Testing / comparing : Intel D975XBX2 / Asus P5B DX ***56K WARNING***

[Supertim0r]

Hey,

I received an Intel Bad Axe 2 yesterday.

http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/1.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/4.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/6.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/11.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b1.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b2.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b3.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b4.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b5.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b6.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b7.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b8.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b9.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b10.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b11.JPG
http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b12.JPG

Here's are a few quick test:

1M XBX2 Fat D9 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/4.05gig%201m%20fatd9.JPG) Fat D9 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/Fat%20D9/FatD9.JPG)
1M XBX2 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/4gig%201m%20e66%20xbx2.JPG) CAS3 mid freq
1M P5B DX (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/4.025G%201m.JPG) CAS4 high freq

E6600 ES @ 4ghz - 8800GTS @ 665/1000
Aquamark3 XBX2 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/am3%20xbx2%204ghz%20E66.JPG)
Aquamark3 P5B DX (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/am3%20es6600%204ghz%20GTS.JPG)

3dmark2001 XBX2 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/3d01%203.95ghz%20GTS.JPG)
Max prime XBX2 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/3.8%20prime%206h%2066es.JPG) first board making my E6600 stable @ 3.8 :D
Max prime P5B DX (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/6600%203.75%20prime.JPG)
3.6ghz prime 10h+ (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/3.6%2010h%20low%20fan.JPG), 1.375v set in bios, vfsb and vmch stock, tower 120 @ lowest rpm (almost inaudible), no added fans and only 58c coretemp

Q6600ES

XBX2 3.4Ghz 3Dmark06 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/Q6600%203.4%20GTS%20XBX2.JPG)
P5B DX 3.7Ghz 3Dmark06 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/Q66%203.7ghz%20GTS%203D06.JPG)

more benchies in progress

For those having problems with the 2395 bios, you can grab the 2333 HERE (http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=N&Inst=Yes&ProductID=2578&DwnldID=12202&strOSs=44&OSFullName=Windows*%20XP%20Professional&lang=eng)

Thanks

Simon

[NO1B4ME]

Nice reults man :toast: . Keep it up :) .

[eva2000]

nice but the images aren't loading for me.. too large ?

[Supertim0r]

my server have some problems today (fixing it)

[Teratism]

So far so good, The BX2 is running a bit hotter but also has some better scores.

Can't wait to see the rest of the benches and get your take on the board.

[loafer87gt]

Awesome! Nice results for the BX2. Would be interesting to see what the what sort of FSB overclocking could be achieved with this board and a Kentsfield processor. Hopefully they are better than what Eva noted in his tests on an older BX1.

[Ender17]

anyone know if this board requires a ES/Extreme chip or a mod to get the advanced OC options like the original BadAxe?

[Teratism]

Ender17: Didn't Breetai72 answer that in the other thread you asked it in?

Breetai72 said "BX2 has OC hooks enabled for all processors. The "OC Debug" jumper is still there, but it is no longer used."

[tjelaw]

Nice, thats a stock board right?

Im awaiting ur results... my new choice of mobo depends on this hehe :),

Teratism, whats that "OC Hook" your talking about? something like locking the strap?

[Teratism]

tjelaw: I don't know it is something breetai72 said in the bad axe 2 thread named How did this slip by....... http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122752&highlight=bad+axe
first page post #24

[badboy]

Nice results. I got a BX2 too and I highest I was 438x8. Check sig for info.

[Ender17]

Ender17: Didn't Breetai72 answer that in the other thread you asked it in?

Breetai72 said "BX2 has OC hooks enabled for all processors. The "OC Debug" jumper is still there, but it is no longer used."
so vCore and everything is available on retail chips?
just wanted to make sure

[breetai72]

Yes. All the tuning options are available for all processors.


so vCore and everything is available on retail chips?
just wanted to make sure

[Ender17]

Yes. All the tuning options are available for all processors.
awesome, thanks
that's already a big improvement over the D975XBX

[heikis]

how is the 1333 strap working on this board? does it cause the coldboot problem as on badaxe1 ?

[Supertim0r]

no coldboot problems for me
The vcore is rock solid on this board, better than all conroe board I tested.
It's the first board that make my 6600es stable @ 3.8 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/3.8%20prime%206h%2066es.JPG) :slobber:
all the overclocking option straight in the bios, no mods :D
With vcore and vmch mod, this board will fly :p:

edit : added bios pics

[C Stat B]

Looks good, I'm getting my X1900XT 256MB and E6600 on friday for my XBX2. Hopefully I get results like yours. Is your a REV 503 board? Is there a difference between 502 and 503?

Thanks.

[Supertim0r]

Looks good, I'm getting my X1900XT 256MB and E6600 on friday for my XBX2. Hopefully I get results like yours. Is your a REV 503 board? Is there a difference between 502 and 503?

Thanks.

Hi,

My board is rev503
I don't know if there is a difference between 502/503...sorry

[Speederlander]

With vcore and vmch mod, this board will fly :p:


Are those out yet?

[celemine1Gig]

Are those out yet?

I bet they won't differ much from the mods already known for the Bad Axe 1. ;)

[malachi1313]

Any probs with this motherboard sofar??

[neverthere]

EDIT: Couldn't see one screenshot earlier but nice VDIMM options even upto a toasty 2.8v

[Nilix]

When disable the second sata controller in bios, the HDD-LED is always on.... no flickering by HDD access.

After enable the controller it flickers by HDD access.

Is this normal?

My MB: Intel D975XBX2 Rev. 503 Bios 2330

Greets
Nilix

[celemine1Gig]

When disable the second sata controller in bios, the HDD-LED is always on.... no flickering by HDD access.

After enable the controller it flickers by HDD access.

Is this normal?

My MB: Intel D975XBX2 Rev. 503 Bios 2330

Greets
Nilix

I can't tell about the Bad Axe, but my Black Creek (D955XBK, the bad axe predecessor)does exactly the same thing.

[Supertim0r]

ok, only 1 problem so far : everest = voltage reset = reboot

if you enable the second sata controller, yes its flickering

this board is awesome : 3.6ghz prime 10h+ (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/3.6%2010h%20low%20fan.JPG), 1.375v set in bios, vfsb and vmch stock, tower 120 @ lowest rpm (almost inaudible), no added fans and only 58c coretemp :slobber:

the bad axe "1" needed 1.395/1.695v vfsb/vmch and more vcore

[Teratism]

How exactly did everest reset your voltage? Also does this mean you recommend this board?

[Supertim0r]

How exactly did everest reset your voltage? Also does this mean you recommend this board?

everest reset the vcore to default (original bad axe had same issue when it came out)

YES, i highly recommend this board :D

[heikis]

do you use any fans over the SB and NB heatsinks?
is it a hotter board than the p5w dh and p5 deluxe?
what is the motherboard's (i assume nb?) temperature in bios?

[Supertim0r]

do you use any fans over the SB and NB heatsinks?
is it a hotter board than the p5w dh and p5 deluxe?
what is the motherboard's (i assume nb?) temperature in bios?

no fans over nb/sb
run cooler the Asus mobos, great, silent and cool :banana:

current speed (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b13.JPG)
bios temp :) (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/b14.JPG)

[Teratism]

Nice, I am looking to pick one of these up. Anything else about the board you think we should know or a few little tricks to get a nice stable overclock?

[Supertim0r]

Nice, I am looking to pick one of these up. Anything else about the board you think we should know or a few little tricks to get a nice stable overclock?

nothing special to know, this board is easy to overclock compare to original XBX :)

great board from Intel :woot:

[malachi1313]

I just ordered the BadAXE2 because I just don't trust the 680i yet. Hope I have as good of luck as you!!!

[malachi1313]

Hey Supertimor I see you've owned just about ALL the new boards supporting the Core 2Duo, how does the badaxe2 compare???

[Blacklash]

You other fellows that get the Bad Axe 2 be sure to post up your results. I am curious what it can do, and would like to see as many results from various users as possible.

[NO1B4ME]

You other fellows that get the Bad Axe 2 be sure to post up your results. I am curious what it can do, and would like to see as many results from various users as possible.

I agree with you, I am about to order this board and want to see how members do with it as well.

[Supertim0r]

so far, it's the best board i've tested
important thing : it's retail board, bought from supplier (not review sample or handpicked stuff)

[berk]

I'm with you guys aswell,stuff the 680i..im not ignorant and accept things have to be ironed out,but thats too much money for too much pain.
This AW9D-MAX is a pile of pants,and i want something thats overclockable and i can then leave alone.
Good luck. :)
Subscribed :D

[M3kk]

Any clock per clock PI1M and PI32M results please? :)

Tahnks

[malachi1313]

so far, it's the best board i've tested
important thing : it's retail board, bought from supplier (not review sample or handpicked stuff)
Thanx man!!! that's what I've been wanting to hear. My purchase is awaiting verification @ ZipZoomFly. Probably won't see it until next week sometime:(

[gundam789]

Supertimo is that corsair memory you are using with this board?
Also is that a core duo e6600 that you have installed in it ?

[willow]

Thanx man!!! that's what I've been wanting to hear. My purchase is awaiting verification @ ZipZoomFly. Probably won't see it until next week sometime:(

Just an FYI...ZZF has both the BOX (retail) & the BLK (bulk) version of this board. Differences are minor...

www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d975xbx2/sb/cs-023490.htm

[bofors]

Does anyone know if the BadAxe2 can unlock Conroes down (lower the multiplier)?

[situman]

Does this do the double shutdown like some boards do?

[bofors]

Just an FYI...ZZF has both the BOX (retail) & the BLK (bulk) version of this board. Differences are minor...


As far as the board itself, the BOX version and BLK version are exactly the same. Only the packaging and accessories differ. TankGuys said the BLK only includes two SATA cables, while BOX should have four: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122752

There is supposed to be another version of the motherboard though, the LAD (LAD975XBX2LKR). It cut some features like FireWire, optical audio and the secondary RAID controller, but adds a TPM chip: http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bx2/bx2_available.htm

[bobov]

Does anyone know if the BadAxe2 can unlock Conroes down (lower the multiplier)?

No, lower multiplier unavailable.

[bofors]

Thanks again.

[Revv23]

wow i had forgotten how much slower 965 was on 1333, nice comparo.

[eva2000]

ok, only 1 problem so far : everest = voltage reset = reboot

if you enable the second sata controller, yes its flickering

this board is awesome : 3.6ghz prime 10h+ (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/3.6%2010h%20low%20fan.JPG), 1.375v set in bios, vfsb and vmch stock, tower 120 @ lowest rpm (almost inaudible), no added fans and only 58c coretemp :slobber:

the bad axe "1" needed 1.395/1.695v vfsb/vmch and more vcore

darn the reset vcore thing still exists huh... does it happen in sandra 2007 as well ?

[Supertim0r]

darn the reset vcore thing still exists huh... does it happen in sandra 2007 as well ?

haven't tried yet
i'll let you know tomorow ;)

[vanovich]

nice testing there,im also glad for my xbx,if only they would do a biose that kan give a bit more vdim ,like your xbx2. 2.8 would be nice.unfortunatly mine only gives 2.2v .. sis sandra 2007 does not reset vcore on my xbx.

[Teratism]

Supertim0r: Are you going to tell the people who make the bios for the xbx2 about the everest reset?

