Asus Striker II Extreme: Corruption/Freezes Troubleshooting Thread

[gunslinger690]

If I recall correctly, CPUz cannot read the voltage on the Striker II Extreme, and even if it could it cannot be used as a reference at all, since software measurements are inaccurate, usually way off.

If you have a DMM ( Digital MultiMeter ) then you should check up your Vcore with it.
If you need guidance, let me know :)

p.s. And no, if you have the LoadLine Calibration option set to Enabled, there's nearly no Vdroop at all.

No I don't have a DMM. If I understand you right I shoud have LLC enabled? And thanks for the reply. :eek:

[BenchZowner]

No I don't have a DMM. If I understand you right I shoud have LLC enabled? And thanks for the reply. :eek:

Yes, if you don't want to have any Vdroop set LLC to enabled.

[tcex]

Hi guys, been facing issues with my striker II extreme and was wondering if anyone could help me out

everest memory and 3dmark seem to perform much better at 1600fsb linked and synced with RAM, but immediately at 1601 and above it will just drop like 3k points off everest and 5k points off 3dmark, really strange

even if i leave the ram unlinked at 1600 and increase the cpu to 1601 and above it will still spark the drop

from that point onwards, any increases to clock speed will only yield performance boosts from the dropped point onwards

anyone know why it would do this?

running : asus striker ii extreme
intel q9550 quad-core
kingston hyperx ddr3-1800 4 X 1GB

thanks in advance!

[Bobly]

Hi guys, been facing issues with my striker II extreme and was wondering if anyone could help me out

everest memory and 3dmark seem to perform much better at 1600fsb linked and synced with RAM, but immediately at 1601 and above it will just drop like 3k points off everest and 5k points off 3dmark, really strange

even if i leave the ram unlinked at 1600 and increase the cpu to 1601 and above it will still spark the drop

from that point onwards, any increases to clock speed will only yield performance boosts from the dropped point onwards

anyone know why it would do this?

running : asus striker ii extreme
intel q9550 quad-core
kingston hyperx ddr3-1800 4 X 1GB

thanks in advance!

Hey Tcex I don't mean to divert from your question but could you post your BIOS settings with which you are able to reach 1600Mhz stable on both FSB and Ram? I'm stable at 3.2Ghz with the same setup but I'm having a hard time reaching 1600Mhz and having to pump pretty high voltages (Core 1.425, NB 1.6, testing now with quad running at ~69C and NB ~61C under load, btw those are in Bios, CPU-Z returned Vcore as something along 1.376 if I remember correctly).

Edit: IBT failed >.<

[tcex]

Hey Tcex I don't mean to divert from your question but could you post your BIOS settings with which you are able to reach 1600Mhz stable on both FSB and Ram? I'm stable at 3.2Ghz with the same setup but I'm having a hard time reaching 1600Mhz and having to pump pretty high voltages (Core 1.425, NB 1.6, testing now with quad running at ~69C and NB ~61C under load, btw those are in Bios, CPU-Z returned Vcore as something along 1.376 if I remember correctly).

Edit: IBT failed >.<

hi Bobly, mostly on auto voltages now as i try to figure out whats wrong with the post-1600fsb range, but do have ram set to 1.9

core and nb voltages iirc are nowhere near as high as 1.425 and 1.6, thats really odd and makes me think that it isnt voltage pumping that is the problem with yours atm

what happens as you near 1600? no POST?

[Bobly]

Posting is hardly ever an issue, just can't get linpack stable :/ Auto works until 3Ghz (1400), 3.2Ghz (1505) requires some tweaking (namely NB 1.54 if I remember right), 3.4Ghz I haven't managed to get stable yet :/

[tcex]

may be due to RAM timings, but im only guessing here

the difference is that you're running 1600 RAMs, have you tried loosening the timings?

[Bobly]

Ram is set to stock value according to Corsair :/ The ram is fine with the same settings at CPU stock speed, ideally I'd like to be able to get the CPU to about 3.2-3.6 without having to loose out on the RAM.
My guess is VTT/PLL need fine tuning but I have no idea what to set them to >.< Trying to highest value in the BIOS before it goes from green to yellow to see how that goes :/ (PLL 1.6, VTT 1.3)

[turbosnake]

I was in the same boat with this Board (ASUS S2E) Finally gave up and returned it. Bought an EVGA FTW 790i Digital PWM and never looked back. Took qx9650 to 4ghz in about 30 seconds on air with no bump in any voltage settings except memory voltage change as default was not right setting for patriot ram.

First run at 3dmark06 was over 21000 also.

[vtss120204]

Hi,can anyone understand this problem,I have a Striker 2 Extreme,2x GTX280 SLI,Q9550 cpu and 4GB corsair ram,motherboard is watercooled so no heat problems.

The problem is,when I enable SLI in the Nvidia control panel,I get constant lockups while at the desktop,never while gaming though,I can play Crysis for 4 hours straight with SLI enabled and it never locks,it's only while browsing the net with opera,or encoding a movie with ConvertXtoDvd 3 or similar programs,will the pc lock,I don't get the blue screen,I get the hour glass thing and eventually it will just lock,having to cold boot it with the reset button.

Here is the rediculas part,the bit I can't understand,this problem only happens when I have SLI enabled at high resolutions,if I enable SLI at 1920x1080 and start browsing the net or encode a movie,the pc will lock within an hour or less,but if I put the resolution back to 1280x270 and set SLI,the pc is totally stable,never locks,I can run it for months at 1280x720 with SLI enabled and it never locks up,it's only when I run the pc at 1920x1080 with SLI enabled will it lockup all the time.

The only difference I can see with the cards,is when I have SLI enabled at 1280x720,Everest says both cards are running at 300mhz idle speeds,and when I have 1920x1080 running with SLI Everest says both cards are running at 400mhz each,so the cards go up an extra 100mhz each running SLI at higher res,not sure if that is the cause,I even upgraded my 1000w PSU to the Corsair HX-1000W thinking I might of been under powered,but it didn't help at all.

I don't think the motherboard is faulty because this is my second Striker 2 Extreme and they have both had the same problem,I have ruled out it being a heat problem because with the water cooling,the NB sits at around 24c and never goes over 30c,the SB sits around 45c and the cpu never goes over 50c under full load,that's with the cpu overclocked at 3.8ghz.

This problem happens with the cpu at stocks speeds and when it's overclocked,doesn't seem to make any difference,the cpu is stable at 3.8ghz because I can run prime95 for over 9 hours on blend and get no errors,and I ran that IntelBurnTest 20 times and passed all tests.

It is a really anoying problem,how I can have a perfectly stable SLI system at 1280x720,and as soon as I try the res up to 1920x1080 with SLI I get constant locking,really doesn't make any sense.
Does anyone have any advice that might help me sought this problem out.

Currently my bios specs are

Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Corsair HX-1000W
CPU = Q9550
RAM = 4GB DDR3 Corsair TW3X4G1800C8DF PC-14400 (1800MHz) 8-8-8-24
HDD = 2x WD 1TB and 300GB WDRaptor
VGA1 = XFX 280GTX Extreme 1gig
VGA2 = XFX 280GTX Extreme 1gig
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Onboard
NorthBridge Cooling = watercooled
SouthBridge Cooling = watercooled
Mesfets both watercooled
CPU Cooling = watercooled
RAM Cooling = Corsair cooler
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 180.48
Sound Card Drivers Version = ASUS site ones.
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED - Currently using 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Synch
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1800
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1800
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 8
tRCD = 8
tRP = 8
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = auto
tRC = auto
tWR = auto
tWTR = auto
tFAW = auto
tRD = auto
tRTP = auto
tRFC = auto
tREF = auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.46V
Loadline Calibration = disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = auto
CPU VTT Voltage = auto
Memory Voltage = 1.84V
NB Core Voltage = 1.60V
SB Core Voltage = 1.60V
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum = auto
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = auto
SATA Spread Spectrum = auto
LDT Spread Spectrum = auto

[AtlRich]

Hi,can anyone understand this problem,I have a Striker 2 Extreme,2x GTX280 SLI,Q9550 cpu and 4GB corsair ram,motherboard is watercooled so no heat problems.

The problem is,when I enable SLI in the Nvidia control panel,I get constant lockups while at the desktop,never while gaming though,I can play Crysis for 4 hours straight with SLI enabled and it never locks,it's only while browsing the net with opera,or encoding a movie with ConvertXtoDvd 3 or similar programs,will the pc lock,I don't get the blue screen,I get the hour glass thing and eventually it will just lock,having to cold boot it with the reset button.

Here is the rediculas part,the bit I can't understand,this problem only happens when I have SLI enabled at high resolutions,if I enable SLI at 1920x1080 and start browsing the net or encode a movie,the pc will lock within an hour or less,but if I put the resolution back to 1280x270 and set SLI,the pc is totally stable,never locks,I can run it for months at 1280x720 with SLI enabled and it never locks up,it's only when I run the pc at 1920x1080 with SLI enabled will it lockup all the time.

The only difference I can see with the cards,is when I have SLI enabled at 1280x720,Everest says both cards are running at 300mhz idle speeds,and when I have 1920x1080 running with SLI Everest says both cards are running at 400mhz each,so the cards go up an extra 100mhz each running SLI at higher res,not sure if that is the cause,I even upgraded my 1000w PSU to the Corsair HX-1000W thinking I might of been under powered,but it didn't help at all.

I don't think the motherboard is faulty because this is my second Striker 2 Extreme and they have both had the same problem,I have ruled out it being a heat problem because with the water cooling,the NB sits at around 24c and never goes over 30c,the SB sits around 45c and the cpu never goes over 50c under full load,that's with the cpu overclocked at 3.8ghz.

This problem happens with the cpu at stocks speeds and when it's overclocked,doesn't seem to make any difference,the cpu is stable at 3.8ghz because I can run prime95 for over 9 hours on blend and get no errors,and I ran that IntelBurnTest 20 times and passed all tests.

It is a really anoying problem,how I can have a perfectly stable SLI system at 1280x720,and as soon as I try the res up to 1920x1080 with SLI I get constant locking,really doesn't make any sense.
Does anyone have any advice that might help me sought this problem out.

Currently my bios specs are

Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Corsair HX-1000W
CPU = Q9550
RAM = 4GB DDR3 Corsair TW3X4G1800C8DF PC-14400 (1800MHz) 8-8-8-24
HDD = 2x WD 1TB and 300GB WDRaptor
VGA1 = XFX 280GTX Extreme 1gig
VGA2 = XFX 280GTX Extreme 1gig
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Onboard
NorthBridge Cooling = watercooled
SouthBridge Cooling = watercooled
Mesfets both watercooled
CPU Cooling = watercooled
RAM Cooling = Corsair cooler
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 180.48
Sound Card Drivers Version = ASUS site ones.
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED - Currently using 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Synch
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1800
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1800
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 8
tRCD = 8
tRP = 8
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = auto
tRC = auto
tWR = auto
tWTR = auto
tFAW = auto
tRD = auto
tRTP = auto
tRFC = auto
tREF = auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.46V
Loadline Calibration = disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = auto
CPU VTT Voltage = auto
Memory Voltage = 1.84V
NB Core Voltage = 1.60V
SB Core Voltage = 1.60V
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum = auto
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = auto
SATA Spread Spectrum = auto
LDT Spread Spectrum = auto

Try increasing your two PCIE Bus Slot's the cards are plugged into from 100 to 110. Should cure the problem

[vtss120204]

Try increasing your two PCIE Bus Slot's the cards are plugged into from 100 to 110. Should cure the problem

Thanks for the reply AtlRich,I have just set the PCIE Bus Slot's in the bios to 110,you know I never thought to change the PCIE Bus,but now I think about it the cards are plugged into those slots,so that would have a lot to do with things.

I'll test it for a day or so and see if it freezes anymore,amazing how something as simple as this can cause absolute nightmares with freezing.

I'll let you know how I go.
Thanks

[vtss120204]

Hi AtlRich,I tried that setting all day today and have had windows freeze 4 times so far running SLI at 1920x1080,I even put the PCIE Bus Slot's up to 115 to see if it helped,but it still froze,I wasn't sure how high I can go with the PCIE Bus Slot's so for the time being I have set the resolution back to 1280x720 which is stable.

I wanted to ask you what's the highest I can go with PCIE Bus Slot's before I start doing damage,should I set it to 120 or higher,this problem is so frustrating,I mean when I had it running at 1920x1080 with SLI enabled today,I could play a game as much as I liked,I played that new tomb raider game for about 3 hours,but soon as I go back to the desktop and start browsing the web with opera and have a movie encoding,the pc freezes.

Basically if I want to have the pc running at 1920x1080 with SLI,I have to enable SLI when I want to play a game,and disable SLI when I finish playing the game,1280x720 doesn't have these problems,very strange.

Do you think I should keep upping the PCIE Bus Slot's.

[BenchZowner]

Raising the PCI Express BUS Frequency will only "harm" your system's stability than enhance it.
Especially on the nF790i chipset those have been serious troublemakers.
Set them back to 100MHz.

I will more than likely check your configuration and give you a new configuration to try out later on today.

[vtss120204]

Yeah it was worth a try though,I have been fighting this problem for about 6 months now and I am willing to try anything at this point,but I will go and set them back to 100,thanks BenchZowner that would be great if you could work out a new configuration.

I am at a loss what to do with the bios setting,because I have the cpu at 3.8ghz 9 hours prime95 stable and the IntelBurnTest stable aswell,so there must be some sought of bios settings conflicting with the 2 graphics cards.

[kullymontana]

Is there a problem getting the qx9650 to 4ghz on this board at lower voltages ive tryed 1.475 vcore 1600fsb linked and synced with 4gig corsair memory 1600 cl7 just cant get it stable at that vcore wants more,i have a qx9650 chip.

[BenchZowner]

Is there a problem getting the qx9650 to 4ghz on this board at lower voltages ive tryed 1.475 vcore 1600fsb linked and synced with 4gig corsair memory 1600 cl7 just cant get it stable at that vcore wants more,i have a qx9650 chip.

Not really.
The voltage requirement depends on the CPU itself.

Do you have the Load-Line Calibration option enabled ?

[kullymontana]

No i got it disabled i really have had a lot of problems with getting this chip at 4ghz on this board stable it just needs to much vcore.I have had LLC enabled before at 1.4375 and it still failed prime95 in pcprobe vcore was showing 1.49 and in cpuz 1.48.Now im using bios 1202 which i have no freeze issues at all on 1600fsb.

[BenchZowner]

No i got it disabled i really have had a lot of problems with getting this chip at 4ghz on this board stable it just needs to much vcore.I have had LLC enabled before at 1.4375 and it still failed prime95 in pcprobe vcore was showing 1.49 and in cpuz 1.48.Now im using bios 1202 which i have no freeze issues at all on 1600fsb.

With LLC disabled and the CPU Voltage setting set to 1.475V you're supplying the CPU with approx. 1.42V in full load, and that might not be good enough for stable operation of your CPU.
The minimum voltage required to maintain stability at 4GHz varies from CPU to CPU, and depending on your luck ( or lack thereof ) you might get a decent chip and deal with 4GHz at a very low voltage, or get a bad chip and have to punch 1.45V+ at it for 4GHz.

If your system becomes fully stable just by changing ( raising ) the CPU Voltage setting in the BIOS then your CPU needs more voltage.
If raising the CPU voltage only doesn't help, then you're either having instability due to FSB or due to a non-working "Memory Divider", or your RAM isn't stable with your current settings.

[kullymontana]

These are the settings for 3.8ghz i ran prime95 for 16hrs was stable no crash of any cores.
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o41/kullymontana/04122008106.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o41/kullymontana/04122008107.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o41/kullymontana/04122008109.jpg
But 4ghz wants way to much vcore for some reason i have read everywhere else this chip should easliy do 4ghz at low vcore.Could it be the board i just am confused abit any recomendations for me to try out will be most helpfull ask u BenchZoner.
90165

[nippon133]

Required System Specifications
PSU = be quiet! Straight Power 700W (E6)
CPU = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz
RAM = (2x2GB) OCZ Platinum PC3-12800 / 1600MHz (7-7-7-20)
HDD = WDC WD3000HLFS-01G6U
VGA1 = EVGA GeForce GTX 280
VGA2 ( if you have ) =
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Creative SB X-Fi Fatal1ty Edition
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock (fan mounted on case window blowing towards NB)
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = Noctua NH-C12P
RAM Cooling = Stock
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23_nforce_winvista64_international_whql
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 180.48_geforce_winvista_64bit_international_whql
Sound Card Drivers Version = 6.0.1.1304
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED - BIOS version is 1104


BIOS Settings

Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333 (Actual FSB 1333.3)
MEM (DDR) MHz = Auto (Actual MEM 1333.3)
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = Auto (Current 7)
tRCD = Auto (Current 7)
tRP = Auto (Current 7)
tRAS = Auto (Current 20)
Command Per Clock (CMD) = Auto (Current 1T)
tRRD = Auto (Current 4)
tRC = Auto (Current 28)
tWR = Auto (Current 12)
tWTR = Auto (Current 16)
tFAW = Auto (Current 17)
tRD = Auto (Current 9)
tRTP = Auto (Current 5)
tRFC = Auto (Current 60)
tREF = Auto (Current 7.8uS)

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto (1.28V)
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto (1.50V)
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto (1.10V)
Memory Voltage = Auto (1.63V)
NB Core Voltage = Auto (1.31V)
SB Core Voltage = Auto (1.48V)
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description
I have random freezes (even during BIOS setup!). I have tried many, many settings without satisfying results (system still freezes randomly).

System was quite stable on Full Auto Settings (Load Default Settings option).

Above settings are based on BIOS Default Settings (only settings marked red in Template.txt were changed)... I just checked them and... another freeze :(.

Please save my sanity!

