Asus Maximus II Formula - Problems & Fixes

[zoob]

Hey guys, I just bought this board and figured instead of having to troll through 60 pages in the M2F thread, I'd summarize what I could here similarly to how someone did for the P5WDH. I hope this helps! Many thanks to all contributors to the existing threads.

Asus Maximus II Formula P45 Motherboard - Problems & Fixes
---------------------------------------

In an effort to keep threads organized, please only use this thread to post overclock settings and SOLUTIONS to issues. Use the other threads below for discussion. Thank you.


Additional information:
ASUS Maximus II Formula - new P45 king? (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=190812)
How to set up GTL Ref Values for 45nm & 65nm (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=202292)

BIOS

Latest: 1802
Recommended: 1307

1802 (ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/asus/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1802.zip)
- Fixed multi bug (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3489881&postcount=2286)
- Pull ins not working
1702 (ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1702.zip)
- Multi is still stuck
1602 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1602.zip)

[ 1602 ]
----------------------
1. Fix Intel 45nm Quad Core CPU ustability issue
2. Fix show wrong Vcore in AI Suite
3. Fix it take too many time to detect SATA Device under AHCI Mode
Possible multiplier lock issue (unable to change)

1403 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1403.zip) - issues with long post @ SATA stage (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3375704&postcount=1518)
1307 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1307.zip)
1307 - KET modified (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3293149&postcount=358)
0901 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0901.zip)
0802 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0802.zip)
0701 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0701.zip)
0604 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0604.zip)
0503 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0503.zip)
0117 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0117.zip)


"EDIT - I also do not know where/how Solarfall got bios version 603, all i can find is 604. I have tried 1307, 701 & 801 and all of them had the same limits, but 1307 recovers from a failed overclock properly, whereas the older bioses do not, requiring a power off at the PSU switch."
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3308698&postcount=1038

Problems & Fixes

Will not boot / hangs / CMOS reset to POST after overclock
Ensure difference between vFSB and vNB is no more than ~0.11v. This seems to help on some people's configurations, but maybe not all.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3301507&postcount=996

Very high northbridge temperatures
See below for remounting the heatpipe with more pressure on the NB.

Booting from Speeding HDD (possible solution)
Install a bootable drive on Primary Intel SATA port, select External Disk 0 as the second bootable drive, in the bios selection of bootable drives.
After installing a new windows on the Speeding HDD drives, it will present an OS selection after the first reset.
(thanks Gunnz Akimbo)

Cooling

Northbridge

May not have good contact
Take off heatpipe assembly, remove foam spacers
Add metal washers to underside to increase pressure (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3194968&postcount=446)
Diagram of washers and standoffs (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3388936&postcount=34). Also see post 36 for details of what to be careful of.


Swiftech MCW30

Fits without modification but with slightly bent posts. (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3229502&postcount=530)
Fits better if you cut a little bit of the mounting "axe". (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=194858)


Swiftech MCW-NBMAX

Waterblock designed specifically for M2F and Rampage Extreme (http://www.swiftech.com/products/mcw-nbmax.asp)


EK-NB Asus HP

Fits M2F and Rampage Extreme (http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=309)


MOSFET

Only one MOSFET sink is removable from the heatpipe, X38 block from MF fits (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=194858)


Template




Processor: QX9770
Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
FSB Frequency: 467
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: 333
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1122MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Advance 300ps
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information:

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay: Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: 55 DRAM Clocks
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
Write to Read Delay (D): Auto
Read to Read Delay (S): Auto
Read to Read Delay (D): Auto
Write to Write Delay (S): Auto
Write to Write Delay (D): Auto


3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
Read to PRE Delay: Auto
PRE to PRE Delay: Auto
All PRE to ACT Delay: Auto
All PRE to REF Delay: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Moderate
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 8
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.41875
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.35175
DRAM Voltage: 2.15775
North Bridge Voltage: 1.39150
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (1):-40mv
CPU GTL Reference (2): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (3):-40mv
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto


CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled





Overclocks
4ghz Q9450 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3141583&postcount=265)
4ghz q9550 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3253299&postcount=679)
Try positive GTL ref voltages. (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3304698&postcount=1016)
E8600 @ 4 GHz - cstkl1 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3376640&postcount=17)
E8400 @ 4 GHz (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3346331&postcount=1369)

[zoob]

2008.12.11
- Added new 1802 BIOS
2008.11.27
- Added new 1702 BIOS
2008.11.13
- Added new 1602 BIOS
2008.10.30
- Added more info about the heatpipe
2008.10.28
- Added EK-NB Asus block
2008.10.23
- Added cstkl1 E8600 overclock
2008.10.22
- Amended 0.11V vFSB/vNB problem/fix
- Changed BIOS template
- Added 1403 BIOS + link to SATA issue

[zoob]

Reserved 2

[WaterFlex]

I think it is not good idea to create the thread about m2f which already exists.

[Gunnz Akimbo]

(Yer but huge threads are pathetic to find quick info)


Booting from Speeding HDD (possible solution)
Install a bootable drive on Primary Intel SATA port,
select External Disk 0 as the second bootable drive, in the bios selection of bootable drives.
After installing a new windows on the Speeding HDD drives, it will present a OS selection after the first reset.

(If this is already explained, i'll delete it later)

[nugzo]

Nice Job. i like it! I've been hunting for kets 1307 for a while.

[cstkl1]

well i think this is a good thread...

TS it would be good also i post links to stable templates on the previous one...

so much bickering and personal rubbish going on there..

[WhiteFireDragon]

subscribed!

[cstkl1]

Will not boot / hangs / CMOS reset to POST after overclock
Ensure difference between vFSB and vNB is no more than ~0.11v
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=996

TS this is BS...
and i can prove it in many settings that are super stable with proof...
1.325 vNB...
at vnb... u can still go to the lowest vFSB...
but after 1.325 vnb.. the vFSB must be more than 1.16.. with each going exactly the same step up...

try it.

[SiGfever]

Here is my latest template:




Processor: QX9770
Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
FSB Frequency: 467
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: 333
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1122MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Advance 300ps
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information:

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay: Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: 55 DRAM Clocks
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
Write to Read Delay (D): Auto
Read to Read Delay (S): Auto
Read to Read Delay (D): Auto
Write to Write Delay (S): Auto
Write to Write Delay (D): Auto


3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
Read to PRE Delay: Auto
PRE to PRE Delay: Auto
All PRE to ACT Delay: Auto
All PRE to REF Delay: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Moderate
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 8
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.41875
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.35175
DRAM Voltage: 2.15775
North Bridge Voltage: 1.39150
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (1):-40mv
CPU GTL Reference (2): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (3):-40mv
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto


CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

[Nunzi]

Nice........