Did you try any other sets of RAM?

[Blacklash]

ZZF has them for 269 and Newegg for 329. (<ouch) Some places have it cheaper than ZZF and I'd check their shipping to see how much that tacks on.

I am talking about the board with the three year warranty here, not the one year warranty.

BTW nice reults to the OP. Looks solid.

[Supertim0r]

Supertim0r: Are you going to tell the people who make the bios for the xbx2 about the everest reset?

Did you try any other sets of RAM?

I don't think I understand the first question...

Other sets of ram : 2gig Fat D9 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/4.05gig%201m%20fatd9.JPG)

[C Stat B]

I guess you CPU is better than mine, I've only had 3.9GHz up to now. What volts are you using I haven't gone over 1.4v's for the CPU.

Best Pi so far, playing it safe with the RAM timings.
http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=e6600thirdrunfl4.jpg
3Dmark01 with my GTO2 @ 600/600 and CPU at 3.8GHz
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=9097134

[Supertim0r]

I guess you CPU is better than mine, I've only had 3.9GHz up to now. What volts are you using I haven't gone over 1.4v's for the CPU.

Best Pi so far, playing it safe with the RAM timings.
http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=e6600thirdrunfl4.jpg
3Dmark01 with my GTO2 @ 600/600 and CPU at 3.8GHz
http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=9097134

1.55v set in bios for 4-4.05ghz

1.4875v set in bios for 3.8 prime

[C Stat B]

1.55v set in bios for 4-4.05ghz

1.4875v set in bios for 3.8 prime
Thanks, I'll try em.

[JasonDTM]

hmmm... i wonder if its worth dumping a very fast and picky rev305 Bad Axe. :(

[Supertim0r]

hmmm... i wonder if its worth dumping a very fast and picky rev305 Bad Axe. :(
YES :D

[Teratism]

The first question was asking if you will inform the product maker of the voltage reset to get them to fix the problem.

[Supertim0r]

The first question was asking if you will inform the product maker of the voltage reset to get them to fix the problem.

yes, monday

[C Stat B]

Got a little more, thanks Supertim0r.
http://img63.imageshack.us/my.php?image=e6600fourthrunsh5.jpg

[Teratism]

Are these your 24/7 stable settings or more benching for highest FSB?

[screwtech02]

everest reset the vcore to default (original bad axe had same issue when it came out)

YES, i highly recommend this board :D


Dude, upon your reccomendation, my girl just ordered me a BOXD975XBX2KR as a "early" Christmas present.....:woot: Ewiz has em for $260 shipped....

[C Stat B]

Are these your 24/7 stable settings or more benching for highest FSB?
I'm going to be running 3.6GHz 24/7 @ 1.4v. It's been stable for like the last 36 hours, though I've been benching at higher speeds in the time.

[BAR*B*Q]

first high fsb try....cpu is breaking me out i suppose.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1556/475cropnn0.jpg

[Supertim0r]

Dude, upon your reccomendation, my girl just ordered me a BOXD975XBX2KR as a "early" Christmas present.....:woot: Ewiz has em for $260 shipped....

:toast:

[Supertim0r]

first high fsb try....cpu is breaking me out i suppose.

wow, 475fsb :slobber:

[bofors]

Ewiz has em for $260 shipped....

ClubIT has them for $242 shipped: http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4838942

[malachi1313]

Hope this turns out to be the best of the best!!!

[heikis]

first high fsb try....cpu is breaking me out i suppose.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1556/475cropnn0.jpg

you're using the faster (1066) strap, right?

and is this PS2 keyboard problem common?

[C Stat B]

Has anyone else got the new BIOS(16/11/06)? My idle temps seem to increase by 4 degrees with it?

[JPeitzman]

ClubIT's are down to $235.00

http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4838942

But they are out :(

Looks like I might ask for this for Christmas over the Abit AW9D-MAX, this or a 680i. Nice clocks and compare Supertim0r, and nice clocks everyone else, I just love watching C2D's fly!

[uclajd]

That is pretty slow pi for 3.8 and such a high FSB. What are your RAM timings? Does the reduced cache make that much difference?



first high fsb try....cpu is breaking me out i suppose.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1556/475cropnn0.jpg

[GWillakers]

The first question was asking if you will inform the product maker of the voltage reset to get them to fix the problem.

I highly doubt that reseting the voltage is a BIOS issue.

Everest is just another program to the operating system.
Just because it operates incorectly on the BaxAx1/2 does not mean the BIOS of the board is wrong.

Everest is a program tampering with the voltage.
After a program terminates, the bios has no responsibilty to set/reset a voltage to any value.

Do you think when Microsoft word terminates, the bios says "oh gee what voltage should I run at?" No.

Contact the makers of Everest!

[Teratism]

Gwillakers: If it was an everest problem then the incident of resetting the voltages would not be limited to the bad axe 1 or bad axe 2 board. It may not be but with the data I have now of it mainly happening with these two boards it sounds more like the board makers forgot to shove in a safety to prevent this from happening.

[Kosta]

Been reading this thread, and also wanted to know, if you would recommend this board when it comes to terms of 3D stability when OCed. Also, can I get it easily up to 4Ghz with say Corsair XMS2 800Mhz CL4 and E6600? Do you think for such case P4B DLX would be better? Same? Better perf with Bad Axe 2?
If so, I am off to the shop :slobber:

[GWillakers]

Gwillakers: If it was an everest problem then the incident of resetting the voltages would not be limited to the bad axe 1 or bad axe 2 board. It may not be but with the data I have now of it mainly happening with these two boards it sounds more like the board makers forgot to shove in a safety to prevent this from happening.

Safety to prevent this from Happening? ???

If you want to prevent it from happening ... then stop running the buggy program!

It is the program that is in control! Everest changed the voltage!!!

The Bios does not reset voltages when programs terminate.

If I write a program that makes an annoying beep when run on an ASUS board, would you blame ASUS for the noise?

As to Everest and Sandra having the same issue, well it wouldn't be the first time one vendor lifted code from a competitor... bugs and all.
{Note, I am NOT stating that either manufacturer did something illicit, there are many forms of code sharing agreements in the industry}

I just think that as a consumer, one has a responsibility of placing blame where it belongs. One should not be too quick to state that this is a problem of vendor X, when in fact it could be a problem of vendor Y.

It is an issue that one could reasonably raise with both vendors, but my money would be on it being a problem with the writer of the failing application.

[Teratism]

Gwillakers: I will agree blame should not be immediately placed on one or the other vendor and if possible both should be asked to correct this issue if it is their fault.

[alejo]

The Everest developers told me that it was a BIOS issue. I've heard of no other board doing this. Moreover, this happened on the badaxe 1 with Speedfan and CPU-Z also.

[BAR*B*Q]

you're using the faster (1066) strap, right?

yup, its default strap



That is pretty slow pi for 3.8 and such a high FSB. What are your RAM timings? Does the reduced cache make that much difference?

ya, it does prettey much @ 1M

[tjelaw]

what app do u guys to check vcore in windows?

[GWillakers]

The Everest developers told me that it was a BIOS issue.

Well you are gonna get far with a response like that.


Did you ask him for specifics as to what code was broken?

What BIOS call was being made? What parameters did the function take?
What were the values that were expected to be returned?

What "Documented" Interface was the application vendor using that he feels failed?

Their are documented BIOS interfaces for things like A) reading Harddisk sectors, B) setting times and dates, C) beeping the speeker...
but I know of no "published" specifications for setting voltages on the motherboard.

Without published specifications, application vendors try to "hack" into the
system. Try to figure out what snippets of program code are really doing.
Problem is they often guess wrong. Maybe they were sucessfull for deciphering something in an Award BIOS or Pheonix, but maybe it's different in Intel.

You see...it's not really an Intel problem untill you can prove it to them it is an Intel problem. And then they WILL take ownership of it. Read the Errata sheet for your motherboard. There you can find out all pending problems, whether it is planned to be fixed by a BIOS, or a Hardware change, or not fixed at all.

[alejo]

Well you are gonna get far with a response like that.


Did you ask him for specifics as to what code was broken?

What BIOS call was being made? What parameters did the function take?
What were the values that were expected to be returned?

What "Documented" Interface was the application vendor using that he feels failed?

Their are documented BIOS interfaces for things like A) reading Harddisk sectors, B) setting times and dates, C) beeping the speeker...
but I know of no "published" specifications for setting voltages on the motherboard.

Without published specifications, application vendors try to "hack" into the
system. Try to figure out what snippets of program code are really doing.
Problem is they often guess wrong. Maybe they were sucessfull for deciphering something in an Award BIOS or Pheonix, but maybe it's different in Intel.

You see...it's not really an Intel problem untill you can prove it to them it is an Intel problem. And then they WILL take ownership of it. Read the Errata sheet for your motherboard. There you can find out all pending problems, whether it is planned to be fixed by a BIOS, or a Hardware change, or not fixed at all.

They were not very forthcoming with info and even if they were to provide me with anything, I wouldn't know what the heck to do with it anyway. I'm just an end user. I asked if they could maybe take it up with intel, but they said that they are not in contact with them.

Anyway, sorry for the derail. I was just curious if the Badaxe2 had this issue also.

[alejo]

what app do u guys to check vcore in windows?

For intel boards, use their Intel Desktop Utilities.

[death metal]

How exactly did everest reset your voltage? Also does this mean you recommend this board?

Yep, it will. I already did post it before on my Blog (and on Eva's posting). You can find link here: http://sleektech.nl/~dm/review/intel/d975xbx-note/d975xbx-note-04.html

Eva's post: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122350&page=2

Use Intel's supplied utility, IDU (Intel(r) Desktop Utility) to measure environmental settings in Windows.

[astrodave]

Well you are gonna get far with a response like that.


Did you ask him for specifics as to what code was broken?

What BIOS call was being made? What parameters did the function take?
What were the values that were expected to be returned?

What "Documented" Interface was the application vendor using that he feels failed?

Their are documented BIOS interfaces for things like A) reading Harddisk sectors, B) setting times and dates, C) beeping the speeker...
but I know of no "published" specifications for setting voltages on the motherboard.

Without published specifications, application vendors try to "hack" into the
system. Try to figure out what snippets of program code are really doing.
Problem is they often guess wrong. Maybe they were sucessfull for deciphering something in an Award BIOS or Pheonix, but maybe it's different in Intel.

You see...it's not really an Intel problem untill you can prove it to them it is an Intel problem. And then they WILL take ownership of it. Read the Errata sheet for your motherboard. There you can find out all pending problems, whether it is planned to be fixed by a BIOS, or a Hardware change, or not fixed at all.

Sounds like you are the best man for this job. My suspicion is that whomever you talk to on the other end will be like ummm, huh? :confused: Those tech support peons will have no clue what you are talking about and will have no desire to get you to the person that does.

[Teratism]

death metal: Thanks for the heads up.

gwillakers: I checked the errata sheet from the intel website. They have none or so the guide says.

[nattoNrice]

Can we stop squabbling over a peice of software?

Supertim0r >> Any updates on how things are going with the board?

