'reserved memory address'... Patriot RAM is OK, but have had a few compatibility issues with certain motherboards, moved over to Corsair Value Select for lower end systems and XMS3 and better for higher end systems..
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I have been programming on computers since the ZX81.
I am an apprentice trained Electronics Engineer with qualifications to back it up.
I have been repairing computers since 1996.
Yet to some people I still know nothing...

[Hardware Junkie]

You would have to use a 64bit OS to see all 8GB of memory anyways.
XP does make a 64bit version, albeit a little crappy...

I'd return the new RAM and get some with the same BUS speed and manufacturer if possible.
Before boards are put into production, they are tested with a variety of memory to make sure they don't have problems. Yours probably never made it that far, so you'll want to stick with what works.
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"Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality." -Jules de Gautier

[Frozti]

Oh well, I bought a cheap motherboard to hold me off until I have a job. I might mess around with this board later because I can't sell it. Thanks for your time, I'm sorry I was such a hassle. All this and I just ended up buying a new motherboard lol. I really appreciate your help.

[Karlsweldt]

That motherboard you show in one photo has two banks of memory slots. Ensure that the SAME amount and type of memory is installed in BOTH banks. If unequal amounts, then the POST process will find errors in memory checking, and also the OS will have problems. The FSB clock must be right on frequency, to ensure that memory is paged as required. If the FSB base speed is only 10 Hz off, then the memory bus speed may be off by 20 Hz.. and 40 Hz off the final bus speed for the CPU. If the FSB base frequency is a bit higher, then instead of using 400 MHz memory type, go with 433 MHz memory type.. to ensure proper paging. Same if using 800 MHz type memory, go with the next higher speed rating. "Value" grade memory typically has little reserve range for higher bus speed. But "premium" grade memory would have no problem with lower bus speed. Memory speed should be 1/2 the final bus speed designated for the CPU.
Try the OS install with minimal memory, say 1 GB (half in each bank) and add more after the OS has settled in. As Mr T noted, a 32-bit OS cannot manage any greater memory amount over about 3.5 GB.. which has to encompass any other memory that is part of other devices or features.
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F@H.. to solve mankind's maladies.. in our lifetimes!

[evasive]