[yobi]

Subscribed!
THX.

[CryptiK]

TS this is BS...
and i can prove it in many settings that are super stable with proof...
1.325 vNB...
at vnb... u can still go to the lowest vFSB...
but after 1.325 vnb.. the vFSB must be more than 1.16.. with each going exactly the same step up...

try it.

Not with my board, and others have had exactly the same behaviour as me. Yours may behave differently, but that does not make what myself and others have found to be true BS, so please avoid making sweeping general statements like that.

As the vFSB gets higher, the allowable gap between vFSB & vNB increases, but not more than 0.15v - for example if I set 1.25 vFSB, I can run 1.4 vNB, but any higher it will hang on reboot with cleared cmos. When I run 1.10 - 1.2 vFSB, the limit of the gap is 0.11v, as I posted previously.

[cstkl1]

Not with my board, and others have had exactly the same behaviour as me. Yours may behave differently, but that does not make what myself and others have found to be true BS, so please avoid making sweeping general statements like that.

As the vFSB gets higher, the allowable gap between vFSB & vNB increases, but not more than 0.15v - for example if I set 1.25 vFSB, I can run 1.4 vNB, but any higher it will hang on reboot with cleared cmos. When I run 1.10 - 1.2 vFSB, the limit of the gap is 0.11v, as I posted previously.

dude i have 4 boards including a test unit..
ure the one that did the general sweeping comment about the difference being 0.11..

just called the FAE in taiwan.. pm me if u want his email/phone..
and also agreed ure statement is not true of a 0.11v difference.

i already told u above.. 1.16v fsb max NB is 1.32v..
it changes depending on proc gtl. also tested on q6600,e6850,E8400,E8500,E8600,QX9650...
after that its one step above.. so 1.17 fsb to 1.33.

there is a max vNB to a certain vFSB
but its vague and depends on gtl/vcore also. and not a fixed difference of 0.11v.

[CryptiK]

Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to start something here. I just thought it was a little inappropriate for you to say something I have proven with my own board and had reproduced by other guys BS. I first only made that observation about my own board. When other people had issues like I'd had, I recommended them keep the vdiff <0.11v and it solved their issues. Also another member independently verified it to be the same on his board. I'm not saying it is exactly 0.11v on every board, but it seems to be that way for at least mine and 2-3 other guys.

I didn't go into the specifics of the max allowable difference increasing with increased vFSB, that does happen, but only slightly up to 0.15v, as I described. To be able to use 1.4vNB I have to set no less than 1.25 vFSB. I am using 1.336 vcore and GTL Vref voltage of ~0.78v.

The interaction with vcore/GTL is something I have not tested. What vcore, cpu & GTL were you using where you were able to set 1.16 vFSB and 1.32 vNB?

[zoob]

I've amended the ~0.11V difference to reflect that it may only affect some configurations. It helped with my setup, which prompted me to create this summary thread so we can put all "weird" issues in one spot rather than dig through many many many pages of information. Coming to this board is a bit overwhelming after only having P5K and P5E boards where it's simple 0.XX multiplierse for GTL rather than percentages, so it's possible that tweaking GTL away from Auto will help in this regard.

[cstkl1]

Proc : E8600
Ram : 4x1gb Team Xtreem PC2-8500 C5's D9GKX
GPU : Gainward HD4870 1gb Golden Sample 790/4200.
Mobo : Asus Maximus 2 Formula bios 1307
HDD : WD 150gb RaptorX
OS : Windows Vista Ultimate 64 SP1 fully updated till 23rd OCt 2008

Driver/Software
3dmark05,3dmark06,Futuremark Feb08 Hotfix,3dmarkVantage 1.01
Everest Ultimate 4.60.1500,Intel BurnTest 64bit,Memtest Windows
Memset 3.53 beta,Asus Pc Probe 1.04.53,CPU-Z 1.48,GPU-Z 0.2.8
Ati Catalyst 8.11 RC1


Proc : 4ghz 400x10 | Bus : 1600 | Ram : 1200mhz 5-5-5-15 tRFC 42 tRD 6

Overclock Profile
http://rapidshare.com/files/156837569/400X10.CMO.html

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/th_400x10-Stable.jpg (http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/?action=view&current=400x10-Stable.jpg)http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/th_400x10-3dmark05.jpg (http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/?action=view&current=400x10-3dmark05.jpg)http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/th_400x10-3dmark06.jpg (http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/?action=view&current=400x10-3dmark06.jpg)http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/th_400x10-3dmarkVantage.jpg (http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/cstkl1/Maximus%202%20400x10/?action=view&current=400x10-3dmarkVantage.jpg)

[WaterFlex]

Good job, zoob! Now I can see that it was a great idea :up:
I can help with MIIF very soon.

[sunny7day]

All i did to do a proper reboot is to increase the vfsb to 1.25 or more. Didn't notice the relation with the vNB though.

[moogle]

I think it is not good idea to create the thread about m2f which already exists.

Better to have all the info collated into one thread in the first few posts rather than trudge through the 55+ (and increasing) paged M2F thread I'd say.

Nice one zoob :up:

[TouGe]

TS this is BS...
and i can prove it in many settings that are super stable with proof...
1.325 vNB...
at vnb... u can still go to the lowest vFSB...
but after 1.325 vnb.. the vFSB must be more than 1.16.. with each going exactly the same step up...

try it.

Maybe if you started your post with something a little less confrontational....:stick:

[drnick]

EK waterblocks also has a model for the NB that fits on the stock cooling assembly:

http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=309

[SiGfever]

Asus has posted a new bios v803 dated 10/22/2008?

[Ender3rd]

Asus has posted a new bios v803 dated 10/22/2008? Yah Sig, that's kinda weird. It's smaller in size than any other bios that has been posted, 614kb vs. +800kb. Also strange that the naming convention of ascending numbers was not followed...

Not sure what to make of it...

I'm suspicious that it is in the wrong motherboard section. Notice that there are no release notes either. Very odd indeed.

[Ender3rd]

Ah, just click on it and you can resolve the mystery. It is for a P5Q-SE series board (P5Q-ASUS-SE-0803.zip)

Someone at ASUS obviously dumped it into the wrong bios section of the archives. I'm not sure i would trust ANY bios that showed up on a Friday afternoon, or a Monday morning for that matter...

:)

[CryptiK]

Very poor effort from Asus concerning posting that 803 P5Q-SE bios on the MIIF page. I have no idea how someone could be so stupid. Maybe they're accepting kindergarten graduates now?