I just put an order in for one and am very looking forward to playing with it :)

[Supertim0r]

yes, installed the kentsfield but I hit a wall at 390fsb

[tjelaw]

Well... Ive been playing around with mine, and it not what I expected.
The OC-ing performance is okay so far, 370x10 with 6700 ES, fsb:mem 1:1.
But nothing my P5W-DH couldnt do. Im own a rev. 503 btw

My findings:
- vdroop is not that bad, but not as excellent as tim0r says. (note that using the advanced power slope feature helps!)

- I find the overclocking feature pretty frustrating and disappointing. If you set a too high setting, and it wont boot, you will have to clear/config the bios manually by turning of power and switching jumpers EVERY TIME. As where the P5W just automatically uses safe settings when boot or post fails.

This is very very very very f:banana:ing annoying, especially since OC-ing in windows is not yet possible, because of the new PLL IC.

I can see myself trying to find the best vcore-vMCH-fsb ratio and having to switch jumpers 50 times every evening. And its not placed in a easily reachable place!

- The BIOS freezes very often while adjusting settings. ctrl-alt-del helps to reboot. But it seems very buggy. Having had to try 5 times to change vcore from 1.55 to 1.6. NOTE: this also happends with perfectly stable stock/default settings. I already updated to the latest bios

- CPU multi is NOT adjustable, at least it isnt for me. The option is shown in bios, but isnt selectable.

New bios plz?

More to come

[shawn1998]

Anyone that has this board have an X-FI? Are there any issues with it and the BA2? I've been contemplating dumping my 680i and have been looking at this board. Any feedback?

Thanks.

Shawn

[NP7]

Anyone that has this board have an X-FI? Are there any issues with it and the BA2? I've been contemplating dumping my 680i and have been looking at this board. Any feedback?

Thanks.

Shawn

BX2 @ stock with X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro. No probs so far, but I only tried it in Oblivion and a couple of other games. There is one minor issue, but I guess it's Xfi software related: in gaming mode if you change any settings in the THX control panel the channels get re-mapped (e.g. front left disappears, rear left gets mapped to sub). If you don't touch THX all is fine, though. (5.1)

[shawn1998]

Thanks.

[heikis]

Well... Ive been playing around with mine, and it not what I expected.
The OC-ing performance is okay so far, 370x10 with 6700 ES, fsb:mem 1:1.
But nothing my P5W-DH couldnt do. Im own a rev. 503 btw

My findings:
- vdroop is not that bad, but not as excellent as tim0r says. (note that using the advanced power slope feature helps!)

- I find the overclocking feature pretty frustrating and disappointing. If you set a too high setting, and it wont boot, you will have to clear/config the bios manually by turning of power and switching jumpers EVERY TIME. As where the P5W just automatically uses safe settings when boot or post fails.

This is very very very very f:banana:ing annoying, especially since OC-ing in windows is not yet possible, because of the new PLL IC.

I can see myself trying to find the best vcore-vMCH-fsb ratio and having to switch jumpers 50 times every evening. And its not placed in a easily reachable place!

- The BIOS freezes very often while adjusting settings. ctrl-alt-del helps to reboot. But it seems very buggy. Having had to try 5 times to change vcore from 1.55 to 1.6. NOTE: this also happends with perfectly stable stock/default settings. I already updated to the latest bios

- CPU multi is NOT adjustable, at least it isnt for me. The option is shown in bios, but isnt selectable.

New bios plz?

More to come

anybody else with those problems?

and has anybody used badaxe2 on e6400 or e6300? i have my e6400 waiting for a board and im not sure if it will fly on the baxe2

[Supertim0r]

-yes, you need to reset cmos everytime an oc fail
it's annoying but it's new board, early bios

I made a switch to reset the cmos (http://simon.webideal.ca/Bench/switch.JPG) this summer for Bad Axe 304...using it on the bx2 now so I don't have to move the tiny jumper everytime my oc fail

-the vdroop is VERY small for me (YRMV)

-X-Fi = no problems for me :)

-I can only adjust multi on Kentsfield Q6600ES, not on E6600ES

[Grain_Man]

Before I make my order at ZipZoom, could you look at my list and see if any conflicts/problems. :)
To Buy:
Badaxe2
6600
8800 gtx (evga)
...............
I've have bought:
ufo
storm
mcp355
pa120.3
turbo cool 1k (24 pin atx,8 pin cpu,2 x 6 pin pcie)
loon fans & baybus & rheobus
..............
Still need:
couple of raptors
dvd/cd rw
sata cables , etc
..............
My 1st build, has taken year to accumalate, Will probably use retail fan then
switch to storm when system is up and running stable. First hurdle would be to put it all together and run stock. My two teenage boys would love to play
Oblivion first before I start tweeking/ocing and burn it up. ( Have hipro mem smoker too ) :p:

thanks

[bofors]

To Buy:
6600

Why not pay a few dollars more and get a Xeon 3060 (higher quality E6600)?

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122224

[Grain_Man]

bofors . Thanks
3060 looks interesting. I'll give it a try. :clap:

[Blacklash]

My Bad Axe 2 from ZZF should be here monday. Naturally I'll torture it and post results.

[turtletrax]

Again, nice work Supertim0r:)

Looks like there might be a replacement for the XBX I bought off you:banana:

Still haveta wait for RD600 and make the choice then, but it is nice to know your results.

[GPSeek]

@ Supertim0r,

The only things I don't like with this board so far are:
1. USB ports do not provide enough current to power my 80gb 2.5" USB drive. :slapass: My laptop can do it.
2. The capacitors on north side around CPU are higher than the CPU surface and a litte bit too close to CPU. Those obstructs TT120. I have to install the heatsink parallel to the viedo card, 90 degree different from yours. I just wonder how you managed to install TT120 that way without hitting the capacitors. I also had to remove the center tab (pilot tab for the H clip) on the heatsink to make more space for the H clip on the capacitor side. :stick:

[GPSeek]

Does anybody feed the alternate 5v molex socket which is located near the usb sockets?
I tried both way and found no difference. I had the 8-pin cpu cable.

[NP7]

It's an alternative PCI-E power connector. I understand you don't need to use it if your PCI-E video card is hooked up to the PSU directly.

[Supertim0r]

@ Supertim0r,

The only things I don't like with this board so far are:
1. USB ports do not provide enough current to power my 80gb 2.5" USB drive. :slapass: My laptop can do it.
2. The capacitors on north side around CPU are higher than the CPU surface and a litte bit too close to CPU. Those obstructs TT120. I have to install the heatsink parallel to the viedo card, 90 degree different from yours. I just wonder how you managed to install TT120 that way without hitting the capacitors. I also had to remove the center tab (pilot tab for the H clip) on the heatsink to make more space for the H clip on the capacitor side. :stick:

the tower120 fit perfectly for me...weird :confused:

[GPSeek]

the tower120 fit perfectly for me...weird :confused:
weird to me at least the way you installed it:)
I think you may need to check it to see if it hit the capacitors and all the screws stand vertical to the board :stick:

[loafer87gt]

Dang - my Bad Axe 2 just came in today and I just ordered a Tuniq Tower this morning. That would suck if the two don't play together nicely. :( I wonder if I should order a second heatsink as plan B if the two don't work together?

[NP7]

If it doesn't fit I recommend Zalman 9700, fits quite nicely. Here's a good review: http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2045

[GPSeek]

Dang - my Bad Axe 2 just came in today and I just ordered a Tuniq Tower this morning. That would suck if the two don't play together nicely. :( I wonder if I should order a second heatsink as plan B if the two don't work together?
I don't know if Tuniq has different versions of this cooler. One possiblity is that Supertim0r has one with smaller foot print. :cool:
Mine defenitely needs some modificaton to fit the cpu area.:slapass:
Tuniq 120 is really good.:clap: I run it at lowest speed as Supertim0r does.
It's a kind of overkill for my xeon 3060 if I want to run it at 3.6Ghz with 1.40v v. However, overclocking with much less noise is a good thing anyways.:fact:

[GPSeek]

I wonder if I should order a second heatsink as plan B if the two don't work together?
I don't think you need another one. The bottom line: mod the heatsink:p:

[loafer87gt]

Maybe they have done some changes to the base of the latest TT120's. GPSeek, did you purchase your Tuniq Tower fairly recently? I know that there were several users using the TT120 with their original Bad Axe 1, and from the looks of the area around the cpu socket, the cap locations are same on both generations of the boards.

Here's hoping I can get her to all fit together at the end of the day. :)

[BAR*B*Q]

anybody got clockgen working on the board ?

[Supertim0r]

my 2 tt120 are maybe 1-2 months old (bought from OPB)

it fit perfectly

pic 1 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/PC/tt1201.JPG)
pic 2 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/PC/tt1202.JPG)

[apt403]

where did you get the BX2?

[GPSeek]

my 2 tt120 are maybe 1-2 months old (bought from OPB)

it fit perfectly

pic 1 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/PC/tt1201.JPG)
pic 2 (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/PC/tt1202.JPG)
Well. Another possibility is the manufacturing variation of the position of center tab and the dimensions of the copper base. Yours varies to the good side, mine to the mod side;)

[willow]

where did you get the BX2?

Got mine from Clubit.com. They had the BOX retail version the week of Thanksgiving, for $234 + $7 shipping. :D

[bofors]

I ordered two BX2's from ClubIT too, but they have raised the price a few bucks (like $238).

[Teratism]

Newegg is now selling the blk version for $259
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121060

[GunnySpook]

Incredible that they still have the BOX version at $329!

The Gunny

[Teratism]

I guess their figuring of it is that some HT speaker cables can be $1,000 for a meter, why not sell the BX2's cables for some extra cash too?

[GPSeek]

I guess their figuring of it is that some HT speaker cables can be $1,000 for a meter, why not sell the BX2's cables for some extra cash too?

I found the egg often jacks up the price if a product receives good user reviews.:mad: I simply don't bother to do any review for the bad egg again.:slapass:

[willow]

Incredible that they still have the BOX version at $329!

The Gunny

...& they keep going oos at that price! :eek:

[astrodave]

There's a sucker born every minute. Some people are so loyal to the egg that they will pay just for the peace of mind that they feel they are getting. I can get this board at my local microcenter for 70 bucks cheaper. That's pretty sad.

Do you all like this board so far? Any memory brand quirks? I plan on super talent 800mhz memory and an e6600. Just got the TJ09 on friday so i guess I will start ordering the other parts this week or next.

[Jay T]

Hi, long time viewer - first time poster. Thought it was maybe time to join the forum. :banana:

I'm thinking of replacing my Asus P5W64 WS for this, as I'm sick of the cold reboot still not being fixed yet.

Can anyone tell me if the bios has the "power on by keyboard " feature, as the first badaxe didn't have this.:( Also, I'm fussy and like to see the detailed post screen rather than the intel picture on boot up. Can this be enabled like on most motherboards?

Cheers

Jamie

[malachi1313]

It does have wake on usb and ps2. Great board but for me was a little tricky to overclock because it took a little while to figure out the voltages properly. Once I got past that hurdle everything is going smooth. I personally need a larger PSU and that should solve my weird boot issues. It crashed once while playing BF2142 and I'm pretty sure that it's PSU related. Running a 8800GTX and the system is overclocked. I was hoping I could squeak by with an Antec 500w but I don't think it's going to give me the stability I REALLY want.

[GunnySpook]

Great thread - thanks!

