The Maximus Formula Thread - Help/OCing/Guide/Rampage conversion

[eSp!s0]

It's an ES chip, they're unlocked...

ok, that explains it all.
Edit: Now I see it in the cpuz-picture :doh:

[GFORCE100]

What makes you guys so surprised about the Q6600 above?

It's an early ES, B0 stepping. Many but not all ES's are unlocked hence the 10x multiplier.

[eSp!s0]

1h too late? :D

[Leeghoofd]

Yep didn't see the ES neither...

Other question : anyone worried about the CPU PLL overvolting with 0.1 ? Especially with 45nm CPU's ?

[kup]

Yep didn't see the ES neither...

Other question : anyone worried about the CPU PLL overvolting with 0.1 ? Especially with 45nm CPU's ?

A little, but knowing that it is there (the overvolt) it's easy to compensate for it by setting a lower voltage than required in the bios and having the overvolt bump it up to what you need.

[CERO]

Hey kup how did your blitz goes?

[Grnfinger]

its not a bad chip its just not playing well above 3.8GHz.
my wolfdale tho will make up for its poor performance.
I new I was taking a shot as it was a early chip.
Guess my son is going to get an upgrade this week

[Leeghoofd]

A little, but knowing that it is there (the overvolt) it's easy to compensate for it by setting a lower voltage than required in the bios and having the overvolt bump it up to what you need.

CPU PLL is at lowest 1.5 set ( not on AUTO) yet it overvolts on many boards to 1.60-1.61...while that's not required for my Qx9650 to be clocked at 400FSB...

[kup]

Hey kup how did your blitz goes?

Didn't really try it yet. Got an E6600 in it atm, Folding away, so it's kind of getting tested. Seems to be much more stable than the Maximus though... :eek:

[Leeghoofd]

Didn't really try it yet. Got an E6600 in it atm, Folding away, so it's kind of getting tested. Seems to be much more stable than the Maximus though... :eek:

One of the reasons I ordered a Foxconn MARS to test, Maximus is so hard to get rocking with high FSB and ram speeds, that TB stuff drives me bonkers... Hope to have it end of next week... Where did you find a BLitZ Kup ? I have been looking all over for one, didn't find one webbie with one...

[kup]

One of the reasons I ordered a Foxconn MARS to test, Maximus is so hard to get rocking with high FSB and ram speeds, that TB stuff drives me bonkers... Hope to have it end of next week... Where did you find a BLitZ Kup ? I have been looking all over for one, didn't find one webbie with one...

I actually found it on here, of all places. A fellow XS member in the UK was upgrading and mentioned so in a post, so I PM'd them and it was done, the Blitz was mine! I searched for so so so so so long to find one! :D

[Zucker2k]

its not a bad chip its just not playing well above 3.8GHz.
my wolfdale tho will make up for its poor performance.
I new I was taking a shot as it was a early chip.
Guess my son is going to get an upgrade this week

First Q6600 ES chip with an actual unlocked multi I've seen so far. I'll set 12 multi and work from there. It should allow you to run low PLs.

[Krav]

Hey guys vista ultimate updated to service pack 1 everything been running fine but i noticed when i restart or bootup its not showing any details about hard drives cpu speed and other details like it normally would as its booting up and making checks.

Anyway to re-enable this as it lets me see it detected hard drives and correct cpu speed etc i know i can just press tab to show it but it use to just show it automatically without me needing to press tab guess i could live with it but just when something changes gets me worried etc.

[Grnfinger]

Hey guys vista ultimate updated to service pack 1 everything been running fine but i noticed when i restart or bootup its not showing any details about hard drives cpu speed and other details like it normally would as its booting up and making checks.

Anyway to re-enable this as it lets me see it detected hard drives and correct cpu speed etc i know i can just press tab to show it but it use to just show it automatically without me needing to press tab guess i could live with it but just when something changes gets me worried etc.

I have been running the offical SP1 for a few weeks now and I have never had any issue with it so far.


First Q6600 ES chip with an actual unlocked multi I've seen so far. I'll set 12 multi and work from there. It should allow you to run low PLs.

Thanks for the tip, I will test that out tonight.

[kup]

I just flashed my Maximus back to bios 0505 because looking at all my notes, it gave the best overclocks/performance for me. Also, from then on as I upgraded the bios to different versions, that is when my overclocks started slipping and becoming unstable. I figured it can't hurt to go back to basics and start again, eh?

[Viss]

What makes you guys so surprised about the Q6600 above?

It's an early ES, B0 stepping. Many but not all ES's are unlocked hence the 10x multiplier.

First kent/conroe i see with "unlocked" multi including all ES. Very nice :up: Can it do over x10?

[pphx459]

Damn, I don't know wtf is going on but 3 days ago,
I've lowered by ram voltages from 2.14v (2.22v actual) to 2.04v (2.1v actual). It ran memtest86+ for 10 hours and I was able to prime with memtest for another 10 hours+. The system was stable up till this afternoon where it crashed. Doing another memtest, I find errors on pass 2 so now I'm back at 2.2v again..

[fordf250]

Now I am very confused.

425fsb, 400strap, 1:1 strong, booster enbl 2 gives perf level 7

425fsb, 333strap, 1:1 strong, booster auto gives perf level 7

425fsb auto 1:1 auto booster auto gives perf level 11!!!!!!

WOW. I like auto.

[TheSamurai]

I just flashed my Maximus back to bios 0505 because looking at all my notes, it gave the best overclocks/performance for me. Also, from then on as I upgraded the bios to different versions, that is when my overclocks started slipping and becoming unstable. I figured it can't hurt to go back to basics and start again, eh?

that's what i did with 802... i think 6xx worked pretty well for me too.

[Grnfinger]

First kent/conroe i see with "unlocked" multi including all ES. Very nice :up: Can it do over x10?

havent yet tried anything above 10x.
Later tonight I will play around more when I have some free time
anything above 380x10 was a no post, but I didnt want to take my volts any higher than 1.565

[Zucker2k]

Now I am very confused.

425fsb, 400strap, 1:1 strong, booster enbl 2 gives perf level 7

425fsb, 333strap, 1:1 strong, booster auto gives perf level 7

425fsb auto 1:1 auto booster auto gives perf level 11!!!!!!

WOW. I like auto.

You're kidding right?

[fordf250]

You're kidding right?

no. here is a screen at 475 testing now all auto.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2552993180067863468yqLKAE

is it a bug? I get 11 from 400 fsb up.

edit . looking at the screen shot my nb is running 4-6C hotter than normal also.

[fordf250]

OCCT just crashed at 40min 475fsb perf 11 on settings that are stable for 12 hours with booster at 2 and strong giving perf 8 at 475fsb. Higher nb temps and crash tells me its working harder, also got 100 more points in 3dmark06 so small gain.

can others try all auto and see if its a bug or real, thanks.

[vbo]

Performance level higher is worse!
The ideal is level 7 or even 6 if possible.

[fordf250]

Performance level higher is worse!
The ideal is level 7 or even 6 if possible.

Thanks, I thought higher was better, now will my ram clock higher?

[jorgito05]

Last night I ordered my 2nd 2900xt 1Gb GDDR4, along with a Koolance VID-290 water cooling block for it. Should be in by Wednesday.

Come on Crossfire! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Will update my pic posting Thursday when I assemble.

[jnick]

[snip...]

You might end up trying to boot with a FSB of 400MHZ on the 266 STARP, it probaly wont boot.

Thanks for the breakdown man! I think I actually understand the math. I still have no idea what the STRAP is, but other than that...I think I follow :)

I have two machines with identical configs, both now using this board. I got around to tweaking one of them last night/today and so far I have my e6600 @ 3.15Ghz. Config below...


Extreme Tweaker - BIOS Ver. 0907
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : 9
- Ratio CMOS Setting :
FSB Frequency : 350
FSB Strap to North Bridge : AUTO
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-933
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : AUTO
Row Refresh Cycle Time : AUTO
Write Recovery Time : AUTO
Read to Precharge Time : AUTO

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : AUTO
Write to Read Delay (S) : AUTO
Write to Read Delay (D) : AUTO
Read to Read Delay (S) : AUTO
Read to Read Delay (D) : AUTO
Write to Write Delay (S) : AUTO
Write to Write Delay (D) : AUTO
DRAM Static Read Control: AUTO
Ai Clock Twister : AUTO
Transaction Booster : AUTO

CPU Voltage : 1.37
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.54
North Bridge Voltage : 1.45
DRAM Voltage : 2.0
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.4
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63x
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED :

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : 9.0
- Ratio CMOS Setting :
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Enabled
Vanderpool Technology : Enabled
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled

My load temps are 57C on the cpu and the NB is right on 47-48C. Right now, she's rock stable. I've tested 30mins of OCCT, 3DMark06, 2hrs of BF2, and watching a DVD via media center.

However, it will not complete anything over 16k in SuperPI. The minute I hit the last "OK" before the test starts, vista spits out "SuperPI has stopped working properly," and the program crashes. I'm using Vista x64 with the XS SuperPi.

Any suggestions!? I do plan on pushing the chip more as I know it can do at least 3.4Ghz. On my 680i, it was sitting at 3.4Ghz @ around 55C...

Oh also...has anyone noticed that this board spins down any extra storage hard drives? It's REALLY annoying as when you want to access files, it takes 1 minute just to show the directory of the hard drive. Not to mention, the loud clicking noise it makes when it powers down the drive...well, let's just say that it can be scary when you're tweaking the system (read: overclocking/staiblity testing!) and you hear it :p. I thought I killed something a few times already, LOL

[Kondik]

So, after i couldn't wait after RMAing my X38 DQ6 i bought Maximus Formula and i noticed 2 things, it needs more v on core to run without BSOD's in max load so now i'm testing 1.215 V but it apparetly has a nice vdrop because it's 1.192 irl, the great thing on this board i completley Thermalright passive overcooled it, they're everywhere and the temps are great , CPU in OS 27, max load i didn't saw more than 40 after 2 hours of Orthos, Mosfets wen't down from 48 to 41, NB is now around 41 too, the only thing that's strange is SB , its over 47 but im too lazy to reseat the heatsink.

Oh btw. why from time to time it refuses to boot and after classical on/off procedure it says OC failed, it apparently doesn't like me

[Leeghoofd]

You will need more Vcore then mate or up the NB voltage ( as you are working with 4 dimms ) did you enable load line calibration or not ? and be carefull as the CPU PLL overvolts and so does the ram voltage ( so don't fry ya rams plz ) Also update to Bios 0907 plz

[cadaveca]

CPU PLL DOES NOT OVERVOLT. Yes, i know lowest selectable is 1.2v...but that give 1.1XX(closer to 1.1 most often, varies a tiny bit) with 45nm chips, confirmed with DMM, bios reading is very close to actual(everest reports same volts too). Pop in a 65nm chip, same bios setting cpu pll is 1.216(again, varies, but can be confirmed in bios).

[atomica]

using 45mm qx processor and so far no problem with bios 1003.

[bro20000]

using 45mm qx processor and so far no problem with bios 1003.

Have you tryed changing the multi has soon has i do that it doesnt post! Maybe the bios works better for the QX9770!

[Leeghoofd]

CPU PLL DOES NOT OVERVOLT. Yes, i know lowest selectable is 1.2v...but that give 1.1XX(closer to 1.1 most often, varies a tiny bit) with 45nm chips, confirmed with DMM, bios reading is very close to actual(everest reports same volts too). Pop in a 65nm chip, same bios setting cpu pll is 1.216(again, varies, but can be confirmed in bios).

CPU PLL lowest value is 1.5 and it sets it on my board at 1.61, I think you mean FSB termination voltage which undervolts with 0.1... on my P5K I can run the Qx6950 at 1.5 CPU PLL, Maximus lowest value is 1.61 in reality... I hope the Foxconn MARS gives me better control of voltages and ram settings...

[Leeghoofd]

Have you tryed changing the multi has soon has i do that it doesnt post! Maybe the bios works better for the QX9770!
Soz for the double post, pc at work doesn't allow the multi quote....

Seems some peeps have had great succes with 1003, I reflashed it twice, 2nd rom was better ( first one I got of a german hardware site ) though once I started to tweak ram settings I had no posts and the bios didn't recover after a forced shutdown nor unplugging the power cable... only a pop of the CMOS battery brought the mobo back to life... I went back to 0907 and await a bios that gives me better control of the ram dividers and co... damn P35 is so easy to setup, X38 in comparison is a mess... :ROTF:

[cadaveca]

CPU PLL lowest value is 1.5 and it sets it on my board at 1.61, I think you mean FSB termination voltage which undervolts with 0.1... on my P5K I can run the Qx6950 at 1.5 CPU PLL, Maximus lowest value is 1.61 in reality... I hope the Foxconn MARS gives me better control of voltages and ram settings...

OOPS! you are VERY correct! I have mistaken FSB for PLL!!!


:down:

[kup]

that's what i did with 802... i think 6xx worked pretty well for me too.

Glad to know I'm not the only one... :confused: :(


I went back to 0907 and await a bios that gives me better control of the ram dividers and co... damn P35 is so easy to setup, X38 in comparison is a mess... :ROTF:

Isn't it just!!! My Blitz Formula just won't budge, I can't make it crash for love nor money, but the Maximus Formula I just have to look at it funny and a month long 24/7 Folding stable overclock will suddenly become crap! :shocked:

And on a side note, with bios 1003 I couldn't even get stock clocks/volts to be stable after it went flaky (after being rock solid stable). But flashed back to 0505 and I'm stable with stock clocks and an overclock with less than stock volts, better FSB and better performance per MHz (FSB and CPU from what I can tell)!!! :eek: :cool: :up:

[Leeghoofd]

Glad to know I'm not the only one... :confused: :(



Isn't it just!!! My Blitz Formula just won't budge, I can't make it crash for love nor money

Don't say that plz, you know I cancelled the BLitz formula order for the Maximus SE ( just for the fuzion block ) my worst decision in 2007 !!! :down:

[MugenNugen]

Got a Maximus Formula and E8400 running 4050 Mhz (9 x 450). My NB temps reach like 61C on full load of ORTHOS. Is this too hot? It was like 13 hours ORTHOS stable at that point. It is pretty hot to the touch, just wondering if it's unsafe.