[Bobly]

I hate to just pile on another issue but this has me confused, details at the bottom:


Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Zalman ZM-HP1000
CPU = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
RAM = 1x2GB Corsair DHX XMS3 7-7-7-20 1600MHz DDR3 1.9V (Other module is faulty and out of the system awaiting RMA)
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = Western Digital 300GB Velociraptor 10,000rpm
VGA1 = EVGA GTX 280 w/ EK-FC280 Water block
VGA2 ( if you have ) = n/a
VGA3 ( if you have ) = n/a
SPU ( Sound Card ) = SupremeFXII
NorthBridge Cooling = 40mm Fan placed on the VGA backplate blowing at the NB.
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = D-Tek Fuzion V2
RAM Cooling = 120mm Zalman ZM-F3 aimed towards the Corsair XMS3 heatsinks.
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = Still looking for this one though it's been put up to date unless a new one come out within the last month...
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 7.15.0011.7813 (DxDiag)
Sound Card Drivers Version = 6.10.0002.6480 (DxDiag)
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED - BIOS Version : 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1866.7
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = Auto (2T)
tRRD = Auto (5)
tRC = Auto (40)
tWR = Auto (12)
tWTR = Auto (18)
tFAW = Auto (25)
tRD = Auto (9)
tRTP = Auto (6)
tRFC = Auto (72)
tREF = Auto (7.8uS)

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.40000V
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = 1.9V
NB Core Voltage = 1.5V
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled - Auto, it doesn't get above 65C, I'd rather keep this enabled in case of water cooling failure.
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description
I was able to Prime my system for 12-14h twice as well as use it without any weird lock-ups, however if I'm sometimes away, the screen goes black as it should under power saving features but moving the mouse or pressing anything on the keyboard does not wake it up, the only solution is to use the buttons on the front of the case. Now this could happen while it's idle, or while it's Priming over night. As far as I can tell this doesn't ALWAYS happen either, which is what has got me confused...
Any ideas? Need anymore information?
Vista Ultimate 64 btw :)

[kullymontana]

qx9650 at 1.49vcoe will i kill this chip at these settings seems i can only get 4ghz on this board at those high settings .
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) =Thermaltake ToughPower 1200W Modular Power Supply
CPU =qx9650
RAM =Corsair 4GB DDR3 DHX 1600C7DHX
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) =Hitachi Deskstar P7K500 500GB
VGA1 =Asus GeForce GTX 280 1024MB GDDR3
VGA2 ( if you have ) =Asus GeForce GTX 280 1024MB GDDR3
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) =
NorthBridge Cooling =Watercooled
SouthBridge Cooling =n/a
CPU Cooling =watercooled
RAM Cooling =n/a
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version =15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version =180.48
Sound Card Drivers Version =
BIOS version 1202
[b][color=blue]BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier =10
FSB - Memory Clock Mode =linked
FSB - Memory Ratio =sync
FSB (QDR) MHz =1600
MEM (DDR) MHz =1600
LDT Frequency =5
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 =enabled
P2 =enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) =7
tRCD =7
tRP =7
tRAS =20
Command Per Clock (CMD) =2t
tRRD =auto
tRC =auto
tWR =auto
tWTR =auto
tFAW =auto
tRD =auto
tRTP =auto
tRFC =auto
tREF =auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage =14250
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage =auto
CPU VTT Voltage =1.28
Memory Voltage =1.84
NB Core Voltage =1.48
SB Core Voltage =1.50
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio =-36
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio =-40
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio =-40
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio =-36
NB GTL REF Ratio =auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt =auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt =auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt =auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt =auto

CPU Configuration
[color=red]CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit =

Fails at these settings in prime95 pcprobe shows 1.49 vcore

[Deathspine]

I have read and found that increasing CPU VTT reduces the voltages needed for the CPU.:rolleyes:

[kullymontana]

I raised the vtt to 1.4 which is max as i hear anything over 1.4 i could fry my chip .I also took gtls up to -80,s still fails prime95.I am begining to think is this all worth the hassle and just keep it at 3.6ghz at reasonable voltages runs stable no freezing issues.I give up this chip is a lemon.4ghz was my goal would have been really nice but failure after failure my hands are up in the air.

[Deathspine]

I raised the vtt to 1.4 which is max as i hear anything over 1.4 i could fry my chip .I also took gtls up to -80,s still fails prime95.I am begining to think is this all worth the hassle and just keep it at 3.6ghz at reasonable voltages runs stable no freezing issues.I give up this chip is a lemon.4ghz was my goal would have been really nice but failure after failure my hands are up in the air.

Too much voltage? what is the CPU temperture, you might be OK at that voltage.

[vaikus]

Hi,
i have o problem clocking. Something in my system botlenecks my ability to get 4,2 GHz. Can anyone with striker ii extreme experience help me?

I need help in this.

I'v read that the E8500 E0 can do 4,2ghz on air no probs.
So i figured i should aim towards that.

My Motherboard has so many settings that i don't know where to start.

So far i'v read in forums that i need voltages for:

FSB and multiplier
Memory Mhz osmth like that.
vCore
vtt
pLL
Northbridge
Southbridge
GTL lanes 0,1,2,3
GTL Northbridge
Memory voltage
Advanced timing settings

I would be thankful for any help that makes me understand those settings.

System Specifications ( those settings i have for stock 3,16 Ghz - if i set the cpu voltage lower it'll crash in Crisys Warhead)

PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = CHIEFTEC PSU ATX 850W PFC,80+,CABL,MANAG CFT-850-14C
CPU = BX80570E8500 Intel E8500 E0 Wolfdale - ZALMAN SUPER THERMAL GREASE ZM-STG1 applyed
RAM = Corsair DDR3 2GB PC1333 (2x 1GB) TWIN3X2048-1333C9DHX 9-9-9-24 T2 1,6v
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = SEA BARRACUDA 7200,11 500GB SATA2 32MB ST3500320AS
VGA1 = XFX GTX 280 GX-280N-ZDF9 (stock cooler OCd with riva tuner 665/1452/1200mhz)

SPU ( Sound Card ) = Creative X-Fi SB X-FI TITANIUM - FATAL1TY PROFESSIONAL
NorthBridge Cooling = ZALMAN SUPER THERMAL GREASE ZM-STG1 applyed
SouthBridge Cooling = ZALMAN SUPER THERMAL GREASE ZM-STG1 applyed
CPU Cooling = Zalman CNPS 9700
RAM Cooling = Corsair Dominator Airflow Cooling Fan

Case: Antec P182b EU / NO PSU

nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 9.64
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 180.48
Sound Card Drivers Version = 6.0.1.1341
BIOS version 1002

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = x9,5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = N/A
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333,3
LDT Frequency = x5
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 9
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Auto
tRC = Auto
tWR = Auto
tWTR = Auto
tFAW = Auto
tRD = Auto
tRTP = Auto
tRFC = Auto
tREF = Auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.27500
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.50
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.12
Memory Voltage = 1.58
NB Core Voltage = 1,32
SB Core Voltage = 1,50
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio =auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio =auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio =auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Auto

---------------------------------
My stock 3,16 Ghz everest stats
--------------------------------
Sensor Properties:
Sensor Type IT8718F + W83791D + ADP3228 (ISA 290h, SMB 2Dh, SMB 20h)
GPU Sensor Type Analog Devices ADT7473, Volterra VT1165 (NV-I2C 2Eh, 70h)
Motherboard Name Asus Striker II Extreme / Formula / NSE
Chassis Intrusion Detected No

Temperatures:
Motherboard 39 °C (102 °F)
CPU 26 °C (79 °F)
CPU #1 / Core #1 41 °C (106 °F)
CPU #1 / Core #2 40 °C (104 °F)
SPP 46 °C (115 °F)
MCP 55 °C (131 °F)
GPU 45 °C (113 °F)
GPU Memory 37 °C (99 °F)
GPU Ambient 40 °C (104 °F)
GPU VRM 38 °C (100 °F)

Cooling Fans:
CPU 1248 RPM
Fan #1 1361 RPM
Fan #2 1350 RPM
Fan #3 1339 RPM
GPU 671 RPM (40%)

Voltage Values:
CPU Core 1.31 V
+3.3 V 3.31 V
+5 V 5.05 V
+12 V 12.16 V
+5 V Standby 5.03 V
VBAT Battery 3.25 V
CPU VTT 1.14 V
CPU PLL 1.54 V
North Bridge Core 1.36 V
South Bridge Core 1.50 V
HyperTransport 1.36 V
DIMM 1.63 V
DIMM VTT 0.80 V
GPU Vcc 3.28 V

Current Values:
CPU 13.07 A

Power Values:
CPU 14.70 W


Any good advice is welcome.

[BenchZowner]

Oh my gosh.
This thread will never come to and end ( so it seems ) :D
I'm starting to believe that I'll be 60 yrs old and this thread will still be active :p:

I'll try to get back to you guys ASAP ( need to finish a review first, sorry )

[kullymontana]

bechzowner plz help me hear i really need that 4ghz for 24/7 can u surgest any settings for me would most helpful to me .At 1.475 with loadline disabled i get 1.47 vcore at full load ant at idle its like 1.51vcore.The over voltage on hear is really crazy.Temps are 45-50 at full load with 1.49vcore deathspine the thing im worried about is peolpe saying i will kill this chip at those voltages anything over 1.45 max will kill 45nm chips.

[Cibic]

PSU = Thermaltake Toughpower 850W
CPU = Intel q6600 G0 VID 1.2625
RAM = Corsair XMS3 PC3-16000, 2000MHz CL9, 2x4GB DIMMS
HDD = Samsung PJ22-B 256 GB
VGA1 = XFX GTX 285
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Supreme FX
NorthBridge Cooling = EK NB/SB Asus I Acetal
SouthBridge Cooling = EK NB/SB 5 Acetal
CPU Cooling = IFX-14
RAM Cooling = Stock heatspreaders plus Corsair Dominator
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = v15.53
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = v263.09
Sound Card Drivers Version = Soundmax v6
BIOS version 1402 required

2 Fans on IFX-14 blowing towards PSU, one fan blowing inwards the case (in the front), one blowing in the side (ontop of VGA) and 2 more cooling the radiator.

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1900
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1900
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled (blanked out)

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 9
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 26
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = 1
tRC = 35
tWR = 10
tWTR = Auto
tFAW = 35
tRD = Auto
tRTP = Auto
tRFC = 120
tREF = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.48750 (actual 1.55)
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.64 (actual 1.65)
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.4 (actual 1.41)
Memory Voltage = 1.62 (actual 1.65)
NB Core Voltage = 1.58 (actual 1.60)
SB Core Voltage = 1.60
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Enhanced C state = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled

CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled (blanked out)
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled (blanked out)


Problem Description
Overclocking for a year now, this MB needs alot of patience. Managed to go to 3.6GHz, ram on stock (linked and synced have me 1:2, which is pretty good performance gain) but I used to get ramdom 0x000000124 crashes out of nowhere. Passing 40 linpack maximum with no prob, primes Blend and Gpu Caps Viewer (gpu burner, fur thingy) at the same time for 8 hours. Yesterday I was playing COD5 and after 2 hours it bsod me again, dagn I got one while writing this.

This was my problem, the above settings are of a stable q6600 at 3.8 GHz and ram at 1900MHz. Tested a week, 8 hours primed in blend and 2-3 times a day playing games. No crash whatsoever.

General guidelines:
Change the CPU and motherboard thermal pastes to ceramic, if you are clocking a lot, go liquid, especially on the motherboard. I thought I hit a wall at 3.4GHz, but that was just the Northbridge going hot.

Do yourself a favour and keep GTL REFs on auto.

More guiding here http://67.90.82.13/forums/showthread.php?t=202292&page=22 post 550 (scroll at the bottom)

I hope this helps you guys.

[nippon133]

Those random freezes drive me crazy.

BenchZowner you're a busy man but still I hope you'll eventually find some time to help me (and the other guys too).

You're my (ours?) last resort here.

Greetz.

[kruzn4evr]

....you guys are doing better than I am, I can't even get my system to boot anymore!...it just posts and keeps reposting but won't boot to vista (home prem. 64bit) all auto/default settings. I can get to bios (1104)and apply changes but nothing seems to help. I've had the board for 2 wks and it seemed to run fine at 1st and then all of a sudden it won't boot!

I don't have access to all the "required" info at the moment but I'm running a qx9650 wc'd, nb wc'd, 2x2gb corsair 1600, 2x gtx 280's wc'd in sli, thermaltake 1200w. I'm fairly certain the ram is fine but haven't been able to test it since this all started. I've tried everything I can think of, resetting cmos, 1 gpu, 1 stick of ram in different slots, tested psu, am I missing something here??.....If anyone has any suggestions on what I can try adjusting to get it to boot I would appreciate it. I never had this problem with the 780i wc'd board , it worked like a charm running stable at 3.8ghz 24/7!

Cheers :)

[nippon133]

@kruzn4evr


Maybe Vista installation just broke down?
Data corruption will eventually happen to everybody who experience many system freezes.
Have you checked if Vista installation is corrupted?

If not you can try this solution:

First you should run Vista in Safe Mode (link how to do this: http://bertk.mvps.org/html/safemodevista.html). If Vista will be able to boot in this mode you are lucky.
If Vista will fail to go into Safe Mode (loading certain module will fail) you will see an error (write it down!).
If yo can't even go to F8 menu this means something is very wrong with MB or even HDD (sentence: "it just posts and keeps reposting but won't boot to vista" suggest such problem).

If you are lucky and you were able to boot your computer in Safe Mode just follow this: http://itsvista.com/2007/02/itsvista-tip-36-how-to-make-the-vista-boot-screen-say-im-a-geek/ and during next boot (do not go to F8 menu now!) you should see what stopping Vista from loading (write down an error!).

If Vista is not showing F8 menu at all you need to boot a LiveCD system to check if everything is fine with your computer.

I recommend to boot one of the free Linux distros (with graphical user interface and NTFS support):

http://www.puppylinux.org/ - small yet powerful,
http://www.sysresccd.org/ - it has nice tools,
http://www.ubuntu.com/ - large ISO but great compatibility.

Of course you can boot any other distro if you like (there is plenty on the net). If distro will successfully boot this suggest computer is fine but the Vista installation (or HDD) is not.
My advice is: under one of above distros mount the system partition and check if you see all the files on it. This will allow you to make sure that everything is fine with your HDD.

Oh and just in case: if you don't know how to burn ISO to CD/DVD just ask Google or use ImgBurn (http://imgburn.com/) :p:.

If you will try some of above solutions please reply with results and we will try to figure out something to fix your Vista (if it is Vista installation problem).

And if this is Motherboard problem... nothing else I can do for you.


Good luck.

[Bobly]

*Bump*
Original message:
I hate to just pile on another issue but this has me confused, details at the bottom:


Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Zalman ZM-HP1000
CPU = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
RAM = 1x2GB Corsair DHX XMS3 7-7-7-20 1600MHz DDR3 1.9V (Other module is faulty and out of the system awaiting RMA)
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = Western Digital 300GB Velociraptor 10,000rpm
VGA1 = EVGA GTX 280 w/ EK-FC280 Water block
VGA2 ( if you have ) = n/a
VGA3 ( if you have ) = n/a
SPU ( Sound Card ) = SupremeFXII
NorthBridge Cooling = 40mm Fan placed on the VGA backplate blowing at the NB.
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = D-Tek Fuzion V2
RAM Cooling = 120mm Zalman ZM-F3 aimed towards the Corsair XMS3 heatsinks.
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = Still looking for this one though it's been put up to date unless a new one come out within the last month...
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 7.15.0011.7813 (DxDiag)
Sound Card Drivers Version = 6.10.0002.6480 (DxDiag)
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED - BIOS Version : 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1866.7
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = Auto (2T)
tRRD = Auto (5)
tRC = Auto (40)
tWR = Auto (12)
tWTR = Auto (18)
tFAW = Auto (25)
tRD = Auto (9)
tRTP = Auto (6)
tRFC = Auto (72)
tREF = Auto (7.8uS)

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.40000V
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = 1.9V
NB Core Voltage = 1.5V
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled - Auto, it doesn't get above 65C, I'd rather keep this enabled in case of water cooling failure.
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description
I was able to Prime my system for 12-14h twice as well as use it without any weird lock-ups, however if I'm sometimes away, the screen goes black as it should under power saving features but moving the mouse or pressing anything on the keyboard does not wake it up, the only solution is to use the buttons on the front of the case. Now this could happen while it's idle, or while it's Priming over night. As far as I can tell this doesn't ALWAYS happen either, which is what has got me confused...
Any ideas? Need anymore information?
Vista Ultimate 64 btw :)





*Bump*
Since posting this I've done some more testing and while it's Prime95 stable (36h on Blend mode, CPU core one reaches 60C max, the other 3 59C), it still has random freezes, both while idle or gaming, I'm really stumped as to what the issue is :/

[kullymontana]

People who are experiencing freezing lockups etc please flash your bios to 1202.All my freezing lockup issues have gone on my 1600fsb settings on all other bios,s it would freeze up or lockup and had to restart pc manually.Heres the link http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=894394&da=y

[Deathspine]

People who are experiencing freezing lockups etc please flash your bios to 1202.All my freezing lockup issues have gone on my 1600fsb settings on all other bios,s it would freeze up or lockup and had to restart pc manually.Heres the link http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=894394&da=y

:)Thanks for sharing that information, I have been using 1104 with success but once or twice a week it looks up in Windows, never when "stressed" i.e. gaming.:):)

[Cibic]

:)Thanks for sharing that information, I have been using 1104 with success but once or twice a week it looks up in Windows, never when "stressed" i.e. gaming.:):)

Sounds to me like you are 1 or 2 notches away from stability. Increase a bit your northbridge volts, make sure the gtl refs are correct on cpu and NB. It could even be overheating, ram maybe.

[Bobly]

If it's any help I've found that transferring 5-25GB+ from one HDD to another (usually e-SATA to e-SATA though also internal to e-SATA or USB) will greatly increase the chance of a random freeze (we're talking a 50/50 chance of it freezing on big file transfers).

[Cibic]

If it's any help I've found that transferring 5-25GB+ from one HDD to another (usually e-SATA to e-SATA though also internal to e-SATA or USB) will greatly increase the chance of a random freeze (we're talking a 50/50 chance of it freezing on big file transfers).

I had the same thing, means your ram's probably unstable.

[Bobly]

I'm out of the country for now but I'll give it a try when I get home :)

[Deathspine]

BenchZower taught me well :), now got this motherboard stable with a good overclock :up:
QX9650 Overclock @ 4.0
________________________________________
Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Corsair HX1000 ( 1000W )
CPU = Intel QX9650
RAM = OCZ DDR3-1600 Platinum Edition 4GB Kit ( OCZ3P20004GK )
HDD = Western VelociRaptors ( 300GB x2 Raid 0)
VGA1 = EVGA GeForce 280GTX 1GB
VGA2 = none
VGA3 = none
BFG Ageia PhyX card
SPU ( Sound Card ) = AuzenTech Auzen X-Fi Prelude
NorthBridge Cooling = Bitpower water block
SouthBridge Cooling = Bitpower water block
CPU Cooling = custom water cooled with Swiftech water block
RAM Cooling = OCZ Memory Cooler
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = nVIDIA nFORCE Drivers v15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = nVIDIA ForceWare v177.83
Sound Card Drivers Version = X-Fi Prelude RC7
BIOS version 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9.0
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Synch
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1800
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1800
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 125
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 18
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = 1
tRC = 28
tWR = 10
tWTR = auto 27
tFAW = auto 29
tRD = auto 9
tRTP = auto 7
tRFC = 72
tREF = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.36255V (actual 1.41)
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.60V
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.4V
Memory Voltage = 1.86V
NB Core Voltage = 1.54
SB Core Voltage = 1.55V
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = -36mv
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = -40mv
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = -40mv
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = -36mv
NB GTL REF Ratio = auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Enabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description
Stable :up::cool:

[Cibic]

Nice one mate! I'm glad for you.