How about this then:

My Intel XBX2 MB has 2 frequency references in the performance/memory config section of the bios.

Reference Frequency (Default/333/266/200/133) currently at 266

Memory Frequency (800/667/533/400) currently at 533

My memory is Corsair DDR2-6400C4 and my FSB is at 334, running at 3:00 GHz.

CPU-Z currently reports the FSB:RAM as 1:1, which I thought was the ideal.

What is the difference between Reference freq and Memory freq?

And what should they be for best performance at this FSB?

Thanks!

The Gunny

[Blauhung]

ref freq = chipset strap control?

if so the lower you go on that the less latency on the memory controler, but not as much overclockability.

[EvilMoe]

wow! very nice board!
I'm looking for a new board :) I have some problems with my P5WDH, so i need something new.


What for a Samsung display is that? It's very nice.I love black :)

[GPSeek]

wow! very nice board!
I'm looking for a new board :) I have some problems with my P5WDH, so i need something new.


What for a Samsung display is that? It's very nice.I love black :)
I think it is a Sumsung 225BW the same one as mine:toast:

[EvilMoe]

ohh thanks :)

It looks so good... :party3: :party2:
But there is no store in germany :(

[celemine1Gig]

ohh thanks :)

It looks so good... :party3: :party2:
But there is no store in germany :(

Have a look here:

http://geizhals.at/deutschland/?fs=d975xbx2&in=

:toast:

Or were you talking about the monitor?

[200%absolut]

Hi,
What is your higher stable fsb frequency ? i'm thinking about jumping form my badaxe1 to the 2 because mine old my E6600 to 404mhz fsb

[EvilMoe]

Have a look here:

http://geizhals.at/deutschland/?fs=d975xbx2&in=

:toast:

Or were you talking about the monitor?

Display :) in germany there are only stores with the silver display, not black...


But the BX2 ist really nice.

[Teratism]

Some members were supposed to get their BX2 today, anyone have anything for the rest of us?

[Blacklash]

Just got my BX2 from ZZF. It's a 503. I may install it tonight or wait a few days when I have more time. It was 259usd and had free 2day FedEx. It did take them three and one half days to process the order and ship. It was out late Thursday of last week. Not too bad for this time of year. It has the three year warranty and is not bulk. Results incoming sometime this week surely.

[Grain_Man]

I also ordered nov 30 from zzf, bx2, xeon3060, 8800gtx.
Still processing....:shrug: :yawn2:

[malachi1313]

I love the board and got a BFG 600 watt PSU today for safety's sake. I wish someone would do a reference "STICKY" for this board because it is difficult for noobies to this type of board. It took me forever to figure out how to overclock this beast. The only place with any kind of useful info on this board ANYWHERE on the net is here. Reference/starting voltages for overclocking is what I really need. Thanx for everyones input because without that I would be TOTALLY lost.....

[Teratism]

malachi1313: Since you can't really find much you might have to start it all out yourself, don't forget to record your attempts and put them up for others to follow if they want to.

[tjelaw]

I havent gotten any further with my OC-ing with an 6700 ES, waiting for my singlestage in about 2 weeks. 1 note that I like to share:

With my P5W-DH I could boot @ 410x10 mhz with my Tuniq,
With this board, max seems to be about 370x10 no matter what voltages I set.

This well could be the vCore limitation because I was running 1,7 on the P5W, and the BX2 can only give 1,6. Hope there is a possibility to raise this with a bios, otherwise I will have to voltmod when my results with SS are also poor :(

[Blacklash]

It's in and there's going to be a delay in real benching. The tip on one of the thumbscrews for my Tuniq Tower decided to pop off :p I am using the crappy stock HSF currently. I am just running 3.0GHz because of that.

I will say one thing, if you get this board make sure you use memset. The tRFC comes in at a crappy 42! I've been down to 21 so for with no issues.

I got 16.890 on my first SuperPi1m run at 3.0GHz speed, mem @ 417 4-4-3-4.

I can set 3-3-3-4 fine in the BIOS if I am willing to volt my memory up to 2.64v. That gives me a little better in pi1m @ 3.0GHz. Note, I am not defeating background services or optimizing beyond memory manipulation for the bench.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/985/testbx230gpi1msj8.th.jpg (http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=testbx230gpi1msj8.jpg)

Best so far @ flat 3.0GHz:

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/2397/testbx230gpi1mbwo3.th.jpg (http://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=testbx230gpi1mbwo3.jpg)

I got down to tRFC 12 before my system crashed. I can do pi1m @ 13 is which waaaay better than my Abit board which would crash @ tRFC 20.

[GunnySpook]

Malficar, are you stable at 3G? I ask because I'm "tiptoeing" around setting trying to get mine stable there.

What settings are you using?

Currently I haven't been able to get Orthos to run more then an hour without stopping.

My settings are:

CPU Override: 1.425
Power Slope Enabled
FSB Override: 1.375
MCH/ICH Override: 1.575
Clock Freq: 334

My memory is Corsair 800-6400C4, running at:

800, 5-5-5-18 at 2.16V (to take memory timing out of the stability equation)

Temps are staying cool (Zalman 9500) at 29 idle, 44 running Orthos.

Any differences with what you're seeing?

Thanks!

The Gunny

[Blacklash]

Malficar, are you stable at 3G? I ask because I'm "tiptoeing" around setting trying to get mine stable there.

What settings are you using?

Currently I haven't been able to get Orthos to run more then an hour without stopping.

My settings are:

CPU Override: 1.425
Power Slope: Enabled
FSB Override: 1.375
MCH/ICH Override: 1.575
Clock Freq: 334

My memory is Corsair 800-6400C4, running at:

800, 5-5-5-18 at 2.16V (to take memory timing out of the stability equation)

Temps are staying cool (Zalman 9500) at 29 idle, 44 running Orthos.

Any differences with what you're seeing?

Thanks!

The Gunny

Haven't done Orthos yet have just been playing with Pi. I am going to do Orthos testing when I replace this stock HSF. Tuniq decided to make the thumbscrews in two parts and one of the heads of said screw came off mine so I can't properly secure my Tower 120. I have another aftermarket cooler inc.

CPU Override: Disabled
Power Slope: Disabled
FSB Override: 1.275
MCH/ICH Override: 1.575
Clock Freq: 334

CPU is @ 1.325v

My E6600 is stable all the way to 3.2GHz without voltage increases. I've tested it extensively on the abit board. I don't trust this stock HSF to be able to deal with that so I am holding off on ramping up. You may need more juice on your memory. Mine will do DDR 1000 @ 2.25v 5-5-5-15. If I want 4-4-4-12 @ DDR 1000 I need 2.35v. If I want DDR 1150 on a 1333 strap I need 2.45 (<tested on P5B Dlx).

If I want 3-3-3-4 timings @ DDR 800 plus I need a full 2.64v to do it. I am noticing this board will tolerate a much lower tRFC than my Abit did, 13 vs 21.

I might try 2.25v in your case and if that doesn't do it skip to 2.35v.

I am assuming you are using the latest BIOS and software for the board. If not:

http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=2578

[malachi1313]

Malficar, are you stable at 3G? I ask because I'm "tiptoeing" around setting trying to get mine stable there.

What settings are you using?

Currently I haven't been able to get Orthos to run more then an hour without stopping.

My settings are:

CPU Override: 1.425
Power Slope Enabled
FSB Override: 1.375
MCH/ICH Override: 1.575
Clock Freq: 334

My memory is Corsair 800-6400C4, running at:

800, 5-5-5-18 at 2.16V (to take memory timing out of the stability equation)

Temps are staying cool (Zalman 9500) at 29 idle, 44 running Orthos.

Any differences with what you're seeing?

Thanks!

The Gunny

You have the same ram and cooler I have. I just put a BFG 600W PSU in for stability. Your temps are ALOT lower than mine though. I'm idle at 44. I was able to post at 350 Mhz FSB but it crashed giving the processor overheat warning{Extremely loud and annoying}.
I was running the processor at 1.41 and mem at 2.16. I think the best starting voltages for overclocking are:
CPU:1.4v
MCH:1.6v
FSB:1.3v
DDR:2.1
If anyone can come up with a better start point thats safe please correct me!!!

From here you can probably experiment and see what your system will do. I think in my case I need to reapply the thermal compound between my heatsink and cpu. I usually use ceramique but I ran out and had to use the stuff Zalman supplied.:(

Hey GunnySpook what PSU are you using and what video card???

[malachi1313]

Malficar: In the bios it says power slope is used to provide more current to the processor and I have it enabled on my board. Is this synonymous with CPU throttling??? I also have my fan using the variable speed adjustment controlled by the motherboard because I didn't want the noise to get too annoying. Do you know what ASF does under the management options??? Thanx!!

[GunnySpook]

Thanks, M & M :)

I'm running a PC P&C Silencer 750 P/S and an nvidia 7600GS video card (It was a Sunday local buy at CompUSA after my ATI card failed.....)

First thing I did on install was to up to the 2330 bios. Shouldn't be a problem there.

However, I think I'm going to drop back to basics like Malficar is running to try and duplicate. I just had a reboot under the last settings, so I'm going to 667, 2.12 on memory at 5-5-5-18 and just see how far I can get.

Perhaps see what happens to Orthos with those settings, then start trying to walk it up from there.

As for the cooling, I used the new Zalman stuff that comes in a bottle like a nail-polish bottle, with a brush. Paints on a thin coat very easily!

Max I'm going for is a stable 3.0 to 3.4 - not trying to set any records! :)

Thanks for your help, guys!

The Gunny

[Blacklash]

Malficar: In the bios it says power slope is used to provide more current to the processor and I have it enabled on my board. Is this synonymous with CPU throttling??? I also have my fan using the variable speed adjustment controlled by the motherboard because I didn't want the noise to get too annoying. Do you know what ASF does under the management options??? Thanx!!

Unfortunately I just got it up this morning so I am still learning. Intel did a good job with the manual as far as installation and setup goes. Its details on the BIOS settings are woefully inadequate. Here's what I know as of now.

ASF:

"Gives a remote administrator data monitoring and remote control of the PC
regardless of O.S. or even if there is no O.S. at all. Kind of a 'BIOS'
level remote control.

ftp://download.intel.com/design/network/papers/ASF_whitepaper.pdf

Remote-control capabilities allow an IT
manager to remotely power up, power
down, power cycle, reset or reboot. If
necessary, the managed system can be
commanded to reboot to multiple boot
paths – for example, to reboot the
system and change the boot device
from the hard drive to a diagnostics
routine on a CD-ROM, Floppy or Boot
ROM."


I believe Power Slope has to do with reducing vdroop. When you start adding to your vcore and overclocking I'd have it on. Mine isn't because I am not using additional vcore @ this time. I don't need that until post 3.2GHz.

[willow]

My E6600 is stable all the way to 3.2GHz without voltage increases. I've tested it extensively on the abit board.


So far, which board do you like better? (BA2 or AW9D-MAX)

[Blacklash]

So far, which board do you like better? (BA2 or AW9D-MAX)

Way too early to say. When I get a good aftermarket HSF on the BX2 I will be able to really test it. Around 3.0GHz they look to be dead even performance wise. I do wish the BX2 had a tRFC setting from the BIOS like the AW9D-Max. I can easily set it with memset though.