[SiGfever]

Very poor effort from Asus concerning posting that 803 P5Q-SE bios on the MIIF page. I have no idea how someone could be so stupid. Maybe they're accepting kindergarten graduates now?

With all the high end boards out now you would think that they would want to do things a little better to continue to attract higher end customers.

[psygnosi]

Subscribed:)

[KURTZ]

i'm in! :p

[yobi]

too much tequlas --asus guys :)

[KURTZ]

guys i've a question about the paste: i wanna substitute the satock paste under the NB & SB, but someone has just told me that i must use a no conductive paste like the Ceramique ... but i've a ton of the MX-2 paste (and a little bit of Zalman STG1) so i need to know if i can use one of these pastes without any risk for my MB ... thx :)

[CryptiK]

You can certainly use MX-II on the NB and SB. The only thing you shouldn't use paste with a conductive or capacitive on, in the mosfets. However I would recommend just keeping the stock gray thermal pads under the mosfet sinks and just re-doing the paste on the NB & SB.

[KURTZ]

thank you so much Cryptik ... ;)

[WhiteFireDragon]

i read a few posts on this mobo's cooling, but i still need some clarifications

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/WhiteFireDragon/heatsinks.jpg

1) these circular foam pads (circled in green) next to the NB screw post can be taken off to lower the heatpipe assemble in order for the NB to fit more secure? can the circular foam pads on the mosfet sinks also be taken off also?
2) can the 4 squared rubber pads (boxed in blue) on the NB's sink be taken off to also lower the whole assembly closer to the NB chip?
3) the screw posts circled in red are missing the circular foam posts that the NB and SB post has. is anyone else missing these too or is it just my board? would i need them?
4) at area 4, should there be a big thermal pad similar to the right of the NB or am i missing it?
5) in addition to all this, add some washers to the bottom of the board for the NB screws right? i don't get how adding these washers would tighten up NB contact if the screws can still be screwed in all the way with these washers.

[dctokyo]

subscribed!

[CryptiK]

i read a few posts on this mobo's cooling, but i still need some clarifications



1) these circular foam pads (circled in green) next to the NB screw post can be taken off to lower the heatpipe assemble in order for the NB to fit more secure? can the circular foam pads on the mosfet sinks also be taken off also?
2) can the 4 squared rubber pads (boxed in blue) on the NB's sink be taken off to also lower the whole assembly closer to the NB chip?
3) the screw posts circled in red are missing the circular foam posts that the NB and SB post has. is anyone else missing these too or is it just my board? would i need them?
4) at area 4, should there be a big thermal pad similar to the right of the NB or am i missing it?
5) in addition to all this, add some washers to the bottom of the board for the NB screws right? i don't get how adding these washers would tighten up NB contact if the screws can still be screwed in all the way with these washers.

1)Yes, and I suppose you could take the washers off the mosfets sinks but theres no need to.

2) Yes, but you risk cracking the die if you over tighten the screws. better to leave them on.

3)Your board should have washers underneath each post.

4)No, there is no pad here, my board:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/timbosan/sbhs2.jpg

5)You will gain a faction of a mm or perhaps up to 1mm extra, and this may be sufficient to add more pressure and give good contact.

[KURTZ]

guys just a little question: i'm gonna put my mobo over my desk without the case so i'm wondering if i can give power to my system without the case's power connectors ... someone just told me that i can do this by clicking only the red button is correct?

thx

http://www.overclock3d.net/gfx/articles/2008/07/08135950723l.jpg

[CryptiK]

Yes.

[WhiteFireDragon]

guys just a little question: i'm gonna put my mobo over my desk without the case so i'm wondering if i can give power to my system without the case's power connectors ... someone just told me that i can do this by clicking only the red button is correct?

thx


yes, that's what the red button's for

[KURTZ]

hi folks, i've just seen that's two troubles with this mobo:

1) 200's strap doesn't run ... i can only boot, but when i enter in windows i've always a freeze ...
2) sometimes in the BIOS, when i select 'save and exit' the BIOS itselfs freezes ...

any feedback about these troubles?

[CryptiK]

I have got into windows with the 200 strap but I have no idea what settings I was using, it was awhile ago. Also I have never had the bios lock up on me, perhaps your settings are not stable? (The only time Ive had bios lockups on other boards was when the settings were very unstable). If your stable and its locking up, it may be a bad bios flash - try re-flashing it but make sure you system is on stock settings and stable when flashing - I usually leave the vcore/Vtt/vNB on what it needs for 4GHz and run it at 3GHz, and have the vdimm at what the ram needs for 1066 and run it at 800 when I flash.

[zoob]

Sometimes even with stock (auto) settings I've seen setups unstable due to C1E/EIST dropping the vCore too low.

[KURTZ]

I have got into windows with the 200 strap but I have no idea what settings I was using, it was awhile ago. Also I have never had the bios lock up on me, perhaps your settings are not stable? (The only time Ive had bios lockups on other boards was when the settings were very unstable). If your stable and its locking up, it may be a bad bios flash - try re-flashing it but make sure you system is on stock settings and stable when flashing - I usually leave the vcore/Vtt/vNB on what it needs for 4GHz and run it at 3GHz, and have the vdimm at what the ram needs for 1066 and run it at 800 when I flash.

my settings are:

vCC: auto (my cpu right now is with stock fan and i don't want to clock it)
vFSB: 1.30
vNB: 1.45
vDIMM: 2.45
vPLL: 1.50

i tried tRD with auto, 10 and more ... but nothing to do ... skews and gtls are auto ...

[CryptiK]

So thats for a e8600 at stock speeds?What is the ram speed & timings you're running? 2.45v vdimm is very high for 24/7, that's what my CellShock 8000 CL4's need for ~1320 stable. If the cpu is stock, you should drop that vFSB to 1.20v and set vNB to 1.30v, you'd still almost certainly be stable unless you're running the ram very high.

[KURTZ]

So thats for a e8600 at stock speeds?What is the ram speed & timings you're running? 2.45v vdimm is very high for 24/7, that's what my CellShock 8000 CL4's need for ~1320 stable.

i know Cryptik i'm only testing my dimms and i'm looking to boot with 200's strap ... i'm not searching my daily use right now ... :)

however my 8600 right now is 333*10 ... two days ago i was stable @ 1300 with this vDIMM too, but with 400's strap, i'm also stable with the 266 strap with the dimms @ 1200mhz cl5 ... but i need to boot @ 1100/strap 200 ... the timings are on AUTO (so 5-5-5-15 i think) ...

[CryptiK]

OK no problem I just thought you might have been running like that 24/7.