Got 2 questions, do you see any difference with the ageia card on? I thought nvidia enabled ageia since 8800 series.

As I see you have one vga on the 1st blue slot on the MB. You could reduce your NB a notch or two by moving the card in the white pci express slot and taking all the pci express buses at 100 MHz. If you do want to clock the bus why do you clock both anyhow?

[kullymontana]

Tried your settings on mines deathspine but failure in prime95 within seconds gonna try my qx9650 in another board to see if my m/b is holding me back.

[Deathspine]

Tried your settings on mines deathspine but failure in prime95 within seconds gonna try my qx9650 in another board to see if my m/b is holding me back.

I tested with OCCT v2.0.1. Also did a couple hours of gaming. Currently now trying to lower CPU voltage, so far have lowered it three setting now at 1.37 but OCCT reads 1.44?

Good Luck

[Deathspine]

Nice one mate! I'm glad for you.

Got 2 questions, do you see any difference with the ageia card on? I thought nvidia enabled ageia since 8800 series.

As I see you have one vga on the 1st blue slot on the MB. You could reduce your NB a notch or two by moving the card in the white pci express slot and taking all the pci express buses at 100 MHz. If you do want to clock the bus why do you clock both anyhow?

The Ageia card does a better job per the reviews online. The video cards take a performance hit when doing video and physics. Both useless without an enabled game. I really like Ghost Recon which include some physics.

[Cibic]

Nice

[EnemyWithin]

Hi @ all!

I'm kinda new to the whole overclocking thing, but that doesn't mean i am planless :)

So here we go with my prob:

I got freezes and laggs in every situation, not the whole time.
It laggs in games, old or new ones doesnt matter.
I got freezes in games sometimes after 10 mins sometimes after 4 hours and freezes viewing movies. happens here and there :)

Dunno if i am right here in this forum but you are the only ones who know how to fix the laggs/freezes. I dont want to overclock my pc to the best, i just want that it works :)

I place my settings in the attachements.

[EnemyWithin]

sry for double post but i changed the settings file, cant delete it from other post!

[Cibic]

Mate you left out important info, what about your ratio and fsb frequency (set ai tuner to manual first)? I remember having issues with nvidia chipset drivers, go for asus's ones, I think they work better. The only clock you can do with auto voltage, on the cpu level up until crazy(excluding crazy though, at least in my case :P) and the ram level up to one option higher if you are lucky.

[EnemyWithin]

I already tried with Asus chipset driver, same probs!
Maybe someone can tell me how to set the ram timings to get away from laggs at first :)

here some infos about the frequenzy, my everest show me DDR3 1333 667(mhz) but infos from mushkin are Description

memory speed DDR3 1600 (800mhz)
Frequency 1600HHz
Latency 7-7-6-18
Voltage 1.85-1.9V

but this is the xmp profile on enthusiast modus!

so should i better use this or set timings etc according to your help?!





Required System Specifications
PSU = be quiet! Dark power pro bqt p7-650w
CPU = Intel Core 2 quad 9550 c1 stepping
RAM = Mushkin 996600 DDR3-1333
HDD = Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500gb
VGA1 = Zotac Geforce GTX 280 AMP! Edition
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro Series
NorthBridge Cooling = standard striker II extreme cooling
SouthBridge Cooling = standard striker II extreme cooling
CPU Cooling = ThermalRight HR-01 PLUS
RAM Cooling = standard Mushkin cooler
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = nVIDIA nFORCE Drivers v.15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = nVIDIA ForceWare v 180.84 Beta driver also tested with v. 180.48
Sound Card Drivers Version = Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Drivers 2.18.0008
Mainboard Bios = v.1104

BIOS Settings
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Auto
CPU Multiplier = 8,5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333.3
MEM DDR = Linked
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333.3
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled


Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 6
tRAS = 18
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 1T
tRRD = 4
tRC = 33
tWR = 12
tWTR = 16
tFAW = 21
tRD = 9
tRTP = 5
tRFC = 74
tREF = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = auto
Loadline Calibration = enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = auto
CPU VTT Voltage = auto
Memory Voltage = auto
NB Core Voltage = auto
SB Core Voltage = auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = enabled
Virtualization Technology = enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

[Cibic]

You got me confused there. You ram is 1600MHz running at 1333, or opposite?

[EnemyWithin]

yeah seems like i got 1600mhz ram running on 1333! strange as hell! never changed the values -.-

i wondered myself why everest and bios told me that it is 1333mhz!

But its kinda strange that the ram dont work properly when they are under the normal frequenzy!

I try to bring it to normal today and maybe my prob is fixed :) would be nice, but strange enough that the striker can't read the mhz correctly

[Cibic]

yeah seems like i got 1600mhz ram running on 1333! strange as hell! never changed the values -.-

i wondered myself why everest and bios told me that it is 1333mhz!

But its kinda strange that the ram dont work properly when they are under the normal frequenzy!

I try to bring it to normal today and maybe my prob is fixed :) would be nice, but strange enough that the striker can't read the mhz correctly

You are wrong, striker II supports up to 2000MHz through clocking, if you are not clocking it can go up to 1333.

Your problem, similar like mine. If you want to go fully stable you must run your ram at stock timings and frequencies and voltage and linked and synced with your CPU.

So CPU at 1600fsb linked and synced. Or alternatively try cpu and memory level, your goal is to keep them the same (1:2 ratio), select your actual ram speed, PC312800 that is then I think the CPU level should be the first or the second option.

If it still don work, u will need to go manual. In either way, increase a bit your voltages.

[EnemyWithin]

hiho,

just selected ram speed to PC3 12800. can start windows etc as normal.
Tried to boost the cpu lvl to QX9650 but then memory clock mode is unlinked and memory ratio is auto.

nearly all overclocking options at extreme tweaker are greyed out when i use memory lvl up so i cant set values like linked and synced manualy!

according to everest my DRM:FSB is now 12:5 dunno how stable that is!
also set ram timings to 7-7-6-18 2T. going to test the settings on stability now!

[EnemyWithin]

had a freez again.

So i tried to set values for mhz myself.

I made a screen from what cpu-z tells me now.

strange thing is my cpu overclocked about 20% to 3,4ghz dunno how long this is stable?! i dont want to do any damage but ratio etc seems to work on memory (2:1, 1600mhz) dunno if i set a value wrong and thats why cpu is overclocked that much?!

I give you my Voltage settings, which are automaticaly made by the striker:

VCore Voltage: 1,28-1,29V
CPU PLL Voltage: 1,50-1,52V
CPU VTT Voltage: 1,10-1,12V
Memory Voltage 1,79-1,82V
NB Core: 1,31-1,32V
SB Core: 1,47-1,48
DDR3 Termination Voltage: 0,89V

Values changed a bit while i wrote the values on a paper :)

Maybe something with the values is also wrong so i might better set them manualy!
Remember i dont want to push to maximum perfomance, just need to get it stable :)

[Cibic]

Ok, if you want to clock more the cpu, I suggest you work with the multiplier. Work with the 8.5x, i mean.

Your only drawback for now is how hot the CPU gets, but you only clock 600 mhz so I guess it will be ok.

VCore Voltage: try to set it with loadline calibration enabled at 1.3(actual i mean)

set these values in bios(actual may be slightly different)
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.56
CPU VTT Voltage: 1.2
Memory Voltage 1.82
NB Core: 1.38
SB Core: 1.55

cpu and NB gtl ref's should be the closest thing to -38
if you have any usb hard drives, you might want to unplug them because with bios 1104 they do cause freezes.

[Cibic]

Guys, i found a glitch. No matter how much voltage you throw at the northbridge if you use usb storage it just randomly freezes. I get that when I am on stock too, so it is not because of overclocking, my guess it needs BIOS update.

[BenchZowner]

Guys, i found a glitch. No matter how much voltage you throw at the northbridge if you use usb storage it just randomly freezes. I get that when I am on stock too, so it is not because of overclocking, my guess it needs BIOS update.

Never had any kind of issues originating from USB storage ( Flash Disk Drives and USB 2.0 HDD Enclosure was working just fine ).

[Apollyon]

Some settings as you can see are displayed in red color, YOU NEED to SET those values EXACTLY like I have

[code]Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Antec Quattro 1000
CPU = Intel Q9400
RAM = 8 GB Kingston DDR3 1066MHz KVR1066D3N7/2G Non ECC
HDD = Seagate 500GB SATA x 2 Raid 0
VGA1 = GeForce 9800GT OC 512MB
VGA2 = GeForce 9800GT OC 512MB
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Supreme FX II
NorthBridge Cooling = Fusion Block
SouthBridge Cooling = Fusion block
CPU Cooling = Intel oem fan that came with CPU
RAM Cooling = None
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = Whatever was in the disc that came with the nobo
Sound Card Drivers Version = 6.10.0x.6320
BIOS version 1202

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 7.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = Auto 7
tRCD = Auto 7
tRP = Auto 7
tRAS = Auto 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = Auto 1T
tRRD = auto 4
tRC = Auto 27
tWR = Auto 10
tWTR = Auto 14
tFAW = Auto 21
tRD = Auto 9
tRTP = Auto 4
tRFC = Auto 59
tREF = Auto 7.8uS

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = Auto
NB Core Voltage = Auto
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Enabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Enabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Auto

I've had this board for a little over a week and everything works fine until I try to use media center, WinTV, video editing etc. and also try to surf the net. All is stable for about 30 minutes then it locks up and I have to do a hard reset, I love this board but at the same time I want to take a hammer to it. Can someone please help!

[EnemyWithin]

hey guys,
i think i solved my prob.
seems like my timings where set wrong.
i changed cpu clock to normal settings and just fixed the ram timings (set them higher to 9-9-9-22) and left the ram on 1333mhz (dram frequenzy at 667mhz and ratio 2:1) for now, to see if it works without any overclocking at all.

And yes finally it did yesterday like 5-6 hours without any freeze or lagg in 3 different games (including nfs undercover where i had mostly very fast freezes and hard laggs, but they were gone :cool: )

I can'T support the "problem" with the usb devices, i had freezes with usb devices pluged in and without, so in my opinion it doesnt matter!
Just install new drivers for chipset and the other stuff, worked out in my case!

[Cibic]

You mean this could be on the disk controller(the usb)? I tried 3 external hdds of different brands and once I plug them in, I always get freezing and it gets worse if I'm transferring data to and from it. I did some intense torturing to my system, 24 hours primed blend and gpu caps viewer, the fur rendering and no freeze or bsod whatsoever. Once I connect the external hdd I get freezing in a matter of minutes. It seems I am not the only one with this issue, but other guys get it with e-sata too, mostly usb though. I was considering to update to beta bios as some1 seemed to resolve this problem, but I am not willing to take that risk, this board is unstable with stable bios. What you reccon BenchZowner ?

[EnemyWithin]

btw can anyone tell me why so many people got the 1202 bios?

i read it came out in the mid of 2007? dont think it supports so much new rams?
or whats so special at all on 1202?
i got 1104 and away from some freezes and laggs, i now have fixed, it works fine!

[kullymontana]

Bios 1202 fixes many black holes in the fsb i noticed before i could never do 1600fsb linked and synced had to always put it to 1601 or 1602 ,but with 1202 it works fine and seems u can lower your vcore to for overclocking compared to previous bios revs.

[EnemyWithin]

according to asus.com the newest version for a striker bios is version 1104 (released on 24.09.2008).
So is a 1202 bios newer because the version number is higher?
is it an inofficial release or a beta?

Just dont understand how an (i think) older bios can be better then the newest one directly from asus :)

[BenchZowner]

btw can anyone tell me why so many people got the 1202 bios?

i read it came out in the mid of 2007? dont think it supports so much new rams?
or whats so special at all on 1202?

I believe you're confusing the Striker Extreme with the Striker II Extreme.
We're talking about the Striker II Extreme, and 1202 is the newest BIOS available for this board.
And was released somewhere in mid November 2008.

[NEOKFIRE7]

I believe you're confusing the Striker Extreme with the Striker II Extreme.
We're talking about the Striker II Extreme, and 1202 is the newest BIOS available for this board.
And was released somewhere in mid November 2008.

1202 is the newest bios for striker extreme 2???
Asus site has the 1104 as the latest bios...
Where i can find the 1202?

[NEOKFIRE7]

Never had any kind of issues originating from USB storage ( Flash Disk Drives and USB 2.0 HDD Enclosure was working just fine ).

I have some freezes when i turn on the e-sata disk.
My system freeze for 3-4 sec and after resume normaly....Also many times , at reading the HDD , it makes little stops...
Do u have any idea why??

[BenchZowner]

1202 is the newest bios for striker extreme 2???
Asus site has the 1104 as the latest bios...
Where i can find the 1202?

Here (http://www.benchzone.com/Downloads/BIOS/Motherboards/Asus/Striker_II_Extreme/Beta/S2E1202.rar)


I have some freezes when i turn on the e-sata disk.
My system freeze for 3-4 sec and after resume normaly....

That's normal, Windows need to detect and initialize the HDD.

[NEOKFIRE7]

It isn,t official?
Info for changes??

[BenchZowner]

It is official.
The difference is that it's a Beta and not a "stable" release ( it means that it's not fully tested by Asus, so there might be a few bugs or issues, but it can also be perfectly fine ).
There's no change log available.

[NEOKFIRE7]

About the problem of Hdd that sometimes freeze??
For example if i listen a track and search for a file, it makes somes freezes..
Any suggestion?

[BenchZowner]

About the problem of Hdd that sometimes freeze??
For example if i listen a track and search for a file, it makes somes freezes..
Any suggestion?

Perhaps your controller turned the mode down to PIO Mode ?
Go to your device manager, expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers category, and check the properties of every Primary & Secondary channel, make sure that none of your HDDs are running in PIO Mode.

[Deathspine]

:clap:BenchZower :welcome: back, I have learned a lot from your contribution to this tread helping us get our boards stable. Your review was also helpful. I have studied all your input in this thread. If others would read your input and suggestions I am sure it should solve a lot of peoples problems. I do not think people realize the voltage range available and often needed on this nvidia board versus the intel chipsets. I now have two Striker Extreme II stable at 1800 FSB. Once I add another radiator to my water cooling after the holidays I may be tempted to trying upping the FSB again. Thanks again:up:

[EnemyWithin]

@deathspine:

i think your right when you say that reading can solve many problems but in some cases like mine it didnt help much, because noone had rams like mine (from mushkin) so its kinda hard when you mostly read about corsair or whatever ram and not much/never about your ram manufacturer :)

but in the end we all learn a lot and thats why i would like to thank all of you (especially benchzowner) for their passion on pcs and hardware and for their clues and hints on solving other people problems!:up:

[NEOKFIRE7]

Perhaps your controller turned the mode down to PIO Mode ?
Go to your device manager, expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers category, and check the properties of every Primary & Secondary channel, make sure that none of your HDDs are running in PIO Mode.

Οκ thnks a lot for your quick post..
I will check it. I hope to find it.

[Deathspine]

@deathspine:

i think your right when you say that reading can solve many problems but in some cases like mine it didnt help much, because noone had rams like mine (from mushkin) so its kinda hard when you mostly read about corsair or whatever ram and not much/never about your ram manufacturer :)

but in the end we all learn a lot and thats why i would like to thank all of you (especially benchzowner) for their passion on pcs and hardware and for their clues and hints on solving other people problems!:up:

I'm with you, lots of variables involved.:up:

[EnemyWithin]

hi and happy x-mas!

after nearly a week without mass freezes they finally came back yesterday.
I "played" a bit with the timings (set them even higher) and the fsb but couldnt stop freezes longterm.
Now the strangest thing at all:
yesterday my pc worked out well, no real probs except some freezes. Today i want to start windows and it takes like 10 mins till he gets on desktop, but without taskbar and all styles from windows look like win 98 oO.
Strangest thing is, that after 2-3 mins i get the message that my pc will shutdown in 60 seconds because a remote programm from windows closed itself!

So what the F***! seems like i get dataloss because my system wont run stable!? is that even possible? and how should i fix it (yeah i know format c: ) but i mean how can i prevent myself from getting that strange error again?

[neo mike]

Hey guys just bought this board, glad there is a thread on it, im seeing alot of issues through this thread, how long has this board been out ? 6 months ? still issues. What is the overall feeling about this board ? I see asus has not updated the bios in 4 months, and will this board run a 4x2 2000 mgz ram kit ?, thanks for your information.

[Apollyon]

It's pretty sad that this mobo Isn't even stable out of the box, being that it was a gift I will keep it but it's time to get something better so I'm going to pick up an EVGA 790i SLI FTW Digital PWM tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have better luck with that one.

[neo mike]

Im detecting alot of problems with this board, dam i just bought it and its on its way.

[BenchZowner]

It's pretty sad that this mobo Isn't even stable out of the box, being that it was a gift I will keep it but it's time to get something better so I'm going to pick up an EVGA 790i SLI FTW Digital PWM tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have better luck with that one.

As long as the motherboard's name includes the word SLI and it's a LGA775 motherboard, you're just wasting your time.
All these issues are sourcing from the nF790i chipset.

[EnemyWithin]

thanks to nvidia for the fu**ed up chip!

very well done!

bench you think there will come a bios in near future which is more stable?

or should we better get another mobo and throw the striker out of the window?:shrug:

[crashaxe]

Maybe I'm just dumb or blind but where do you get the bios file you are recommending I have looked on the asus site and I don't find it.
Thanx,
Crashaxe

[BenchZowner]

thanks to nvidia for the fu**ed up chip!

very well done!

bench you think there will come a bios in near future which is more stable?

or should we better get another mobo and throw the striker out of the window?:shrug:

A new BIOS for the nFORCE 790i motherboards ?
Especially from Asus ? No way.

Most of the manufacturers do not even care about supporting the community with new BIOSes for old products, and the bogus nFORCE 790i boards are their Achille's heel.
I haven't received any BIOS update for the Striker II Extreme in ages...

As a gamer I would avoid SLI/CrossFire.
Several issues, minimal to none benefits.

A P45/X38/X48 board with a single fast graphics card is way better than the nFORCE headache and SLI/CrossFire Micro-Stuttering amazingly cr*ppy gaming experience.

[BenchZowner]

Maybe I'm just dumb or blind but where do you get the bios file you are recommending I have looked on the asus site and I don't find it.
Thanx,
Crashaxe

1 or 2 pages back depending on your forum preferences.