When I get back around 3.6GHz-3.8GHz I will test the 1333 strap and higher memory speed on the BX2. The lack of said strap on the Abit is one of key things that drove me to try the BX2. My AW9D-Max was a dog trying to run even DDR 1000.

If I end up being dissatisfied with this board I am going back to a P5B Deluxe. That is my favorite board for memory speed plus stability so far. I had DDR 1150 on that thing with the memory in my sig.

[bofors]

In the bios it says power slope is used to provide more current to the processor and I have it enabled on my board. Is this synonymous with CPU throttling???

No, that is EIST (aka "SpeedStep") under the "Power" menu in BIOS. PowerSlope is supposed to eliminate "vDroop" and probably should be turned on here.

[GunnySpook]

You have the same ram and cooler I have. I just put a BFG 600W PSU in for stability. Your temps are ALOT lower than mine though. I'm idle at 44. I was able to post at 350 Mhz FSB but it crashed giving the processor overheat warning{Extremely loud and annoying}.



Malachi, what temp monitoring are you using?

I'm using 'TAT'.

The Gunny

[GunnySpook]

No, that is EIST under the "Power" menu in BIOS. PowerSlope is supposed to eliminate "vDroop" and probably should be turned here.

Uh, bofors, you dropped a word after "turned...."

On or off? :)

The Gunny

[celemine1Gig]

On. ;)

Vdroop should be as low as possible and the BIOS option "Advanced PowerSlope", or whatever it's called, helps to reduce Vdroop.

[bofors]

Uh, bofors, you dropped a word after "turned...."

On or off? :)


Whoops... yes I meant turned on.

[Blacklash]

When you go from motherboards that effortlessly recover from a bad OC to having to play with the CMOS jumper again, it's no fun.

My Asus board would just stop at post and tell me to enter the BIOS to check it when I screwed up. With the Abit you could turn off the PSU for 5-10secs and it would reset.

Also enthusiast motherboards should not default the <insert expletive here> ram to 1.84v. Most high performance ram requires more to be stable even at very tame settings. So everytime my BIOS goes to default I have to pull a stick of ram in order to post. 1.84v on this board is not enough to fire up both my sticks in dual channel mode even @ 5-5-5-15.

I am wondering if this board is undervolting or if the Abit was overvolting as the ram would post with default voltage in the Abit which claimed to be below 1.9v.

I'll formulate a solid opinion about the BX2 when my new HSF arrives. Right now there are odd little things I dislike intensely. If it does well on the 1333 strap I'll endure it. Currently I don't feel like playing with the CMOS jumper and pulling a stick in and out every time my OC fails and I have to go to default settings to boot.

[Supertim0r]

here is what I did to clear my cmos : installed a switch on the back of my case (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/noctua%20fans.JPG)

I also installed 3 noctua 1200 120mm case (2 case fans, 1 on TT120)....REALLY silent, perfect for 24/7 rig :eek:

here's my actual vdroop : idle (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/idle.JPG) / load (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/load.JPG) :slobber:

edit : I'll write to intel bios department tomorow. Let me know your problems / bugs and i'll communicate the "like/dislike" about the bios :)

[casse]

here is what I did to clear my cmos : [URL="http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/noctua%20fans.JPG"]installed a <snip>
edit : I'll write to intel bios department tomorow. Let me know your problems / bugs and i'll communicate the "like/dislike" about the bios :)

Well, here's a compilation of the problems reported in this thread (could've missed one ...):

1st problem



With my P5W-DH I could boot @ 410x10 mhz with my Tuniq,
With this board, max seems to be about 370x10 no matter what voltages I set.

This well could be the vCore limitation because I was running 1,7 on the P5W, and the BX2 can only give 1,6. Hope there is a possibility to raise this with a bios, otherwise I will have to voltmod when my results with SS are also poor.

2nd problem



I do wish the BX2 had a tRFC setting from the BIOS like the AW9D-Max. I can easily set it with memset though.

3rd problem



When you go from motherboards that effortlessly recover from a bad OC to having to play with the CMOS jumper again, it's no fun.

4th problem



Also enthusiast motherboards should not default the <insert expletive here> ram to 1.84v. Most high performance ram requires more to be stable even at very tame settings. So everytime my BIOS goes to default I have to pull a stick of ram in order to post. 1.84v on this board is not enough to fire up both my sticks in dual channel mode even @ 5-5-5-15.


So, four problems. Some affect performance, some mental health. Do we (read "you guys") know which of these can be fixed with a bios update? How likely this is?

[GPSeek]

5th problem


I wish Intel could publish a document explaining each item in the BX2 bios screen.:stick:
6th problem


USB ports do not provide enough current to power my 80gb 2.5" USB drive. My laptop can do it.

[Teratism]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121059

They dropped the box to a measly 300.... woo for 30 dollars less than before.

[Blacklash]

Being constructive :p

Yes, I'll reiterate and expand on some of what was quoted from me. Here are my ideas for a better board BIOS.

1. Add tRFC from the BIOS. If you want to be taken seriously by overclockers in addition to tRFC add the full range available under memset in the BIOS. If I must choose a few in addition to what is already available; tRFC, tRD, and refresh mode select (RMS).

Example:

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/5999/memsetexxx9.jpg

2. Make it so when you fail an OC it stops at the post screen and forces you to check the BIOS, ala Asus. "Your OC failed please check BIOS, F2". This is much more desirable than playing with the CMOS jumper for configuring and clearing. If the OC fails to apply it keeps what you had before the attempt, or rolls back to that last save.

Perhaps make is so with extreme failure overclocking cases turning the power off via the PSU for 5-10 seconds without a proper save and shut down causes a reset of BIOS settings to default. Or make that a selectable option for people that hate the idea, enable|disable.

3. Change the default ram voltage to at least 2.0v. Please. I am having to remove a stick and boot in single channel everytime I must return to default BIOS settings due to a failed OC. Oddly enough the Asus P5W DH Deluxe, P5B Deluxe Wifi and Abit AW9D-MAX at default settings still provided enough voltage to my memory below 2.0v for this to not occur. It's much easier for someone with lower voltage preferences to enter the BIOS and change 2.0v than it is for me to get failed post black screens and have to remove sticks due to low voltage. Enthusiast boards ought to be oriented towards performance ram. Said ram typically needs 2.25v-2.45v to be effective.

4. Make it so you can directly enter values rather than going up and down with + and -. tRAS would be a good example here.

5. Make 1T and 2T selectable in the BIOS ala, 680i.

6. Add a functioning downward multiplier adjustment. My board is stuck @ a 9x multi. 6-9 would be nice. The option is there in the BIOS and it's stuck to "automatic".

Finally, I noticed with memset one of my ram sticks is coming in with different settings than the other in some areas. For example; one will have tRD 7 and the other 6. This is with the most current BIOS. This doesn't happen all the time and not on the three other motherboards I earlier noted. I have been correcting it with memset.

IMO 1-6 will make the BX2 much "badder" in a good way.

[malachi1313]

Malachi, what temp monitoring are you using?

I'm using 'TAT'.

The Gunny

TAT??? I use the intel desktop utilities and CoreTemp found here: http://www.thecoolest.zerobrains.com/CoreTemp/history.html

[GunnySpook]

Intel Thermal Analysis Tool

http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/392

Google it, then read some of the reviews.....

The Gunny

[malachi1313]

Thanx

[Blacklash]

Well I can bench SuperPi and do regular tasks at up to 3.5GHz with the stock HSF on this board. 3.6GHz is just too much for the stock HSF to tame, and no it can't handle Orthos @ 3.5GHz on the stock HSF :p:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/84/bx235pi1mal7.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bx235pi1mal7.jpg)

I am hoping to have my new aftermarket cooler by Thursday night, then I can get down to business.

[Reinvented]

Being constructive :p

5. Make 1T and 2T selectable in the BIOS ala, 680i.



2T is default because it's a chipset limitation. If you want 1T, go get a 680i, as this option would never be available for any 975X.

[Blacklash]

2T is default because it's a chipset limitation. If you want 1T, go get a 680i, as this option would never be available for any 975X.

It's not that important to me and was just a suggestion. Thanks for the heads up.

[casse]

2T is default because it's a chipset limitation. If you want 1T, go get a 680i, as this option would never be available for any 975X.

While on that subject, and as we're drifting from reporting problems into wishful thinking, this would be nice (written regarding Bad axe 1 but I guess it mostly applies to Bad axe 2 as well):


The ultimate system will allow the CPU strap to hit 1333 so you can push over the 370fsb wall, but the NB needs to be fooled into thinking it is still working with a 1066 CPU and stay on the 1066 strap to keep the internal latency low..so in theory we are engaging PAT on 975 etc.

<snip>

[PAT] really was a tweak to bring back some of the performance loss by using 2T command.

Part of this post (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1556877&postcount=1) in this thread (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=105703) here on XS. You've probably already read it.

[bofors]

You've probably already read it.

I have and it's not clear if the BadAxe1's 1333 strap problems exist on the BadAxe2 yet. Furthermore, my problem with the 1333 strap on the BadAxe1 is that it does not seem to work with four sticks of RAM, the performance seems fine with two.

[dj883u2]

In order to unblock the bios in the BadAxe2, it must make the ocdebug?
Thanks
By

[bofors]

No, the OC-Debug mod. does not apply to the BadAxe2.

[dj883u2]

No, the OC-Debug mod. does not apply to the BadAxe2.
ok. the bios is unblocked without to make nothing?

[bobov]

ok. the bios is unblocked without to make nothing?


Yes. :)

[dj883u2]

Yes. :)
Thanks.
:)

[heikis]

when is it necessary to use the 4pin-power molex on the motherboard? the one next to the flame-heatsink
http://resources.vr-zone.com/Shamino/badx2/9.jpg

I just finished hiding my cables and now found that the board has another socket for extra power :D

[bobov]

I didn't plug the 4pin-power molex.

[heikis]

is it just for the extra pcie cards?

[BAR*B*Q]

CPUID didnt work to me even with EIST. other things like IDU doesnt work either (eg: voltages wont get read out). what could be the problem ?

[GPSeek]

when is it necessary to use the 4pin-power molex on the motherboard? the one next to the flame-heatsink
http://resources.vr-zone.com/Shamino/badx2/9.jpg

I just finished hiding my cables and now found that the board has another socket for extra power :D
You don't need feed this 4 pin molex if you use a 8 pin CPU power supply.:fact: I tried feeding it along with the 8 pin cable without seeing any benefit.

[Blacklash]

Ok just installed my other HSF. Up to 366GHz so far. Running kinda of warm @ 59C idle so I may need to reseat the HSF. Vcore is @ 1.46v so that is contributing to it.

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/9885/badaxe2pi1m366as4.th.jpg (http://img465.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badaxe2pi1m366as4.jpg)

Up to 3.72 still too warm for my tastes.
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8301/badaxe2pi1m37dq4.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badaxe2pi1m37dq4.jpg)

[malachi1313]

Ok just installed my other HSF. Up to 366GHz so far. Running kinda of warm @ 59C idle so I may need to reseat the HSF. Vcore is @ 1.46v so that is contributing to it.