Running a small overclock wont create much more heat, and with an 8600, you should be able to run a very low vcore (~1.2v maybe less). Why not run 8 x 450 FSB (3.6GHz) and run the lowest possible vcore for that speed, and run your ram ~1080? I have found that using the 333 strap and having Static read control and dram read training enabled, and using Ai Clock Twister on 'stronger' is more efficient clock for clock than the 266 strap without those optimizations. If you want to run SRC & DRT enabled and Ai CT on 'stronger' on the 266 strap it will take more vNB than on the 333 strap. If you run 450FSB on the 266 strap that will put your ram at 1125.

[xzulu]

Hey CryptiK, how ya been. LOL! I've been busy with Farcry 2, so i haven't had time to play with the M2F.

By the way, by adding washers to the SB, would that too help lower the temps of the SB? Thanks!

[BiTsCrEaM]

Hey CryptiK, how ya been. LOL! I've been busy with Farcry 2, so i haven't had time to play with the M2F.

By the way, by adding washers to the SB, would that too help lower the temps of the SB? Thanks!

Not significantly.

[KURTZ]

OK no problem I just thought you might have been running like that 24/7.

Running a small overclock wont create much more heat, and with an 8600, you should be able to run a very low vcore (~1.2v maybe less). Why not run 8 x 450 FSB (3.6GHz) and run the lowest possible vcore for that speed, and run your ram ~1080? I have found that using the 333 strap and having Static read control and dram read training enabled, and using Ai Clock Twister on 'stronger' is more efficient clock for clock than the 266 strap without those optimizations. If you want to run SRC & DRT enabled and Ai CT on 'stronger' on the 266 strap it will take more vNB than on the 333 strap. If you run 450FSB on the 266 strap that will put your ram at 1125.

OK i'll take a note about this :)

BTW, just tried cl6 @ 200's strap ... there's no way to have a boot ...

[CryptiK]

Hey CryptiK, how ya been. LOL! I've been busy with Farcry 2, so i haven't had time to play with the M2F.

By the way, by adding washers to the SB, would that too help lower the temps of the SB? Thanks!

Hehe, busy with FC2 :P Adding washers may help a little, but you should really take all the sinks off and re-do the paste on the NB & SB. If you do, just leave the normal thermal pad on the mosfets.


OK i'll take a note about this :)

BTW, just tried cl6 @ 200's strap ... there's no way to have a boot ...

I think I was at low FSB and using a very high vNB, but I wouldnt recommend using that strap anyway. Try and clock the FSB up a bit and drop the multi, and use the lowest possible vcore that is stable.

[LogAn'sRun]

is there a flashing guide for this board?

[The Water Dog]

I burned the bios on a cd and used the flash-tool in bios or push alt+F2 when you boot=)

[zoob]

My current Prime95 largeFFT stable settings for:

E8400 SLB8J E0
Q820A748
450x9



Processor: E8400 E0 Q820A748
BIOS: 1307
Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: Auto
FSB Frequency: 450
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: Auto
DRAM Frequency: Auto

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Auto
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Auto
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Auto
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Auto
DRAM Timing Control: Auto
1st Information: 5-5-5-15-3-52-6-3
2nd Information: 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
3rd Information: 14-5-1-6-6

DRAM Static Read Control: Auto
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Auto

Ai Transaction Booster: Manual
Common Performance Level: 10
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.28750
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.15300
DRAM Voltage: 2.01200
North Bridge Voltage: 1.25900
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): +40mV
CPU GTL Reference (1):-Auto
CPU GTL Reference (2): +40mV
CPU GTL Reference (3):-Auto
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto


CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: Auto
C1E Support: Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Enabled
CPU TM Function: Enabled
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled

Load-Line Calibration: Disabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Auto
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Auto

[KURTZ]

I burned the bios on a cd and used the flash-tool in bios or push alt+F2 when you boot=)

i used the tool in the bios with a memory stick ... :yepp:

[The Water Dog]

Is someone here using q6600 and have oc good...and want to share their settings with me?
Then i tweak from there, got some problems with memory...thats why i ask:(
If not, its not a problem;)

KURTZ: I dont have ha memory-stick:P but i gonna buy me one now:)

[KURTZ]

guys i've a HUGE trouble, i've just installed my liquid cooling, but now i can boot .. on the lcd poster i've CMOS ERROR ... what can i do now?

[Grnfinger]

guys i've a HUGE trouble, i've just installed my liquid cooling, but now i can boot .. on the lcd poster i've CMOS ERROR ... what can i do now?

Pop the chip and reseat it, if you still get the error run the crash free bios recovery , or swap the bios out from the mobo jumper.
Read the manual you can select bios 1 or 2 from the mobo itself

[KURTZ]

Pop the chip and reseat it, if you still get the error run the crash free bios recovery , or swap the bios out from the mobo jumper.
Read the manual you can select bios 1 or 2 from the mobo itself

i tried to wwap the bios but i've the same error ...

[CryptiK]

Check over everything. You may have inadvertently damaged or shorted something during your water cooling install. Take the board out of the case and check the blocks are not touching anything. Also check the board is no bowed from block mounting screw over tightening. Also check for possible shorts to the case.

If it all looks fine, run the board out of the case and see if it works.

[KURTZ]

hi Cryptik i've followed your tip, i put all my system out the case over my desk and also i put all under air coolers ... and magically now the mobo runs ... all two bios are working ... so i don't understand this cmos error ... really ...

however a friend has told me that maybe i've pressed too much the swiftech nb's wb,so i get this error it's possible? Tuesday i wanna test again under liquid cooling but this time over my desk ... any suggestion? thx ;)

ps. just another question: is possible that this trouble is caused by my VGA (also liquidated)?

[WaterFlex]

That`s my 24/7 setup. Absolutely full stable on air.
Checked with : IntelBurnTest v1.8 (200 runs with max memory usage), OCCT, Prime95, SuperPi, Dos Memtest86+, Windows MemTest 3.8.



Processor: Intel Xeon E3110

Ratio CMOS Setting: #8
FSB Frequency: #500
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: Auto
DRAM Frequency: #DDR2-1200MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: #Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: #Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: #Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: #Advance 300ps
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information:

CAS Latency: #5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS to CAS Delay: #5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS Precharge: #5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS Activate to Precharge: #15 DRAM Clocks
RAS to RAS Delay: Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: Auto
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
Write to Read Delay (D): Auto
Read to Read Delay (S): Auto
Read to Read Delay (D): Auto
Write to Write Delay (S): Auto
Write to Write Delay (D): Auto


3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
Read to PRE Delay: Auto
PRE to PRE Delay: Auto
All PRE to ACT Delay: Auto
All PRE to REF Delay: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Moderate
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 8
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: #101

CPU Voltage: #1.3000 (1,288 actual)
CPU PLL Voltage: #1.50
FSB Termination Voltage: #1.31200 (1,3 actual)
DRAM Voltage: #2.096 - 2,15
North Bridge Voltage: #1.31200 (1,3 actual)
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: #1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: #1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (1): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (2): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (3): Auto
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto


CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

:welcome:

[KURTZ]

hi guys, someone has tried the 1501 BIOS?