[Jodiuh]

^^Throw a 40mm fan on there.

I surely did have an easier time w/ the DFI and Abit P35's, but now that the Max's dialed in, it's all good. Then again, I'm on an E6400 still. :D

[edo]

hi guys, just 2 question:

does shyte infinity fir perfectly on maximus formula?

are thre any problem with 4+1gb Vdata 800mhz ?

i have to buy the Mb, thank's :)

[Mic]

Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.

[ante_ante]

Just bought this board cheap from a guy here in sweden. I will use a E8500 and 2gig Ballistix memorys. What bios should i go for ?? Hope this Asus board gives me better performance than my Abit IX38 board.

[Grnfinger]

Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.

If she is runnng smooth I would recommend leaving it alone...the old rule goes here...if it anit broke dont fix it.



Just bought this board cheap from a guy here in sweden. I will use a E8500 and 2gig Ballistix memorys. What bios should i go for ?? Hope this Asus board gives me better performance than my Abit IX38 board.

I would recommend bios 907, I'm curently running it on my E8400 and have NO issues

[TheSamurai]

Got a Maximus Formula and E8400 running 4050 Mhz (9 x 450). My NB temps reach like 61C on full load of ORTHOS. Is this too hot? It was like 13 hours ORTHOS stable at that point. It is pretty hot to the touch, just wondering if it's unsafe.

yeah, if i remember correctly, you don't want your NB temps going over 47*C or it will start reading something incorrectly. did you check task manager and see if you were actually running at 100% while testing?

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3149


Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.

i'd stick with that bios, it's the one that i'm currently using. which cpu are you using?


Just bought this board cheap from a guy here in sweden. I will use a E8500 and 2gig Ballistix memorys. What bios should i go for ?? Hope this Asus board gives me better performance than my Abit IX38 board.

imo, 6XX (can't remember exactly which one) or 802.

[Mic]

i'd stick with that bios, it's the one that i'm currently using. which cpu are you using?.
Q6600 G0..

[Ric2L]

Hey all,

Can anyone tell me what the most stable bios version for the maximus formula is? I just got my new rig togeather this weekend, and am having alot of stability issues, even at default settings. My current bios is the one it was shipped with, which I believe is vs. 0261 at least that is what it says at bottom of bios screen, if I run PC wizard 08 it says bios is vs. 0606???

Thanks, Rick

[Leeghoofd]

I'm working with 0907, it still has it's issues but pretty stable for me...

[Grnfinger]

602 and 802 are not very good choices for 45nm.
I have tested all the bios on an E8400 and so far I can say 907 is the best choice for 84/8500

[Nuckin_Futs]

Mine don't do too well above 1000 MHz...

But they are 2x2 rather than 4x1, so it's a known issue.
Odd, I always found best OC stability with 2 sticks v/s 4 if for the same RAM amount. Although if needing 4G total, then you'd be better with 3 only cause of the timing options for 2g single modules. But if 2 g total, then 2x1 is far more stable and less load on MCH and chipset then 4x512 even if timings were the same.


Nuckin Futs one thing you need to remember is even though you leave the STARP on AUTO, once you select a certain MHz for the mem it will automatically kick in the appropriate starp. So without knowing you might be trying to boot at the 266 starp while using a certain FSB and selecting a certain mem speed.

It work fine for you because you are running your mem at 1:1 so the 400MHz starp is the one being selected by the mobo. But if you select a mem speed that is diffrent than your FSB speed you might not boot because that divider you selected belongs to the 266 starp.

So dont be fooled by the fact that when you set the STARP to AUTO and you see all the mem dividers show up, some of them belong to the 266 starp, some belong to the 333 starp and some to the 400 starp.

I hope what I'm saying is comprehensible :p


Ok I went into BIOS and selected an FSB of 400MHz, set the STARP to AUTO, then to 200, 266, 333 and 400.
These are the results I got in the memory DDR2 MHz speed.


Jnick I put the formulas so you can see how to figure out what STARP and divider you need to get as close to your 350FSB and 1000DDR2 mem speed, relative speed is your mem DDR2 divided by 2, so it's 500.

so for a FSB of 350MHz and you want to reach 500MHz relative for your mem, the closet would be the 400 starp and the 3:4 divider 350x4/3=466 (DDR2-933MHz)
Or you can use the 333 STARP and use the 5:8 divider but then your mem will be overclocked, 350x8/5=560 (DDR2-1120MHz)

For oveclocking you use the 333 and 400 STARPS the 266 and 200 have low FSB limits.


FSB 400
Starp Auto
DDR2 MHz
800
961
1003
1066
1203
1280
1334
1603

FSB 400
Starp 200
DDR2 MHz
1334
1600

FSB 400
Starp 266
DDR2 MHz
1003
1203
1603

FSB 400
Starp 333
DDR2 MHz
801 <-----------------> DDR2 800MHz relative speed is 400MHz so this divider is 1:1 i.e. 400x1/1=400
961 <-----------------> DDR2 961MHz relative speed is 480MHz so this divider is 5:6 i.e. 400x6/5=480
1280 <---------------> DDR2 1280MHz relative speed is 640MHz so this divider is 5:8 i.e. 400x8/5=640

FSB 400
Starp 400
DDR 2MHz
800 <-----------------> DDR2 800MHz relative speed is 400MHz so this divider is 1:1 i.e. 400x1/1=400
1066 <---------------> DDR2 1066MHz relative speed is 533MHz so this divider is 3:4 i.e. 400x4/3=533

So here you can see that when you set the STRAP to AUTO some of the resulting DDR MHz speeds are also in the other STARP selections and if you chose one of those DDR MHz speeds your BIOS wil select the corresponding STRAP.

You might end up trying to boot with a FSB of 400MHZ on the 266 STARP, it probaly wont boot.
I totally understand the choices. However, for my CPU/mobo/RAM combo, I cannot boot with hardly any choices in manual strap and RAM frequency I pick, even the speed I know is works in AUTO. ie. 480x8 with DDR1152. If I so much as try to strap manual and select the only available 1152 option, it locks up. This has happen since v802 and got worse in the 9xx versions. v0602 let me fix as I keep saying, but it didn't really show any difference. Ie; I fixed 333 strap and frequency of 1000 for my 500x8 and it was cool either way, but not the case as soon as I moved to 802 up, and 907 was the worse yet as ACPI suspend function failed almost every time.

I moved back to my old Abit till I RMA it for the isolated BIOS failure and it favors the 266 strap to 400~450FSB, but likes 333 for 475FSB. When you speak of it may not boot if I select a certain RAM spd with strap in AUTO, well thats no big deal, cause it for sure wont boot in fix of 266 or 333 to get the same RAM spd. Are you saying your mobo will boot in certain selections when fixed that it wont in AUTO (given exact FSB and RAM spd)?

I still run E6750 with PC2-8500 in sig, and BIOS v0802 (last, when working EZ-Flashing to 903 again), so maybe it is the combo involved.


Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.
As you can see from my experience, v0602 would be best but as you have a 45nm, then best I would say is v0903 for the reasons I mentioned of why v0907 was bad for my use/needs. Cause if it did indeed do anything for RAM latanciys, it was so not worth it for what it took in ACPI suspand functions. It would not even enter S4 or S3 in mild or stock FSB and 1:1 settings.
not to mentioned the weird drop out of USB mouse detection, requiring me to occassionally unplug and plug in mouse to get it back. Or some SATA HDDs would not enter suspend (time out) mode even when set as they were previously. Oddly enough, for me, temps were the only thing normal but again, not worth it.

[Durkadurka]

Just curious to know; Why would you care about suspend modes on a stationary PC?
I always turn all that powersaving nonsense off.

[TheSamurai]

602 and 802 are not very good choices for 45nm.
I have tested all the bios on an E8400 and so far I can say 907 is the best choice for 84/8500

oops, i'm still using the outdated Q6600... :rolleyes: :)

[zlojack]

Odd, I always found best OC stability with 2 sticks v/s 4 if for the same RAM amount. Although if needing 4G total, then you'd be better with 3 only cause of the timing options for 2g single modules. But if 2 g total, then 2x1 is far more stable and less load on MCH and chipset then 4x512 even if timings were the same.



I've just found that I can't get my 2x2 to clock as high as the 4x1 setups with a high FSB

Although I'm not complaining too hard about 1000 MHz :D

[iadstudio]

yeah, but my guess is you are RAM limited, not fsb limited with 2x 2gb

[zlojack]

Could be.

I've seen this same RAM run at 2:3 on 367 FSB at 1100 MHz 1.9v on 5-5-5-12 *trfc 53 (in Eldonko's review at Hardwarecanucks.com)

But when I try for a different divider and a higher FSB, I don't have much luck.

[Sources]

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/25/x48_motherboard_comparison/page27.html

LoL at anyone who waited for an X48 mobo which was no better than the x38's

[Tony]

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/25/x48_motherboard_comparison/page27.html

LoL at anyone who waited for an X48 mobo which was no better than the x38's

All that showed me is toms have no real idea about what X48 is all about....

its NOT about doing higher fsb...its ALL about a much improved MCH with the ability to run ram at higher clocks and the ability to run tRD at a tighter clock with lower voltage.

[cadaveca]

lol. They must think INtel is AMD...

and I really need a proper bios so I can retire my Microns...

[Sources]

All that showed me is toms have no real idea about what X48 is all about....

its NOT about doing higher fsb...its ALL about a much improved MCH with the ability to run ram at higher clocks and the ability to run tRD at a tighter clock with lower voltage.

But a whole new platform for what will be minimal results in return.. from what I see. Seems a waste if you where to upgrade from an x38 to an x48. Possibly for anyone with older boards, but even then the price / performance is not even in the ball park. For the price of the x48 boards and DDR3 (which is falling but not fast enough). I cant see wasting the money. x38 is the better way to go.

Edit: thankfully the CPU package is the same :)

[jnick]

I'm thinking about jumping to water very soon. I've been eyeing it for about 2 years now, and am thinking about making the jump rather soon.

My question is, do you think I should watercool the NB? Right now, I'm planning on CPU and GPU. If I go NB, it will run me another 80-90$, of which It's already up to $350 before shipping/tax.

Or should I just reseat with thermal paste and run it passively (or run it with the little fan it comes with)?

[Tony]

x48 will show that DRR3 is the way forward for ultra performance, the issue as you mentioned is ram cost and the added cost for x48 its self.

DDR2 is also moving to an new era now, higher density, cheap IC's and good clocking at low voltage...the issue is how long with people still make good intel DDr2 boards with Intel pushing them to adopt DDr3

[Nuckin_Futs]

But a whole new platform for what will be minimal results in return.. from what I see. Seems a waste if you where to upgrade from an x38 to an x48. Possibly for anyone with older boards, but even then the price / performance is not even in the ball park. For the price of the x48 boards and DDR3 (which is falling but not fast enough). I cant see wasting the money. x38 is the better way to go.

Edit: thankfully the CPU package is the same :)
If you're comparing X48 on DDR2 9very few choices) then of corse it's not worth it since X48 is times to better optmize DDR3. So if only thinking of sticking to DDR2 then you'd be just as good with current X38 for the rest fo the DDR2 lif span. However, current X48 doesn't really bring a whole lot to the table yet but it is growing. I believe it is more for the folks that need to see the "QUOTED" 1600FSB of 45nm ready and all that that our X38 has done since new. I dont even think current X48 is ECC RAM compliant. Not that any of us are gonna OC a server. I would hold off on X48 till you're ready for DDR3 as prices come down.

[jnick]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2793764&postcount=1780

^^ Eh...Opinions? Suggestions? Temps to hot?!

[Nhawk]

Because I don't use my PC 99% of the time, so I keep it in Suspend and wake it up via my router when needed (if I'm remote). My PC eats 240W when idle, not to mention collecting dust and wearing out fans and HD motors.


Just curious to know; Why would you care about suspend modes on a stationary PC?
I always turn all that powersaving nonsense off.

[Jagged]

Whats the safe voltage/temp for NB & SB (Max Formula), mine sometime hits 55c & 48 ~ 50c for SB.

Thanks

[Kondik]

Whats the safe voltage/temp for NB & SB (Max Formula), mine sometime hits 55c & 48 ~ 50c for SB.

Thanks

With defalut heatsinks ? Really don't know i took down ASUS stock cooling and bought a couple of Thermalrights for NB , SB and Mosfets and temps are 42 - 44 at max. But the defalut yes i think 50 + is possible.

About voltage well i have + 0.1V increased on NB because of 4 2GB Modules so it's stable. The SB .. i let it at 1.05V and it's fine but i thik max on NB and SB with Stock cooling will be lower than with normal cooling. 1.5V NB and 1.15V on SB and i think you can fry on those funky asus Heatsinks

[M-XXXX]

Im geting dry ice this week and I still dont know max voltages for CPU PLL Voltage and FSB Termination Voltage:(

[ante_ante]

Is it hard to remove the big passive NB cooler to replace with a waterblock ??

[M-XXXX]

Is it hard to remove the big passive NB cooler to replace with a waterblock ??
No but you have to have SB cooler too!

[Sources]

Is it hard to remove the big passive NB cooler to replace with a waterblock ??

I was told to use a hair dryer and it only took about 3 minutes to get hot enough to remove. It worked perfect. Just blow it directly on the NB and SB, once the heat sinks come off, keep heating the chip to get the thermal paste off, it hardens very quickly so keep heat on it and wipe it with a cloth wet with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.

Note the SB will come off a lot faster and easier than the NB.

