Ok, this isn't the first system I've build, but it's been awhile so maybe I'm just doing something stupid.

I'm putting together:

P4 3.2 512K Cache 800MHz FSB
Intel D865PERL Motherboard
Corsair DDR400 512MB (1 stick) Model #: CMX512-3200LL
ATI Radeon 9800XT 256MB
Creative Audigy2
80GB SATA HD
400W Power Supply
Sony DRU500A DVD+-R/RW

I just got it all thrown together last night and when I turn it on, I get 3 beeps all equal in length. The mobo manual is crap and doesn't say diddly about beep codes. I went to Intel's site and did some Google searching and from what I've found out, it seems that the mobo is having problems reading the memory.

To test:

1. I've taken the RAM out completely, booted, same beep codes.
2. Unhooked all add-in cards except DVD burner (which I know is not an add-in 'card'), same beep codes.
3. I've replaced the RAM with 2x256 PC2700 DDR generic (that I know works, as I'm using them in another system), same beep codes.
4. I've taken the processor out, won't even power mobo so I'm assuming that seems to be working. Going to throw that into another machine tonight to verify.
5. Now, I've never worked with SATA before, but I have that connected to one of the SATA controllers on the mobo, and the DVD+R as a slave on the secondary IDE channel.
6. I've taken the Corsair RAM and thrown it in the system where I had the 2 256MB generic sticks in, and that system works fine with the CORSAIR RAM.

All Intel's site says to do is make sure that the RAM is 400/533/800MHz compatible. At least that's all I can understand from it anyway.

Can someone please offer a few suggestions as to what to check?

Thank you.

Go here to check out the beep-codes:
http://bioscentral.com/beepcodes/amibeep.htm

Your mobo has an Intel/AMI bios, where 3 beeps indicate faulty memory.
Try the Corsair-stick in any of the other slots and see if that works.
Also, change your DVD-R to master on the primary IDE.

Did you connect the P4-cable from your powersupply to the mobo?

as I recall when the 875 and 865 boards camee out there were problems with corsair ram working properly on them.

that problem was fixed but I dont remember if it was corsair that modified their ram or if it was a bios flash that fixed it. there should be something about it on the corsair web site.

Your right iss, I had the Intel 875 board and had to pass on the Corsair LL ram, had to go with the Cas2 stuff with the looser timings...

These Canterwood/Springdale boards are quite picky about memory...

Might want to double check your Bios settings and make sure everything is set correctly. If your using a single stick of ram, it would make a difference...

Good luck....

Ah-ha
*Thinks he has seen a problem*
It could actually be the DVD drive thats causing the problem

If the DVD is a slave on a IDE channel without a master driver present then the machine won't boot - change the slave to master (or single drive) and see what happens.

The 865/875 motherboards are picky about memory, but Corsair RAM is good stuff - and the BIOS updates appear to have solved all the problems - i doubt its your RAM.

Check the DVD and post back if there is still a problem.

Steg