[yobi]

hi guys, someone has tried the 1501 BIOS?

am flash back to 1307 , in 1501 is boot problem on raid0 :wave:

[screwtech02]

Your better off staying with 1307.....:shakes:

[dctokyo]

hi guys, someone has tried the 1501 BIOS?

1501 has been removed from the website, quess it was not ready yet:down:

[gravimag]

i have 1501... no problems so far

[Eeky NoX]

Right I gat my answer for the question on the other thread :D (I won't flash wit it ok) And so we gat to wait ! euh !

[humeyboy]

Bios 1602 is up on the Asus FTP dated 13th. :)

[humeyboy]

Ok I ain't pulled the Batt and reset Cmos fully yet (too busy) but 1602 sticks my Multi to 10x for any settings I change it to.

I cant boot up with 500FSB and say 7 Multi cause it will actually be 5.0GHZ as its 10x Multi.

EDIT: Damn Asus N00bs, they have broken the Multi, I cannot change it to anything, it sticks at 10x.:down:

[KURTZ]

yes the 1307 is still the better bios ... :)

[The Water Dog]

Thanks Waterflex:up:

[WaterFlex]

Thanks Waterflex:up:
your welcome ;)

You can set DRAM CLK Skew on Channel in auto to make your system stable If you get some problems with using my setup.

[The Water Dog]

Thanks again=) I use Flex-9600, and the memory do 1200mhz on 2v(5-5-5-15)...but that is when i use Xp.
From the day i started to use Vista, i got big problems with the 1200 setting.
But i will try your template and tweak from there=)

[570091D]

guys, i'm haveing a problem. i've been working on stabilizing my bios @ 450mhz fsb for a few days now, but i seem to have run into a wall... at this point my bios is almost identical to zoob's template with the exction of the cpu settings (leaving the multi at 8, i want to stabilize the board before i start messing with the cpu) but it won't last more than 5 minutes in prime95 or occt. it seems to get better when i tweak the northbridge GTL reference, does this mean i should poor on more northbridge voltage? it seems that no-one else has needed to touch any GTLs outside the cpu, why? any thoughts, suggestions, ideas would be appriciated.

[CryptiK]

Try vFSB = 1.2v, vNB = 1.3v, and leave the NB GTL on auto for now. What happens? Also you perhaps need to increase your vdimm, if you have the 'new' ballistix, as they can be very difficult to get stable at stock speed, but try the vFSB/vNB increase first.

[KURTZ]

guys, is there a guide for the skews? i really don't understand what they do ... :)

[570091D]

thanks cryptik, yeah, i have "new" ballistix dimms. i was running a 4x1 set with really sad stabillity problems, removed 2 dimms and things got a bit better. thinking about getting a 2x2 set tomorrow, any suggestions?

setting my vFSB=1.2 and vNB=1.3 with the nGTL=auto results in an instant fail with prime95. vFSB=1.275, vNB=1.35, nGTL=-10 will run prime for about 45min before failing.

[CryptiK]

Try advancing the ram skews between 50 & 300ps on all channels.

Also try different combinations of vFSB/vNB/NB GTL Ref

[vab206]

Heres my OC on my e8400, im rock solid @ 4264 mhz on air, ill post an update when i get my settings for my SS as well as a guide on insulating a M2F as i have a feeling it is going to be a bugger.


Processor: E8400
Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Frequency: 533
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: Auto
DRAM Frequency: Auto

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Normal
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Normal
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Normal
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Normal
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information:

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay: Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: Auto
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
Write to Read Delay (D): Auto
Read to Read Delay (S): Auto
Read to Read Delay (D): Auto
Write to Write Delay (S): Auto
Write to Write Delay (D): Auto


3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
Read to PRE Delay: Auto
PRE to PRE Delay: Auto
All PRE to ACT Delay: Auto
All PRE to REF Delay: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Enabled
MEM. OC Charger: Disabled
Ai Clock Twister: Moderate
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 10
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 100

CPU Voltage: 1.4000
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.60600
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.25900
DRAM Voltage: 2.15775
North Bridge Voltage: 1.35175
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (1): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (2): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (3): Auto
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto


CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Disabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

Currently running with 2 1xGB sticks of corsair dominator cas5 ddr2-1066, these settings run @ a 1:1 ratio. Validation is in my Sig.

http://phase-changin.com/shoottothrill-images/1to1.JPG

EDIT: Got pics of my current cooling setup, 60mm fan is setup on a NB temp sensor currently running @ about 2k rpm's barely audible maxxes @ 6600rpm lol. Also got a pic and how to for my lcd poster mod on the stacker 830 and im sure it can be adapted to other cases as well that use modular bay covers.

Cooling:
http://phase-changin.com/shoottothrill-images/CoolingSetup.jpg

LCD Poster Mod:
http://phase-changin.com/shoottothrill-images/LCDPosterMod.jpg

Any questions just shoot me a PM

[KURTZ]

well done vab ;)

ps. someone for the skews? :p

[KURTZ]

guys just another trouble here :)

i've a Raptor HDD over it i've installed my OS (Win XP PRO) i've attached this this into the Silicon Sata Port and all runs correctly ... but i'm so curious so i've changed the sata port from the black to a 'normal' blue, and it comes out a strange thing, when the mobo/system starts it doesn't recognize any disk installed into my system ... but obviously i can enter in windows normally ...

why this happens? it's really weird . ..

[Grnfinger]

guys just another trouble here :)

i've a Raptor HDD over it i've installed my OS (Win XP PRO) i've attached this this into the Silicon Sata Port and all runs correctly ... but i'm so curious so i've changed the sata port from the black to a 'normal' blue, and it comes out a strange thing, when the mobo/system starts it doesn't recognize any disk installed into my system ... but obviously i can enter in windows normally ...

why this happens? it's really weird . ..

set your SATA in bios to IDE, Your options are AHCI, RAID or IDE

[KURTZ]

set your SATA in bios to IDE, Your options are AHCI, RAID or IDE

yes is already settled IDE i don't changed these settings ...