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/9885/badaxe2pi1m366as4.th.jpg (http://img465.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badaxe2pi1m366as4.jpg)

Up to 3.72 still too warm for my tastes.
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8301/badaxe2pi1m37dq4.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badaxe2pi1m37dq4.jpg)

Damn what kind of ram and volts are you using???:slobber:

[bofors]

You don't need feed this 4 pin molex if you use a 8 pin CPU power supply.:fact: I tried feeding it along with the 8 pin cable without seeing any benefit.

Is that really to power the board? I had read that was output power for something like a graphics card.

EDIT2: It supplies additional to power to graphics cards on the board (see below).

[bofors]

How about this then:

My Intel XBX2 MB has 2 frequency references in the performance/memory config section of the bios.

Reference Frequency (Default/333/266/200/133) currently at 266

Memory Frequency (800/667/533/400) currently at 533

My memory is Corsair DDR2-6400C4 and my FSB is at 334, running at 3:00 GHz.

CPU-Z currently reports the FSB:RAM as 1:1, which I thought was the ideal.

What is the difference between Reference freq and Memory freq?

I am also confused by the memory performance settings in BIOS. While it certainly appears that the "Reference Frequency" is just the "strap", are these ratios perserved with adjusting the FSB? I mean, does memory frequency automatically change when one change the FSB? Your results CPU-Z seem to indicated yes, but I am looking for further confirmation.

I just two BadAxe2' today, I had no problem taking a Xeon 3060 to 3.8 GHz (425 FSB) but it was not stable in OS X. My system would not POST at 3.9 GHz (430 FSB).

[heikis]

I am also confused by the memory performance settings in BIOS. While it certainly appears that the "Reference Frequency" is just the "strap", are these ratios perserved with adjusting the FSB? I mean, does memory frequency automatically change when one change the FSB? Your results CPU-Z seem to indicated yes, but I am looking for further confirmation.

I just two BadAxe2' today, I had no problem taking a Xeon 3060 to 3.8 GHz (425 FSB) but it was not stable in OS X. My system would not POST at 3.9 GHz (430 FSB).

you think the board is limiting you?


Is that really to power the board? I had read that was output power for something like a graphics card.

EDIT: The Intel BadAxe1 spec. makes this very clear:

Auxiliary PCI Express Graphics Power Connector (optional)

So, it is not for powering the board.

i think the 4pin is for CF solution?

[zipdrive]

you think the board is limiting you?



i think the 4pin is for CF solution?

The first time I powered up my BX2, I forgot to add power to the 4 pin molex. My raid array would not allow me to Ctrl-I. After I added the power, It functioned perfectly.

[Blacklash]

Damn what kind of ram and volts are you using???:slobber:

Ram is in my sig. It takes 2.36v for me to do 4-4-4-4. If I want to do 3-3-3-4 I have to go above 2.5v and I am not comfortable staying there.

To get 3.72 I need 1.525 vcore. For 3.8 1.575 vcore.

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/814/badax2p1m382sp2.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badax2p1m382sp2.jpg)

I list 3.6GHz in my sig because that is what I can do Orthos blend stable @ 8+ hours. 3.7-3.8 are "bench" speeds. If I wanted to bother with watercooling I could probably do 3.7 or even 3.8 24/7. I am limited by my cooling which can't handle the heat generated by the voltage required to hold clocks @ 3.7 and above with Orthos testing. That is compounded by using a case. An "open air" tech station style set up could shave another 4-5C off my temps. I am not wild about keeping 1.52v and up required for the higher clocks on my CPU so I don't bother.

If I was lucky like some of the fellows that have E6600s that can do 3.8GHz + on 1.42-1.45v it would be another story entirely. 3.8GHz @ 1.575v is a lot to ask of air cooling in a case. Again I can boot and run it fine. It won't survive the heat created by Orthos blend though.

Once Kentsfields have been out a while and been revised a few times, I'll try one of those.

[bofors]

you think the board is limiting you?

I think boards are always a limiting factor, just as CPUs themselves are. But no, I think the really limit factor is here is that I am using air cooling (ThermalTake Big Typhoon with 100 CFM 38 x 120mm fan). I am sure I could take this box outside into the sub-freezing weather and POST at 3.9 GHz or higher.

[bofors]

i think the 4pin is for CF solution?

What?

Here is the BadAxe2 Spec: ftp://download.intel.com/design/motherbd/bx2/D7364501US.pdf

See pages 14-15, Figure 1, Table 3:

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1618/xbx2layoutyu7.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/619/itemjfh8.jpg

[Item] J : Auxiliary PCI Express Graphics Power Connector (optional)

[GPSeek]

Is that really to power the board? I had read that was output power for something like a graphics card.

EDIT: The Intel BadAxe1 spec. makes this very clear:

Auxiliary PCI Express Graphics Power Connector (optional)

So, it is not for powering the board.
There are the same statement for BX2 too.:fact:
I use a 7600GS video card that's not so power hungry so that I don't need it.

[GPSeek]

Ram is in my sig. It takes 2.36v for me to do 4-4-4-4. If I want to do 3-3-3-4 I have to go above 2.5v and I am not comfortable staying there.

To get 3.72 I need 1.525 vcore. For 3.8 1.575 vcore.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3153/badax2p1m382fp7.th.jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/my.php?image=badax2p1m382fp7.jpg)

I list 3.6GHz in my sig because that is what I can do Orthos blend stable @ 8+ hours. 3.7-3.8 are "bench" speeds. If I wanted to bother with watercooling I could probably do 3.7 or even 3.8 24/7. I am limited by my cooling which can't handle the heat generated by the voltage required to hold clocks @ 3.7 and above with Orthos testing. That is compounded by using a case. An "open air" tech station style set up could shave another 4-5C off my temps. I am not wild about keeping 1.52v and up required for the higher clocks on my CPU so I don't bother.

If I was lucky like some of the fellows that have E6600s that can do 3.8GHz + on 1.42-1.45v it would be another story entirely. 3.8GHz @ 1.575v is a lot to ask of air cooling in a case. Again I can boot and run it fine. It won't survive the heat created by Orthos blend though.

Once Kentsfields have been out a while and been revised a few times, I'll try one of those.

My 3060 can do stable Orthos at 3.60GHz with 1.375v. It can boot at 3.8GH with 1.425v. I did not change any other voltage settings like MCH or FSB. Memory runs at 2.2v that is listed by its specifications.

I don't think think cooling is a key issue here if you want stay in air. Subzero cooling is another story though.

[GPSeek]

I think boards are always a limiting factor, just as CPUs themselves are. But no, I think the really limit factor is here is that I am using air cooling (ThermalTake Big Typhoon with 100 CFM 38 x 120mm fan). I am sure I could take this box outside into the sub-freezing weather and POST at 3.9 GHz or higher.

I think the CPU is the limiting factor if you want stay in air. However, 3.60GHz on air is not too shabby for me at least. :toast:
I believe you can manage to boot it at 3.9 or even 4.0GHz. However it is not going to be stable if you use air cooling. I don't think water-cooling can help much for my xeon 3060 either.
C2D looks really good. It has much less thermal issues than P4. :)
However, I tends to think that once the processor hits its limit, improved air/water cooling won't help much. The Tuniq 120 is an overkill for my setup in terms of temperature. I set it to lowest speed for low noise that is almost inaudioble. The temperature difference between lowest and highest fan speed at 3.60GHz full load is less than 7 degrees.

[heikis]

What?


[Item] J : Auxiliary PCI Express Graphics Power Connector (optional)


I meant that is it only in case of using 2 PCI-E (graphics?) cards (for example ATI in Crossfire or some other PCI-E cards). I dont think i need to plug anything in there when using one pci-e card (graaphics - x1900xt)

[chaotic646]

I know the Bad Axe 2 is Cross-Fire ready but does anyone know if you can run SLI on it too?

[malachi1313]

I know the Bad Axe 2 is Cross-Fire ready but does anyone know if you can run SLI on it too?


You can not run SLI. It would be cool if this would get enabled though but I think Nvidia is saving this for other{IE 680i chipsets} rather than the 975 series.

[heikis]

You can not run SLI. It would be cool if this would get enabled though but I think Nvidia is saving this for other{IE 680i chipsets} rather than the 975 series.

975 supports SLI with certain drivers

[dj883u2]

The program Intel Desktop Control Center it works to you?
To me it does not work...
This is the error:

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6820/okrh5.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=okrh5.jpg)

I have arrived here:

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/31/3656ghzjy6.th.jpg (http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3656ghzjy6.jpg)

By

[heikis]

Auxiliary PCI Express graphics power – a 1 x 4 connector. This connector
provides the required additional power when using high power (75 W or greater)
add-in cards in either or both the Secondary PCI Express x16 (electrical x8) and
the PCI Express x16 (electrical x4) bus add-in card connectors.

If high power (75 W or greater) add-in cards are installed in either or both the
Secondary PCI Express x16 (electrical x8) and the PCI Express x16 (electrical x4) bus
add-in card connectors, the Auxiliary PCI Express graphics power connector must be
used. Failure to do so may cause damage to the board and the add-in cards.

[chaotic646]

I cant get IDCC to work with the d975xbx2 either. IDU works fine but IDCC will not load. Its too bad because IDCC is great for controlling/setting your fan speed thresholds.

[Teratism]

Newegg has finally knocked the box version down to a semi-competitive price.

Will the Scythe Infinity fit fine over the capacitors?

[malachi1313]

Auxiliary PCI Express graphics power – a 1 x 4 connector. This connector
provides the required additional power when using high power (75 W or greater)
add-in cards in either or both the Secondary PCI Express x16 (electrical x8) and
the PCI Express x16 (electrical x4) bus add-in card connectors.

If high power (75 W or greater) add-in cards are installed in either or both the
Secondary PCI Express x16 (electrical x8) and the PCI Express x16 (electrical x4) bus
add-in card connectors, the Auxiliary PCI Express graphics power connector must be
used. Failure to do so may cause damage to the board and the add-in cards.

I wish I kneww for sure on this. Is it an output or a input TO the motherboard and if you are using a powersupply that supplies enough power to your graphics card why is it necessary????

[screwtech02]

I wish I kneww for sure on this. Is it an output or a input TO the motherboard and if you are using a powersupply that supplies enough power to your graphics card why is it necessary????


There is always gonna be some power supplied to the cards thru the pci-e slots.... I would assume that 2 cards pulls higher amperage thru the slots or something to that effect...

Its too bad that most of the cool INTEL stuff, like the bios updater, Intel control panel, ect. DO NOT WORK with XP-64.... WTF is that all about??? Let alone a CONTACT email to INTEL for any problems with this board...:rolleyes:

Mine lasted for 10 or so hours before giving up the ghost, gonna give it another shot when the RMA gets back, if it dies again, i guess ill just go the RD600 route.....:cool:

[shawn1998]

Question for all of the BX2 owners. What sata drivers are you all using, the ones that came on the cd (which are dated 2005) or the latest ones for the 975X chipset listed on Intel's website (which are from 2006)?

Under the download section for this board on Intel's sight, the older 2005 Intel Matrix drivers are still listed, but there are newer ones for the 975X chipset. Which ones should I install and run with?

Shawn

[trashmouse]

I have another question for the bx2 owners. Does the vdimm give more or less than the choosen in bios?