[kup]

450FSB Quad-Core BIOS Settings
CPU Feature
Ai Overclock Tuner [Manual]
OC From CPU Level Up [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control [Manual]
Ratio CMOS Setting: [8]
FSB Frequency [463]
FSB Strap to North Bridge [400MHz]
PCIE Frequency [100]
DRAM Settings
DRAM Frequency [926MHz]
DRAM Command Rate [2T]
DRAM Timing Control [Manual]
CAS# Latency [4]
RAS# to CAS Delay [4]
RAS# Precharge [4]
RAS# Active Time [12]
RAS# To Ras# Delay [3]
Row Refresh Cycle Time [42]
Write Recovery Time [6]
Read To Precharge Time [3]
Read To Write Delay(S/D) [8]
Write To Read Delay(S) [3]
Write To Read Delay(D) [5]
Read To Read Delay(S) [4]
Read To Read Delay(D) [6]
Write To Write Delay(S) [4]
Write To Write Delay(D) [6]
DRAM Static Read Control [Disabled]
Ai Clock Twister [Strong]
Transaction Booster [Enabled]
Boost Level [0]
Voltage Settings
CPU Voltage [1.5v]
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
North Bridge Voltage [1.61v]
DRAM Voltage [2.16v]
FSB Termination Voltage [1.54v]
South Bridge Voltage [Auto]
Loadline Calibration [Enabled]
CPU GTL Reference [0.63x]
North Bridge GTL Reference [0.67x]
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage [Auto]
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage [Auto]
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage [DDR2_REF]
SB 1.5V Voltage [Auto]

Running these settings My performance level is being set to 9, is that right? The system is rock solid stable again, using bios 0505 again... I knew I'd go back to it at some point! :D

[CyberSeb.fr]

hello !!

do you know if Xeon 3220 and 3230 are compatible with this motherboard ???

thx

[leoftw]

hey guys. I haven't checked in , in a minute.

Those who went from a Q6600 to a E8400 was there a slight drop or boost in performance. I mostly play video games on my PC (Team Fortress, COD4, and some other games) . What would be better for me on this board. A Q6600 or a E8400 ?

[Titus]

is lan1 or lan2 better to use?

is this the place to download the latest LAN drivers for this board?

http://www.marvell.com/drivers/driverSearchResults.do

**I'm assuming the Windows XP/2003 x86 Driver (32-bit) for Yukon Devices v10.53.2.3 is the right one?

[zlojack]

hey guys. I haven't checked in , in a minute.

Those who went from a Q6600 to a E8400 was there a slight drop or boost in performance. I mostly play video games on my PC (Team Fortress, COD4, and some other games) . What would be better for me on this board. A Q6600 or a E8400 ?

Depends.

I was running my Q6600 at 3.6 GHz and I can say I didn't see much difference either way.

However, with the Q6600, Vista "felt" snappier. No scientific data to back that up though...

TBH, for gaming and regular use, the difference is hardly notable. I'd say keep your quad and try for 3.6 GHz :D

[KALISPIMENTA]

is lan1 or lan2 better to use?

is this the place to download the latest LAN drivers for this board?

http://www.marvell.com/drivers/driverSearchResults.do

**I'm assuming the Windows XP/2003 x86 Driver (32-bit) for Yukon Devices v10.53.2.3 is the right one?
Windows update should supply you with the latest driver,it did for me

[Nuckin_Futs]

Just curious, but can a 2nd card in CrossFire be turned off (disabled and converted to dual non CrossFire for quad display) in Windows on this mobo or is it a CrossFire thing?

[Grnfinger]

hey guys. I haven't checked in , in a minute.

Those who went from a Q6600 to a E8400 was there a slight drop or boost in performance. I mostly play video games on my PC (Team Fortress, COD4, and some other games) . What would be better for me on this board. A Q6600 or a E8400 ?

I ran my quad at 3.6GHz / 1200 ram (450x8) and performance was great.

My wolfdale at 4.3GHz / 1147 ram (478x9) and I can say I cannot tell any difference from the quad.
Ram bench is faster on the Wofdale, 3DMark is down 450 points from the quad but hardly noticable.
The overall lower volts and lower temps in my mind make it a worth while switch.



hello !!

do you know if Xeon 3220 and 3230 are compatible with this motherboard ???

thx

I have tested a Xeon 3220 and can confirm it will work

[ante_ante]

What&#180;s the highest FSB u seen on this board on AIR ??

[tommithy]

Just curious, but can a 2nd card in CrossFire be turned off (disabled and converted to dual non CrossFire for quad display) in Windows on this mobo or is it a CrossFire thing?

Just UNCHECK the crossfire option in the ATI control panel and they will be treated as 2 individual video cards. It's a driver thing.

[Viss]

What´s the highest FSB u seen on this board on AIR ??

Air for cpu i got 550mhz for 1M with E6600 but thats max FSB of that cpu. Cpu on dice and stock cooled board i got 590mhz 1M.

[Spyrus]

I changed from bios usb legacy to enabled from disabled.
booted in windows and lost the first ethernet controller.
Is that a known bug? Latest 0907 bios.

[Den_Sjaekert]

My Xeon L747A was limited to about 3.4Ghz, with either 8 or 9 multi :(
I've tossed in a Q6600 L737B and all is great now. 3.6Ghz is running like a breeze!

Only need to lap my TRUE120 since 2 cores are running about 10C warmer than the others. But that'll come tomorrow :D

[kup]

My Xeon L747A was limited to about 3.4Ghz, with either 8 or 9 multi :(
I've tossed in a Q6600 L737B and all is great now. 3.6Ghz is running like a breeze!

Only need to lap my TRUE120 since 2 cores are running about 10C warmer than the others. But that'll come tomorrow :D

Make sure the TRUE hasn't moved during mounting it. My cores were all over the place, up to 15c difference at times, and it turned out it was TRUE slipping as I tightened it up. I got someone to hold it PERFECTLY square over the CPU without it moving and then I tightened up the screws. Now all my cores are within 1*c of each other!

[Nuckin_Futs]

Air for cpu i got 550mhz for 1M with E6600 but thats max FSB of that cpu. Cpu on dice and stock cooled board i got 590mhz 1M.

Wow, I couldn't get past 510FSB with my old E6600 but it was on each a !975X/!P965, & P35. Yet these mobos took an E6300 to 533FSB easy.

I might give it a try on here since it is all torn down from recent BIOS crash. What multi and overall system voltages did you need for at least 533FSB on the E6600?

[phurn_87]

i got 500 fsb to post with this board, but i cant quite get it stable, ill post my settings, maybe one of you wants to try adn succeed where ive failed (so far) bios 0907 by the way.
Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : N/A (doesnt appear)
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9.0
FSB Frequency : 500
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2- 1000
DRAM Command Rate : 2t
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 6
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 6
RAS# Precharge : 6
RAS# ActivateTime : 20
RAS# to RAS# Delay : auto
Row Refresh Cycle Time : auto
Write Recovery Time : auto
Read to Precharge Time : auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : auto
DRAM Static Read Control: auto
Ai Clock Twister : Light
Transaction Booster : Disabled
Relax Level 3
CPU Voltage : 1.40125
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.64
North Bridge Voltage : 1.53
DRAM Voltage : 2.4
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.46
South Bridge Voltage : auto
Loadline Calibration : enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63x
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.55

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED :

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9.0
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled


USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support : Disabled

[HousERaT]

What´s the highest FSB u seen on this board on AIR ??
I've gotten superpi 32mb at 523x9 on air. Haven't gone higher yet.

[Nuckin_Futs]

Wel, after some testing, I did find it is the DRAM Frequency and Timings Control that are a problem whn loading defualst and selecting Save and Exit CMOS.

If I hard reset and press F1 to enter set up, I need to at the very least change DRAM Frequency to fixed 800 and Timing Control to Manual, changing no timings, leaving as they just were in AUTO. I know strange. This test was with OCZ Platinum PC2-6400 with defualt of 5-5-5-15 but rated for 4-4-4-12. I tested with the RAM in sug as regular for this set up, and it did the same thing.

So this confirms and corrects my last POST about the voltages. It didn't matter what voltages were fixed, it wouldn't boot if I left the 2 settings mentioned in AUTO. This is obviously some new and happened since testing BIOS v0907. Any other bad experiences with BIOS v0907.

Also to the guys who mentioned better feel or results with older BIOS, I think I see what you mean. I used to get only 49ns on latancy but now get 48ns on same profile, so go figure. I tested as low FSB of 450x8 (3.6GHz) in 3:4 for DDR1200 and I now can get 47ns but R/W scores is slightly less then when @ 48ns latancy on 480x8 (3.8GHz) and 5-6 for DDR1153 You guys on the lower FSB seeing this too?

Has anybody experienced this after any BIOS flash?

[Nuckin_Futs]

Well at least the tRFC is fixed. Cant wait to test!

What was wrong with it before? I never really moved it from AUTO anyways. What setting if any will boost performance over that of AUTO?

What app are you guys using to read the RAM advance timings that is different from what we see in CMOS?

[kup]

New memory tweaker for chipsets Intel (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=92190) :cool:

[Warboy]

Kup, I found a more realible link for Bios 1003 then RapidShare :P Found off the ASUS Forums from one of the mods.


New BIOS 1003 for the Maximus Formula - USE EZ-FLASH METHOD - ASUS UPDATE HAS CORRUPTED MANY FLASHES

I saw Helmiec's Post on the new beta 1003 Maximus Formula Bios Version and checked it out. It looked legit so I contacted Asus in Taiwan and they sent me this copy of it.
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=412708&da=y
Once Again, Flash at your own Risk!!

Please post your likes and dislikes about this version.

I think it added the MicroCodes for the upcoming Yorkfields.
The Q9550, Q9450 and the Q9300.

[Nuckin_Futs]

So this issue with corrupted BIOS, is it likely to be fixed by future BIOS since all of the previous to v0205 did nothing to repair? I have to allways from now on manually fix DRAM spd to manual 800 so far) and timings to manual (5-5-5-15 so far, but I can tighten bk to as before).

I know I never use auto, but am greatly concerned why or how this happened. 2nd, in v0602 on 5:6 I cant use booster enabled (not even 0) anymore at any setting of twister.

It's been too long since I was on 602, but was this noted before for spds of 1150+ RAM

[Nuckin_Futs]

I got my hopes up too soon. Good thing I didn't cansle my RMA #.

After much testing it just became unstable even on once reliable v0602. I moved to v0903 (where I had good profiles and results) and all my save (on USB HDD) return a boot block cannot be read error. Same for my v0602 and even one just saved minutes before flashing and coming back.

Again, I can only guess since nobody has made comment on this, I am an isolated case and will just chock it up to a luck of the draw. It was a nice 5 months though. Now I get to start over and now maybe the all so talked about forced FSB strapping will actiually work for versions other then v0602.

I will keep on reading as I will be on my old P5K Deluxe by the end of the week.

[Aurhinius]

Has anyone been able to get TRD of 5 on this board?

Tried my hardest to replicate Anand's article about TRD and cannot get TRD of 5 to post at 900mhz CAS 4 266 STRAP. TRD 6 works but memory performance isn't great and it needs hefty vNB 1.63v or so.

Anyone had any luck with 1T command as well?

[Spyrus]

tRD = 5 is possible only with X48 (i think the Rampage Formula article you have read,right?)

[Titus]

what's the best PCI slot for a sound card?...the one on top or the one on the bottom?...I have an AuzenTech X-Fi Prelude and don't want any issues...or does it not matter either way?

[Kondik]

what's the best PCI slot for a sound card?...the one on top or the one on the bottom?...I have an AuzenTech X-Fi Prelude and don't want any issues...or does it not matter either way?

IMO as far from other componets as possible .. I preffer the lowest PCI with my Elite Pro and i put an aluminium plate to the PCI above the last one to Shield it ... and it works :ROTF:

[devilhood]

It has been a while since I posted on this thread, but I gotta let you guys know, if anyone here is using a CM-Stacker with air cooling, please buy the Scythe Zipang CPU Heatsink, you will love it.

You can have all 4 side fans in without any problems, temps are lower than what I got with the TRUE, and also the Thermalright HR-05-SLI fits perfectly on the NB, leaving enough space next to the CPU HS, it also doesn't brush against the RAM sticks.
My system is absolutely sorted now and I'm happy :)

I'm still with the 0907 BIOS, running Vista SP1 and haven't encountered any BSOD's or hardware instability problems at all.
I managed to swap my Q6600 with one that had a lower VID, couldn't believe how much difference the VID makes, it allowed me to drop the volts considerably.

P.

[zaracattle]

Hi guys, I want to ask why I can't run Asus AI and PC Probe...When I installed these software and ran them,a notice board have appeared that informed that "Error: Open I/O dll fail " for Pc probe and "aacenter: access violation at address 00000000. Read at address 00000000" for AI.Thanks

[Kondik]

It has been a while since I posted on this thread, but I gotta let you guys know, if anyone here is using a CM-Stacker with air cooling, please buy the Scythe Zipang CPU Heatsink, you will love it.

You can have all 4 side fans in without any problems, temps are lower than what I got with the TRUE, and also the Thermalright HR-05-SLI fits perfectly on the NB, leaving enough space next to the CPU HS, it also doesn't brush against the RAM sticks.
My system is absolutely sorted now and I'm happy :)

I'm still with the 0907 BIOS, running Vista SP1 and haven't encountered any BSOD's or hardware instability problems at all.
I managed to swap my Q6600 with one that had a lower VID, couldn't believe how much difference the VID makes, it allowed me to drop the volts considerably.

P.