[radaja]

@kurtz,in the advance tab in bios,under system devices config,disable the marvel sata device that will stop it

[570091D]

nice rig vab, almost identical to mine :up: thanks for the tip on the lcd poster
did you replace the bottom vent with carpet? :p:

i'm sure my system is being held back by the ram, got a dominator 2x2 kit in the mail.

FSB=450
MULTI=8
STRAP=333
vFSB=1.31
vNB=1.4
vRAM=2.2
nbGTL=-10
DRAM clk skw=adv 300ps (all channels)
CLOCK TWISTER=strong
COMN PRF LVL=10

[KURTZ]

@kurtz,in the advance tab in bios,under system devices config,disable the marvel sata device that will stop it

thx mate :)

[CryptiK]

guys, is there a guide for the skews? i really don't understand what they do ... :)

No guide for them, but essentially you are advancing or delaying the dram channels in relation to the data strobe.

Some ram (micron/psc) prefer neutral or advanced skews, other ram (eg elipda) seems to prefer delayed skews.

Play around with them and see if it has any benefits on stability. I leave mine on auto (neutral) as advancing or delaying has no benefit for me.

[astacus]

Hi

I am looking for mobo that can be used 600MHz FSB for 24/7 in use. Does anyone have knowledge is that possible with this mobo

[JoeBar]

Hi

I am looking for mobo that can be used 600MHz FSB for 24/7 in use. Does anyone have knowledge is that possible with this mobo
600mhz fsb for 24/7 use? :hm:

If u find/have a cpu that does it, i think that u'll find better mb alternatives. Mine is 24/7 stable @ 530mhz.

[Leeghoofd]

Some peeps have no clue of hardwarelimits... +500 FSB is nice, 600FSB requires a good CPU, will create way too much heat, big stress on NB and RAM too... 500-530 is doable, more is a heaven sent...

I can run some 600FSB benchies (short duration on the P5Q Dlx) but in 3d it caps out and to get 32MB pi stable was already a nitemare for my CPU/Mobo combo.. let alone of running this 24/7...

[KURTZ]

No guide for them, but essentially you are advancing or delaying the dram channels in relation to the data strobe.

Some ram (micron/psc) prefer neutral or advanced skews, other ram (eg elipda) seems to prefer delayed skews.

Play around with them and see if it has any benefits on stability. I leave mine on auto (neutral) as advancing or delaying has no benefit for me.

ops i haven't saw this post ... :)

thx Cryptik ...

[astacus]

I have Biostar TPower I45 and E8500 E0. I also have got some test with 600 FSB 3DMark 06 and SuperPi allso 550 FSB 7h orthos
orthos 7h
http://www.aijaa.com/v.php?i=3149522.jpg

Am I too ambitious for dreaming 600MHz FSB for 24/7 use
If Maximus II Formula isn´t that mobo so what is better? I have so much problems with TPower I45 that i am loosing my nervers with this mobo

[Grnfinger]

I have Biostar TPower I45 and E8500 E0. I also have got some test with 600 FSB 3DMark 06 and SuperPi allso 550 FSB 7h orthos
orthos 7h
http://www.aijaa.com/v.php?i=3149522.jpg

Am I too ambitious for dreaming 600MHz FSB for 24/7 use
If Maximus II Formula isn´t that mobo so what is better? I have so much problems with TPower I45 that i am loosing my nervers with this mobo

You might have a shot with the Gigabyte UD3 but 600FSB 24/7 will be hard on your hardware , there is a thread here for the Gigabyte board you could ask in there, I'm not certain but I thought guys were hitting 600+ FSB but that was for benching iirc
I wish you luck in your quest

[JoeBar]

600mhz 24/7 is pretty hard to do... :2cents:

[Grnfinger]

agreed

[humeyboy]

Bios 1702 is on the FTP.

ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/

Asus are IDIOTS, the Multi is still Stuck. :mad:

[570091D]

damn, i got all excited for a second there....:shakes:

[Eeky NoX]

So do I ...hope the next will be better

Just doin' 500 for 24/7 ;) 533/566x9 is hot in aircooling : gat to wait water :D

http://pix.nofrag.com/2/c/1/df93ba1da677173e0b00e90e519d5tt.jpg (http://pix.nofrag.com/2/c/1/df93ba1da677173e0b00e90e519d5.html)

A question bout CrossFire : why GPU-Z don't displays me that it's enable, but just availabble ??

There's a Saphhire HD4870 and a Giga HD4850 1gb on my mobo...thx

[WaterFlex]

Eeky NoX
Good job. But you can`t make it stable with your air cooling. Make 500x8. It is the best setup for 24\7 using.

[vab206]

nice rig vab, almost identical to mine :up: thanks for the tip on the lcd poster
did you replace the bottom vent with carpet? :p:



lol no i took the bottom vent out to test and see if my SS would indeed work like i thought it would... and it does. cant wait to get that bad boy fired up :D

[seban]

I have reseated cooling on MF2 today. Added two silicon washers under NB. But now after powering up my MB sensor shows 90C :D:D:D... argh.

At least I know it is somewhere under the cooling and that it is not stuck. I am guessing maybe next to SB... I will put two washeres and will see.

Are you putting washers under all screws or only NB guys?

Cheers

[SiGfever]

I have reseated cooling on MF2 today. Added two silicon washers under NB. But now after powering up my MB sensor shows 90C :D:D:D... argh.

At least I know it is somewhere under the cooling and that it is not stuck. I am guessing maybe next to SB... I will put two washeres and will see.

Are you putting washers under all screws or only NB guys?

Cheers

I just wiped off their crap TIM and tightened all screws up properly. Mine had sufficient washers. After running 24 hours my idle temps are NB 38c, SB 37c, Mosfets (PWM) 30c. I do have the Swiftech NB block on my heatpipe assembly though.

[seban]

I just wiped off their crap TIM and tightened all screws up properly. Mine had sufficient washers. After running 24 hours my idle temps are NB 38c, SB 37c, Mosfets (PWM) 30c. I do have the Swiftech NB block on my heatpipe assembly though.

Did you notice change in MB sensor temps?

[SiGfever]

Did you notice change in MB sensor temps?

I never start up a board with the crap TIM the manufactures use so I never knew what they were before. But I did notice that some of the screws needed tightening, I tested that before disassembly.

[CryptiK]

I have reseated cooling on MF2 today. Added two silicon washers under NB. But now after powering up my MB sensor shows 90C :D:D:D... argh.

At least I know it is somewhere under the cooling and that it is not stuck. I am guessing maybe next to SB... I will put two washeres and will see.

Are you putting washers under all screws or only NB guys?