Here's a link to the latest BIOS version for the Asus Striker II Extreme (http://www.benchzone.com/Downloads/BIOS/Motherboards/Asus/Striker_II_Extreme/Beta/S2E1202.rar)

[Apollyon]

That's good to know, I guess that I'll just move away from the SLI/Crossfire platform because there are too many headaches to deal with and the nFORCE chip is a joke! BenchZowner, thanks for the help and honest input on this POS mobo. Striker II Extreme? More like STRESS II EXTREME! THANKS FOR THE PAPERWEIGHT ASUS.

[neo mike]

Im getting mixed reviews on this board, some say its great, some say it sucks, what is the main problem with this board ?

[BenchZowner]

Im getting mixed reviews on this board, some say its great, some say it sucks

Read on (http://www.benchzone.com/page.php?al=asus_striker_II_extreme)


what is the main problem with this board ?

All these pages filled with users issues ( some solved, most unsolved ) :p:

[neo mike]

Anybody contacted asus with these issues ?

[BenchZowner]

Anybody contacted asus with these issues ?

I used to.
Letting them know about the issues is something, making them work things out is another.
I've been asked to delay the release of my review of the Striker II Extreme back then when it was launched, they needed a few days to iron the reported issues out... but I didn't, I released the review anyways.
Was it a bad choice ? Not at all, the issues that I reported back to them are still there, and it's been 8 months already :D
As long as the hype is good, and the sales are ok, they may support the product a bit, never gone over the fence, but still work it out a bit.
After a while the product doesn't really matter to them and the support with newer BIOSes and such stops.

If only they'd listen to the reviewers/beta testers & buyers we wouldn't be here in this god damn multi-page thread of issues.

They didn't even bother to get their customer technical support department cleared up from those morons after our report (http://www.benchzone.com/page.php?al=asustek_evaluation).
Heck they didn't even payed any attention to the hundreds of messages from buyers from all around the world regarding their amazingly slow web server and the super duper low speed transfers from their site & FTP.
Downloading a 1MB BIOS image at 5kb/s... jeez.

[neo mike]

Thanks bench for the insight, i bought this board for a really good deal off ebay and its unopened,all the reviews i read on anadtech etc, said the board just rocks, so im surprised to see all the crap about this board, now im not feeling good about the board i have coming. I think people have reported all these issues, and there hasnt been a bios update since august, asus just dont care, they have made there money, and probally dont want to deal with all these issues. I think that is just sick on there part, but i think most board makers are probally just like asus. I heard foxconn and gigabyte decided to not even make a board with this 790i chipset. I really dont care about the sli part, i want it for overclocking, and it has great memory bandwidth performance, so i dont know what to do. I was going to get a p5e3 preminum, but went with this board, seems like the p5e3 has all the issues worked out, guess i will try it when it arrives, and see how it, if its bad i will dump it.

[EnemyWithin]

This board is just crazy!

was on a lan the last 2 days, so the pc worked like 40 hours nonstop with tons of games and multiplayer etc etc.!

I had 3 freezes: 1 watching a movie to chill out and 2 playing nfs undercover!

Fact is, that this board just fu**s me up whenever it wants. Just can't say,"well i do play 3 hours now in 10 mins it will freeze" !NO it just wents down sudenly!

I read tons of reviews to find a speedy board which is stable and most of the reviews told me so but in then end i should have read benchz review first :)

Benchz maybe you got a hint for someone like me who would like to buy a new board ?! Is it better to w8 for good/cheap core i7 boards or shall i buy a socket 775 board in the meantime?

Btw, i don't think my system setup will be stable anyday, i tried so much timings on ram, overclocked (with memory lvl up) ram and cpu, set synched and linked and in the end for nothing oO

I even think about to never buy asus boards again!

"a premium board for overclockers" :ROTF:

[neo mike]

I feel for you, i just bought this board off ebay, and its unopened, dont know if i want to even try to set it up. But i have talked to people on this forum outside this thread that have this board, and have no issues at all, they claim there 100% stable, so i may set mine up, and give it a try, i dont plan on running sli, i only want a single video card, so i hope that will rid me of most problems. There is a guy on this forum by the name of ket, who makes and tweaks bios, im wondering if he could fix some of these problems.

[neo mike]

I would like all your striker 2 extreme guys, tell me what the main issues are on this board that need fixing, THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS, i may have a guy who makes and tweaks bios, he may be able to address these problems, depending on what they are, i need to know, so i can reley the information to him.

[EnemyWithin]

My main issues:

1. data corruption
2. freezes
3. sometimes windows crashes on startup (somekinda freeze when the load screen appears)

Most Problems seem to come from incorrect voltages/timings which, in my case, are hard to fix (set ram timings higher and lower, overclocked ram to 1600mhz, set ram to 1333mhz) only thing i need to try now is fix the voltages but atm i got no real clue how to set them oO!

I am now on standard bios settings just some parts disabled which are not really necessary for the problem!

I will post my settings today or tomorrow and hopefully we all can do something :D

The settings i got now seem to be at least a bit stable :D so i think it is good to take this as a start point!

[BenchZowner]

I would like all your striker 2 extreme guys, tell me what the main issues are on this board that need fixing, THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS, i may have a guy who makes and tweaks bios, he may be able to address these problems, depending on what they are, i need to know, so i can reley the information to him.

Let's keep things ON-TOPIC please.

Off-topic, don't raise any hopes.
nVIDIA is being secretive about their chipset's data and there's very limited technical info, and to be bloody honest, there is no chance of getting it fixed by simply injecting stuff, etc.

This thread is about troubleshooting configuration issues that lead to data corruption/instability/freezes.

If you want to talk about other stuff, the New Thread button is only one click away.

[EnemyWithin]

hi guys,

i may figured out what causes the laggs.

I set my commandrate from 2T to 1T and laggs are gone mostly.
I had commandrate on 2T and it lagged so hard in all games i tried.

Dunno maybe someone has made the same experience? maybe the striker is a bit strange when commandrate is 2T, dunno for sure.

I inserted my current settings, maybe one of you sees something to improve!



Required System Specifications

PSU = be quiet! Dark power pro bqt p7-650w
CPU = Intel Core 2 quad 9550 c1 stepping
RAM = 2GB Mushkin 996600 DDR3-1600
HDD = Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500gb
VGA1 = Zotac Geforce GTX 280 AMP! Edition
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro Series
NorthBridge Cooling = standard striker II extreme cooling
SouthBridge Cooling = standard striker II extreme cooling
CPU Cooling = ThermalRight HR-01 PLUS
RAM Cooling = standard Mushkin cooler
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = nVIDIA nFORCE Drivers v.15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = nVIDIA ForceWare v. 180.48
Sound Card Drivers Version = Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Drivers 2.18.0008
Mainboard Bios = v.1104

BIOS Settings

CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner =manual
CPU Multiplier = 8,5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Synched
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333.3
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333.3
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting

P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 9
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 25
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 1T
tRRD = 4
tRC = 33
tWR = 12
tWTR = 16
tFAW = 21
tRD = 11
tRTP = 5
tRFC = 74
tREF = 7.8us

Over Voltage

CPU Voltage = auto (value set by mb: 1.31V)
Loadline Calibration = enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = auto (value set by mb: 1.50V-1.52V)
CPU VTT Voltage = auto (value set by mb: 1.10V)
Memory Voltage = auto ((value set by mb: DIMM 1.63 - 1.65V DIMM VTT 0.80 - 0.82V )
NB Core Voltage = auto (value set by mb: 1.31V)
SB Core Voltage = auto ((value set by mb: 1.47V-1.49V )
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

[Deathspine]

[QUOTE=EnemyWithin;3542348]hi guys,

i may figured out what causes the laggs.

I set my commandrate from 2T to 1T and laggs are gone mostly.
I had commandrate on 2T and it lagged so hard in all games i tried.

Dunno maybe someone has made the same experience? maybe the striker is a bit strange when commandrate is 2T, dunno for sure.

I inserted my current settings, maybe one of you sees something to improve!



How much ram do you have:shrug:? I have 4G and was thinking anything above 2G would most likely not be stable on 1T.

Thanks

[EnemyWithin]

i got 2gb!

[BenchZowner]

Could be in your case EnemyWithin, but doubtful if you want my honest opinion.
Especially when it comes to using only 2 DIMMs.
I never had a single problem sourcing from the Command Rate setting, and I've been running 1T CR up to DDR3-2100.

[EnemyWithin]

hmm, so you maybe figured out by now what causes the laggs? @ benchz?

Yeah i already noticed myself that laggs still occure even when i got 1t commandrate :ROTF:

[BenchZowner]

Never had any lags.

[EnemyWithin]

hm,
strange! so it doesnt matter if i choose 1t or 2t?! oO

[jcool]

Hey guys/BenchZowner,

having issues with a build here. I've had a few of these mobos before and never had any trouble getting them stable, but this one is really getting on my nerves.
I get funny red/blue fragscreens and freezes while trying to install Vista64. HDDs are Mtron Mobis (3500 series I think) on a Highpoint 3510, so we can rule out crappy NV southbridge as a source.
Ram is 8GB CSX 1600 CAS9 (Samsung ICs), rated 9-9-9-24 at 1,8V which passed memtest fine (running FSB 400 linked 1:1, CPU is a QX9650 running 400x9 - CPU not new, CPU OC is known to be stable). With auto MCH (~1,31V) I get a red screen immediately when Vista starts expanding, when setting MCH manually to ~1,45V it holds until 5-10% then gives a blue frag screen (no BSOD). Setting ram down to 1333Mhz didn't help either so I removed 4GB, loaded bios defaults and now it seems it went through (will be finished in 5 minutes or so).

So what do you guys recon I could try? Timings are already loose at CAS9, I set 2T ofc, latest bios 1104 flashed. TRFC already at 88 on auto which shoulkd be more than high enough even for 8GB... oh yeah, it is not a mem incompatibility as I have used that mem on the mobo before (even in 8GB config)

Thanks in advance

Edit: Lol.. it finished, rebooted, and now says boot disk failure - omg what is wrong with this mobo...

[EnemyWithin]

Hi at all!

i finally got my pc stable!

I just set my memory to 1600mhz without "linked" and "synched" and memory voltage on auto! (value set bei mobo:1,81-1,82V)
Timings: 7-7-8-25 2T

Now i get only freezes when i set memory voltage myself.
I set it to 1.82V and 1.84V (mushkin says that it should be stable on 1,85V)
but so far its not stable with both values!
Even at 1.82V set in bios everest says memory voltage is at 1,86-1,87V kinda strange!

[Deathspine]

Hi at all!

i finally got my pc stable!

I just set my memory to 1600mhz without "linked" and "synched" and memory voltage on auto! (value set bei mobo:1,81-1,82V)
Timings: 7-7-8-25 2T

Now i get only freezes when i set memory voltage myself.
I set it to 1.82V and 1.84V (mushkin says that it should be stable on 1,85V)
but so far its not stable with both values!
Even at 1.82V set in bios everest says memory voltage is at 1,86-1,87V kinda strange!

Glad to hear we have another stable Striker II Extreme :up:

[jcool]

Ya, and I fixed it my build here as well.. turned out the CPU wanted totally different values on the 790i than anywhere else, lol.
Had to use 1,55V MCH though for FSB 1700/DDR3-1600 with 8GB (FSB 1600/1600 didn't even post lol... still FSB hole/divider problems I guess)

[Deathspine]

:up: Still stable at 4GHz, will be adding a 280 GTX next weekend with the prices dropping. I suspect with the board I will be good for another year. Will add the next generation video card(s) when it arrives in six months or so. I enjoy this board. For gaming video cards are the key and will just wait until my CPU becomes the weak link before considering an upgrade.

Actually I was just rambling to keep this thread alive.

What's up :shrug:, is every body running smoothly now?

[neo mike]

Im running butter smooth, and finally got my nb, sb cooled way down.

[EnemyWithin]

@Deathspine: Im so far stable here, but im going to test some new settings the next days (some better timings at first) :p:

I changed some settings last time, no settings on memory or cpu, just some unimportant things (floppy off, changed boot device priority etc) and i wondered myself as it freezed again Oo

But thanks to myself i saved my stable bios profile before :)

From now on i write down every change i make, maybe someday we can set up a complete list of possible setting failures!

greetz EnemyWithin

[Deathspine]

:cool::cool: I am thinking a little crazy, I just got another 4G of memory for this machine. This week I plan to start testing Anandtech reviews of how stable this machine was with 8G memory running at 2000MHz. I will be happy at 1800MHz my current setting.

Also purchased another 280 GTX which should be here for a weekend update.:up:

[Mathieas]

Hey all I am back with my freezeing issues. I am wondering if i need to adjust my CPU voltages and the GTL reference tweaks. Has anyone had a non OCed stock QX9650 with repear 1333 ram working stable? I am useing Medeval total war as a test(it seems to freeze quite redily when there are voltage issues. i have had it run 2.5hours at the most with some other corisair ram, but each of my OCZ alone 2GB chip or together in dual channel cuase freezes hafter 1hr.) Any help would be wonderful. If i need to OC to get a stable system i will i just have no idea what the limits of the chip are. Thanks all!

Originally Posted by Mathieas
Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Zalman ZM1000-HP
CPU =Intel Extreme Core Duo QX9650
RAM =OCZ Reaper 1333mhz 2X 2Gig 6-5-5-20
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = Raid 0 2X WDAKKS750 SATA(or somthing similar)
VGA1 = BFG Geforce 280GTX OC2
VGA2 ( if you have ) = BFG Geforce 280GTX OC2
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Sound Blaster X-Fi Faility ed PCI-E
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock fustion block with Big water 760i Liquid cooling
SouthBridge Cooling =Stock
CPU Cooling =Intel retail stock
RAM Cooling = Reaper Ram heat spreaders
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 9.64
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version =181.20 Sound Card Drivers Version = Latest
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED--- i am using 1205 beta

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9X
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Synch Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200.0
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) =
tRCD =7
tRP =7
tRAS =22
Command Per Clock (CMD) =2T
tRRD = 5
tRC = 29
tWR =12
tWTR =25
tFAW =29
tRD =8
tRTP =8
tRFC =74
tREF = Auto

Over Voltage- setting on the left, hareware volt reading on the left
CPU Voltage = Auto - Auto
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto - 1.10V
Memory Voltage = 1.8
NB Core Voltage = 1.44V
SB Core Voltage = 1.55V
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio =Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio =Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio =Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio =Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio =Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt =Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt =Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit =Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

[MajorFU]

[code]Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = TT Toughpower 1200
CPU = QX9450
RAM = G.Skill 2x2GB DDR3 PC3-12800
HDD Veliciraptor 300GB =
VGA1 = Leadtek 9800gx2
VGA2 ( if you have ) =
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = asus supreme sfx II thingy that came with the board
NorthBridge Cooling = stock
SouthBridge Cooling = stock
CPU Cooling = arctic freezer pro
RAM Cooling = corsair dominator
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = Newest on ASUS Site 9.46
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 181.20
Sound Card Drivers Version = soundmax 5.10.01
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1600
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = x5
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 9
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 28
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = AUTO 5
tRC = AUTO 40
tWR = AUTO 12
tWTR = AUTO 18
tFAW = AUTO 25
tRD = AUTO 11
tRTP = AUTO 6
tRFC = AUTO 88
tREF = AUTO 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.3000 Actual 1.340
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.58 Actual 1.61
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.18 Actual 1.21
Memory Voltage = 1.82 Actual 1.88
NB Core Voltage = 1.44 Actual 1.45
SB Core Voltage = 1.55 Actual 1.55
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio =Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio =Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio =Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio =Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt =Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt =Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt =Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt =Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

PC Works fine mostly but playing games causes random freezes where pc locks up and needs reset or sometime a full power down due to the dreaded codeinit. Also yeaterday after a smooth game of COD4 i quit normally and it BSOD on me. COD4 seems to be the real test!!

Any advice is welcome

[Mathieas]

I have started increaseing the NB GTL Reference as well as my CPU voltage(i know i know two varibles does not allow me to lock in the true cuase in stability changes but I will hash that out after i get a fully stable system)_. This increased my medeveal II total war running time (leaveing it run on the generals speech and setup from a quick battle ) from 1hr to 2hr 20min at +10mv and i plan to test +20mv this evening. My feeling is that this NB GTL reference may be the soultion to the Reaper ram issue. I am currently at 7-7-7-18 2T timing at 1.84v.

PS: Med II is the only game i have found to really push the issues cuasesing freezes on these MBs. Crysis will run hours befor freezeing,WoW hours till a freeze(sometimes 6-10hrs), Prime 95 8-10hrs no issues and memtest no errors. Med II on the other hand will run mere minutes with the exzact same freeze charcaterisitics(the hard crash with repeating sounds). After i started making changes to the NBv,Ramv,CPUv,NB GTL Ref I have increased the freeze time from 3mins to 2hr 30mins. I recommend that if you are haveing stability issue strying DLing the demo(granted i am using a fully updated reatail copy so the demo is untested for sensitivity) to this game and give it a shot.

[Mathieas]

OK all new update. Finally got my system stable! After 4 months! It was the stupid GTL NB Ref voltage.. +10mv for me and a reduced NBv of 1.44 and a mem voltage of 1.86. I was priming for 11hours and medieval total war for 10hrs (last record was only 2.5hrs). I dont know is this was particular for my MB or for everyone with 1202 and 1333 reaper memory@7-7-7-18(rest auto) cept tRFC 110(this could prolly come down). This is simply the first setup that gave me a stable run.. a few more weeks of testing will get everything locked down to their lowest tightest voltages/timings. I intend to leave well enough alone for now. Let me know if this fixes issues for anyone else.

Mathieas

[Deathspine]

OK all new update. Finally got my system stable! After 4 months! It was the stupid GTL NB Ref voltage.. +10mv for me and a reduced NBv of 1.44 and a mem voltage of 1.86. I was priming for 11hours and medieval total war for 10hrs (last record was only 2.5hrs). I dont know is this was particular for my MB or for everyone with 1202 and 1333 reaper memory@7-7-7-18(rest auto) cept tRFC 110(this could prolly come down). This is simply the first setup that gave me a stable run.. a few more weeks of testing will get everything locked down to their lowest tightest voltages/timings. I intend to leave well enough alone for now. Let me know if this fixes issues for anyone else.

Mathieas

:) Great news, I am glad you have found the stable point for your system. This is a difficult motherboard to get stable. As you found out it takes a lot of patience. It took me over a week to get stable at stock settings and another month or more to reach a decent overclock. Once you get the hang of it you will found it easier to find that stable point as you attempt to overclock the board.:up::up: Hope you enjoy the board now:clap:.

[Mathieas]

Thank you Deathspine. I was been following your progress from sometime now. After reading over your post I tried to emulate your settings while makeing some minior changes. It is thanks to you that i was able to get this far. Thank you!!!