I have eXtrme 120 Ultra .. NB 05 SLI and its great it doesnt block the CPU the RAM's are with Thermaltake RS 0026 Spirit there is a 1 mm hole btw RAM heatsinks and NB Thermalright cooler. it doesn't block even the PCI-E 1x where Supreme FX II [ i hate it i hate it i hate it ] doesn;t block the GT 8800 With Zalman VF 1000, however the SB is a differen fairytale ... it cools the SB great ... but it scratches the VGA zalman and the Heatpipes from RAMS scratch the back side of VGA ... i moved the Heatpipes in the Thermaltakes a bit and there is a 3 mm tollerance hole so it's OK however the VF 1000 on VGA and Thermalright 05/IFX isn't . I used the Noctua one for test but the tems went from 44 to 51 that sucks ... , oh BTW the mosfets are cooled with Thermalright Mosfet the 2nd series and's its cool .. 42 load . But THermalrighting the board is hard. However the PC is very silent and well cooled

[Robin77]

Whats the safe voltage/temp for NB & SB (Max Formula), mine sometime hits 55c & 48 ~ 50c for SB.

Thanks

Hi! It was already discussed in this threat. There are different opinions on this.
Best is to get information from source, which is the Intel thermal design sheet for X38 chipset which says max load longtimeuse NB temp is 92 C.

I have 67 C idle and I think 76 or so loaded. This are oced values but are prime and 3DM 48h stresstest rockstable.

Some say all over ~ 50 C is unstable, which my case and official Intel specs proof wrong.

But it's also true that the higher temps are, the less space there's for oc'ing stable. Also longtime life is influenced, but shouldn't be a problem in nowadays product lifetimes.

Hope that helped.

[devilhood]

Yeah, I honestly wouldn't worry about the SB unless you're using something made out of plastic, you shouldn't have any cooling issues :D
I'm just using one of those standard flat heatsinks on it, no Thermalright fancy stuff, mainly because it scratches the dual-slot GFX card casing (single slot cards shouldn't have this problem), and temps are within an acceptable range of 35-45.

P.

[devilhood]

Hi! It was already discussed in this threat. There are different opinions on this.
Best is to get information from source, which is the Intel thermal design sheet for X38 chipset which says max load longtimeuse NB temp is 92 C.

I have 67 C idle and I think 76 or so loaded. This are oced values but are prime and 3DM 48h stresstest rockstable.

Some say all over ~ 50 C is unstable, which my case and official Intel specs proof wrong.

But it's also true that the higher temps are, the less space there's for oc'ing stable. Also longtime life is influenced, but shouldn't be a problem in nowadays product lifetimes.

Hope that helped.

I was hitting 58-60 celcius with a passive Zalmann NB heatsink, and this caused problems with Prime95 if I had my FSB above 400.

As soon as I switched to the Thermalright HR-05-SLI, it dropped by an incredible 15 degrees celcius, and best of all, Prime95 stability was finally achieved.
If you are OC'ing and experience high temps, but not experiencing any problems during stress testing, I cannot explain why my system seems to respond differently when compared to yours.

[fordf250]

What´s the highest FSB u seen on this board on AIR ??

Air cpu or air on the nb?

Water with e6600 and air on nb 545fsb.

[p2501]

Hey guys, I just threw out my x38-dq6 and Ballistix (both dead), so can anyone recommend me a good 2x2 kit for maximus formula? :rolleyes:

[devilhood]

Ballistix is the only RAM I have ever found to be consistently stable with OC'ing on this board.
I'm using 4 GB (4x 1 GB) and can still dip in timings to as low as 4-4-4-9 at DDR2-1066 at its rated 2.2v without a hitch.

[theonlybabyface]

Hey guys, I just threw out my x38-dq6 and Ballistix (both dead), so can anyone recommend me a good 2x2 kit for maximus formula? :rolleyes:


Mine in my sig work great....:)

[Kondik]

I love Black Dragons from Geil .. i modded the cooling on them and i'm really really happy with them but i'm nota big fan of Memory OC so ...

[kup]

Warboy, the RapidShare link is my own. I rehost all the files so I know the links aren't dead.

[p2501]

Hmh ok, has anyone tried these: http://www.corsair.com/_datasheets/TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF.pdf ?

[Kondik]

I saw a couple of people complaining about those heatsinks that they fall apart

[p2501]

I saw a couple of people complaining about those heatsinks that they fall apart

Never heard but it certainly wouldn't be good... can someone confirm this?

[Warboy]

I got my hopes up too soon. Good thing I didn't cansle my RMA #.

After much testing it just became unstable even on once reliable v0602. I moved to v0903 (where I had good profiles and results) and all my save (on USB HDD) return a boot block cannot be read error. Same for my v0602 and even one just saved minutes before flashing and coming back.

Again, I can only guess since nobody has made comment on this, I am an isolated case and will just chock it up to a luck of the draw. It was a nice 5 months though. Now I get to start over and now maybe the all so talked about forced FSB strapping will actiually work for versions other then v0602.

I will keep on reading as I will be on my old P5K Deluxe by the end of the week.

From what I've been told, They are replacing any Maximus Formulas, SE or Non-SEs, because they are out of stock and if they can not "Repair" it, They will call me back with options....thats what they said about RMAs for me atleast. right now ASUS is on my :banana::banana::banana::banana: list.


Warboy, the RapidShare link is my own. I rehost all the files so I know the links aren't dead.

well, You wanna check the checksums of the 2 files see if they are different?

[Tony]

Hey guys, I just threw out my x38-dq6 and Ballistix (both dead), so can anyone recommend me a good 2x2 kit for maximus formula? :rolleyes:


No contest man check the pic...1.8V in bios to do this ;)

Our 1066 is even better, plus features black pcb and black heatspreaders.

http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/staff/tony/Asus_fix_spd/8gb_asus_1.84V.png

[.OCX]

Hey guys, I just threw out my x38-dq6 and Ballistix (both dead), so can anyone recommend me a good 2x2 kit for maximus formula? :rolleyes:

4GB Geil Evo One BlackDragons
4GB GSkill 1066PK
4GB GSkill 1000PK

I would go with the Geil Evo as the reports are showing users hitting 1200 easily.

[outlandos]

Could anyone please explain to me on how to update the bios? Thanks!

I am using Windows Vista x64 and just downloaded the new 1004 bios file, but now I dont know what to do next!

[p2501]

No contest man check the pic...1.8V in bios to do this ;)

Our 1066 is even better, plus features black pcb and black heatspreaders.



Tony, to be honest I was thinking about buying either OCZ or Corsair... which 2x2 kit are you talking about exactly? Reaper or something else?


4GB Geil Evo One BlackDragons
4GB GSkill 1066PK
4GB GSkill 1000PK

I would go with the Geil Evo as the reports are showing users hitting 1200 easily.

Thanks, G.Skill sounds good too but those Geil EVO sticks are too expensive for me atm.. :(

[theonlybabyface]

Could anyone please explain to me on how to update the bios? Thanks!

I am using Windows Vista x64 and just downloaded the new 1004 bios file, but now I dont know what to do next!

Where did you get 1004 from?

[outlandos]

Where did you get 1004 from?

Oops i ment 1003!

[theonlybabyface]

No contest man check the pic...1.8V in bios to do this ;)

Our 1066 is even better, plus features black pcb and black heatspreaders.

http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/staff/tony/Asus_fix_spd/8gb_asus_1.84V.png

So...do you figure that 1003 is better than 907 for quads and 8GB configs?

[kevinali]

I just moved from a gigabyte X38-dq6 to a formula

I have 4 ram modules (Generic K-Byte 2GB - micron D9 chips rated for 5-5-5-15 at 1.8V each module) for a total of 8GB of ram

The problem is the following

1 module in A1 causes a Det-DRAM error and no post
the same module in B1 post fine

1 module in A2 gives Det-DRAM
the same module in B2 post fine

2 modules (4gb total) in A1 and A2 no post
2 modules in B1 and B2 post fine (in single channel mode though)

A1 and B1 no post
A2 and B2 no post

A1, A2, B1 and B2 all occupied no post

it looks like the A channel is not working

I have the ram set to 2.0V in the bios

Do i have a defective board...the bios is the current 0907

Please help

Kevin

[zlojack]

No contest man check the pic...1.8V in bios to do this ;)

Our 1066 is even better, plus features black pcb and black heatspreaders.




Which modules are those? Model #?

I like the sounds of them...

[Tony]

Tony, to be honest I was thinking about buying either OCZ or Corsair... which 2x2 kit are you talking about exactly? Reaper or something else?

For cheapness go with the 8GB quad 800Plats, most look to be doing 1000+MHZ.

for looks get the 8000 reaper X, but remember if you want 8GB only get 1 kit and get 1 kit of the 8000 plats so you have no heatspreader issues.

If you want warranted 1066 then we have a new 1066 kit featuring the older reaper heatspreader, ofcourse 8Gb will fit no issue as the heatspreaders are not to fat.

[Tony]

So...do you figure that 1003 is better than 907 for quads and 8GB configs?

65nm quads are ok, 45nm quads you need to wait for Asus to sort the bios issues out.

The issue is tRFC , untill Asus get the bios applying this timing correctly and all cpu's working well we are all at their mercy.

[bro20000]

Has anyone tryed theses on this board!

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-9600C5 1200MHz

[Tony]

Which modules are those? Model #?

I like the sounds of them... for that 8GB test i used these modules.

http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_6400_8gb_platinum_quad_kit

These are NOT rated at 1000, so anything over 800 is a bonus, most seem to be doing good clocks though

[Grnfinger]

I saw a couple of people complaining about those heatsinks that they fall apart

There great and the heatsink is very secure. I would recomend them to anyone looking for very good oc'ing ram
Maybe the ppl that had problems are the type that like to "play" with things they shouldnt.

[zlojack]

for that 8GB test i used these modules.

http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_6400_8gb_platinum_quad_kit

These are NOT rated at 1000, so anything over 800 is a bonus, most seem to be doing good clocks though

Hmmmm, I thought you said black PCB & spreaders:cool:

I've been through a few sets of sticks lately... probably be through a few more over the next little while...

Once I get my QX9650 I'll be looking for a set that can play nice with that and my MaxFor...then I'll have to stop for a while (if I want to stay married :rofl: ).

I should have kept the ReaperX 4GB set I had that was stable at 5-5-5-12 @ 1066 with Strong Twister/Static Read Enabled/Trans Booster enabled (0)

[#su]

i have the F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ kit and they run perfectly stable @ 1086 or 1088 (whichever speed it hits) 5-5-5-12. it takes 2.2vdimm though.

[Spyrus]

Can you set twister strong on strap 333/5:6 divider or only this is the only combination '5-5-5-12 @ 1066 with Strong Twister/Static Read Enabled/Trans Booster enabled (0)' ?

[s54///m3]

Can someone please help or explain why after the boot screen I get the error messege "cpu over voltage error!, F1 to continue". It only happens when I put the voltage up to 1.62 or higher. Anything below that this messege doesn't come up.

The board has been great since I got it release week. Temps aren't an issue. NB/SB under 39, CPU cores 1-4 idle 30-35, OCCT load 60-64 across.


I use the tweak guides here and on AnAndTech for bios settings. At 3.82 on the Q6600 G0, and 3870x2 @850 core, 900 memory I get 19,337 3dMark06. Crysis and BF2 run great on my Samsung 1680x1050 2ms.

[Tony]

I should have kept the ReaperX 4GB set I had that was stable at 5-5-5-12 @ 1066 with Strong Twister/Static Read Enabled/Trans Booster enabled (0)

TRAS 12 will not gain you anything with the larger density, you have to remember you are not setting the max the controller will use, you are setting the minimum...this means most of the time the lower value will not be used BUT if it is and the pages are closed to fast you will force the ram to re-read. Its always best to tune TRAS and set the highest value that gives you the highest bandwidth.

so what im saying is 12 is to tight, unless you play superpi all the time you are forcing rereads and losing performance.

[Sources]

for that 8GB test i used these modules.

http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_6400_8gb_platinum_quad_kit

These are NOT rated at 1000, so anything over 800 is a bonus, most seem to be doing good clocks though

Hey Tony, I have that kit in the Gold Edition. Should I have luck if I use them? Have you every tried the gold 8g kit ?

[zlojack]

TRAS 12 will not gain you anything with the larger density, you have to remember you are not setting the max the controller will use, you are setting the minimum...this means most of the time the lower value will not be used BUT if it is and the pages are closed to fast you will force the ram to re-read. Its always best to tune TRAS and set the highest value that gives you the highest bandwidth.

so what im saying is 12 is to tight, unless you play superpi all the time you are forcing rereads and losing performance.

So 15 would give me better performance? I'll give that a shot...

Anyway, I don't have the ReaperX anymore :(

I'm doing alright with the ones I have right now, but I'm still not 100% convinced...

[iadstudio]

Can someone please help or explain why after the boot screen I get the error messege "cpu over voltage error!, F1 to continue". It only happens when I put the voltage up to 1.62 or higher. Anything below that this messege doesn't come up.

The board has been great since I got it release week. Temps aren't an issue. NB/SB under 39, CPU cores 1-4 idle 30-35, OCCT load 60-64 across.


I use the tweak guides here and on AnAndTech for bios settings. At 3.82 on the Q6600 G0, and 3870x2 @850 core, 900 memory I get 19,337 3dMark06. Crysis and BF2 run great on my Samsung 1680x1050 2ms.

Hardware monitoring in the bios. set CPU voltage to "ignore"

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on how to get 2x 2gb OCZ Platinum 8000 to run at 1066 on this board? I was getting it to boot in 0504 then updated to 1003 and nothing. I know it has to do with performance level and sub timings but i can't figure it out.

[Grnfinger]

Can you set twister strong on strap 333/5:6 divider or only this is the only combination '5-5-5-12 @ 1066 with Strong Twister/Static Read Enabled/Trans Booster enabled (0)' ?

I run the 5:6 divider on the 333 strap @1147MHz 5-5-5-15

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Disabled
Relax level: 1

get great bandwidth and have NO stability or boot issues

[The Fool]

They old Fool is still looking for a 24/7 setting (incl. second ram kit to be added).
Intel's sample still doing fine. Ram is selected D9GMH. 3 SPD's programmed by vendor. Ref. sig.
Any hints and tips welcome.

Kind regards

The Fool

[Tony]

So 15 would give me better performance? I'll give that a shot...