Cheers

Wait, did you put the washers between the board and the heatpipe assembly or under the screws on the back of the board?

They go under the screws.

I just put 1.5mm washers under the screws, and took off the removable block, and lapped it - it was nowhere near flat and was making really bad contact with the copper block. Now it makes full contact with the block, so coupled with the extra mounting pressure I will hope to see an improvement in temps.

[seban]

Ye I placed washers in the back of MB under the screws - they are 2mm silicone ones so NB has more then great contact know.

But MB senwsor went from 70 to 90 but I think it is located somwhere near to the SB under the flat sink which covers also SB.

Cryptik did you placed any aditional washers r just those 2 for NB?

[CryptiK]

Weird how the mobo temp went up.

I only put 2 washers under the NB screws. The NB temp was the one thing I wanted to improve, as when benching with 1.50 vNB, I was idling at 51*C. Full load with 2 instances of windows memtest (this gets the NB hottest) is now ~46*C @ 1.30 vNB, before it was 52*C.

I also lapped the removable block to make better contact with the copper block. i have some pics of it, sorry for bad quality my gf is away and has taken the camera, so I used my phone.

Started lapping:
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/timbosan/Image036.jpg

Almost done lapping:
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/timbosan/Image038.jpg

Finished, almost mirror finish (used 1200 sandpaper):
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii265/timbosan/Image041.jpg

[Grnfinger]

Nice work,
All I did was replace the stock tim and screw down my MCW30, idle is a cool 35c and load is 42c tops @ 1.39vNB with ambiant at 20-22c
got the new NB waterblock from swiftec here but it seems I cant find the time to get around to swapping it

[seban]

This MB temp is driving me nuts - I will put aditional 1mm washers in SB area and will report back.

ATM I only booted to Bios as I am afraid to keep it on 90c :shocked:.

[The Water Dog]

I will take out my M2F today or tomorow, change to AC5. And i can take some pics. to the folks that havent dont that.
I will put on 2x40 on the largest heatsink, maybe lapping to. Since CryptiK have done that and have good things to say=)

[seban]

I am sending my MF2 back, take a look at the pictures.

http://images46.fotosik.pl/36/c85aa6310479cc41.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)
(this picture was taken without any washers - stock everything)

It is bended as hell, or maybe yours are same? My DFI is flat as table.

BTW does the reset BIOS button also reset profiles?

Thx

[Grnfinger]

thats nothing, look at my Max X38 fresh from Asus RMA, take notice of the Mosfet not making ANY contact

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/Grnfinger/DSCF0128.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/Grnfinger/DSCF0127.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/Grnfinger/DSCF0135.jpg

I would give Asus a call and complain, they were very quick to help resolve my issue

[seban]

Did they send you a new one - straight one?

I am not sure if I want to deal with ASUS as I can still send back Mobo to shop where I bought it and get my money back and order new one.

Also what about reset button for BIOS does it also clears profiles?

[Grnfinger]

Did they send you a new one - straight one?

I am not sure if I want to deal with ASUS as I can still send back Mobo to shop where I bought it and get my money back and order new one.

Also what about reset button for BIOS does it also clears profiles?

After a phone call :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:ing about teh quality Asus was very quick o help me, they even paid for overnight shipping to there facility.

I'm still waiting for a replacement its only been a week yesterday.
If you can swap for a fresh retail and avoid Asus I would go that route.

[JoeBar]

I am sending my MF2 back, take a look at the pictures.

It is bended as hell, or maybe yours are same? My DFI is flat as table.

BTW does the reset BIOS button also reset profiles?


Mine is bended about the same. I've seen other Maximus II (and other boards) more bended. If i were u i wouldn't bother returning it back.
U aren't sure if u'll get a better one... ;)


As for the reset button. I haven't found the need to use it yet... :)

[Grnfinger]

Mine is bended about the same. I've seen other Maximus II (and other boards) more bended. If i were u i wouldn't bother returning it back.
U aren't sure if u'll get a better one... ;)


As for the reset button. I haven't found the need to use it yet... :)

Ahh but if he can return it to the retailer I'm quite sure he will get to look inside the box b4 he takes it home.
Bottom line the board is sub par and its somethng I would not take considering the cost of the board. Maybe on a 80 dollar board this might be "acceptable"
The fact is that Asus was concerned when I sent pic's of my mobo so it looks like there is some issues with QA and he should bring this to there attention not just sit quietly buy and settle for something thats not 100%.
Tired of the little guy getting the shaft.

[JoeBar]

Ahh but if he can return it to the retailer I'm quite sure he will get to look inside the box b4 he takes it home.
Bottom line the board is sub par and its somethng I would not take considering the cost of the board. Maybe on a 80 dollar board this might be "acceptable"
The fact is that Asus was concerned when I sent pic's of my mobo so it looks like there is some issues with QA and he should bring this to there attention not just sit quietly buy and settle for something thats not 100%.
Tired of the little guy getting the shaft.
Don't get me wrong there Grnfinger. I dind't meant that the guy shouldn't return it. Just that this isn't a major fault that should affect performance...

[Grnfinger]

no no I understand your point, and it's a valid one for sure.
But if the retailer was already going to swap the board based on his claim I'm certain they would check the new one b4 they gave it to him.

[JoeBar]

no no I understand your point, and it's a valid one for sure.
But if the retailer was already going to swap the board based on his claim I'm certain they would check the new one b4 they gave it to him.
They SHOULD for sure... :)

[radaja]

heres a pic of my maxII,noticethe mosfets make absolutely no contact what so ever. and that cant be fixed, unless you add a second layer of thermal tape in the area. also the warp is right where the memory slot are.http://i38.tinypic.com/nm0yn5.jpghttp://i36.tinypic.com/10qksxx.jpg

[seban]

It looks like not only my board is bended. Bravo Asus :clap:.

Any way main reason for me to send it back is MB temp which was around 70C and now is around 94C :rofl:.

Thanks for photos ppl.

[vab206]

thats weird, mustve had some people fall sleep on the flattening line... mines straight as an arrow.

[seban]

Because MF2 is out of stock in my favourite shop I will give one more try to bended one on my desk - I will put 1mm washers under all screws and will see if it is going to lower my freaking MB sensor temps.

And maybe 2x 2mm under NB :D ;)

I will report back after I am done with some photos of temps or maybe even screens if I will be able to boot to win.

What revision of mobo do you have ppl? Mine is like on screen:
http://images40.fotosik.pl/36/3421832cb6f62374.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

[WaterFlex]

I have the same revision.