And also; I nicked 2x1024 ddr533 from my parents dell (don't worry I tested thourougly and solitaire did NOT slow down when they moved down from 4gb to 2gb ram :p: )
So I need to know what's the safest 24/7 vdimm setting for such low price oem ram?

[derektm]

Since it is your parents I'd keep it at 1.8 volts.

[trashmouse]

Since it is your parents I'd keep it at 1.8 volts.

Well no problems with the parents - they know of course and they are just happy I made good deal with dell and they know they can't use 4 gb of memory.
The thing I'm worried about is if theese oem ram is easier to break than other memory - I could imagine its kinda the slowest value ram that is put aside for dell, not because they are bad, but because dell memory wouldn't run faster than the stock speed.
I know the 1.8 is the default, but has anyone ever broken their memory by e.g. 2.2 volt? I read at toms hardware that they had never broken any of their tested memory by running them 2.2 but I don't know how long they are running theese volt. So I need a safe 24/7 setting - can I really not go higher than the default?

[derektm]

Was reading http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=4111&s=7 . I know it's old but on the last page it says the board has the cold boot problem when running high FSB's. Is that still a problem or is it fixed on the final bios / board?

[shawn1998]

I've been running this new BX2 since yesterday afternoon and must say I love it, it make the EVGA 680i seem just plain aweful! I haven't tried any overclocking yet, I was just making sure everything was up and stable (which it most definately is!).

I did, however, get a rev 504 board. I have no idea what the differences are, just thought I'd let you all know they are up to that rev now.

Shawn

[Teratism]

Maybe they fixed the issues that were stated earlier in the thread if anyone sent them in? Wishful thinking I know. What After market Heatsinks&Fans fit on the BX2 with the capacitors not getting in the way?

[zipdrive]

got a rev. 503. Mounted a 9500 without any trouble, just cause I had it laying around and am waiting for someone to stock the Amanda cooler.

[<><]

yeah, im wondering if the issue where you have to manually reset the jumpers each time you OC too high has been fixed w/ a bios update or if this is still an issue

[Teratism]

Fishy: He said it was a revision of the board (previously 502 and 503) he got a 504 which means some type of manufacturer editing to the board and thus can't be a bios fix, maybe they will throw out a new bios soon too. Fix everything in one large sweep.

[malachi1313]

yeah, im wondering if the issue where you have to manually reset the jumpers each time you OC too high has been fixed w/ a bios update or if this is still an issue

On rev.503 with the latest bios you still have to go thru the jumper fiasco. It's not like regular cmos resets either, first you have to set the jumper, then reboot, reset your settings, turn of the computer, put the jumper back to the normal position, and THEN reboot. It's a real pain, kind of like torture for trying too hard....

[shawn1998]

I wish there was some way to find out what the difference is in each board revision. As far what is fixed, I'm not sure. Like I said, I haven't even started oc'ing at all and probably won't until later next week (riding a sub for work for 5 days!) when I get home. I watercool, so no idea about aircooling hsf's fitting and any associated issues.

If there is something non-oc'ing related you want me to llok at, let me know today and I'll see if I can look into it tonight.

Shawn

[derektm]

I wish there was some way to find out what the difference is in each board revision. As far what is fixed, I'm not sure. Like I said, I haven't even started oc'ing at all and probably won't until later next week (riding a sub for work for 5 days!) when I get home. I watercool, so no idea about aircooling hsf's fitting and any associated issues.

If there is something non-oc'ing related you want me to llok at, let me know today and I'll see if I can look into it tonight.

Shawn

There is. Intel releases specification updates to retailers for each new revision of board. I'll see if I can find the link.

Edit: It's under specification updates:

http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/BX2/BX2_documentation.htm

It does not list 504 yet. I don't believe this is the document I was looking for though. The only difference I see is a BIOS revision between the two, kind of like DFI did with the ultra-d's until AD0.

Edit 2:

Here is the Product Change Notification:

http://intel.pcnalert.com/content/eolpcn/PCN107033-00.pdf



Description of Change to the Customer:

"Updating the BIOS to revision 2333

[tjelaw]

Anyone tried a 3rd party cooler on the NB already? Im thinking of getting one but the mounting seems non standard.

[shawn1998]

I can tell you that my rev 504 came with bios rev 2330, not 2333. Strange. Any thoughts? Not that it is a big deal at all, I flashed to 2333 before I loaded XP on it anyway.

[The Asgard]

I've been running this new BX2 since yesterday afternoon and must say I love it, it make the EVGA 680i seem just plain aweful! I haven't tried any overclocking yet, I was just making sure everything was up and stable (which it most definately is!).

Why does it make the EVGA 680i just plain aweful?? :confused:

[shawn1998]

Well, the main reason is because the 680i had so many sata corruption issues, it was pretty much unusable. Newegg actually let me RMA it for a full refund, no restocking fee even. I was even past the 30 day return policy (it was listed as an exchange only, no refund)! I was BSOD'ing every couple of hours when trying to play games. I even went to an external sata controller, but still had issues.

I really wanted to like the 680i, it has tons of features and looks really neat, but it just wasn't stable for me. If you need more info, or think I'm crazy and have no idea what I'm talking about, try and sift through the 400+ post now in the related thread at EVGA:

http://www.evga.com/community/messageboard/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21626

Shawn

[The Asgard]

Well, the main reason is because the 680i had so many sata corruption issues, it was pretty much unusable. Newegg actually let me RMA it for a full refund, no restocking fee even. I was even past the 30 day return policy (it was listed as an exchange only, no refund)! I was BSOD'ing every couple of hours when trying to play games. I even went to an external sata controller, but still had issues.

I really wanted to like the 680i, it has tons of features and looks really neat, but it just wasn't stable for me. If you need more info, or think I'm crazy and have no idea what I'm talking about, try and sift through the 400+ post now in the related thread at EVGA:

http://www.evga.com/community/messageboard/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21626

Shawn

Strange. You must have been unlucky with a duff board. Not had any issues with mine and its rock solid at default volts running a 6600@3.6 ( 400x9 ). Apart from the heat I have been very impressed with this board.

[shawn1998]

Yep, I was unlucky, as are many many others. Did you read through that thread? Supposedly EVGA and nVidia are "working" on a fix.

[The Asgard]

Yep, I was unlucky, as are many many others. Did you read through that thread? Supposedly EVGA and nVidia are "working" on a fix.

Yes I had a quick read and obviously there is a problem somewhere. I'm running a couple of WD 500GB RE2's and I have had ZERO issues. It sounds like there is a firmware issue with some drives. I know my 1.8 G5 Dual Powermac didn't like WD 400KD and would just lock if you hit the drives with a lot of data. Sounds a similiar problem. Would be interesting to see if its one type/model of drive

[heikis]

D9DQW fatbody microns POST ok with the stock SPD on badaxe2?

[GPSeek]

@Supertim0r
I think you're doing 3.60GHz stable with Tuniq 120 as I do.
We have almost the same setup. X3060 ~= E6600 anyways:toast:
I just wonder what's your CPU idle/load temperatures (core temp 0.94 or Intel TAT). I'm a little bit concered with the cpu temperatures that is around 47C idle and 67~70C Orthos(core temp 0.94 reading) at lowest speed.

Just want to compare with yours before I venture to re-mount the huge tower again:slapass:

[Supertim0r]

heikis : 2x1gig D9DQW work great

GPSeek : 1.375v bios, 3.6ghz -> core temp = 36-37c idle, 63-64c loaded (its currently inside a silent case (http://simon.webideal.ca/Temp/XBX2/noctua%20fans.JPG), 2 noctua case fans + 1 noctua in T120 all controlled by mobo)

note : cpu and t120 are lapped

[heikis]

heikis : 2x1gig D9DQW work great


thanks for your reply. but can you tell me if your sticks are with the same layout and PCB:
http://xs110.xs.to/xs110/06502/d9dqw1.JPG

Some guys tell me that they cant boot at anything lower than CL5 with identical sticks (as on the photo) of D9DQW mem.

[Nazu]

OT.

Supertim0r, have you checked your PM's?

[Supertim0r]

yes, replied

[<><]

What does "lapped" mean?

[shogo_ca]

What does "lapped" mean?

Basically it means that you sand out the outer surface of the processor and the lower surface of the heatsink for maximum flatness and heat transfer.

Stuff that voids warranties :P

[Blacklash]

With a failed OC try turning off your PSU for up to 20 secs. Sometimes mine will recover that way. If it doesn't yes you are stuck with putting the jumper in the configuration setting, changing what you want then setting it to the normal position.

And I had to say to Super, 1.375v for 3.6 GHz? I am jealous. That is sweet.

[bofors]

Anyone tried a 3rd party cooler on the NB already? Im thinking of getting one but the mounting seems non standard.

I put a ThermalRight HR-05 on last night. It comes with the proper "hook" mounting adapters and can mount the heatsink both parallel to and perpendicular to the PCI slots. However, when mounting parallel it is not quite straight because the mounting "clip" blocks the heatsink tower.

There appears to be some kind of bug in BIOS verions "2333". After I finish setting up BIOS, HDD light goes on constantly. I have yet to isolate which setting are required to reproduce this bug, but it happens on both my BadAxe2's.

[screwtech02]

With a failed OC try turning off your PSU for up to 20 secs. Sometimes mine will recover that way. If it doesn't yes you are stuck with putting the jumper in the configuration setting, changing what you want then setting it to the normal position.

And I had to say to Super, 1.375v for 3.6 GHz? I am jealous. That is sweet.


So let me get this straight, if you overclock and it fails with the BX2, switch the cmos jumper, boot, make changes, shut down, change cmos jumper again, and it should boot normally/fine?? I looked on my BX2, and there were solder pads for a overclock-debug next to the cmos jumpers, but no pins...

Is this a normal thing for the BX2??? I tried to clear cmos, took battery out, unpugged power supply ect, it still wouldnt reboot....

I'm gonna feel like a @ss if i RMA'd the damn thing for something this friggin easy.... Ugh......:brick:

[GunnySpook]

There appears to be some kind of bug in BIOS verions "2333". After I finish setting up BIOS, HDD light goes on constantly. I have yet to isolate which setting are required to reproduce this bug, but it happens on both my BadAxe2's.

Yep - been there.

It predates 2333. If you disable the secondary RAID controller (Marvel) then you get the constant HDD activity LED. Go back and enable the secondary RAID controller, and you'll be back to the regular "blinking LED".

The Gunny

[Blacklash]

So let me get this straight, if you overclock and it fails with the BX2, switch the cmos jumper, boot, make changes, shut down, change cmos jumper again, and it should boot normally/fine?? I looked on my BX2, and there were solder pads for a overclock-debug next to the cmos jumpers, but no pins...

Is this a normal thing for the BX2??? I tried to clear cmos, took battery out, unpugged power supply ect, it still wouldnt reboot....

I'm gonna feel like a @ss if i RMA'd the damn thing for something this friggin easy.... Ugh......:brick:

See pages 72-73 in the manual. I believe you have the right idea. Pin 1 and 2 are "normal" setting, 2 and 3 are "configure". You should not need to pull the battery.

The jumper is near the edge of the right hand side of the board across from the bottom of your last ram slot. (Or near the top of the IDE connector) The pin positions from top to bottom or from the CPU socket down towards the expansion slots would be order, 1, 2 then 3. So the jumper in its highest position is "normal" and in its lowest "configure."