Anyway, I don't have the ReaperX anymore :(

I'm doing alright with the ones I have right now, but I'm still not 100&#37; convinced...

test and see, and don't run pi as that is the only THING that likes tighter TRAS, run actual games and do some photo editing or encoding...something real.

test TRAS with memtest...note the bandwidth as you test each value and set the highest value that gives the best bandwidth, so if 5,6,7,8,9,10,>>>>18 all give 5000MB/s and 19 gives 4890 set 18


Its like tRFC, if the rows are refreshed to fast they may force the minimum setting for TRAS to be used, so if you have tRFC to tight and TRAS set to say 8 you may have a situation with rows closing to fast and TRAS forcing rereads...so you lose performance.

128x8 ram IC's are massive density, 8GB has lots of load and lots of rows, running these modules like a 1GB micron D9 module is not going to cut it no more....you have to set what works...not what you think is fast ;)

imagine what 256x8's are going to be like as DDR3 scales up:eek:

The one thing I have noted from the IC's we and a few others are using for the 4GB kits is they will do 1000 or so dead easy at 1.8V, many do 950ish at 1.7V but as soon as you move over the sweet spot to say 1050+ you have to ramp the juice to 2 then 2.1 very quickly.
It pays to really fine tune this stuff to keep everything stable and as unstressed as you can.

[.OCX]

I run the 5:6 divider on the 333 strap @1147MHz 5-5-5-15

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Disabled
Relax level: 1



DRAM Static Read Control:
This function is best set to "Disabled" for high FSB levels (450 FSB upwards). "Enabled" gives a small gain in memory access latency at the expense of overall stability. We believe this setting alters a single TRD phase to low; performance advantages either way are not stellar.

I've run with mine on Disabled for the longest time, since I got the Board. Tested 440-456 FSB with Enabled and Disabled and it seemed to do little for stability, seems more a performance related setting? I didn't boot into XP, I was just testing using Memtest Test 5.

[zlojack]

test and see, and don't run pi as that is the only THING that likes tighter TRAS, run actual games and do some photo editing or encoding...something real.

test TRAS with memtest...note the bandwidth as you test each value and set the highest value that gives the best bandwidth, so if 5,6,7,8,9,10,>>>>18 all give 5000MB/s and 19 gives 4890 set 18


Its like tRFC, if the rows are refreshed to fast they may force the minimum setting for TRAS to be used, so if you have tRFC to tight and TRAS set to say 8 you may have a situation with rows closing to fast and TRAS forcing rereads...so you lose performance.

128x8 ram IC's are massive density, 8GB has lots of load and lots of rows, running these modules like a 1GB micron D9 module is not going to cut it no more....you have to set what works...not what you think is fast ;)

imagine what 256x8's are going to be like as DDR3 scales up:eek:

The one thing I have noted from the IC's we and a few others are using for the 4GB kits is they will do 1000 or so dead easy at 1.8V, many do 950ish at 1.7V but as soon as you move over the sweet spot to say 1050+ you have to ramp the juice to 2 then 2.1 very quickly.
It pays to really fine tune this stuff to keep everything stable and as unstressed as you can.

Thanks man... your info is awesome. I guess with the new tech there's new rules that we need to learn (and I hardly know the old rules :D )

So is that why OCZ is putting 18 for tRAS on their high end 2 x 2 kits instead of 12 like everyone else?

[BigGaroupa]

I just finished testing memtest with 4x 2GB OCZ Reapers @ 4-4-4-15 with 2.1v. Everything seems to be working fine, can't wait to plop in my Q6600 and see how it goes.

Will I need improved NB cooling for 1600 FSB?

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00375.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00381.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00384.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00391.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00396.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00399.jpg

[kup]

Warboy;2801502']well, You wanna check the checksums of the 2 files see if they are different?

Identical Checksum, MD5, CRC32 and SHA-1. :cool:

[zlojack]

I just finished testing memtest with 4x 2GB OCZ Reapers @ 4-4-4-15 with 2.1v. Everything seems to be working fine, can't wait to plop in my Q6600 and see how it goes.


Sweet! At stock clocks?

[S1mon-]

Big Garoupa, what kind of cooler is that???

[.OCX]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00381.jpg


Did you notice any "improvments" in the way the NB contacts/grease were installed?

Edit: Nevermind you can see the Revision in this pic (http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00384.jpg). I'm pretty sure it says 1.03G

[p2501]

Ok thanks for your input, I went with the 4gb G.Skill 1000 kit. I hope they arrive soon enough. Jeez, i can't wait. The Asus BIOS said, my q6600 is a 1.25 or (something like that) VID, i'm starting to wonder if i got lucky.. :slobber:

[Leeghoofd]

Run Coretemp to discover ya VID not the bios... eg my QX9650 is a 1.125Vid though Asus bios sets 1.2volts while it only needs 1.1 to be stable at stock speeds...

[p2501]

Run Coretemp to discover ya VID not the bios... eg my QX9650 is a 1.125Vid though Asus bios sets 1.2volts while it only needs 1.1 to be stable at stock speeds...

I'll be doing that once my g.skill sticks arrive, haven't setup windoze yet... :yepp:

[Tony]

Thanks man... your info is awesome. I guess with the new tech there's new rules that we need to learn (and I hardly know the old rules :D )

So is that why OCZ is putting 18 for tRAS on their high end 2 x 2 kits instead of 12 like everyone else? because tRAS at 12 is to tight at 1000+ MHZ

[Sources]

Opinions...

Should I stick with my Ballisitix Tracer PC6400 4 x 1024MB

or...

go with OCZ Gold edition PC6400 4 x 2048MB

I have both sets now but what should run better? Are the platinum much better or any at all vs the gold edition OCZ Tony ?

[Tony]

test and see what they will do, remember you are tRFC limited on this board unless you run 1001 or 1003 bios or earlier.

[Leeghoofd]

So is that why OCZ is putting 18 for tRAS on their high end 2 x 2 kits instead of 12 like everyone else?

Most PC8000 kits run 15 or higher tRAS not seen 12 yet unless PC6400...

thx for the tips Tony, preordered an Asus P5E3 Premium board and pretty keen on the OCZ 1333 kits...

[Sources]

test and see what they will do, remember you are tRFC limited on this board unless you run 1001 or 1003 bios or earlier.


Bah, i just found out how crap the gold edition is. Gonna stick with these ballistix

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/02/21/overclocking-9-value-priced-ddr2-800-kits/page8.html

[zlojack]

Most PC8000 kits run 15 or higher tRAS not seen 12 yet unless PC6400...

thx for the tips Tony, preordered an Asus P5E3 Premium board and pretty keen on the OCZ 1333 kits...

There are a few around with tRAS 12 at PC8000

Here are two I could find in 2 minutes:

Muskin Redlines are 5-5-5-12 http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=647
XP2-8500 are 5-4-4-12
http://www.mushkin.com/doc/products/memory_detail.asp?id=556


Bah, i just found out how crap the gold edition is. Gonna stick with these ballistix

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/02/21/overclocking-9-value-priced-ddr2-800-kits/page8.html

Dude, if you have both in your possession, test them and see.

Don't listen to a review, do your own review.

What they "should" do and what they actually do can vary from set to set.

My Redlines don't run stable above stock so far no matter what I try, while the ones I saw reviewed got to 1100 MHz on 1.9v

[theonlybabyface]

test and see what they will do, remember you are tRFC limited on this board unless you run 1001 or 1003 bios or earlier.

...or run AUTO. :)

[xgman]

test and see what they will do, remember you are tRFC limited on this board unless you run 1001 or 1003 bios or earlier.

Tony, has anyone from ASUS responded to your comments re: the problems with these new bioses and the QX9650's?

[awhir]

hey guys thinking about getting a E8400 es but just wondering if it will run properly with a asus maximus fromula

thanks andy

[zlojack]

It's been going great for me so far.

Prime95 stable 24/7 at 4GB (500x8 ) on 1.31v

[tifozif1]

Is this good (from Everest 4.20) ?

CPU Q6600 , Maximus Formula SE, 8x450 with 4:5 (1125MHz) with Cellshock 8000 4-4-4-12 @2.3V (memory timings in BIOS are all auto except 4-4-4-12-35), all on air.

[Tony]

Tony, has anyone from ASUS responded to your comments re: the problems with these new bioses and the QX9650's?

Not a thing as of yet, I know bingo13 has told them also so they do know.

we wait

[kevinali]

Hey guys, new to the world of the asus maximus

Currently i have 2 x 2gb of ddr2-667 ram in dual channel mode A1 and B1. They are generic K-Byte modules with micron D9 chips used. I have the BIOS set to 1.8 V for these.

I have two more identical modules sitting on my desk...i am afraid to install them due to the horror stories i have been reading on the net with this MB and 8GB ram installed

I currently have the 505 BIOS and have my Q6700 at 333 x 9 for 3GHz at a vcore of 1.30v

any suggestions about a stable BIOS two use all 8GB and i assume i need to up the MCH voltage to 1.4 or 1.45 and Dram voltage to 1.9 for stability

[kup]

For 4x2GB I believe Tony was testing the latest Beta Bios, version 1003. There is a link in the first post.

[kevinali]

so i guess i will just be patient and wait for a new bios

I am deathly afraid of this MB

Any little change can cause my system to freeze up at Det DRAM

Kevin

[kup]

Why not try bios 1003 on the first post? Tony, as I said reported good things with 4x2GB!

[Jagged]

Successfully OC to 3.0Ghz with Q6600 for 6hours with OCCT.. now come the best part (OC to 3.6Ghz), if only I could install my RAM cooler beside my Tower120.... what a waste.

[Nuckin_Futs]

I have eXtrme 120 Ultra .. NB 05 SLI and its great it doesnt block the CPU the RAM's are with Thermaltake RS 0026 Spirit there is a 1 mm hole btw RAM heatsinks and NB Thermalright cooler. -. I used the Noctua one for test but the tems went from 44 to 51 that sucks ... , oh BTW the mosfets are cooled with Thermalright Mosfet the 2nd series
Are you talking about the NOCTUA NC-U6 CHIPSET COOLER ? I found it to be slightly cooler then the HR-05. What configuration did you end up to find good for the Ultra 120 w/ HR-05/SLI and with what style (slanted on non slant) of HR-09's on the same mobo? I also use the HR-09 (str8) on my previous mobo and it looks like it may be too tall for the Ultra 120. Willl it clear on the top edge of MAXIMUS and heatpipes of HR-09 (str8)


Yeah, I honestly wouldn't worry about the SB unless you're using something made out of plastic, you shouldn't have any cooling issues :D
I'm just using one of those standard flat heatsinks on it, no Thermalright fancy stuff, mainly because it scratches the dual-slot GFX card casing (single slot cards shouldn't have this problem), and temps are within an acceptable range of 35-45.

P.
I have the EnzoTech SLF-1 Forged Copper Low Profile Southbridge Chipset cooler and it fits fine under most VGA and PCI pards. Even without the fan for more clearence it works great on this mobo or the EnzoTech SLF-1 Forged Copper Low Profile Southbridge Chipset (no fan but more copper). This is better then any of the old aluminum SB stock coolers if you have good air flow in your case.


Hey guys, I just threw out my x38-dq6 and Ballistix (both dead), so can anyone recommend me a good 2x2 kit for maximus formula? :rolleyes:
I found the OCZ Platinum and above very stable n this mobo. My PC2-6400 did DDR1000 in 1:1 @ 5-5-5-15 easy and cool on only 2.22v


Can you set twister strong on strap 333/5:6 divider or only this is the only combination '5-5-5-12 @ 1066 with Strong Twister/Static Read Enabled/Trans Booster enabled (0)' ? You can, but it is very stressfull on the chipset, especially if on a divider. It might look good on paper with synthetic scores, but not so stable and reliale for everyday use, especially overclocked high.

[Nuckin_Futs]

What is this I hear about a 2nd rev of the SE version? I see only the same 1.02G wich has so far only for the non SE version.

[Spyrus]

You can, but it is very stressfull on the chipset, especially if on a divider. It might look good on paper with synthetic scores, but not so stable and reliale for everyday use, especially overclocked high.

Well i should tried then to pump up a little the nb voltage to see if i can set Moderate->Strong.
Since my memory can handle this (no memtest errors just freeze after 2-3loops) then it all depends on mobo.

[quake6]

Can anyone achieve 510FSB quad super pi 1mb stable?

[eSp!s0]

There`s a newer intern bios than 1003 from Asus, Psycho from forumdeluxx.de is trying to get information.

[zlojack]

There`s a newer intern bios than 1003 from Asus, Psycho from forumdeluxx.de is trying to get information.

*crosses fingers*

I hope this one fixes the issues with Penryn.

[BigGaroupa]

Sweet! At stock clocks?

Yes 800MHz for now, will try to 1066 but will probably only run at 5-5-5-15 at best.


Big Garoupa, what kind of cooler is that???

That's an old school Alpha socket 370 heatsink :p It's just memtest CPU doesn't get loaded so doesn't need anything heavy. I have a Thermalright Utlima-90 on the way.


Did you notice any "improvments" in the way the NB contacts/grease were installed?

Edit: Nevermind you can see the Revision in this pic (http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00384.jpg). I'm pretty sure it says 1.03G

It's 1.03G and the way Asus mounts its heatsinks are horrible! They use some sort of epoxy thermal compound on the heatpipe THEN use some crappy white paste that barely makes 50% contact on the NB/SB ...

Does anyone know if the Thermaltake Extreme Spirit 2 works on the SB?

[jnick]

I'm highly interested in popping off the NB/SB heatsink to reapply my own thermal paste in order to keep the temperatures down. Is there a guide anywhere out there that explains this? I know I need to heat it with a hair dryer/heat gun, however I have a bunch of other questions too!