Mathieas

[MajorFU]

i think i have found some of my problems, for my ram it says cas 9 for 666 and cas 10 for 740 so maybe this explain why using cas 9 right now at 1333 linked with cpu its fine. I copied this from pc wizard:

Supported Frequencies : 444 MHz, 518 MHz, 592 MHz, 666 MHz, 740 MHz
CAS Latency (tCL) : 6 clocks @444 MHz, 7 clocks @518 MHz, 8 clocks @592 MHz, 9 clocks @666 MHz, 10 clocks @740 MHz
RAS to CAS (tRCD) : 6 clocks @444 MHz, 7 clocks @518 MHz, 8 clocks @592 MHz, 9 clocks @666 MHz, 10 clocks @740 MHz
RAS Precharge (tRP) : 6 clocks @444 MHz, 7 clocks @518 MHz, 8 clocks @592 MHz, 9 clocks @666 MHz, 10 clocks @740 MHz
Cycle Time (tRAS) : 16 clocks @444 MHz, 19 clocks @518 MHz, 22 clocks @592 MHz, 24 clocks @666 MHz, 27 clocks @740 MHz
Min TRC : 22 clocks @444 MHz, 26 clocks @518 MHz, 30 clocks @592 MHz, 33 clocks @666 MHz, 37 clocks @740 MHz

does this mean the mem should run at 1480mhz set to 10 10 10 27 for optimal performance?

i also dropped the mem volt and its showing 1.84/5 and put the cpu to auto but upped the lowest of the 3 to deliver 1.14 instead of 1.13 on auto. these rates are taken from the hardware monitor in bios after reboot. the cpu on auto shows 1.29 and is very cool and stable but its at standard 1333 linked with ram

also the clock command on ram was blue screening on 1t so manually put to 2t

oh yeah i did up the NBGTL thing to +10 as you did and i dont think it hurt lol

sorry for noob questions

[Mathieas]

MajorFU

Have you tried the new beta bios? I had issues getting it to work at first. Once i did though it started me down the path of stable. Here is what i did to get it installed.

1)DL the file and place it on a USB jumpdrive
2)reboot and load bios.
3)Save your bios profile position 1 or 2
4)save and exit bios and power down computer.
5)Clear the bios, Put the MB into clear bios mode (switch on bottum left hand side of MB looking at it from the top) then bios press the clear bios button on the back of the MB(near the network card output on the BACK of the MB)
6)reboot and enter bios
7)Flash the bios using the utility in bios.
8)load profile 1
9)reboot and reload bios and check your settings
10)Test full boot.

As for your timming issues i am not sure about that ram. I would use whatever links/syncs with your CPU first. If we can get it stable there then try to do a little OCing(if you want, i personaly dont do this). I will need to do some research to see what you have. Befor i do that though, have you ran memtest,prime 95, intel Burn Test (this was the frist program that let me see memoery issues wihtin mins and not hours, get it from guru3d.com) also try OCCT and medevial total war 2 demo (i kid you not running a quick battle and just letting it sit there is the best test i have found for this MB, dont click deploy or anything just let the general talk and let the program run.) If Intel Burn test fails you have a gross voltage/timming issue most likely. Once fixed there is a good chance Med 2 will still fail. i was using 1.54v on the NB water cooled and this too cuased issues. It was not untill i hit 1.44v that i had what seems like 100% stability.(turth be told i have alot of work ahead of me to get everything finalized, but once you have the starting point the rest is easy.) I will keep checkiung back here once a day to see your progress and we can work through getting this working. Wrost case you may need to spend 70$ at frys for some QVL RAM from corsair, but lets fiddle with what you got first.

Forgive my typoes i put this together real quick at work lol.

Mathieas

[MajorFU]

well first of all i have ditched latest nvidia drivers and physix as i think this is one of the problems

i have gone back to the mfr suported version

i test from there, pc is on auto so its 1333 linked and the ram is 9-9-9-24, some volts are boosted like cpu vtt, nb and ram but at sensible levels

not sure about this new bios will fix my problems

will post over the weekend as i test game play and tweak further

[MajorFU]

oh yer i also have a spare 2 x 1 gb ocz platinum which worked well, also should i try my current ram in the white slots?

[neo mike]

Is your ram rated for 1333 speed ? what is the top speed your ram will do ? cause running 1333 at cas 9 is a joke. Your running way to much mcp voltage, 200. is to much, you shouldnt run your cpu on auto voltage , the bios over volts.

[Deathspine]

I am having an unexpected problem. :shrug: My second 280 GTX arrived today (as we all know they are on sale). I do not seem to be able to get the second video card recognized by Vista (device manager), Nvidia control panel etc. I have checked the connections i.e. power & SLI connectors and so far am having no luck. It is getting late and I was hoping to avoid major time consuming changes. I have run two 8800 GTX on SLI on this motherboard without ever having a problem. Anything different with the 280 GTX?

I suspect I may have to ensure the new card is good and run it by itself. I attempted to do just that on my test rig an Abit 680i motherboard only to find out the 280 GTX will not fit in the first PCI-E slot.

Anyone with a few trouble shooting tips for SLI with 280 GTXs? :shrug:

[MajorFU]

Is your ram rated for 1333 speed ? what is the top speed your ram will do ? cause running 1333 at cas 9 is a joke. Your running way to much mcp voltage, 200. is to much, you shouldnt run your cpu on auto voltage , the bios over volts.

i posted my ram ratings above:

Supported Frequencies : 444 MHz, 518 MHz, 592 MHz, 666 MHz, 740 MHz
CAS Latency (tCL) : 6 clocks @444 MHz, 7 clocks @518 MHz, 8 clocks @592 MHz, 9 clocks @666 MHz, 10 clocks @740 MHz
RAS to CAS (tRCD) : 6 clocks @444 MHz, 7 clocks @518 MHz, 8 clocks @592 MHz, 9 clocks @666 MHz, 10 clocks @740 MHz
RAS Precharge (tRP) : 6 clocks @444 MHz, 7 clocks @518 MHz, 8 clocks @592 MHz, 9 clocks @666 MHz, 10 clocks @740 MHz
Cycle Time (tRAS) : 16 clocks @444 MHz, 19 clocks @518 MHz, 22 clocks @592 MHz, 24 clocks @666 MHz, 27 clocks @740 MHz
Min TRC : 22 clocks @444 MHz, 26 clocks @518 MHz, 30 clocks @592 MHz, 33 clocks @666 MHz, 37 clocks @740 MHz

the cpu volt is now around 1.30 in the hardware monitor on auto and this seems fine when the cpu can handle up to 1.37 before degradation, ram is set to give 1.85 in the monitor

out today but will test tonight and see if the driver change made a difference

[Mathieas]

Deathspine,

I dont know if this will help at all but I too had issues getting my 280GTX to run in SLI. THey were both installed and windows did see them but my PSU(even a 1200W thermaltake PSU or OCZ 1000W) did not have enough A on its 12v rail. In the of the OCZ it was not insufficent amps that killed it but instead the cards spiked too many amps which cuased the PSU to go into safe mode and shut down. I am now using a Zalman with 6 seperate rails. If your PSU is not at least 1000W with muti 12v rails you will most likely find an issue there. Also, the GTX is fussy abotu which rials you install them to, try doing cross rail install, IE lets say you have Rail 1 and 2 each with a 8pin and 6pin connection, place rail 1's 8ping and rail 2's 6pin into one card and flip that for the other. As for not seeing the card, can you install your working card to the same slot and turn it on?(the card you know is working installed only). How about the new card in the slot that is working?(single card again). If both of these circumstances work your MB slot is good and your vid card is good, and we need to dig a bit deeper.

Mathieas

[Mathieas]

Major,

I suggest using that OCZ plat ram. A guy on the OCZ forums has put a ton fo time into getting a stable setup with those models. http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46424&highlight=Striker+Perfect

That link may give you some other options to try. You may also need the GTL NB ref +10mv but i do know.

Good luck,

Mathieas

[neo mike]

Never seen a motherboard plagued with so many problems:shrug:

[EnemyWithin]

im getting kind of angry these days.

Just installed mirrors edge yesterday and used cpu-control to set all 4 cores on mirrors edge (also tried it with 3 cores) and suddenly i got a freeze....

rebooted, started game again -> same after 3 mins!

Just dont get it..... this settings where stable for like 1 1/2 weeks and all of a sudden it gets unstable :shrug:

This mobo just makes me crazy!
I asked myself if the Jmicron controller is necessary? i can remember i got my windows running with jmicron disabled! I got just one hard disc in my pc so i dunno if the jmicron is at least a bit useful :) maybe someone can teach me -.-

[Deathspine]

Deathspine,

I dont know if this will help at all but I too had issues getting my 280GTX to run in SLI. THey were both installed and windows did see them but my PSU(even a 1200W thermaltake PSU or OCZ 1000W) did not have enough A on its 12v rail. In the of the OCZ it was not insufficent amps that killed it but instead the cards spiked too many amps which cuased the PSU to go into safe mode and shut down. I am now using a Zalman with 6 seperate rails. If your PSU is not at least 1000W with muti 12v rails you will most likely find an issue there. Also, the GTX is fussy abotu which rials you install them to, try doing cross rail install, IE lets say you have Rail 1 and 2 each with a 8pin and 6pin connection, place rail 1's 8ping and rail 2's 6pin into one card and flip that for the other. As for not seeing the card, can you install your working card to the same slot and turn it on?(the card you know is working installed only). How about the new card in the slot that is working?(single card again). If both of these circumstances work your MB slot is good and your vid card is good, and we need to dig a bit deeper.

Mathieas

:) Thanks for the input. I have solved my problem. The morale of my story is you should not install new hardware after coming home from a Friday night out with a couple of drinks. My card was not seeded fully. This morning I checked my work and re-seeded the card and got "SLI". Thanks :)

Now it's time to run a few benchmarks. Then later this weekend I will add a radiator to my loop, put waterblocks on the video cards and enjoy :up::up:

[MajorFU]

well i have been playing for about 5 hours and minimized many times (which caused many probs) and its been fine using the driver on the leadtek site for my card so i guess i can start dropping volts now and i'll just leave it standard on the 1333 linked as this is fast enough.

will play more and come back with more feed back soon but as far as changing back to the ocz goes, the dude who gave me this ram said its better with the s2e than the ocz.

I have a friend with a skulltrail and 3 x gtx280 and he complain about bsod with latest official nvidia sh1t, non beta too

anyway after tonite i will sync it up to 1600 and see what happens

[MajorFU]

took a dump from cpuid and here is this interesting info on the memory especially the XMP Profile?


General
Memory type DDR3
Module format UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) G.Skill (7F7F7F7FCD000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC3-10700H (667 MHz)
Part number F3-12800CL7-2GBHZ

Attributes
Number of banks 8
Nominal Voltage 1.50 Volts
EPP no
XMP yes

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 444 519 593 667 741
CAS# 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 6 8 9 10 11
RAS# Precharge 6 8 9 10 11
TRAS 16 19 22 25 27
TRC 22 26 30 34 37

XMP revision 1.0

XMP profile XMP-1600
Specification PC3-12800
Voltage level 1.900 Volts
Min Cycle time 1.250 ns (800 MHz)
Min tRP 8.75 ns
Min tRCD 8.75 ns
Min tWR 12.50 ns
Min tRAS 22.50 ns
Min tRC 37.50 ns
Min tRFC 75.00 ns
Min tRTP 7.50 ns
Min tRRD 7.50 ns
Command Rate 2T

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 800
CAS# 7.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 7
RAS# Precharge 7
TRAS 18
TRC 30

[MajorFU]

well using nvidia driver 175.16 my system is now stable, all at auto bar ram and nb volts now. the ram is in the xmp settings above, yes 7-7-7-18 and not a single problem. will be dropping the nb vlts back to auto soon and then strat to lower the ram to find the lowest stable volts.

not sure about the driver, guess maybe i'll try newer drivers again but leave physix off?

[PoIsOnMaN]

Required System Specifications
PSU = Cooler Master Real Power Pro 1000W
CPU = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz LGA 775
RAM = Patriot Viper 4GB DDR3 1600 PVS34G1600LLKN (2 Sets = 8GB total)
HDD = Western Digital VelociRaptor 300GB Sata
VGA1 = XFX PVT98UZHDU GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0
SPU = SupremeFX II (Came with the mobo)
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm (Air)
RAM Cooling = Stock
Case = Cooler Master Stacker 830 Evolution (Air Cooled 8 120mm Case Fans)
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 181.20
Sound Card Drivers Version = SoundMAX AD1988B V6.10.02.6320
BIOS version 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1600
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = 5X
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
(This Memory is Rated for 7-7-7-20 at 2v)
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL = 9
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 26
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Auto (6)
tRC = Auto (41)
tWR = Auto (12)
tWTR = Auto (18)
tFAW = Auto (31)
tRD = Auto (11)
tRTP = Auto (6)
tRFC = Auto (88)
tREF = Auto (7.8uS)

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto (1.32)
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto (1.52)
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto (1.23)
Memory Voltage = 1.9 (1.96)
NB Core Voltage = 1.4 (1.44)
SB Core Voltage = Auto (1.50)
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
CPU C State Capability = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description

Stable, Although I know I can get this PC running better by tighting the memory timings. I think they are alot more loose than they need to be, but it took me what felt like forever to get this thing stable. I went with crazy loose timings to see if it would work, It did, got through 10 memtest86+ passes with no errors and 20 Intel Burn Test runs with no errors so I left it as is for the meantime so I could finally use it. Would like some advice at tightening the timings and not screwing up my system and making it unstable again or causing data corruption, because it would be a real pain in the but to reformat again. hah :-P

[MajorFU]

why not try what i did, use cpuz/cpuid and dump info to text as it might give you the mfrs timings like mine did

i'll be posting my final settings in a few days for standard clocking as i'm still looking for the lowest stable ram volts, down to 1.82 and reckon it will end up on 1.76 or 1.78 but as things stand my system is stable and I am very happee :)

[PoIsOnMaN]

well I know the manufacturer's Settings its 7-7-7-20 at 2v like stated in the post before the part where I showed what I actually have the memory timings set at for the time being... but I do have 8GB (2 Sets of the same Ram) So I know I probably won't get all 4 sticks running at 7-7-7-20, but I'm more than sure I can probably have the system stable at better timings then 9-9-9-26. I just would hate to have to reformat due to data corruption.

[BenchZowner]

There's no reason to fiddle with the memory timings and waste hours on getting the system stable for a... change that will be reflected only in the BIOS.
There's nothing to be gained from tightening ( enhancing ) your memory timings.
Unless you're using the S2E as a ( high load ) web server / db / etc...

[PoIsOnMaN]

alrighty, figured I would ask anywho

[Dan7e]

Hit there!
Now my account is validated I can finally post it (this is the same message that I've sent You, Bench):
These are my system spicfications. I didn't have the same setup that You have, so first I though I send what setup I have, before I start changing it. However if You say first I have to change some settings, just say what, and how. I even downloaded the bios version You've uploaded onto the site, however I didn't know what would it change so I left that as it was. (Of course if you say that I should update the bios first, please tell me what to do with the bin file.).
It's great to know there are people who care about these problems. :)
I hope You could help me with this. Not because of the games, but because it pises me of, when after hours of rendering I have to start the process over, because of a freeze. And due to the motherboard cost so much to get, I don't want to replace it.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Dan7e

[code]Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Chieftec CFT-750-14CS
CPU = Intel Pentium III Xeon, 3000 MHz (7 x 429) -> Intel Core 2 Duo CPU E8400
RAM = 2 x 2048 MB Dual Channel DDR3 1333MHz KingMax
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = SAMSUNG HD252KJ SCSI Disk Device (232 GB)
VGA1 = Bliss NVIDIA GEForce 8800GT PCX 512MB TV DUAL DVI
VGA2 ( if you have ) = -
VGA3 ( if you have ) = -
SPU ( Sound Card ) = SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = Stock given to the CPU
RAM Cooling = -
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 5.1.2600
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = Omega 2.169.21
Sound Card Drivers Version = 5.10.1.6310
BIOS version = 0402

[b][color=blue]BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9.0
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333 Actual = 1333.3
MEM (DDR) MHz = Auto Actual = 1333.3
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Didn't have this option
P2 = Didn't have this option
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = Auto -> Current = 9
tRCD = Auto -> Current = 9
tRP = Auto -> Current = 9
tRAS = Auto -> Current = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = Auto -> Current = 1T
tRRD = Auto -> Current = 4
tRC = Auto -> Current = 33
tWR = Auto -> Current = 12
tWTR = Auto -> Current = 16
tFAW = Auto -> Current = 21
tRD = Auto -> Current = 7.8uS
tRTP = Didn't have this option.
tRFC = Didn't have this option.
tREF = Didn't have this option.

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = Auto
NB Core Voltage = Auto
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
[color=red]CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
[color=red]Virtualization Technology = Enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = - Disabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = - Disabled

Spread Spectrum Control
[color=red]CPU Spread Spectrum = Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Auto

Problem Description
After about 1 and a half hour, when playing games, converting videos or rendering 3d models the pc freezes and need to reboot, a few times just simply reboots.

[neo mike]

Well first thing you need to do is update your bios, you have 402, your way behind in bios, go to asus website and download 1104 bios, that alone will fix many of your problems. Then come back and i can help you with your settings, alot of your settings are way off whack, go get the 1104 bios first thing. What processor are you running, the xeon ? or the e8400 ?.

[Dan7e]

Thanks for the tip, but I'm having problem with finding a matching version of bios update.
I don't have internet connected to my computer, so I have to download a file, and update it from that file. And I tryied a couple of version of 1104 bios for asus striker extreme, but none proved to be matching version. At least that's what the Asus Updater said. Can You send me a link of a site where I can download a fine version or even better, can You send me a file. Sorry for the troubles. :S
Oh, I'm runing the E8400, by the way.

[Dan7e]

Oh, forgot!
I found a 1202 bios version. Shall I use this instead of 1104 or it has something faulty that makes 1104 better?

[MajorFU]

i belive the asus site tells you to use awdflash for 1104, maybe you can use the ezflash tool in bios but awdflash is best for bios, you need a dos boot disk

[Dan7e]

I see, but isn' there a way to update without a dos boot disk? I checked this awdflash, however, I don't have a floppy disk drive. Can it be done with a boot cd/dvd? And of course with a newer bios? I even found a 1601(s2f1601) version. Isn't this suppose to be better? Sorry for making it more difficult, I just want to make sure I won't screw this. And why the asus supported Asus Update won't be fine?(and why it says to every 1104 version bios I've found that it has a wrong version?)

