I am starting new build...Asus Striker Extreme....will use 4 GB Crucial Balistix (4x1)PC 8500...should I install1, 2, or all 4 stix before first start up?

Usually I start mine up with 2 sticks in slots 1 and 3... You can try to start up with a single stick in the 1st slot, but everything has just been booting up straight away for me lately so I dont bother with the single stick method anymore.

Thanks Paulziq....when put in other 2? After OS load?

Wait till you have the OS patched and all the drivers loaded, then install the rest of your RAM. XP likes the simplest install possible.

Yeah.. what Merc said.. but if was me I wouldnt even run 4 gig... theres been a lot of debate concerning 2 vs 4 gig as far as performance goes, but with Vista and Crysis coming out it may all change. Traditional benchmarking will still benefit more from bandwidth and low latency, something which 4x1 gig sticks dont quite offer yet.

When Installing windows you want the most stable configuration possible, so make sure your vdimm voltage is at the rated speed in the BIOS before you proceed any further.

good luck with that board and build.

HP uses the Striker Extreme in the BlackBird, and those rigs are rock solid.
Now why would they use a mobo where some are good and others are shot?
I think Asus is making a revision just for HP.
And use vista to boot!

November 1st, the Birds are fully configurable as of today.

VooDoo rigs BTW are config, buy it, done. They're a one shot deal.

Thanks everyone....good advice for sure....I will no doubt be back for more....rt