I've read that you must NOT pull up on the heat sink. Therefore, should I use a twisting action?
Do I remove EVERYTHING including the mofset sinks? Or do I just remove up to the aluminum heatsink neat the I/O panel?
What thermal paste is safe to use on the chipset? Arctic Ceramique? MX-2? I shouldn't use AS5 due to electro-conductivity?
The little fan that came with the mobo for the chipset...I read the warning and am NOT using it as I'm on air cooling. However should I be? Will it help temps? Or do you guys keep the chipset passively cooled?


Thank you!

[BigGaroupa]

I'm highly interested in popping off the NB/SB heatsink to reapply my own thermal paste in order to keep the temperatures down. Is there a guide anywhere out there that explains this? I know I need to heat it with a hair dryer/heat gun, however I have a bunch of other questions too!


I've read that you must NOT pull up on the heat sink. Therefore, should I use a twisting action?
Do I remove EVERYTHING including the mofset sinks? Or do I just remove up to the aluminum heatsink neat the I/O panel?
What thermal paste is safe to use on the chipset? Arctic Ceramique? MX-2? I shouldn't use AS5 due to electro-conductivity?
The little fan that came with the mobo for the chipset...I read the warning and am NOT using it as I'm on air cooling. However should I be? Will it help temps? Or do you guys keep the chipset passively cooled?


Thank you!


First off the heatpipe on the board is divided into TWO parts, the MOSFETS for the top and left is one unit. The aluminum heatsink where the I/O panels are, is part of the NB/SB setup, the ONLY thing that connects the MOSFET and NB/SB heatpipes is this ONE sticky thermal pad (sucks).

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00384.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q74/biggaroupa/DSC00381.jpg

Removing Heatpipe
-Put into fridge for 10-15 minutes
-Remove four screws on the NB and pop out the two push-pins on the SB
-Remove unit from the NB, by twisting/lifting
-Due to the crappy mount, the entire unit should "pop" off quite easily
-You will need to carefully remove the aluminum part since it's stuck with a thermal pad

Cleaning
-Use those makeup pads with nail polish remover
-For the NB/SB just rub till it's all gone
-For the heatpipes themselves that requires more elbow grease, since the goop is quite a thick amount

Re-apply/Re-mount
-I used a high quality silver thermal compound that's non-conductive
-I used a couple rice grain sized amounts on the NB and less on the SB
-I placed the heatpipes back on top
-Pressed down and kind of massaged in a small circular motion to spread the compound
-Secured all the retention mechanisms

ASUS crap fan
-Don't bother with it, it hardly moves anything and takes up space
-Looks ugly
-You're better off mounting 40cm fans in a diamond shape over the NB, I found that this during bench testing did drop temperatures with my finger touching test :p

Note: some thermal pastes require curing time for optimal performance.

Note note: this will increase performance by up to 10c as reported by some users, however I never ran the board with the stock setup as I ripped it apart when I got it. The board idles around 42c at the moment. I found that it gets quite hot under small load so I will be replacing NB with a Thermalright heatpipe monster.

[jnick]

Thanks for the quality walkthrough man! You said that you're sitting at 42C idling...is that with an OC on your Q6600, or are you running stock?

[ericab]

<--- core 1-4 idles @ 27C to 30C

air cooling, :)

[Notechis]

Does this procedure for removing heat sink works for board that have been already powered on or works only for not powered "out of the box" board ?

[Renegade5399]

OK tried 1003 this afternoon. It's garbage. Can't boot on anything but the stock multi (9). Anything else and I get OC Failed! message. The extra tRFC settings are not needed for me anyways as it's never been an issue. It also makes the board WAYYY to finicky when I play with the timings. Settings that were once 24/7 rock stable all of a sudden were failing. Overall it's terrible and then some. I went back to 0907 and all was flying again with no issues.

[bro20000]

Any news of a beta bios 1003 sucks!

[BigGaroupa]

Thanks for the quality walkthrough man! You said that you're sitting at 42C idling...is that with an OC on your Q6600, or are you running stock?

Running stock no overclocking yet, only thing is RAM voltage at 2.1.


Does this procedure for removing heat sink works for board that have been already powered on or works only for not powered "out of the box" board ?

If the board has been powered on I assume it will be harder since the stock goop will have soften and adhere to the surfaces. However it should still work though since it's not pure epoxy adhesive becauses there's crap paste between that for some reason.

[Titus]

I installed the Maximus Formula board the other day and the Chassis Fan 3 temp readout in my BIOS is a bright red color while all the other Chassis and Opt Fan readings are all a normal blue color...the Chassis Fan 3 is spinning at 1300rpm so it looks to be working OK but I'm just worried about why the color is red...red usually equals a danger sign of some kind...anyone have any ideas?

[Gunlance]

Red probably means its below a warning threshold. Lower the threshold if 1300rpms is what the fan is rated for.

[Titus]

how do I lower the threshold of the fan speed?...I only see temperature thresholds in the BIOS (CPU, NB, SB etc)...is PC Probe II the way to do this?

[Spyrus]

Go to bios Fan Eq you can set according to temperature or manual
with percentages 100&#37;-60%

[zlojack]

PC Probe is crap.


Just check the fan and make sure it's ok. Mine always turns red on one of my fans even though it's spinning full out and working just fine. It's like it doesn't read it properly. The RPMs are all over the place.

[Titus]

PC Probe is crap.


Just check the fan and make sure it's ok. Mine always turns red on one of my fans even though it's spinning full out and working just fine. It's like it doesn't read it properly. The RPMs are all over the place.

yeah my fans are running at max and no matter what level I set it to it still stays red in the BIOS...2 fans show up as red for me, Power Fan (which has no threshold option) and Chassis Fan 3 (which is controlled by PWM---and no matter if I set to 50% or 100%, Auto or Disabled it still stays Red)

[Eastcoasthandle]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/eastcoasthandle/Maximus%20Forumula/12.jpg

It's found next to the black proprietary PCIe x1 slot (audio/PCI Express)

[DirtyShady]

Any news about new Bios ?


1003 is not official Bios yet. For me 1003 Bios work perfectly, no problem.

But I prefer to have new official Bios...

[Leeghoofd]

I think as long as many users are having issues with it , Asus ( hopefully) won't give it to the masses... better await a new bios as moslty there isn't much difference (if any at all) between beta and offical bios...

[p2501]

Why is it that Intel states in the q6000 spec sheet that Vccpllmax for this series is about the same as Vcc, which is about 1.5v, but with this board you can't set anything below 1.6v.. :confused: (actually manual Vccpll setting in BIOS 0907 starts at 1.5 as you know, but if i set it to 1.5, after reboot the BIOS reads 1.61, a whopping .11 overvolt... is this standart for this board?)

On a side note, I got bad luck with my quad, it's a 1.325 vid following coretemp but the BIOS sets it to 1.28, why is this? Are Asus BIOS programmer so bad that they can't even make the board read the vid right?

Overall I'm really having fun with this board, overclocking with this thing is a breeze.. :cool:

[xgman]

Any news about new Bios ?


1003 is not official Bios yet. For me 1003 Bios work perfectly, no problem.

But I prefer to have new official Bios...

1003 does NOT work right with new processors like the qx9650.

[aowen512]

I have purchased the maximus formula and for the life of me cannot get both 2gb sticks of ram to work. I have only been able to get 1 stick of ram to boot. I have played with many settings but really am apparently kind of new to this(been quite some time since i have done any OC or new build). Well long story short, stuck on the detdram and after reading i dont know how many pages including the tips on the front... nothing. The tip on the first page of this thread says to "If you get the DET RAM hang its usally just a matter of finding the right Trans Booster setting
No need to clear cmos and certainly no need to power down and wait the bios." Could someone elaborate a bit for me and what they mean?? If i have both sticks in, i cannot even get into the bios so maybe im doing something very wrong. Ram is G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ. Any tips/help/WALKTRHOUGH!! lol would be very appreciative!! thx

BTW Fantastic site!! a new favorite and homepage of mine

[Nuckin_Futs]

this was happening to mine after a trial of v0907 and returning back to 802, and anything there after. I had to RMA it .

Hopefully your's is not as serious, but i had to clear CMOS, reset to get the F1 to enter set up or F2 to load default and continue. I used F1 to enter CMOS and changed at least CPU to manual and DRAM frequency plus timings to manual. If your RAM is PC2-6400, you can try setting spd to DDR800 and timings to 5-5-5-15 just to see if it saves and exits to restart and come back to CMOS to go on.

Give it a try, it was the only I could boot with my Crucials and oCZ's after that weird BIOS flash experience. Mine got worse though, afterwords, I could nolonger hit the kind of performance as before.

Good luck with yours!

[Grnfinger]

I have purchased the maximus formula and for the life of me cannot get both 2gb sticks of ram to work. I have only been able to get 1 stick of ram to boot. I have played with many settings but really am apparently kind of new to this(been quite some time since i have done any OC or new build). Well long story short, stuck on the detdram and after reading i dont know how many pages including the tips on the front... nothing. The tip on the first page of this thread says to "If you get the DET RAM hang its usally just a matter of finding the right Trans Booster setting
No need to clear cmos and certainly no need to power down and wait the bios." Could someone elaborate a bit for me and what they mean?? If i have both sticks in, i cannot even get into the bios so maybe im doing something very wrong. Ram is G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ. Any tips/help/WALKTRHOUGH!! lol would be very appreciative!! thx

BTW Fantastic site!! a new favorite and homepage of mine



:welcome:


I would hold the power button till it shuts off, then reboot and you will get the f1 /f2 option.

Hit f1 and now your into your bios. 2x2GB will tax the NB a tad I would up that to the max green voltage 1.49.
Set ram to 2.0-2.1 The board over volts a tad.
Now depending on what strap your using I would suggest this...
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : Auto
CPU Ratio Setting : (set your multi here ie 8)
FSB Frequency : ( set ?? depending on how much MHz you want ie. 450)
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400 / 333 ( you can choose here what divider you want)
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-???? 400 will give you 900MHz ram
333 will give you 1081MHz ram

DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : Auto
Row Refresh Cycle Time : Auto
Write Recovery Time : Auto
Read to Precharge Time : Auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : enabled for 400 strap
disabled for 333 strap
relax level 0

I hope this is somewhat clear to you, if not mc2k has 2x2GB gskill ram he can help out with settings.

[Nuckin_Futs]

Isn't anyone curious why all of a sudden, a set up that used to boot in full auto no longer does. I never had any of these problems before I moved to BIOS v0907. after flashing between BIOS version since v0205.

Every time I would prppare for a new flash, I always loaded default values and exited to restart entering CMOS, so I know it was working correctly before hand. I would then do the same just after the new flash, entering CMOS, to load default values and exiting to save and it worked up to v0903. So v0907 changed something major that never got rewritten when flashed again to any other BIOS version. Even my old, and just recently CMOS profile saves worked anymore for their coresponding BIOS versions (ie: freshly saved CMOS profile saves from v0903 no longer worked when right back to BIOS v0903).

Anybody else notice this?

It's all fine to be able to work around it (mine got worse though, isolated issue I guess)

[SWFLTrader]

Isn't anyone curious why all of a sudden, a set up that used to boot in full auto no longer does. I never had any of these problems before I moved to BIOS v0907. after flashing between BIOS version since v0205.

I went thru several formula boards before finding one that worked or was stable, the first one overclocked like mad on the original bios (0505) but when I changed to 0907 it ate ram within minutes, 2nd was DOA, 3rd overvolted on stock settings like it had its own power plant inside, on the two that worked out of the box, both overclocked better on the original bios, this 4th board so far is working great on the original bios 0602 and I probably won't change it.

[Nuckin_Futs]

I'm starting to notice that. My 2nd go around looks like v0602 did best and better then v0802 for me. I get use of fixed 333 or 400 strap and 3:4 or 5:6 to 500FSB. Should've stayed there all along.

All this fuss with tightest RAM timing and performance was so not worth it for real world daily use.

If I had to pick a BETA, v0903 was the only one worthy for me w/ E6750 for 5:6 to 500FSB. even though the S3 was iffy most the time.

OUT OF STOCK - Rev 1.02G? So what's this I here, are they gonna' offer me a non SE Rev 1.03G instead? Cool, I was gonna use my own water blocks anyways and only got the SE because it was the only choice in September last year. So works for me.

Anybody frop this in the new Danger-Dan box case (clear plastic) yet? I like it but no more room for my tri-120mm rad.

[Robin77]

Just for info:

I've already written that I've rockstable 67 C NB temp (idle) and 77 C loaded.
Cause some didn't believe and I also wanted to be sure for 100% I've removed the Asus NB and replaced it with Noctua NC-U6 cooler, which is one of the best passive NB coolers you can get. I also extra bought Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste (also one of the best you can get).

And now guess what....my temps dropped from 67 C idle to insane 66 C.
All the :banana::banana::banana::banana: done wasn't necesarry. I also checked if original cooler had the paste applied over the whole surface. All was ok.

So whatever it may be, my over 60C idle NB temps showen in BIOS and Everest are rockstable even when oced, are not to get lower without using watercooling, fan or similar and are :banana::banana::banana::banana:ing undescribable.

[SWFLTrader]

Just for info:

I've already written that I've rockstable 67 C NB temp (idle) and 77 C loaded.
Cause some didn't believe and I also wanted to be sure for 100% I've removed the Asus NB and replaced it with Noctua NC-U6 cooler, which is one of the best passive NB coolers you can get. I also extra bought Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste (also one of the best you can get).

And now guess what....my temps dropped from 67 C idle to insane 66 C.
All the :banana::banana::banana::banana: done wasn't necesarry. I also checked if original cooler had the paste applied over the whole surface. All was ok.

So whatever it may be, my over 60C idle NB temps showen in BIOS and Everest are rockstable even when oced, are not to get lower without using watercooling, fan or similar and are :banana::banana::banana::banana:ing undescribable.

What are your NB volts, bios and actual? My 3rd board overvolted like crazy and temps were in the high 50's on the NB, wouldnt stay stable, my experience with this board is higher temps take higher volts, and higher volts cause higher temps & electron migration, so on the 4th board I put a fan on it and stays below 41c allowing me to lower volts dramatically.