[MajorFU]

i believe it is possible to download a cd dos boot disc image and simply put awdflash and the bios file on a usb stick

from what I have been told its the safest way to update the bios, i personally have always had a floppy for bios updates, the drives and cable cost very little and on my case the floppy sits in the drivebay next to the power button so fits right in

[Dan7e]

Well it seems I managed to update it. I only needed a fresher version of the asus update program. Now it updated flawlessly, and I didn't need to use the awdflash. :)
Ok, so what I'm suppose to set next?
Btw, thanks for the help, guys. :))

[neo mike]

im running 1202, and i like this bios, it still has a few issues, but its not bad. Ok so what cpu are you using ? and what is your memory speed, and timings ?, thats the first step, so we can get you going, post them here, and we go from there. Im confused on what cpu you are using.

[Dalx]

Required System Specifications
PSU = Thermaltake Toughpower 1000W
CPU = Intel QX9650 Quad Core
RAM = Corsair XMS3 DHX TWIN3X4096-1600C7DHXIN DDR3 (2x2GB)
HDD = Western Digital Velociraptor x2 in RAID0 (300GBx2 = 600GB)
VGA1 = Asus GeForce 9800GX2 (1G VRAM)
SPU = Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro (Without front panel)
NorthBridge Cooling = None
SouthBridge Cooling = None
CPU Cooling = Intel Fan
RAM Cooling = None
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 181.22
Sound Card Drivers Version = 2.17.0006
BIOS version 1202

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9.0
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200.0
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 1T
tRRD = 6
tRC = 41
tWR = 12
tWTR = 18
tFAW = 31
tRD = 9
tRTP = 6
tRFC = 88
tREF = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = 1.90
NB Core Voltage = 1.44
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description
LOCKCUPS while playing 3D Games ( World of Warcraft ) , also Snap pop crackle ugly sound.

[Dan7e]

Here're the things You've asked for, neo:
CPU type: Intel Core2 Duo E8400 speed: 3,00GHz
Memory speed: 1333.3MHz
Memory timing:

P1 Auto
P2 Enabled

Params: Setting Current
tCL Auto 9
tRCD Auto 9
tRP Auto 9
tRAS Auto 24
CMD Auto 1T
tRRD Auto 4
tRC Auto 33
tWR Auto 12
tWTR Auto 16
tFAW Auto 21
tRD 15 15
tRTP 7 7
tRFC 255 255
tREF Auto 7.8uS

Hope didn't miss anything. Sorry for the delay. :S

[neo mike]

Ok just saw your post, have to go to work, will post settings later today.

[neo mike]

So Dan, do you want to run everything stock speed ? or do you want to overclock it ?, who is your memory made by ? 1333 ram is not very fast, will limit your overclock for sure, let me know if you just want stock ? or a small overclock ?

[Dan7e]

Well, I have 2 2GB Kingmax DDR3 memories.
I've never liked the sound of overclocking, and I wouldn't like to try it, without knowing, how does it effects, the machines parts. I prefer to have a slower computer, but for longer duration, than the opposite. Thanks for the opportunity, but I'd rather say, I'd do the standard.

[neo mike]

Well this is XS forums, in that case dan, just go into your bios, Hit delete at bootup, and when in bios just hit f5 that will load your default setting automaticly, and you should be fine, try that and let me know how it works.

[Dan7e]

:)
Okay I'll check it.
One question, though: is this going to affect on my boot order and harddrive priorities, right?

[neo mike]

I think you might have to set those manually.

[MajorFU]

ok guys, got it running pretty sweet now with no overclocking, here are my final settings:

Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = TT Toughpower 1200
CPU = QX9450
RAM = G.Skill 2x2GB DDR3 PC3-12800
HDD Veliciraptor 300GB =
VGA1 = Leadtek 9800gx2
VGA2 ( if you have ) =
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = asus supreme sfx II thingy that came with the board
NorthBridge Cooling = stock
SouthBridge Cooling = stock
CPU Cooling = arctic freezer pro
RAM Cooling = corsair dominator
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = Newest on ASUS Site 9.46
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 175.16
Sound Card Drivers Version = soundmax 5.10.01
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = PC3-12800
AI Overclock Tuner = CPU Level Up
CPU Multiplier = 8
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = x5
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 18
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Manual 8 (auto was 5 which was below gskill specs)
tRC = AUTO 40
tWR = AUTO 12
tWTR = AUTO 18
tFAW = AUTO 25
tRD = AUTO 9
tRTP = Manual 8 (auto was 6 which was below gskill specs)
tRFC = AUTO 88
tREF = AUTO 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto Actual 1.31
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto Actual 1.52
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto Actual 1.13
Memory Voltage = 1.84 Actual 1.90
NB Core Voltage = 1.38 Actual 1.40
SB Core Voltage = 1.50 Actual 1.50
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio =Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio =Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio =Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio =Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt =Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt =Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt =Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt =Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

The main timings (7-7-7-18) had to be manually put in too, the auto was way up in the 10's and 11's. I hope people find them helpfull

[neo mike]

There are alot newer nforce drivers than the ones you got from asus website, try here, im using 15.76 www.guru3d.com

[Dan7e]

It doesn't seem to help. The freezes are the same. :S
And Now, at the booting sequence, "Detect driver done. None drivers detected." sentence is being displayed for a moment. I left the default settings as You told me, and only changed the boot list, and the hard drives priority. And I don't see any kind of changes.

Correction:
The freezes are more frequent. :S

[MajorFU]

my advice is to use the drivers I have specified in my list, get the system stable and then experiment with newer drivers which so far I have found cause many BSOD. However in my case it could be the cheap and nasty leadtek 9800gx2

The problem i had was dicking around with bios settings trying to get my system stable when it was the drivers causing the problem, getting the system stable first provides a stable platform to then find the most reliable drivers for your set up.

Edit: Worth noting that both my gfx and chipset drivers are those available from the respective manufacturers sites and for me this always has been the starting place for the most stable drivers for this and previous pc's

And Dan7e try making your memory clock command to 2T, its makes a big difference in stability for me

[neo mike]

Hey dan, can you post all your setting that your running now ? use one of the bios templates on this page and fill it out with your settings, your board should run fine at stock, something aint right, but without seeing your whole settings i dont know where to start.

[otisthecat]

There are alot newer nforce drivers than the ones you got from asus website, try here, im using 15.76 www.guru3d.com

where did you get these drivers from cannot find them on guru 3d could you upload them somewhere

[neo mike]

There on guru3d, click on top of page on downloads, the look right side of screen, click mainboard drivers, you will see nvidia chipset drivers, then you have choice of all drivers.

[Dan7e]

Sorry neo, I wasn't around a while. I'll gather the setting tomorrow and will post it soon.
Thanks. And thanks for the tip majorfu, I'll deffinitely try that.

[Dan7e]

So here's the deal:
It seems the freezes has reduced efficiently. Yesterday I after turning on the pc, I converted a video(where the pc used to freeze), and it didn't freeze at all. I left it turned in for a couple of hours(actually 5 I think), and done the same process, that also worked without freeze.
Now what I did after the bios update is loaded a pre-saved profile of settings, that I used with the early bios, and I only changed the memory clock command to 2T as mayorfu suggested. So thanks for the help.
But there's somenthing: after the latest turn-in, one of the fans, that is on the pc's casing started to make loud noises, like as something would reached the fan, and it keep clicking. After a cold reset, the noise goes away. This happened before a couple of times. I checked the fan and nothing were near to interfear with the fan, and also I cleaned it. So what would it be? I f still needs the settings post I'll deffinitely do it. And also if any freeze happens I'll let You know .

[MajorFU]

yes i have similar fan noise for few seconds on boot then goes as OS loads, i think its the CPU fan but its hard to tell with all the fans I have

also I am happy that small suggestion helped you, might be worth running cpuz(cpuid) and takeing a full dump from that and send me the details and also post what the auto mem timings have been given by the board

There may be slightly more improvements to make

[Dan7e]

For me fans noise can only be get rid of by turning off the whole machine. It's a simple fan that draws the heat out of the pc-s case, I checked it.
Also yesterday there was another freeze, so it didn't vanished, however definitelly reduced its chance.
I downloaded this cpuz prog. As soon as it's up and running, I'll post the results along with the time settings. THX!:)

[Dan7e]

I really apriciate Your help, guys.
Here's list:
[code]Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Chieftec CFT-750-14CS
CPU = Intel Pentium III Xeon, 3000 MHz (7 x 429) -> Intel Core 2 Duo CPU E8400
RAM = 2 x 2048 MB Dual Channel DDR3 1333MHz KingMax
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = SAMSUNG HD252KJ SCSI Disk Device (232 GB)
VGA1 = Bliss NVIDIA GEForce 8800GT PCX 512MB TV DUAL DVI
VGA2 ( if you have ) = -
VGA3 ( if you have ) = -
SPU ( Sound Card ) = SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = Stock given to the CPU
RAM Cooling = -
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 5.1.2600
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = Omega 2.169.21
Sound Card Drivers Version = 5.10.1.6310
BIOS version = 1104

[b][color=blue]BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Auto
CPU Multiplier = 9.0
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333 Actual = 1333.3
MEM (DDR) MHz = Auto Actual = 1333.3
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = Auto -> Current = 9
tRCD = Auto -> Current = 9
tRP = Auto -> Current = 9
tRAS = Auto -> Current = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T -> Current = 2T
tRRD = Auto -> Current = 4
tRC = Auto -> Current = 33
tWR = Auto -> Current = 12
tWTR = Auto -> Current = 16
tFAW = Auto -> Current = 21
tRD = 15 -> Current = 15
tRTP = 7 -> Current = 7
tRFC = 255 -> Current = 255
tREF = Auto -> Current = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = Auto
NB Core Voltage = Auto
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
[color=red]CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
CPU C State Capacity = C4
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
[color=red]Virtualization Technology = Enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = - Disabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = - Disabled

Spread Spectrum Control
[color=red]CPU Spread Spectrum = Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Auto

-----------------------------------------------------------------

CPUZ Results:
-------------
CPU:

Name = Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
Code Name = Wolfdale
Package = Socket 775 LGA
Technology = 45 nm
Core Voltage = 1.216 V

Clocks:
Core Speed ~ 2000.1 - 3000.4 MHZ
Multiplier ~ x6.0 - x9.0
Bus Speed ~ 333.4 MHz
Rated FSB ~ 1333.6MHZ
Cache:
L1 Data Size = 2 x 32 KBytes
L1 Inst. Size = 2 x 32 KBytes
L2 Size = 6144 KBytes

Cores = 2
Threads = 2

Memory:
Type = DDR3
Channels = Dual
Size = 4096 MB
Timings
DRAM Freq ~ 666.7 MHZ
FSB:DRAM = 1:2

[Cibic]

Whats up with you tRFC? Its the last value you can set, try it on Auto. You can also try setting P1 and P2 enabled with 1.44v on NorthBridge. I also suggest to manualy sett Ram voltage to designed specs.

[MajorFU]

with cpuz the final tab allows you to take a complete dump to text, please get this as it contains important info the about the ram (here is what mine gave me. also please look at the monitor and include what volts the mobo supplies to various components when on auto, its likely the mobo will not be supplying enough to the ram for a stable setting

[neo mike]

Dan, enable P1 P2, your trfc is wacked out, try about 75. All your overvoltages should be set manually, this board overvolts very badly, you need to set them yourself. Try 1.30-1.32 vtt, 1.45 nb,cpu pll 1.50-1.52, cpu voltage 1.25. Change your memory timings to 8-8-8-24.

[Dan7e]

Wow, I've never thought the default settings are so wrong.
I changed the values U told me, neo. At the vtt option the 1.32 turned yellow, so I left it on 1.30, but there wasn't any issue besides.
Here's the cpuz.txt major, I didn't know this can export so much information. :S
Oh, I've extracted it right after I changed the values, that neo suggested.

[neo mike]

Ok dan try these settings, look at each setting and follow it to the letter, this will have your cpu running at 3.2 mgz, your ram at 1600mgz, a small mild overclock, these settings should be very close, put them into the bios and let me know what happens.

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = manual
CPU Multiplier = 8x
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = synced
FSB (QDR) MHz = Actual = 1600
MEM (DDR) MHz = Auto Actual = 1600
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = Auto -> Current = 9
tRCD = Auto -> Current = 9
tRP = Auto -> Current = 9
tRAS = Auto -> Current = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T -> Current = 2T
tRRD = Auto -> Current = 4
tRC = Auto -> Current = 33
tWR = Auto -> Current = 12
tWTR = Auto -> Current = 16
tFAW = Auto -> Current = 21
tRD = 15 -> Current = 15
tRTP = 7 -> Current = 7
tRFC = 255 -> Current = 85
tREF = Auto -> Current = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.25-1.27
[color=red]Loadline Calibration = enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.50-1.54
CPU VTT Voltage =1.30-1.32
Memory Voltage = >auto
NB Core Voltage = 1.45-1.50
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = may need +10 +20 leave auto for now
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
CPU C State Capacity =disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
[color=red]Virtualization Technology = disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = - Disabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = - Disabled

Spread Spectrum Control
[color=red]CPU Spread Spectrum = disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = disabled

-----------------------------------------------------------------

[ozgunkara]

Hello
i had an asus P5NT WS motherboard and tried to watercool it but it broke down so i got the cpu and hard discs from it and build a new pc. i formatted both HDs and installed XP and Vista. i didn't overclock and used stock auto settings most of the settings(i filled the form and sening it on attachment). in vista it randomly freezes while downloading something or using internet explorer after 5 minutes or 2 hours of use. it is the same while playing games sometimes 30 minutes sometimes 3 hours. in XP it was the same until last day. when i boot XP everything works fine my desktop launches the bar on the right bottom corner starts filling and suddenly a blank blue screen comes and you can't do anything other than rebooting it so ii can't use xp right now.

P.S: i watercool RAM, CPU, Fusion Block, HDs so i don't think temperature is the problem.




Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Hiper 780watt
CPU =intel Q6700
RAM = 2x 2gb OCZ Platinum 1333mhz
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = 2x Samsung hd250hj 250gb
VGA1 = Zotac GTX 285
VGA2 ( if you have ) = none
VGA3 ( if you have ) = none
SPU ( Sound Card ) = none
NorthBridge Cooling = stock, water
SouthBridge Cooling = stock
CPU Cooling = koolance cpu-340 water
RAM Cooling = koolance ram-35 water
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 181.22
Sound Card Drivers Version = none
BIOS version 1202 REQUIRED 1202

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = auto
CPU Multiplier = 10.0
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1066
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = auto
P2 = auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = auto 7
tRCD = auto 7
tRP = auto 7
tRAS = auto 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = auto 1T
tRRD = auto 4
tRC = auto 28
tWR = auto 12
tWTR = auto 16
tFAW = auto 17
tRD = auto 9
tRTP = auto 5
tRFC = auto 60
tREF = auto 7.8uS

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = auto 1.31
Loadline Calibration = disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = auto 1.52
CPU VTT Voltage = auto 1.23
Memory Voltage = 1.74 1.80
NB Core Voltage = auto 1.36
SB Core Voltage = auto 1.48
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Enabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Enabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Enabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Auto
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = auto
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = auto

Problem Description
i have both 32bit Xp professional and 64bit Vista Business installed on seperate Hard drives and dual boot. both Xp and Vista crash randomly during idle mode oe playing games i tried different bios but none of them changed anything. I tried to overclock the cpu few times but it is not stable unless i use ai overclock tuner 10%. so i don't overclock but still have random crashes

[Cibic]

With ram able to run at 1800 MHz :rolleyes:

Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1800
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1800
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
(CMD) = 4GB and above should just go for 2T
tRRD = Auto (then set it to whatever the auto was)
tRC = The rule is don't go lower than tCAS + tRAS + 2 but will go abit lower than that with more voltage, usually gives memtest erros at test 4/5 if tightened too much
tWR = 12 but can go 10 with adequate voltage
tWTR = Auto (then set it to whatever the auto was)
tFAW = Auto (then set it to whatever the auto was)
tRD = Auto (then set it to whatever the auto was)
tRTP = Auto (then set it to whatever the auto was)
tRFC = Depends upon ram, if tighten too much you will get BSOD during os load
tREF = Auto, usually 7.8ms

Over Voltage
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Varies, if it helps running 24/7 q6600 VID 1.26 from 1066 (9 x actual FSB) to 3.8GHz, 1900 (8 x actual FSB) with 1.54vCore and VTT, with just 1.58v (actual 1.6) vPLL.
CPU VTT Voltage = Might be a good idea to set this same as vCore
NB Core Voltage = 1.56 minimum, P1 & P2 enabled should go up to 1.6. If you are more stable with more voltage then increase vDimm because ram takes it out NB. I can run 1900FSB with 1.58 (actual 1.6) vNB
SB Core Voltage = 1.5 unless changing PCI express busses and MCP to SPP freqs.
CPU GTL REFs Ratio = Depending on your VTT, formula is (VTT * 0.667) - (VTT * 0.635) for 65nm and (VTT * 0.635) - (VTT * 0.667) for 45nm (unconfirmed, I think positive number would work)
NB GTL REF Ratio = AUTO
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto - This doesn't affect OC ability.
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled - Doesn't work with overclocked CPU.
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Run ram at stock timings and voltage. If this is unstable for you increase vDimm, loosen timings and/or disable P1 and P2. vDimm drops a bit on load and it does drop as low as what you set it to.
The most important thing is to run ram sync'ed with fsb.
Once you test small fft's on prime for at least 4 hours, try blend for another 8 h. Now monitor for any load drop on CPU load, if you do then GTL ref's are wrong; as I haven't got a 45nm CPU my guess is you should do a positive number. Having different gtl refs leads to instability on any clock, all gtl ref's EXCLUDING NB GTL and RAM GTL should be about the same. If it helps I run task manager with Update Speed set to Low then I regularly check for any drop by not being in front of the monitor for hours . If any core fails after 4h small fft's passed then you need to increase vDimm, vNB or SB (if you increase pci epxress busses or MCP to SPP freqs).

