So I have been trying to crawl through putting an old computer back together (I prefer working on cars, but it's too cold outside.).  I have been getting some help from the great folks here, but I'm not articulating very good.  So here is the rub:

I put in a new MB that was as close to the original that I could find.  The CPU and DDR sticks were the same and it is from the same Manufacturer (MSI).  I put it all together and followed the instructions on this site for installing the MB.  I used the manual from MSI for the parts that I could.  When I turn it on it just beeps about every three seconds for ever (IE it never stops).  I was told to use the BIOS beep chart for my MB.  I think that it is an Award BIOS (whatever that is).  It only says for *repeated beeps - DRAM error.  So does that mean to replace the DDR?  I have an AMD X2 processor.  I TRIED removing one of the sticks, and nothing.  Switched, and nothing.  Will it post if I only use one stick?  I bought a new one, but I don't WANT to open it if I'll need both. 

Any suggestions would be great.  I mean ANY suggestions.  Thanks guys and gals.another question I have, how do I know if it is a short or long beep.  It also says *repeated short beeps - Power error.  Would I be better off to start with a different power supply?

Thanks.It sounds like the CPU can not find the memory. But I am not sure of that.
Do you see anything on the monitor?
Make sure you have the memory stick all the way in the slot.
Yes, try one stick them the other,
Check and see if you bent pins on the CPU.
Did you force it in the wrong way?
Make sure the video card is all the way in.
Try it with no floppy, ho hard drive, no CD drive.
Sometimes a bad drive cable can bring down the whole system.
Check the mounts of the motherboard.
Be careful  about shots to the chassis.
Also, please provide more detail about the motherboard and the CPU. Like make and model number. Is the CPU an Intel? AND?  A 64 bit?CPU = AMD Athlon™ 64 3400+ Processor (with AMD 64 technology)1
(512KB L2 CACHE, 2.20GHz, 1600MHz system bus)

Motherboard = MSI MS-7184 MOTHERBOARD AMETHYSTM GL6E.  Has integrated video.

I tried unhooking everything possible already.  Any thoughts?

ThanksIs this the old RAM or did you purchase new ? ?

If new what speed is it ? ?It is the old RAM.  I bought a new stick (could only find one locally), but wanted to try the old FIRST.  The old ones are 512K PC3200 Samsung.  Would putting just the new one in make any difference?It's certainly worth a try.okay, so I finally got the new RAM.  I carefully installed it, and it still just beeps.  Any more ideas?

Thanks.Did you the board come with the processor and heatsink pre-installed or did you do it yourself?Bought just th MB.  I was very careful when I installed the CPU and fan.  Should I take the CPU back out and reinstall it, or might this be a Power supply issue?  Thanks.Did you remove the old thermal paste and reapply a new layer?
Are you sure that all of your standoffs are in place?Is the RAM listed on the Approved Vendor List in the MBoard manual ? ?

This is sometimes critical on newer MBoards with factory OC'd features...