For me, the lower the temps & volts the better it works. Each board is different though :rolleyes:

[Underwater Mike]

Guys, I really tried to wade through this whole thread... but I can't do it!

Is the heatpipe removal/TIM reapplication necessary or just for peace of mind?

[iadstudio]

Guys, I really tried to wade through this whole thread... but I can't do it!

Is the heatpipe removal/TIM reapplication necessary or just for peace of mind?

Not necessary unless you are pushing high volts on the NB. Even then, you can get away with a fan on it and you will be just fine.

[xgman]

Guys, I really tried to wade through this whole thread... but I can't do it!

Is the heatpipe removal/TIM reapplication necessary or just for peace of mind?

Personally i think it is a waste of time as long as you have a fan over the area. This is coming from someone who couldn't wait to cut up those heat pipes in the past. Yes it could run cooler, but I'm not convinced it makes much difference in clocks especially if you move air over the stock pipes.

[Grnfinger]

Guys, I really tried to wade through this whole thread... but I can't do it!

Is the heatpipe removal/TIM reapplication necessary or just for peace of mind?

I reseated mine with AS5 and did notice a slight improvment on LOAD temps.

[Sources]

I would remove and re seat them with after market cooling. The heat pipe leading to the SB actually makes your SB chip run hotter than it would due to the extra heat the NB is send down the pipe. I don't even have anything on my SB since I removed the stock and it lowered the temps 8 deg not being connected to the NB.

Also my NB ran 52-55 stock and I couldn't clock the CPU past 3.2 since I couldn't run stable voltage, now that I water cool my NB is runs an idle 29 and loaded 44 roughly.

EDIT: if my NB ran idle at 66 I would have RMA'd it :)

[Grnfinger]

EDIT: if my NB ran idle at 66 I would have RMA'd it :)

:rofl:

[SWFLTrader]

Guys, I really tried to wade through this whole thread... but I can't do it!

Is the heatpipe removal/TIM reapplication necessary or just for peace of mind?

I would remove it, yes it takes a few minutes of your time, but it eliminates the unknown factor, "is my heatsink seated completely or just on 1 corner, etc." :up:

2 of my boards were only seated on 1 corner the rest of the heatsink wasnt even touching, another board only touched in the very center and covered a small percentage of the NB area.

If you wait until you have high temps, it makes the job more difficult to do :down:

btw, I have waded thru alot more posts than U will find under this thread before I started overclocking :D

[aowen512]

Thx for the reply grnfinger. I followed your instructions and tried both the 400 and 333 strap. When trying the different straps, i tried the sticks in both white and blue slots respectively. Still cant get into bios with both sticks of ram in. Any other suggestions or should i start inquiring about an RMA to newegg? Or... is it perhaps my ram?

[Underwater Mike]

Not necessary unless you are pushing high volts on the NB. Even then, you can get away with a fan on it and you will be just fine.

Hmmmm. Seems a slight difference of opinion. Not at XS?!? ;)

Since I don't plan on returning to water in the near future, is it worth putting an aftermarket cooler on both the NB and SB, and just ditching the pipes? From the pix I've seen, it looks like the PWM sinks and pipes are a separate unit? I could remount the stock coolers on there, and just go with aftermarket for the rest, correct?

BTW, transferring heat from NB to SB is exactly the reason why I thought about removing the whole business.

[Grnfinger]

Thx for the reply grnfinger. I followed your instructions and tried both the 400 and 333 strap. When trying the different straps, i tried the sticks in both white and blue slots respectively. Still cant get into bios with both sticks of ram in. Any other suggestions or should i start inquiring about an RMA to newegg? Or... is it perhaps my ram?

Drop mc2k a private message, he has the same ram and had really nice clocks running.
He can help you better than me for I only run 2x1GB so I am not familliar with 4GB settings.
I'll message him and let him know that I sent you his way. He's a great guy and will give you lots of good advice.


I just sent him a pm and gave all the information, he might not respond till tomorrow depending on your time zone, it's sleepy time for him

[eSp!s0]

Has anybody else the Mushkin XP2-8000 2x2GB and can help me with the settings?
I can run 450FSB 1:1 with
400Strap
DRam SRC Disabled
AI Moderate
TB Disabled - Relax 1

But if I try 500FSB 1:1 with same settings and more VDimm the system won`t boot ( voltages aren`t the problem). Also tried Relax 2-4 and Boost 0-1, tried all settings to Auto and tried 333strap but no any boot with 1000Mhz.

[kup]

Any news on this new bios? The one newer than 1003?

[Jagged]

Make sure you backup your bios BEFORE flashing as 1003 will corrupt your current save.

[kup]

Make sure you backup your bios BEFORE flashing as 1003 will corrupt your current save.

Backing up the bios won't backup the saved profiles too. Something changes in 1003 just like in 0903 and it makes any previous saved profiles incompatible. It's not a big deal, just an inconvenience. :down:

[0ut0fstep]

This is a quick question hopefully I can get a quick response. when I set my voltage on my board higher and higher it seems it has more and more vdroop...

right now with it set to 1.52v cpu-z is reporting 1.46 as well as all my other programs. this seems a bit excessive... are my programs reporting incorectly or is there something wrong with my board ?


using bios 0907
q6700
vistax64
Corsair DHX 8500c5 4x1
468x8 for 3.78 ghz on air

[Ric2L]

Hey all,

I recently got my rig up and running, everything went well at first, loaded windows, got all updates, loaded norton etc.. Started having problems with system hanging & crashing. Ram memtest86+, got a bunch of errors, got with mushkin they gave me some timings to use, plugged them in, tried to restart & system hung on CPU INIT. Got back with mushkin they said bad ram, rma to manufacturer, I did, got replacement, put them in, same problem CPU INIT, won't post. Tried clearing cmos many times, still no go. Took whole thing back apart, checked for bent pins, dirt, as5 somewhere it shoulden't be. Found nothing wrong that I could find. Put it all back together and same thing, CPU INIT. even tried leaving battery out over night, did not help. I just noticed about 5 mins ago that the LED for the cpu is not lighting up at all when I hit the power button, all 3 other LED's light up except the CPU LED. What does this mean? Fried board?

It's really weird because everything ran fine for a couple of days, then everything went to crap, only thing I did was change ram timings & ram voltage to 2.0v.

Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Rick

[0ut0fstep]

I would first try setting your bios settings to default... then reflashing with a usb stick. Also try to reseat your cpu and make sure the cpu 12v power connector is in properly. if the cpu light isnt lit up that means its probably not getting any voltage. Could be a bad board. could be a bad CPU (slim chance unless you oced it too far) could be a problem with your psu and that 4pin connector. altho if that was bad your machine wouldnt post anything.

[Ric2L]

0ut0fstep

Can't get into bios to reset to default, clear cmos won't do anything either, can't get past cpu init at post. Tried reseating cpu earlier this evening, did not help, the 12v power connector currently plugged in is the 4 pin one from p/s, I unplugged & replugged many times, also tried the 8 pin connector, no go with either, however I origionally started out with the 4 pin 12v when it first worked, when I changed the ram out and it would not post I tried the 8 pin, thinking maybe it needed more power, still wouldent post so I went back to the 4 pin. wonder if trying the 8 pin hurt anything?? never tried any o/cing on cpu all settings were always at default except for ram timings.

Thanks for suggestions though

Rick

when i turn power on all fans spin up and i can hear hard drive comming on.

[0ut0fstep]

I am going to guess you arent getting any post beeps either :-) I would test your power supply before you test the mobo.. the motherboard "was" working as intended. changing out from the 4pin to the 8pin wouldnt do anything except give you more reliable and stable voltages to the cpu. If there is a retailer near you I would have them take your powersupply and test it see if you are getting 12v +- maximum of .3 volts outta it. if its showing like 11.6v or under I would replace it.

Also I know these situations are very rare and I almost never use one but I always ask.. you didnt shock your board did you ? ESD does still kill computer parts nowadays .. its hard to do but "can" happen.

If you bought your board from a local retailer I would just take it with you and test your psu and if your psu tests fine then exchange the board. if you bought it online I would test the PSU before RMAing to asus or wherever you bought it from.

Hope this helps some. Not posting anything can be a series of things from bad ram to a bad harddrive.

When trouble shooting always make sure you have 1 stick of ram in and you dont have anything else connected to the motherboard besides your vid card and CPU. Then swap out sticks of ram till you post if you dont post you know its not your ram and its either the CPU board or PSU... and if you are like most of us computer geeks you have a el cheapo celeron that works laying around that you can pop in. then you can determine if the CPU is dead or not.
Now you ahve narrowed it down to teh board or PSU. So then you have a little powersupply tester on hand to check your voltages. Or if you have a voltmeter you can use one of those too just need to check the power and ground. You get my drift I wont write anymore of a book for ya :-)


Also take out the cmos battery for 30minutes to an hour.

[Nuckin_Futs]

Guys, I really tried to wade through this whole thread... but I can't do it!

Is the heatpipe removal/TIM reapplication necessary or just for peace of mind?

YES, if you plan to OC or have less then good indoor cooling. Changing out for at least AS5 helps a tad, but not too much. But if anything, it's ready when you get the right coolers. I use the Noctua NC-06 with 80x15mm and it is great, but the ThermalRight HR-05/SLI is cool too. I would however drop a simple SB cooler just to help. I know people say you dont need it but the SB can perform smoother in SATA rAID if kept cool under a high OC and added voltage. I use 1.10 @ 480FSB and it keeps it nice and cool with Enzotek copper sink.
The great thing unlike the previous ROG series, is the NB/SB pipes come off seperate then the Mosfets so you can change little at a time or just leave the ASUS mosfet coolers if replacing pad with ThermalRight paste or AS5. Do keep the parts as you will need them for an RMA or return. They dont care that they got removed, just make sure you put them back for return.


It's really weird because everything ran fine for a couple of days, then everything went to crap, only thing I did was change ram timings & ram voltage to 2.0v.

Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Rick

Wish you luck guy. Keep us posted in case it may help others.

[Kondik]

Guys, I really tried to wade through this whole thread... but I can't do it!

Is the heatpipe removal/TIM reapplication necessary or just for peace of mind?

I hate stock cooling it's useless ugly and doesn't cool at all (: Thermalright all the way !

[Kondik]

YES, if you plan to OC or have less then good indoor cooling. Changing out for at least AS5 helps a tad, but not too much. But if anything, it's ready when you get the right coolers. I use the Noctua NC-06 with 80x15mm and it is great, but the ThermalRight HR-05/SLI is cool too. I would however drop a simple SB cooler just to help. I know people say you dont need it but the SB can perform smoother in SATA rAID if kept cool under a high OC and added voltage. I use 1.10 @ 480FSB and it keeps it nice and cool with Enzotek copper sink.
The great thing unlike the previous ROG series, is the NB/SB pipes come off seperate then the Mosfets so you can change little at a time or just leave the ASUS mosfet coolers if replacing pad with ThermalRight paste or AS5. Do keep the parts as you will need them for an RMA or return. They dont care that they got removed, just make sure you put them back for return.



Wish you luck guy. Keep us posted in case it may help others.

I had the noctua and i found it completley useless , SB with noctua 46 oC load , Thermalright 40, NB Noctua 50 +/- Thermalright 47. But it's passive without fan because i like silence. But still Thermalright > Noctua

[Durkadurka]

Got my system stable at 9.5x425.
Stable as in 12h Prime95 Blend, 8 hour OCCT Mixed and 8 hour OCCT Ram.
I'm gonna play around with voltages and memory timings to see if I can get some more performance from the memory.
Running QX9650 with 4 sticks of Crucial Ballistix PC-8500.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8558/memorysuperpifn8.th.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=memorysuperpifn8.jpg)

These are my settings:

BIOS 907
Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
CPU Ratio Setting : 9.5
FSB Frequency : 425
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 110

DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1133MHz
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 18
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 42
Write Recovery Time : 6
Read to Precharge Time : 3

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : Auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : Auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Enabled
-Boost Level 0

CPU Voltage : 1.43750
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.58
North Bridge Voltage : 1.57
DRAM Voltage : 2.12
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.52
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63x
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU Volt
Voltiminder LED : Enabled

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

[Underwater Mike]

So, would the TRUE 120 fit with the HR-05/SLI? As I said, I hate to waste the stock gizmo, but if I'll get measurably better results with TR blocks, I'll do that. As far as the SB, I have a couple Zalman NB-47J laying around. That should be more than sufficient for the task, especially with the case I'm getting.

BTW, thanks for all the help. This thread has nearly moved me from getting the DFI board...


YES, if you plan to OC or have less then good indoor cooling. Changing out for at least AS5 helps a tad, but not too much. But if anything, it's ready when you get the right coolers. I use the Noctua NC-06 with 80x15mm and it is great, but the ThermalRight HR-05/SLI is cool too. I would however drop a simple SB cooler just to help. I know people say you dont need it but the SB can perform smoother in SATA rAID if kept cool under a high OC and added voltage. I use 1.10 @ 480FSB and it keeps it nice and cool with Enzotek copper sink.

The great thing unlike the previous ROG series, is the NB/SB pipes come off seperate then the Mosfets so you can change little at a time or just leave the ASUS mosfet coolers if replacing pad with ThermalRight paste or AS5. Do keep the parts as you will need them for an RMA or return. They dont care that they got removed, just make sure you put them back for return.