[Devour]

Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = coolermaster ( 500W )
CPU = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300
RAM = OCZ Platinum DDR3-1333 4GB
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = WDC ( 250 GB, SATA II )
VGA1 = XFX 8600 GT Fatal1ty
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Supreme ….. came with the board
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock cooler with a fan above it blowing towards the NB
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock cooler with a fan above it blowing towards the SB
CPU Cooling = stock
RAM Cooling = non
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = nVIDIA nFORCE Drivers v20.08
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = nVIDIA ForceWare v182.20
Sound Card Drivers Version = 5.10
BIOS version 1002

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 7.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Synch
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = 4
tRC = 28
tWR = 12
tWTR = 16
tFAW = 17
tRD = 9
tRTP = 5
tRFC = 60
tREF = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.26V
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.48V
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.10V
Memory Voltage = 1.63V
NB Core Voltage = 1.29V
SB Core Voltage = 1.48V
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description

games and video’s freeze from time to time

first I could just reboot and it would not freeze again until I turned the pc off but now it freeze’s every 10 to 30 min in a game

tested it with WoW / Guilwars / Cod 4/ L4D /Diablo 2/ RA3 / C&C KW

[Cibic]

Devour
Try setting VTT at 1.3, PLL on 1.5, make sure ram votlage and timings is at stock (say if it says 1.65 set in bios 1.64, you can lower it later once stable). Check your cpu vid in coretemp without running any other monitoring software, the vid is the voltage the cpu requires to work at stock frequency. Your voltage is quite high for q9300; a friend of mine has the same cpu and if I recall right all he needs is 1.23v, with LLC enabled set it at 1.18v and it will be at ~1.23 if you check in bios Power>Hardware Monitor>Voltage Monitor. Also set NB at 1.44v and if you are running stock keep all gtl refs on auto. By the way, my friend hasn't got loadline calibration feature so I kept his cpu voltage at 1.23 and on load it drops at 1.18 running stable for 4h on prime small fft's and 8h on blend.

[Devour]

thank you cibic ill punch in the number shortly and ill let you know

[Cibic]

By the way mate there's no nforce chipset drivers v20.08 the latest is 15.23 on xp and vista including 64bit versions

[Devour]

20.08_nforce_winxp32_international_whql found it on guru3d

just wrote it down... prob should have dived in sys32 to take a look

but my pc just crashed after playing 2 eps of amarican dad havent tried games yet gonna try that now, should i try prime

oke prime run sucked 2 times on blend crashed first 2-4 min

[Cibic]

That sounds like cpu. Not all q9300's are the same, some need more voltage while others need less. If you set your vcore according to your VID (in coretemp) with -0.05v from what you need (bacause of Loadline Calibration) and it still crashes on you, then set it on auto and disable LLC. Prime95 small FFT's use mostly CPU, so if it crashes within 1 hour then most probably your CPU is unstable. I suggest you take this a step each time, make sure CPU is stable then work with other components (ram, NB).

[Devour]

got it on 1.175 now coretemp said 1.225 so that should be just right with LLC

god im acualy learning something :rofl:
but im off now ill run another test tomorrow morning and ill let you know

[Cibic]

You can always install PC Probe II to monitor your temps, voltages and fan speeds.

[Devour]

i ran a test this morning without succes

set NB on auto and turned off LLC and set Vcore to 1.225
ran a test again and with succes 1 hour of small fft

should i run a longer test ? or should i start changing other volts

[Cibic]

1.44v on NB is where you want to keep it for stability reasons, then once you are stable you can drop it. Been researching a bit and found that your ram should be running at 1.8v as http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr3_pc3_10666_platinum_edition but you can try at 1.78. Since you are running on stock, keep LLC disabled and vcore as is, then test for at least 4h small fft's. If it's successful then try to do blend for 2h, if that succeeds then adjust NB to 1.38v then proceed with prime95 blend for 8h (I usually leave it overnight) and let me know.

[MajorFU]

hey dan7e, hope things are getting better, the cpuz dunp u posted shows the following :

DIMM #1

General
Memory type DDR3
Module format UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) Kingmax Semiconductor (7F7F7F2500000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC3-10700H (667 MHz)
Part number FLFE85F-B8MF9

Attributes
Number of banks 8
Nominal Voltage 1.50 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 444 593 667
CAS# 6.0 8.0 9.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 6 9 10
RAS# Precharge 6 9 10
TRAS 16 22 25
TRC 22 30 34

so at 1333 9-10-10-25 looks like their recommended setting which does seem pretty slack but should improve stability and if 1.5 is the max volts then the manual setting should be around 1.46

If i was to be brutally honest you prolly would have been bettter off with a formula and buying top end ddr2 than an extreme with this ram, also the trfc should be between 80-90ns. mine is auto at 88

devour the nb volt will help the probs but there are so many annoying variables that this board does not get right automatically

[Cibic]

MajorFU running fsb unlinked with ram, though stock is unstable with this board. It might be stable for a while but after a few days you will get BSOD's.

[Devour]

small fft failed at 3 hours 48k was running 1.175 with LLC because prob showed me that if i set my volt on 1.225 it would be 1.26

would you suggest me to put it on 1.225 without LLC and ignore prob ?

[Cibic]

small fft failed at 3 hours 48k was running 1.175 with LLC because prob showed me that if i set my volt on 1.225 it would be 1.26

would you suggest me to put it on 1.225 without LLC and ignore prob ?

There seems to be a gap in communication.

Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = coolermaster ( 500W )
CPU = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300
RAM = OCZ Platinum DDR3-1333 4GB
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = WDC ( 250 GB, SATA II )
VGA1 = XFX 8600 GT Fatal1ty
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Supreme ….. came with the board
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock cooler with a fan above it blowing towards the NB
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock cooler with a fan above it blowing towards the SB
CPU Cooling = stock
RAM Cooling = non
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = nVIDIA nFORCE Drivers v20.08
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = nVIDIA ForceWare v182.20
Sound Card Drivers Version = 5.10
BIOS version 1002

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 7.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Synch
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = 4
tRC = 28
tWR = 12
tWTR = 16
tFAW = 17
tRD = 9
tRTP = 5
tRFC = 60
tREF = 7.8us

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.225
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.5
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.28
Memory Voltage = 1.78
NB Core Voltage = 1.44
SB Core Voltage = 1.5
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Set these values in bios exactly as here. You shouldn't ignore PC Probe, it shows you the actual voltage. What you can do in PC Probe, click "config" button then go to Preference and set Polling Interval to 1 second and if you want uncheck "Message Box" and "Audio Alert".

When you say failed, do you mean freezing, blue screen of death/system crash, restart or prime95 crash?

[Devour]

last night i ran small FFT for 8 hours because i was asleep and 3 hours of blend doing perfect now

so ill turn down NB voltage a little and start the 8 hour blend

[Cibic]

last night i ran small FFT for 8 hours because i was asleep and 3 hours of blend doing perfect now

so ill turn down NB voltage a little and start the 8 hour blend

1st lower VTT to 1.24v then run prime95 blend for 2 hours, if this is too low you would get a failing core. If not proceed to the next step.

The simplest way to find what northbridge voltage you need is this:

Download and install GPU Caps Viewer v1.6.2 here http://www.geeks3d.com/wp-content/plugins/download-monitor/download.php?id=22. Now start this program and on the bottom left click Fur Rendering, now on window size type your max desktop resolution available with 4x MSAA. At the same time run prime95 blend. If you have too low of NB voltage, it will crash within minutes. Increase only a notch each time and repeat until you pass these two stressing programs together for at least an hour. Then you can say you are finally stable. This part is easy, you won't even need luck :up:

[Devour]

hey thanks for all your help

the only thing is that i had to put VTT 1 notch higher its at 1.30 now

and NB is at 1.44 i think its been sometime since i last checked

so if it starts crashing again ill let you know after i take a look myself

thanks again

[Cibic]

The freezing you got was from low RAM voltage.
Well its up to you if you want to go lower on NB, that voltage is safe but the lowest the better as long as its stable. From my experience I would say start from 1.38v, if it's unstable running both prime95 and gpu caps viewer will crash within 15 minutes tops. In my case I raised NB just a notch while I was working on high FSB and it did the trick.

No worries mate. Have fun gaming :up:

[Dan7e]

Sorry for not posting in the last couple of days, I tested the new settings. It seemly worked flawlessly, no crashes, no annoying sound from the cooler, but today, the loud noise of the fan has returned. I wonder, what if I unplug that fan, how would it affect on the temperatures? I mean would it have some noticable disadvantage for the performance? Its the case fan that draws the air out of the casing.
Thanks for the for the suggestions majorfu. And you're right, I might shouldn't have to buy this config, but shamefully I cannot change this anymore... I'll check back soon.

[Cibic]

Sorry for not posting in the last couple of days, I tested the new settings. It seemly worked flawlessly, no crashes, no annoying sound from the cooler, but today, the loud noise of the fan has returned. I wonder, what if I unplug that fan, how would it affect on the temperatures? I mean would it have some noticable disadvantage for the performance? Its the case fan that draws the air out of the casing.
Thanks for the for the suggestions majorfu. And you're right, I might shouldn't have to buy this config, but shamefully I cannot change this anymore... I'll check back soon.

Here's a simple video of making your fan less noisy and at the same time faster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkweJKSOYgo

If the noise is still too much, connect the fan to any of CHASIS or OPT then go to BIOS>Power>Hardware Monitor>Fan Control> then reduce the percentage of the corresponding fan's duty cycle. You can check for RPM on Fan Monitoring. :up:

[Devour]

hmmmzz my pc crashed 3 times today

i think its rather odd since the gpu test together with the blend ran for 3 hours straight without any problems

[Cibic]

hmmmzz my pc crashed 3 times today

i think its rather odd since the gpu test together with the blend ran for 3 hours straight without any problems

What error do you get? Do you remember what were you doing when crashed?
You might have faulty ram.

[Devour]

just gaming like always but i dont get an error it just freezes again

[Cibic]

just gaming like always but i dont get an error it just freezes again

Ok change the following:

Memory Timings:
tRC: 40
tRFC: 80

Overvoltage:
Memory Voltage: 1.8

Make sure nb is 1.44.
Test these and if it freezes again then go to Memory Timings and set P1 and P2 to auto, you will loose a bit performance though.

If it still freezes then test your memory with memtest86+ bootable iso (burn it on cd and leave it running for 10 loops) for errors.
If no errors are found, try single dimm.

[joebloggs]

I am at my wits end with this board by now. After so many crashes and blue screens, the board will refuse to boot into windows. I get the message "no system disk found. Please insert system disk and press enter." Initially I thought the bad overclock had corrupted my hard drive. But no, I popped in Acronis trueimage, booted into windows just fine. I then changed the BIOS settings to boot back from the Hard drive first, and it worked first time.

So, having checked out that all was fine on my hard drive I loaded defaults. Oh, and what do you know, "system disk could not be found.. blah blah blah". So, I went back to BIOS, changed boot device priority to cd rom only, rest disabled. And tried booting up (with nothing in the cd drive). I got that message, as expected, so I reset, and changed it back to hard drive boot, and it booted into windows just fine.

I have no clue what's going on here, I have latest BIOS (1104). ASUS tech support just don't want to know basically.

Anyone have any ideas why this is happening?

Thanks in advance guys.

EDIT - It wont "find" the boot hard drive with any overclocked settings now. I have to load defaults, change boot device priority to cd rom, then try to boot, then change back to hard drive, and only then it will boot, albeit with default stock settings. Can't load a known stable overclock at 1333 fsb now (3.0 ghz Q6600).

[Cibic]

disable Plug and Play OS, while you are at it set primary display adapter to pci express. leave boot order to hard disk and check out hard drives option to make sure ur hard drive is there. Extra things to do: leave South bridge voltage to 1.5, LDT Frequency = 5x, PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100, PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100, SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200.

[joebloggs]

Yeah, tried that mate. The hard drive is being recognized alright in the BIOS, Plug and play OS is disabled on default settings. I also tried SPP<> MCP 200, no effect. The ONLY way I can boot at higher frequencies now is to use CPU level up. If I select it to run cpu level up to get my Q6600 to 3ghz, it'll boot up fine. BUT, if I set fsb to 1333mhz. Oh no! You cant do that! You dont have a system disk! I've had this problem before, but I re-imaged the HDD everytime. Seing as its not a HDD problem, I thought I'd sort out this mobo, and why its doing it.

The black screen and a white message says : "DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER."

I am really really really annoyed with this board by now. :(

EDIT - after running 1333fsb via cpu level up, I have just booted into windows with 1400 fsb. What the HELL?!?

[Cibic]

Yeah, tried that mate. The hard drive is being recognized alright in the BIOS, Plug and play OS is disabled on default settings. I also tried SPP<> MCP 200, no effect. The ONLY way I can boot at higher frequencies now is to use CPU level up. If I select it to run cpu level up to get my Q6600 to 3ghz, it'll boot up fine. BUT, if I set fsb to 1333mhz. Oh no! You cant do that! You dont have a system disk! I've had this problem before, but I re-imaged the HDD everytime. Seing as its not a HDD problem, I thought I'd sort out this mobo, and why its doing it.

The black screen and a white message says : "DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER."

I am really really really annoyed with this board by now. :(

Try these:
Insert your operating system installation cd or dvd. Just make sure its the same you used to install it and try to boot from HDD

Disable jmicron and sata raid. If you OS is vista insert vista dvd (that has the repair feature) and click Repair my Computer> startup

What model is your ram? what are you running it at?

[joebloggs]

Thanks for your reply mate.

Ram is Corsair XMS3 1333C9DHX. Everything is on AUTO. I have set command rate to 2T before, as it supposedly helps stability with this board. Running it at 1333mhz as its suposed to be.

As for repairing my Vista install, it is not needed. I just load up defaults in BIOS, and set Boot device priority to CD rom ONLY. Then let it search for a cd, and when it doesnt find anything, I reset, change boot device priority to Hard drive, and it'll boot up from the hard drive just fine, as if nothing had ever happened to it.

[Cibic]

Its worth trying dont you think? While its doing the problem I mean. I suggest changing PnP OS to enabled, boot priority to Hard Drive.
x64 or x86? It might be boot the boot loader. Don't use Level Ups, go manual. Keep FSB linked and synced with ram at 1333 with enough vcore (I would say 1.34~1.36) and stock voltage and timings on ram (check on manufacturers homepage), PLL at 1.52, VTT at 1.34, NB 1.44, SB 1.5, CPU GTL refs +42 +39 +39 +42, NB and DDR3 REFS on auto.
When you say Auto, do you mean voltages, timings? Do you overclock with auto?

[joebloggs]

x64 vista. I did have x86, and the same problem happened with that as well. As for this error it doesnt happen anymore. I've deliberately bluescreened it by not giving it enough voltages. It has booted up just fine 3 times in a row now. As for PnP OS, I thought you said to disable it 2 posts back? If this problem happens again, I will be sure to try repairing vista with the boot cd.

When I say AUTO I mean everything that I didn't otherwise specify. I have got it running 1500 fsb now, but for some reason my Q6600 needs a LOT of vcore. 1.536v after vdrop just to stay stable at 3.375 ghz.

[Cibic]

PNP OS should be disabled when using Raid or having boot issues IMO. Way too much, if your VID is 1.26 you would need 1.34 to 1.36 max with Loadline Calibration. With LLC I need 1.42 for 3.6 GHz and 1.54 for 3.8GHz and 1.6 for 4.05GHz. Oh yeah, forgot to mention my cpu is q6600. Are you running 1500 MHz ram too?

[joebloggs]

PnP OS is disabled now, no issues at the moment. No, running RAM at stock 1333 mhz at stock timings with 1T command rate. Should I set it to 2T?

VID of my cpu is 1.3v. I've set vcore to 1.475 with loadline calibration off. I cannot run 3.6ghz with 1.5vcore and loadline calibration enabled. Always a blue screen or a restart. Sometimes a quick blue screen saying "Parity check/ memory error" then a restart.

Settings I'm using are:
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Zalman HP-1000
CPU = Intel Q6600
RAM = Corsair XMS3 1333 mhx C9DHX 1gb x 4
HDD = Samsung Spinpoint F1 640gb
VGA1 = BFG 9800 GTX+
VGA2 ( if you have ) = BFG 9800 GTX+
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Creative X-Fi Titanium
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = Noctua UH-12
RAM Cooling = Corsair dominator airflow fan
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 181.22
Sound Card Drivers Version = Cant remember
BIOS version :1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9x
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio =
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1500
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = Auto (9)
tRCD = Auto (9)
tRP = Auto (9)
tRAS = Auto (24)
Command Per Clock (CMD) = Auto (1T)
tRRD = Auto
tRC = Auto
tWR = Auto
tWTR = Auto
tFAW = Auto
tRD = Auto
tRTP = Auto
tRFC = Auto
tREF = Auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.475
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto (1.52)
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto (1.42)
Memory Voltage = Auto (1.66)
NB Core Voltage = 1.44 (1.45/46)
SB Core Voltage = Auto (1.5)
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Any suggestions to that? Thank for your help so far mate, I really really appreciate it.


EDIT - It Froze on a BSOD stop 1

EDIT - It blue screened during OCCT and stayed there until I reset it.
I tried 2T, and it froze up and bluscreend, and then restarted. I've given it more vcore (1.425 with loadline cal enabled, and 2T now).

[Cibic]

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9x
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio =
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333 You will be unstable on ratios other than 1:1, 1:2, 3:2. Stick to this for now.
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 9 set it manualy
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T That's why u got BSOD at startup
tRRD = Auto
tRC = Auto
tWR = Auto
tWTR = Auto
tFAW = Auto
tRD = Auto
tRTP = Auto
tRFC = Auto
tREF = Auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.39 On load it will drop to 1.36-1.37
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.52
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.34
Memory Voltage = 1.6 Your memory is designed for 1.6v, even with corsair dominator 1.66 (1.68-1.7v actual) was too much.
NB Core Voltage = 1.44
SB Core Voltage = 1.5
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Auto
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

[joebloggs]

OK, set everything like you said there. Boots up fine. My RAM has a sticker that says 9-9-9-24 1.5v on their sides. Dont know if that helps? Actual reported voltages by EVEREST are now:
Vcore: 1.46
VTT: 1.36/38
PLL: 1.55
VDIMM: 1.66/68
NB : 1.47
SB: 1.49/50

Cpu-Z reports: 1.456 IDLE, and 1.408 LOAD.

What next?

[Cibic]

OK, set everything like you said there. Boots up fine. My RAM has a sticker that says 9-9-9-24 1.5v on their sides. Dont know if that helps? Actual reported voltages by EVEREST are now:
Vcore: 1.46
VTT: 1.36/38
PLL: 1.55
VDIMM: 1.66/68
NB : 1.47
SB: 1.49/50

Cpu-Z reports: 1.456 IDLE, and 1.408 LOAD.

What next?

Jesus! :shocked: There's a great chance you damaged your ram, I thought it was the model that runs on 1.6v :shrug: Mate, check the stickers on all of your ram, if all say 1.5v then set 1.5 on Memory Votlage ASAP.

Use PC Probe to monitor voltages, temps and fan rpm's. If you set 1.39vCore in bios and loadline calibration (LLC) disabled it should be at 1.4 and should drop at 1.36 to 1.37 on load. Verify this in bios, Power> Hardware Monitor>Voltage Monitor

[joebloggs]

Set RAM to 1.5v. I didnt think too much of it at first, They've been getting 1.66 v from the board since September last year. When I first built the pc, I did not have a clue about voltages etc. So on stock its been getting .16v over what its rated for. My RAM reports no errors in Memtest anyway, did 2 full passes. Surely they'd be getting problems by now? Maybe i am just REALLY REALLY lucky that they arent produced errors yet?