Keep in mind with default settings this mobo will set your ram all the way down to 1.84v.

Note, even in the configure setting my system would not post in dual channel mode with 2 sticks because they were not getting enough voltage. So you may wish to try that when you configure; leave a single stick in the slot closest to the CPU, set it to configure and check your ram voltages. I had to do that with mine when I first got it up and running. I need 2.24v on my ram to run the most basic settings and speed, and 2.36-2.44v for tight timings and high speed.

So in summary :p: Make sure the motherboard is not getting power, ie the power is turned off from the PSU or the PSU is unplugged if no switch is on it. Remove a stick of ram leaving one in the slot closest to the CPU. Set the jumper to configure or the lowest position. Power on and make the changes you wish. Make sure to check your ram voltage is set high enough. Power off. Move the jumper to normal. Make sure the mobo isn't getting power as step one, ie the PSU is off or unplugged, add back your other ram stick(s). Boot and check the BIOS again to be safe. I'll stress again, when adding and removing sticks of ram or moving the jumper, the mobo should not be getting power. I wait ten secs after all LEDs on a board have dimmed before I do anything.

If none of that works try to get your hands on some el-cheapo ram that will run on 1.84v when you must set the system to default and configure. Luckily 1.84v was enough for one of my sticks in single channel.

[loafer87gt]

So let me get this straight, if you overclock and it fails with the BX2, switch the cmos jumper, boot, make changes, shut down, change cmos jumper again, and it should boot normally/fine?? I looked on my BX2, and there were solder pads for a overclock-debug next to the cmos jumpers, but no pins...

Is this a normal thing for the BX2??? I tried to clear cmos, took battery out, unpugged power supply ect, it still wouldnt reboot....

I'm gonna feel like a @ss if i RMA'd the damn thing for something this friggin easy.... Ugh......:brick:

So are you saying that there is both a overclock / debug jumper and a CMOS clear jumper? How were trying to clear the CMOS before you RMA'd your board? Just by removing the battery?

Just curious, I am just in the process of installing and testing my BX2 board and imagine I will have to reset things sooner or later after a failed overclock. :)

[shogo_ca]

i just recieved my bx2 with a 6600 L36B and my teamgroup 667 3-3-3-8. tomorrow i will build the rig on my open bench and see how far i can push the ram (cpu cooler is still on its way) If i go into some difficulties i will post it here so that we understand the problems.. So far im pretty confident with this board, i will see when it will be running.

Still the reset cmos is pretty lame for a "enthusiast" board

[bofors]

Yep - been there.

It predates 2333. If you disable the secondary RAID controller (Marvel) then you get the constant HDD activity LED. Go back and enable the secondary RAID controller, and you'll be back to the regular "blinking LED".

The Gunny

Thanks for the details.

[bofors]

Just curious, I am just in the process of installing and testing my BX2 board and imagine I will have to reset things sooner or later after a failed overclock. :)

Just turn off the PSU (and pull the plug to be extra safe), then switch the BIOS jumper to the bottom two pins (the "config" setting) and reboot. You can then get into the "maintenance" BIOS and adjust your settings.

[malachi1313]

See pages 72-73 in the manual. I believe you have the right idea. Pin 1 and 2 are "normal" setting, 2 and 3 are "configure". You should not need to pull the battery.

The jumper is near the edge of the right hand side of the board across from the bottom of your last ram slot. (Or near the top of the IDE connector) The pin positions from top to bottom or from the CPU socket down towards the expansion slots would be order, 1, 2 then 3. So the jumper in its highest position is "normal" and in its lowest "configure."

Keep in mind with default settings this mobo will set your ram all the way down to 1.84v.

Note, even in the configure setting my system would not post in dual channel mode with 2 sticks because they were not getting enough voltage. So you may wish to try that when you configure; leave a single stick in the slot closest to the CPU, set it to configure and check your ram voltages. I had to do that with mine when I first got it up and running. I need 2.24v on my ram to run the most basic settings and speed, and 2.36-2.44v for tight timings and high speed.

So in summary :p: Make sure the motherboard is not getting power, ie the power is turned off from the PSU or the PSU is unplugged if no switch is on it. Remove a stick of ram leaving one in the slot closest to the CPU. Set the jumper to configure or the lowest position. Power on and make the changes you wish. Make sure to check your ram voltage is set high enough. Power off. Move the jumper to normal. Make sure the mobo isn't getting power as step one, ie the PSU is off or unplugged, add back your other ram stick(s). Boot and check the BIOS again to be safe. I'll stress again, when adding and removing sticks of ram or moving the jumper, the mobo should not be getting power. I wait ten secs after all LEDs on a board have dimmed before I do anything.

If none of that works try to get your hands on some el-cheapo ram that will run on 1.84v when you must set the system to default and configure. Luckily 1.84v was enough for one of my sticks in single channel.

Just like I said..TORTURE for trying too hard!!!!:p:

[Blauhung]

Getting my bx2 tomorrow so have yet to play but...

I'm still kinda wondering about the reference frequency in the Memory settings of the BIOS. Is this actually control over the chipset strap?

I plan on testing my memory on all the reference frequencies at default FSB and low ram speeds to see how the internal chipset latency scales the memory performance.

[screwtech02]

So are you saying that there is both a overclock / debug jumper and a CMOS clear jumper? How were trying to clear the CMOS before you RMA'd your board? Just by removing the battery?

Just curious, I am just in the process of installing and testing my BX2 board and imagine I will have to reset things sooner or later after a failed overclock. :)


There is just a cmos jumper on my BX2, but right above it there are solder pads marked for the overclock/debug, sorry for the confusion...

And i DO feel like a @ss now, cause i RMA'd my board for no apparent reason, cept my own inept ability to refer to the damn manual.... Ugh again....:am:

[Blacklash]

i just recieved my bx2 with a 6600 L36B and my teamgroup 667 3-3-3-8. tomorrow i will build the rig on my open bench and see how far i can push the ram (cpu cooler is still on its way) If i go into some difficulties i will post it here so that we understand the problems.. So far im pretty confident with this board, i will see when it will be running.

Still the reset cmos is pretty lame for a "enthusiast" board

Here's what I would do; make a base OC in the BIOS that has enough voltage for your higher performance ram then save. Perhaps start @ 3.0 GHz. Under windows use the Intel desktop control center to ramp up your OC. Use memset for fine tuning ram settings not available under the control center.

I have purposefully locked up my system a few times with the control center then forced a reset to see how the board behaves. It will beep a few times and not post. Turning off the psu for about 10 secs restores my last BIOS save when I power back up and boot. So everytime you screw up you would just end up @ 3.0GHz or whatever that base OC is that you decide on. I have found that way is far less painful than popping the side off the case, playing with the jumper, and having to pull a stick of my ram due to the voltage dropping to 1.84v.

You can also set three different OCs via the control center you can call up @ a touch of one button. For example; you could jump to 3.0GHz, 3.4GHz or 3.6GHz on a single tap of a preset number.

The desktop control center that will work with the BX2 is version 2.2 and you need the latest BIOS:

http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/software/dcc/download.htm

A detail of it:

http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/software/dcc/index.htm

Latest BIOS and drivers. Select your OS and go:

http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=2578

This is a very stable mobo and I am starting to like it a lot. My DVD drives behave the best on the BX2 over any other mobo I have tried for whatever the reason. On some mobos they would be very erratic, taking forever to spin up and often spinning down to stop when they should not.

[tjelaw]

I put a ThermalRight HR-05 on last night. It comes with the proper "hook" mounting adapters and can mount the heatsink both parallel to and perpendicular to the PCI slots. However, when mounting parallel it is not quite straight because the mounting "clip" blocks the heatsink tower.



Good news :) Altough im not quite getting what u mean with the mounting clip, but then again, it shouldnt really matter if you have it mounted some weird angle. As long as its tight on the NB.

Could you make a pic maybe? If its not too much of a hassle.

[nattoNrice]

@ malficar

Are u using the default nb sink or a third party one?

[Nazu]

yes, replied
Thanks for the reply :) Does anyone have this mobo and a low multi C2D cpu like E6300/E6400? Is 450Mhz achievable with those cpu's or is this really just for E6600->?

[heikis]

Thanks for the reply :) Does anyone have this mobo and a low multi C2D cpu like E6300/E6400? Is 450Mhz achievable with those cpu's or is this really just for E6600->?

I will get my baxe2 this week and I have my e6400 waiting. i will give my results as soon as possible

[Blacklash]

@ malficar

Are u using the default nb sink or a third party one?

Default nb sink.

[bofors]

Good news :) Altough im not quite getting what u mean with the mounting clip, but then again, it shouldnt really matter if you have it mounted some weird angle. As long as its tight on the NB.

Could you make a pic maybe? If its not too much of a hassle.

See this: http://www.thermalright.com/a_images/pdf/hr05_cliptype.pdf

As suggested in Pic.2 the "M" clip hits the heatsink at certain angles preventing it from being mounted completely parallel to the PCI slots.

[NoepZor]

I'll receive my Bad Axe 2 tomorrow. I ordered one because my Ebay fatbody memory won't boot in most common 965P motherboards such as the Asus P5B and the Gigabyte DS4.

Now i'm doubting to return the motherboard and buy a Gigabyte DS4, but on the other hand I saw the 975X is better performing clock to clock above 400Mhz FSB, but has a lower max clock. I like also the 2.8Vdimm option and the board layout/cooling from the Bad Axe 2. But now comes the main reason to be doubting.. the DS4 is €146 w/o shipping costs, the BX2 costed me €213 w/o shipping costs. Are the benefits of the BX2 great enough to justify the €67 (around $100) pricegap? To get a DS4 do cost me some effort and money but its then still €50 cheaper. (pay shipping costs to send the BX2 back and to get the DS4 over here).

[shawn1998]

Just to let you BX2 owners know, Intel released new NIC drivers, version 11.2 dated 12/6. Link:

http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=N&ProductID=2578&DwnldID=8659&strOSs=45&OSFullName=Windows*%20XP%20Home%20Edition&lang=eng

Shawn

[nattoNrice]

Default nb sink.

Thx (><)

[bofors]

TigerDirect has BadAxe2's for $200 now: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2563503&Sku=I69-2145

[loafer87gt]

I have purposefully locked up my system a few times with the control center then forced a reset to see how the board behaves. It will beep a few times and not post. Turning off the psu for about 10 secs restores my last BIOS save when I power back up and boot. So everytime you screw up you would just end up @ 3.0GHz or whatever that base OC is that you decide on. I have found that way is far less painful than popping the side off the case, playing with the jumper, and having to pull a stick of my ram due to the voltage dropping to 1.84v.

This is what I am planning on doing with my build. I was thinking of setting things up at 1.5 voltage and 11 X multiplier and then ramp up the FSB speeds with the IDCC. One thing I am kinda confused about is why your machine would not post after a failed overclock using the Desktop Control Center. Doesn't it apply your tweaked clock speed adjustments upon booting into windows rather than at post?

Also, just out of curiousity, what in your opinion is the max safe voltage for a Kentsfield processor. Is the max voltage spec for the Core 2 Quadros the same as the regular Core 2 Duo's? (1.55V) I have a Tuniq Tower heatsink that I am going to use with the chip.