[etoel]

Hi all, new to this thread and just finished reading all 79 pages :) Lots of great info, thanks everyone!
I just got my board and a QX6850, I only saw 2 people posting about this CPU and no settings. Seems like everyone is using either Q6600 or E8400 in here^^ The original post contains a lot of templates I could start from, but if anyone got a QX6850 @ around 3.6 for 24/7 I would be grateful for the settings. I'm new to the CPU also.
Was a lot of pages, but enjoyed the reading - thanks again (and Nucking Futs, I smile every time I see your nick^^)

[tiesum]

Hi Guys,

I'm running my E8400 at 4050 MHz now and it's almost stable. The problem is that about one in five times the system hangs at DET RAM. When it does boot to windows there is no problem and it's orthos and OCCT-stable for 12 hours. Can u guys help me with the last bit of tweaking? I'm running this now:

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 450
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1081
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Auto
CAS# Latency :
RAS# to CAS# Delay :
RAS# Precharge :
RAS# ActivateTime :
RAS# to RAS# Delay :
Row Refresh Cycle Time :
Write Recovery Time :
Read to Precharge Time :

Read to Write Delay (S/D) :
Write to Read Delay (S) :
Write to Read Delay (D) :
Read to Read Delay (S) :
Read to Read Delay (D) :
Write to Write Delay (S) :
Write to Write Delay (D) :
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister : Auto
Transaction Booster : Disabled
Relax Lvl: 1

CPU Voltage : 1.375
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.50
North Bridge Voltage : 1.55
DRAM Voltage : 2.20
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.22
South Bridge Voltage : 1.05
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.50

NB LED Selection : FSBT Volt
SB LED Selection : SB 1.5 Volt
CPU LED Selection : PLL VOlt
Voltiminder LED : Enabled

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
Ratio CMOS Setting : 9.0
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w24/tiesum/CPU-Z.jpg

[Durkadurka]

Hi Guys,

I'm running my E8400 at 4050 MHz now and it's almost stable. The problem is that about one in five times the system hangs at DET RAM. When it does boot to windows there is no problem and it's orthos and OCCT-stable for 12 hours. Can u guys help me with the last bit of tweaking? I'm running this now:

North Bridge Voltage : 1.55
DRAM Voltage : 2.20
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.22


2.20 on your RAM might be a little too high (The board overvolts).
I would try 2.12 or 2.14
Also, your FSBt looks way too low, try it from 1.40 and see if it makes any difference

[tiesum]

edit

[xgman]

2.20 on your RAM might be a little too high (The board overvolts).
I would try 2.12 or 2.14

I've been running 4x1gb of ballistix at 2.4v set in bios with fan over the ram. No detram messages. Somehow I think that 4gb may need a bit more voltage set in bios than 2gb does?

[Durkadurka]

Yeah I dont think the high volt would cause DETRAM, but many people have reported killing their Ballistix with high voltage on this MB.

I run 4 sticks at 2.12v set in BIOS for 2.22v measured, and it's stable as far as I can tell.

[icecpu]

Can someone help me get pass 455 fsb stable.
I getting the massage " Display Driver stopped working and has recover" when I plays game . At 455 fsb I has no problem. I want 465 fsb at least but game freeze and getting the display driver message

I had tried everything but same result, maybe I'm missing something? here is my current stable setting


Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 455
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 105
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1093
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : AUTO
Row Refresh Cycle Time : AUTO
Write Recovery Time : AUTO
Read to Precharge Time : AUTO

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : AUTO
Write to Read Delay (S) : AUTO
Write to Read Delay (D) : AUTO
Read to Read Delay (S) : AUTO
Read to Read Delay (D) : AUTO
Write to Write Delay (S) : AUTO
Write to Write Delay (D) : AUTO
DRAM Static Read Control: Disable
Ai Clock Twister : Auto
Transaction Booster : disabled
Relax level: 1

CPU Voltage : 1.393
CPU PLL Voltage : AUTO
North Bridge Voltage : 1.61
DRAM Voltage : 2.20
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.54
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63X
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67X
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

[Ric2L]

I am going to guess you arent getting any post beeps either :-) I would test your power supply before you test the mobo.. the motherboard "was" working as intended. changing out from the 4pin to the 8pin wouldnt do anything except give you more reliable and stable voltages to the cpu. If there is a retailer near you I would have them take your powersupply and test it see if you are getting 12v +- maximum of .3 volts outta it. if its showing like 11.6v or under I would replace it.

Also I know these situations are very rare and I almost never use one but I always ask.. you didnt shock your board did you ? ESD does still kill computer parts nowadays .. its hard to do but "can" happen.

If you bought your board from a local retailer I would just take it with you and test your psu and if your psu tests fine then exchange the board. if you bought it online I would test the PSU before RMAing to asus or wherever you bought it from.

Hope this helps some. Not posting anything can be a series of things from bad ram to a bad harddrive.

When trouble shooting always make sure you have 1 stick of ram in and you dont have anything else connected to the motherboard besides your vid card and CPU. Then swap out sticks of ram till you post if you dont post you know its not your ram and its either the CPU board or PSU... and if you are like most of us computer geeks you have a el cheapo celeron that works laying around that you can pop in. then you can determine if the CPU is dead or not.
Now you ahve narrowed it down to teh board or PSU. So then you have a little powersupply tester on hand to check your voltages. Or if you have a voltmeter you can use one of those too just need to check the power and ground. You get my drift I wont write anymore of a book for ya :-)


Also take out the cmos battery for 30minutes to an hour.



I hooked up another power supply that I had lying around (only 300w) to the 12v mobo connector to see if it would light up the led's for cpu. comp came on all fans spun up but no cpu led. however the comp did not try to restart itself over & over like before, so I unhooked the 12v cable from 300w ps restarted, had the same thing, all fans would come on and stay on until I manually shut it down. Then I hooked the the 12v cable from my 610w that was still in the case back up & computer started right up!!! all leds were lit and green even the one for the cpu. So I hooked the monitor & keyboard back up to see if windows would run & it came up with no problems!!! restarted again, went into bios, set ram timings & voltages, set boot sequence to boot from dvdrom saved settings, put memtest86+ cd in, restarted, memtes started to run, got to 26% on test 3 with 0 errors, & it hung there for 10 mins. had no keyboard functions or anything, so I removed cd, hit reset, comp came back up got into windows decided to try memtest again, shut comp down & when I restarted, nothing???, same as before no cpu led, comp just kept trying to restart hung on CPU INIT!!!!!!

Think its time to RMA???

when I was in bios went to hardware monitor & it showed 11.98v @ the 12v connector?

I'm stumped, think maybe something is shorting the board, but I've unhooked everything & tried them 1 at a time, same prob over & over.

any more ideas??

I keep you posted as to progress, if I get any further.

Rick

[xgman]

Yeah I dont think the high volt would cause DETRAM, but many people have reported killing their Ballistix with high voltage on this MB.

I run 4 sticks at 2.12v set in BIOS for 2.22v measured, and it's stable as far as I can tell.

Has anyone actually done a multimeter vdimm test on this board to see if the board is really overvolting ram as reported in bios?

[Robin77]

I would remove and re seat them with after market cooling. The heat pipe leading to the SB actually makes your SB chip run hotter than it would due to the extra heat the NB is send down the pipe. I don't even have anything on my SB since I removed the stock and it lowered the temps 8 deg not being connected to the NB.

Also my NB ran 52-55 stock and I couldn't clock the CPU past 3.2 since I couldn't run stable voltage, now that I water cool my NB is runs an idle 29 and loaded 44 roughly.

EDIT: if my NB ran idle at 66 I would have RMA'd it :)

Why? You'd only get to hear that this temps within the official max loaded temp of 92 C (for proof just search Intel thermal design spec from X38: http://download.intel.com/design/chipsets/designex/31761201.pdf).

;)

[0ut0fstep]

So im looking at everyone's cpu-z CPU voltage to the board setting they have....

Why am I getting such a wide spread difference. for ex: when I have cpu voltage set to 1.36 I get 1.32 in cpu-z when I have it set to 1.5 I get 1.44 its always a difference of .06.... I know I can compensate for it but is anyone else having the same issue?

[[timko]]

So im looking at everyone's cpu-z CPU voltage to the board setting they have....

Why am I getting such a wide spread difference. for ex: when I have cpu voltage set to 1.36 I get 1.32 in cpu-z when I have it set to 1.5 I get 1.44 its always a difference of .06.... I know I can compensate for it but is anyone else having the same issue?

On mine if I have "Loadline calibration" enabled the difference between BIOS setting and CPU loaded CPUz reading is about 0.01v. Disable and "Loadline calibration" and the difference is just under 0.1v!

[Grnfinger]

Hi Guys,

I'm running my E8400 at 4050 MHz now and it's almost stable. The problem is that about one in five times the system hangs at DET RAM. When it does boot to windows there is no problem and it's orthos and OCCT-stable for 12 hours. Can u guys help me with the last bit of tweaking? I'm running this now:

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 450
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1081
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Auto
CAS# Latency :
RAS# to CAS# Delay :
RAS# Precharge :
RAS# ActivateTime :
RAS# to RAS# Delay :
Row Refresh Cycle Time :
Write Recovery Time :
Read to Precharge Time :

Read to Write Delay (S/D) :
Write to Read Delay (S) :
Write to Read Delay (D) :
Read to Read Delay (S) :
Read to Read Delay (D) :
Write to Write Delay (S) :
Write to Write Delay (D) :
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister : Auto
Transaction Booster : Disabled
Relax Lvl: 1

CPU Voltage : 1.375
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.50
North Bridge Voltage : 1.55
DRAM Voltage : 2.20
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.22
South Bridge Voltage : 1.05
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : Auto
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : Auto
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.50

NB LED Selection : FSBT Volt
SB LED Selection : SB 1.5 Volt
CPU LED Selection : PLL VOlt
Voltiminder LED : Enabled

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
Ratio CMOS Setting : 9.0
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w24/tiesum/CPU-Z.jpg

I had the random det ram hang alot, once I set my ram sub timming it went away, I would try that for starts.
Also your FSBT is kinda low, try 1.40, and you have alot of volts going into your NB for only 2GB of ram is ther a reason for that?
I would think 1.49 for NB should be ok if it will run stable



Can someone help me get pass 455 fsb stable.
I getting the massage " Display Driver stopped working and has recover" when I plays game . At 455 fsb I has no problem. I want 465 fsb at least but game freeze and getting the display driver message

I had tried everything but same result, maybe I'm missing something?

This is my 4.3GHz setting its 15hours prime stable, maybe it will help you.

Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 478
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1147
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 42
Write Recovery Time : 6
Read to Precharge Time : 3

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : 8
Write to Read Delay (S) : 3
Write to Read Delay (D) : 5
Read to Read Delay (S) : 4
Read to Read Delay (D) : 6
Write to Write Delay (S) : 4
Write to Write Delay (D) : 6
DRAM Static Read Control: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Disabled
RELAX LEVEL:0

CPU Voltage : 1.38
CPU PLL Voltage : AUTO
North Bridge Voltage : 1.49
DRAM Voltage : 2.16
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.40
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63X
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67X
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

[cuke2u]

Hi, 1004 http://rapidshare.com/files/97294391/MAXIMUS-ASUS-Formula-1004.rom.html anyone care to risk it and give it a try?
Chris

[Grnfinger]

I'm game

[xgman]

I hope it fixes the problem with the 9650's and 1001-1003 bioses.

[Grnfinger]

So far it seems that 1004 is a MAJOR improvement for Wolfdales.
It booted right up with my 907 settings with no iisues unlike 1003, gone is the slow sluggish feel of 1003.
Row Refresh Cycle Time is changed abit I no longer have a 42 option.
Ram is liking this bios alot.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/Grnfinger/1004_1147_4300.png

Going to run a few benches and give it a run on Fall of Liberty ans see how it performs.

[iadstudio]

So far it seems that 1004 is a MAJOR improvement for Wolfdales.


1004?:shrug: Where did you find that?

Edit::doh:

[xgman]

So far it seems that 1004 is a MAJOR improvement for Wolfdales.
It booted right up with my 907 settings with no iisues unlike 1003, gone is the slow sluggish feel of 1003.
Row Refresh Cycle Time is changed abit I no longer have a 42 option.
Ram is liking this bios alot.


Going to run a few benches and give it a run on Fall of Liberty ans see how it performs.


Sounds good, I'll try it tonight.

[xgman]

1004?:shrug: Where did you find that?

uh, look 4 posts up from yours . . . . :yepp:

[theonlybabyface]

So far it seems that 1004 is a MAJOR improvement for Wolfdales.
It booted right up with my 907 settings with no iisues unlike 1003, gone is the slow sluggish feel of 1003.
Row Refresh Cycle Time is changed abit I no longer have a 42 option.
Ram is liking this bios alot.

Interesting. What Row Refresh Cycle Time's are available and can you select them in single increments?

[Grnfinger]

So far I am very pleased with this new bios
A big thanks to cuke2u:up:


Interesting. What Row Refresh Cycle Time's are available and can you select them in single increments?

There is auto/20/25/30/35/40/45/50/55/60/65/70/80/85/105/132

[theonlybabyface]

Thanks...so same as 1003. Too bad as being able to select in single increments would be just perfect.

[eSp!s0]

no bugs or problems found?

[Grnfinger]

no bugs or problems found?

So far its 100%, trying to find something I dont like and I cant.
going to test dividers in a few mins when 3dmark is done

[Darkstormz]

ne1 got a SLIC version of this 1004 bios ?

[eSp!s0]

So far its 100%, trying to find something I dont like and I cant.
going to test dividers in a few mins when 3dmark is done

Yes, do that :)

Just flashed bios and 2x2GB Redlines are running the 1000Mh now because of TRFC (set to 55), TRFC was the big problem of the board/ram.

[ericab]

flashed the 1004 bios an hour ago, and now am back to 907.

1004 didnt work at all for me.
after the successful flash, i rebooted, and reloaded my saved profile. all the options were skewed; so i went through every menu, and set it back to where they should be. saved it, rebooted, and everytime, no matter what, the lcd poster said, CMOS error. went back into bios finally, and loaded setup defaults, rebooted, and still cmos error. i could tell the bios had updated properly, because i had the extra tRFC options........

.......bottom line: 1004 doesnt work for me.

1003 did buuutttttt....

still stickin' with 907 for a while :/

cmon asus! give us some love.