As for vcore, I just checked in BIOS voltage monitor, Vcore reports as : 1.44. Cpu-z (v1.50) in windows idle reports 1.456v. Load is 1.392v. These voltages seem all over the place dont they? LLC is disabled.

[Cibic]

Luck is not enough, DDR3 is sensitive to votlages, 2 memtest86+ passes is not enough, leave it overnight or at least 6-12 loopss to check for any errors. To be honest I think you should try booting with 1.36v actual in bios (on load 1.30 -1.31) and run small FFT's in prime95. If it's unstable it should BSOD you immediately.

[MajorFU]

MajorFU running fsb unlinked with ram, though stock is unstable with this board. It might be stable for a while but after a few days you will get BSOD's.

well the most stable setting I have found so far ir running the cpu on auto and setting that ram profile as suggested by the mfr:

XMP profile XMP-1600
Specification PC3-12800
Voltage level 1.900 Volts
Min Cycle time 1.250 ns (800 MHz)
Min tRP 8.75 ns
Min tRCD 8.75 ns
Min tWR 12.50 ns
Min tRAS 22.50 ns
Min tRC 37.50 ns
Min tRFC 75.00 ns
Min tRTP 7.50 ns
Min tRRD 7.50 ns
Command Rate 2T

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 800
CAS# 7.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 7
RAS# Precharge 7
TRAS 18
TRC 30

If i up the cpu to 1600 it crashes and if i reduce the ram its prolly gonna work ok but the timing table at 667 is fa!l

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 444 519 593 667 741
CAS# 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 6 8 9 10 11
RAS# Precharge 6 8 9 10 11
TRAS 16 19 22 25 27
TRC 22 26 30 34 37

[joebloggs]

Luck is not enough, DDR3 is sensitive to votlages, 2 memtest86+ passes is not enough, leave it overnight or at least 6-12 loopss to check for any errors. To be honest I think you should try booting with 1.36v in bios (on load 1.30 -1.31) and run small FFT's in prime95. If it's unstable it should BSOD you immediately.

I'll run memtest all day tomorrow then, as I'm in uni all day :(.

I set Vcore to 1.361v. Its been running Prime95 for 10 minutes with no problems so far. Vcore drops to 1.376 according to cpu-z v1.50.

As for my VDIMM now, I set 1.5v in BIOS. Everest reports 1.58/59v.

What should I do now? vcore seems a lot higher than what it should be yes?

[Cibic]

That's because your cpu needs more voltage. You could try running ram at stock timings, that is most on Auto (including DDR3 REFs) except tCL, tRCD, tRP, tRAS, tRC and tRFC and stock voltage (not the actual, if it says 1.9 then set 1.9 in bios for now).

[Cibic]

I'll run memtest all day tomorrow then, as I'm in uni all day :(.

I set Vcore to 1.361v. Its been running Prime95 for 10 minutes with no problems so far. Vcore drops to 1.376 according to cpu-z v1.50.

As for my VDIMM now, I set 1.5v in BIOS. Everest reports 1.58/59v.

What should I do now? vcore seems a lot higher than what it should be yes?

I don't think cpu-z or everest should be trusted with this board. From my experience, your ram is probably running at 1.52 - 1.54v. On vCore I meant the actual voltage (in bios or pc probe II) should be at 1.36v.

[joebloggs]

You know where I can get an older version of cpu-z? As I think 1.44 or something like that reported voltages closer to what I set them to...

EDIT - Ill install PC Probe II, see what it says..

[Cibic]

These board utilities piss me off when I have to install them too :yepp: But since I need them... :shrug:

[joebloggs]

PC Probe II reports Vcore as 1.42, Load it goes down to 1.38v. Is this OK?

EDIT - So long as I know what they are set at, there should be no problems right?

[Cibic]

Yeah. Set vCore at 1.3 in bios and check PC probe for the actual. You goal is 1.36 actual. What does pc probe say about ram voltage?

[joebloggs]

I set vcore to 1.3v, and as it booted it restarted. BIOS reported 1.36v, but couldnt get it into windows with those volts. I've set it at 1.325v now. ASUS PC probe reports 1.38 vcore, and 1.58 VDIMM.

EDIT - 1.35vcore seems stable so far.. done 15 minutes,

[Cibic]

I set vcore to 1.3v, and as it booted it restarted. I've set it at 1.325v now. ASUS PC probe reports 1.38 vcore, and 1.58 VDIMM.

EDIT - 1.35vcore seems stable so far..

Hm, VID does make a bigger difference than I thought. Same scenario though find where you are stable with small fft's at least an hour and once you think you found the appropriate run prime95 again for at least 4 hours. Hm, vdimm is still quite high, but from what I understand you report the highest value you detect rather the dominant/average. Perhaps you can average it at 1.52 actual thus 1.48 in bios. But to find the appropriate ram voltage (though on stock timings and frequencies) there's technique I found that works great. Run IntelBurnTest latest version, maximum stress and monitor cpu and ram usage (task manager is fine, performance tab). This only takes a minute, once you run IBT it consumes all of your memory then it starts stressing CPU, once it starts on CPU exit, do this twice. You see if ram voltage is low, this technique will freeze your pc. Once you find the voltage that is stable test it with prime95 blend for at least 4 hours.

Edit: I just remembered, memtest for windows does the same memory consuption. It might be best to use that instead.

[joebloggs]

Lowest I can set RAM voltage is 1.5v. I did try the technique you suggested just now. I did it 4 times, just to be safe, didn't freeze at all. Running Stock frequencies and timings but with 2T command rate. maybe try 1T?

EDIT - Dont know if my RAM is totally OK though. i was just watching a video, and was surfing the web, and it sort of "froze" for 1 second with the sound looping in the vid, like a short stutter. But its ok after that.

[Cibic]

I'm not the one to make that decision for you. But I can tell you my opinion, it would probably create instabilities and the performance you get out of it is little. It will not harm your ram but there's a slim chance it might corrupt your OS. You are better of enabling P1 and P2 since it takes it out on vNB (1.44 is fine for your system IMO), which enhances some mch internal timings which gives you some memory read/write improvements.

EDIT: AnandTech suggests that 1T would be good up to DDR3-1860 with 2GB ram. You fit the speed, but not the size. I am not saying there's no chance but I can say that it will be hard.

[joebloggs]

Alright, i'll leave it at 2T for now. Ill forget P1 and P2 for now as well. Ill run memtest all day tomorrow then, see what it'll show.

[Cibic]

That would be a good idea, especially before these 2 changes.

[Devour]

oke i ran the test blend and fur rending it did not crash with

tRC 40
TRFc 80
p1/2 enabled
nb 1.40
mem/ 1.80

althought core 1/2/4 got fatal error's

[Cibic]

oke i ran the test blend and fur rending it did not crash with

tRC 40
TRFc 80
p1/2 enabled
nb 1.40
mem/ 1.80

althought core 1/2/4 got fatal error's

Dont run it any more, you need to make your system stable first. Increase VTT to 1.34 in bios and for now set NB back to 1.44.

This time run only prime95 blend. Out of curiosity, when (as in how many minutes of testing) did u get the failing cores?

[Devour]

i ran the test an hour while watching series but if i remember correctly i core failed after 10 min and round 30 and 50

[Cibic]

Devour how's it going with the new settings? Also tell me when your VTT voltage turns yellow after increasing it.

[joebloggs]

Just to let you know. I asked on the Corsair forums, and the RAM should be OK up to 1.7v, so no worries. I ran memtest with 1.6v in BIOS (as this is what the mobo gives it when defaults are loaded and I saw no problems with this setting). I let it run for 10 hours whilst I was away, did 47 passes. So, thank god, my RAM is fine and dandy.

I can rule out my ram now, as its good. Cibic, you said before that I will not get this board stable on a ratio other than 1:1, 1:2, 3:2? So no matter what I do, I wont find stability if I for example set fsb to 1400 and ram to 1333, as it would use another ratio, correct?

EDIT - What is the general consensus on Loadline Calibration? Good thing or bad thing? My clock is stable (so far) with 1520 fsb, 1.425 vcore with loadline calibration ENABLED.

EDIT2- I am using the latest PC Probe II, and SB voltage, is sometimes dropping to 0.00v and OPT3 fan drops to 0 rpm during stress testing. Should I be worried?

[Cibic]

I can rule out my ram now, as its good. Cibic, you said before that I will not get this board stable on a ratio other than 1:1, 1:2, 3:2? So no matter what I do, I wont find stability if I for example set fsb to 1400 and ram to 1333, as it would use another ratio, correct?

I am afraid so. I wouldn't mind if you proved me wrong though, make sure you are stable for a week or so. I would keep ram voltage at minimal operating. Since your memory goes up to 1.7v then that leaves you room to raise frequency, but be conservative. You must make sure ram is stable first so you get that out of the way.



EDIT - What is the general consensus on Loadline Calibration? Good thing or bad thing? My clock is stable (so far) with 1520 fsb, 1.425 vcore with loadline calibration ENABLED.


Voltage hurts chips more than frequency. Anandtech found that LLC needs bit more vcore on load, also if you have vcore without LLC and on load 1.45, having LLC enabled at 1.45vCore again consumes more power.
I would say if you are going over 1.5v consider enabling it. But its really up to you.



EDIT2- I am using the latest PC Probe II, and SB voltage, is sometimes dropping to 0.00v and OPT3 fan drops to 0 rpm during stress testing. Should I be worried?

No, its just a misreading, if that were true then your system would have crashed quite a few times. I get that too.

[joebloggs]

Glad to hear that its the ASUS software playing up. I am not going to push RAM. Its stable at these settings, so find out if my cpu is stable at 1520 fsb now. Thanks very much for your continued advice Cibic. You've got to appreciate that I only had experience in clocking an ancient socket 478 board before this, and that wasnt really succesful. I chose the wrong board to begin my overclocking, that's for sure. It sure can get you depressed and angry when you are unsure of what you are doing. Especially this little habit of "ignoring" my boot hard drive when I've pushed PLL or FSB further than it likes.

I'll post back when I find a stable 1520 fsb OC, see if my voltages are ok. temps are under 70 degrees on load anyway.

[Cibic]

I'll post back when I find a stable 1520 fsb OC, see if my voltages are ok. temps are under 70 degrees on load anyway.

If your q6600 is B3 stepping then ur temp is high, if its a G0 try not to go over 66.


It sure can get you depressed and angry when you are unsure of what you are doing.

That's how I destroyed my first ram, it was defective anyway so I've overvolted it from 1.9 to 2.1 ddr3 and even more problems raised.

[joebloggs]

Got it stable at 1600 x8 (3200mhz) with 1.4v in BIOS and loadline off. The highest I can get it is 3420 mhz (1520fsb) with 1.475vcore. But I have been notified that the ASUS PC Probe II readings are due to electromigration. I lowered vcore so that BIOS reported less than 1.5v, and PC Probe II behaved itself nicely.

The max I want to run this cpu is 3.2ghz 24/7. It is not worth it pushing so many volts just to gain 200 mhz. RAM is supposed to be warranted up to 2v, but I am not going to bother clocking them. Seeing that I've got 1600 fsb stable, I thought I might invest in some 1600 mhz RAM. I'm looking for 4gb (2 x 2gb) is there any good kits that anyone recommends on this board? Which are known to be stable with 1600 fsb?

[Cibic]

That is correct about electromigration, but that's just a hazard from overclocking. Boards can take it, still nothing to worry about or to take into account about limitation of a clock. This happens when all of your system is tested.
For instance, name an application that uses all four cores 100% or anything that uses all 4 gigs of your ram, besides stressing programs. The most torture your system will ever get is by prime95 blend and gpu caps viewer combined. I personally can't think of something else but even if you could, for how long will you run it?
At school I've been told that any chip should not get hotter than 43 Celsius but here we are with our gpus running at safe temperatures at 90 Celsius.

EDIT: I remember getting that too from PC probe at 1.42vCore and 3.6GHz

[Cibic]

The max I want to run this cpu is 3.2ghz 24/7. It is not worth it pushing so many volts just to gain 200 mhz. RAM is supposed to be warranted up to 2v, but I am not going to bother clocking them. Seeing that I've got 1600 fsb stable, I thought I might invest in some 1600 mhz RAM. I'm looking for 4gb (2 x 2gb) is there any good kits that anyone recommends on this board? Which are known to be stable with 1600 fsb?

I bet it crashes on you if u go over 1520 FSB no matter how much voltage u through at it. If that's the case, I don't like saying it again, but it could be that you are not running FSB equal to your ram(i mean 1:2 ratio, or linked and synced). I am quite certain you can do 3.6 GHz at about 1.47v (even B3's q6600 can do that, which I worked with in the past) on load (LLC enabled). 1600 FSB with 9x multi does the job (400x9). Are you sure your ram is warranted up to 2v? That sounds bit too high for DDR3 and from 1.5v to 2v.
By the way, I just got my old ram OCZ DDR3 PC12800 1600 MHz at 7-7-7-24 1.9v replaced after an RMA request to OCZ from me and they are new/unused. I am only saying this because you live in UK if i got it right.

[Devour]

just a question if i change VTT to 1.34 it would say its yellow how bad is it for my pc ? just wanted to ask befor i try it

[Dan7e]

Hey, majorfu, thanks for that link. My fan however isn't loud all the time, but occasionly. The loud noise starts usually after a couple of seconds (but there was time when it waited for one minute or so, and started after), however not at every boot. And sometimes after I shut down the pc, and rebooting it, the noise starts over, however not every time. But. After this kind of reboot(first boot, loud fan, reboot, no loud noise), when doing something like rendering or converting a video, the machine freezes. When there's no loud fan noise, when booting the pc for the first time, there's no freezes as well. These are the same with, our without your latest suggestion of changing in the bios... And I don't think it's the fan. AS I remember, the fan started making the loud noises right after I updated the bios to 1104. I know there's much to do but I need this pc for my work. And of course I really do appriciate your hard work helping us, guys.

[joebloggs]

I bet it crashes on you if u go over 1520 FSB no matter how much voltage u through at it. If that's the case, I don't like saying it again, but it could be that you are not running FSB equal to your ram(i mean 1:2 ratio, or linked and synced). I am quite certain you can do 3.6 GHz at about 1.47v (even B3's q6600 can do that, which I worked with in the past) on load (LLC enabled). 1600 FSB with 9x multi does the job (400x9). Are you sure your ram is warranted up to 2v? That sounds bit too high for DDR3 and from 1.5v to 2v.
By the way, I just got my old ram OCZ DDR3 PC12800 1600 MHz at 7-7-7-24 1.9v replaced after an RMA request to OCZ from me and they are new/unused. I am only saying this because you live in UK if i got it right.

Unfortunately, I'm running RAM at 1066 mhz now, with fsb on 1600 (3:2). It is stable with an 8x multi. But the chip needs 1.4v in BIOS, (cpu-z windows idle reports 1.456). If it needs this much voltage for 3.2ghz, then I'm not realistically going to get 3.2ghz am I? It is very sad.

[neo mike]

Why are you running your ram at 1066, when its rated for 1333, and will probally do 1600-1700mgz, why dont you run 1:2 linked synced ? that is the best performance ration for this board.

[joebloggs]

Because I'm running 4 modules, and I've been told on the Corsair forums that it isnt advised running them at 1333mhz. I did try running them at 1600 mhz, 9-9-9-24 with a command rate of 2T but memtest encountered "an unecpected problem". SO i dunno what to do.

[ozgunkara]

Hello
i posted a reply on page 17 but noone replied. can anyone please help me?

[joebloggs]

I overclocked my ram to 1600 mhz from stock 1333, fsb is 1600mhz. Timings were 9-9-9-24-2T. it passed 16 passes memtest no problem. But Vista froze after 5 minutes. Any sugestions? RAM voltage used was 1.6 in BIOS (actual 1.66). RAM is supposed to run 1333mhz 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v, but I've been told tehy're ok up to 1.7v.

[neo mike]

Let me get this straight, you have ddr3 1333mgz, and someone is advising you to run them at 1066 ? thats insane, why would you even want ddr3 if you had to run at 1066, thats ddr2 speed, heck 1333 is ddr2 speed.

4x2 4x1 with a quad on this board is going to be hard to overclock, very few boards overclock quads well, this board will get about 485fsb on a quad, q6660 not sure, a 9650 would be much better, there is no point in running ddr3 if your not at least going 1600mgz to 1800mgz at the least, there is no gain over ddr2 below 1600mgz.

Why dont you go to the striker 2 extreme thread on here, this is the corruption thread, and post your bios settings, and im sure you will get more help there.

[joebloggs]

Ok mate, I initially had corruption issues, but now its "fairly" stable and not ingoring my HDDS I'll migrate threads. Thanks for you advice.

[neo mike]

No problem, the other thread is alot more active, alot of users with this board, this thread is kinda dead. Post your setting there, the whole bios settings, let me know if i can help you.

[Cibic]

just a question if i change VTT to 1.34 it would say its yellow how bad is it for my pc ? just wanted to ask befor i try it

the thing is, you shouldn't need more than the auto. Anyhow, the dangerous part is if it gets red. Try to find the voltage that doesn't give you a failing core. It might be that ram's fault though, test it with memtest for at least 10 passes to make sure.

[Cibic]

Unfortunately, I'm running RAM at 1066 mhz now, with fsb on 1600 (3:2). It is stable with an 8x multi. But the chip needs 1.4v in BIOS, (cpu-z windows idle reports 1.456). If it needs this much voltage for 3.2ghz, then I'm not realistically going to get 3.2ghz am I? It is very sad.

If your cpu passes small fft's for at least 2 hours, then there's a chance that your cpu is stable. It might be something else causing instability.

[joebloggs]

If your cpu passes small fft's for at least 2 hours, then there's a chance that your cpu is stable. It might be something else causing instability.

That's the point, lol. It doesn't even get that far with any voltage up to 1.5vcore in BIOS, and Loadline Enabled. With that high a voltage my Noctua Uh12p just can't cope and temps soar quickly into the 80s.

[Cibic]

I overclocked my ram to 1600 mhz from stock 1333, fsb is 1600mhz. Timings were 9-9-9-24-2T. it passed 16 passes memtest no problem. But Vista froze after 5 minutes. Any sugestions? RAM voltage used was 1.6 in BIOS (actual 1.66). RAM is supposed to run 1333mhz 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v, but I've been told tehy're ok up to 1.7v.

Freezing means it needs more voltage or too tight timings, remember the actual votlage should be the average/dominant in bios hardware monitor or pc probe II.

Settings to hit 1600 MHz
Memory voltage 1.68
9-9-9-30
tRC: 50
tRFC: 100
P1 and P2 to auto, you can enable these with 1.46 NB and after your are stable without them.