[screwtech02]

The "open box" board i got from the egg was tweeked the same way as your guys are. Funny, it straighted right out after installing my waterblock...:rofl:
I also put the thermalright mosfet coolers on it, the "stock" cooling setup was a bit much for me......

[Eeky NoX]

So do I ... If you want to know for the reset : it keeps profiles

If you want to know how it would be with the washers : look at this !!!

http://soj.mesdiscussions.net/soj/intel-processeur-carte-mere/maximus-formula-totale-sujet_2390_1.htm

It was hawfull (look at the pics), but a few works after I lost 10° on the NB ;)

[seban]

wow lots of photos :)

For all screws - washers mod did not help MB temp 90C - it is flying back to shop ordering new one :/ Hope this time I will have more luck.

[Eeky NoX]

Good luck m8, just all playin' "russian roullette" wittf board !! But I just do not feel unlucky this time...

Got to test it under dry ice next month and try to see what's behind 600 fsb :D

[philbrown23]

ok so I have bios 1606 just got this board, and am having major issues with raid. I change the setting from ide to raid then it hangs at the "setecting sata 1" part of post but only while in raid mode, any one else have this prob?

[humeyboy]

Get 1802, all other after yours break Multiplier.

[seban]

ok so I have bios 1606 just got this board, and am having major issues with raid. I change the setting from ide to raid then it hangs at the "setecting sata 1" part of post but only while in raid mode, any one else have this prob?

Can you tell us what revision of P45 chip do you have is it A2 or A3?

You can check it in CPUz i.e.

Thanks

[xzulu]

Has anyone tried replacing the top heatsink of the NB and used a Thermalright HR-05 SLI chipset cooler?

http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_images/chipset_cooler/hg05_sli/hr-05sli.jpg

Just curious....I tried my friends' Thermalright HR-05 SLI chipset cooler and it is possible, but you need to get longer screws for it to reach the holes of the original NB screw holes....

[Mypejon]

Has anyone tried replacing the top heatsink of the NB and used a Thermalright HR-05 SLI chipset cooler?

http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_images/chipset_cooler/hg05_sli/hr-05sli.jpg

Just curious....I tried my friends' Thermalright HR-05 SLI chipset cooler and it is possible, but you need to get longer screws for it to reach the holes of the original NB screw holes....

so dude.. any improvement for the temp?any testing?can post picture for us.. i also got nb temp high during full load occt..>71c-74c :down: :shocked:

[xzulu]

I haven't tried it yet, I just checked if it was possible to fit :) But I'm trying to get my hands on one soon.


i also got nb temp high during full load occt..>71c-74c

Did you remount the heatpipe assembly? And changed the thermalpaste of the NB and SB and added some washers to the NB screws? Try that first that should lower your temps by 20C or more.

Oh sorry, it should be the Thermalright HR-05 SLI/IFX, cause the clips are bolted on unlike the Thermalright HR-05 SLI it's the clip type, so the screws might not fit through the holes of the clip...

http://www.thermalright.com/new_a_page/product_images/chipset_cooler/hr05_ifx_sli/b/4.jpg

[seban]

Hi guys on new year 2009! Can you believe this first day and already a question :ROTF:.

I am looking for quick guide what drivers should be installed for MF2 for VISTA and when.

So far I know that there is Chipset drv, Matrix Manager and Marvel drivers from ESATA to be downloaded. Is there something else? (I am asking purly about MOBO without sound and video).

Is there separate driver for LAN cards?

Help much appreciated as I am switching from AMD platform and I am just not sure if I got all.

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

Also did someone manage to install windows XP with AHCI driver on USB stick? I got error and It wont read drivers from USB.

[Grnfinger]

Vista 32 and 64 bit do not require any additional Raid drivers...
Install the OS then install chipset drivers, then Matrix Storage Manager, then Sound and finally GPU.
Lan will update once you install updates from MS.

I find its best to get the chipset and MSM drivers straight from Intel
lmk if you need links

[seban]

Vista 32 and 64 bit do not require any additional Raid drivers...
Install the OS then install chipset drivers, then Matrix Storage Manager, then Sound and finally GPU.
Lan will update once you install updates from MS.

I find its best to get the chipset and MSM drivers straight from Intel
lmk if you need links

Thanks Grnfinger this is exactly the answer I was looking for.

I got links to Intel web page from you already (I asked about those specific drivers in MF2 thread before).

Thanks m8,

Any experience with Windows XP USB stick and AHCI?

[Grnfinger]

Thanks Grnfinger this is exactly the answer I was looking for.

I got links to Intel web page from you already (I asked about those specific drivers before in MF2 thread before).

Thanks m8,

Any experience with Windows XP USB stick and AHCI?

No problem:)

I have not used XP in over a year now, and when I did I used a floppy

[seban]

No problem:)

I have not used XP in over a year now, and when I did I used a floppy

I need XP for HD content playback - XP is still superior to Vista in this field (like in many others TBH).

And I am an HD addict.

[KURTZ]

1901 is out :)

anyone has tried it? changelog? :p

[CryptiK]

Only thing they say about it is "increased memory compatibility". I'm still on 1307 I have no reason to upgrade from it.

[KURTZ]

Only thing they say about it is "increased memory compatibility". I'm still on 1307 I have no reason to upgrade from it.

OK perfect :)

[Grnfinger]

1901 is stable but phase pull ins are still broken so no point in upgrading.
If your having troubles getting ram stable it might be worth a shot but otherwise it is of little benifit

[jason4207]

Just some things I think might be useful for others. Please add to 1st post if you agree.



To anyone thinking of using the Speeding HDD in RAID0...Don't do it! I saw someone post a bench of it in the main thread, and it caps I/O at 120MB/s. The Intel ICH10 is far superior, and it's best to disable the 'Speeding HDD' (this will speed up boot-time as well) unless you really need more than 6 sata devices.

To everyone asking for others BIOS settings...you need to experiment! If you think that plugging in someone else's BIOS settings is going to work you are mistaken. An enthusiast board like this requires a lot of fine-tuning to get great results. Every board is unique and so is every CPU and RAM. If you want something quick and easy, go for a mainstream board that doesn't have so many tweaks. If you're going to leave everything on 'auto' what's the point of spending the extra $? Spending more on the mobo doesn't mean you'll get better results unless you're willing to spend a LOT of time tweaking, experimenting, taking notes, and finding the 'sweet spot'. In fact, you'll probably get better results on a mainstream board if you just want to leave most settings on auto.

To those w/ bent boards...does it straighten out when you screw it into the case? Problem solved! Those benching on a table may not have that option, but there are bench racks available.


*Just got an open-box M2F last night. Changed the TIM w/ MX-2, and bolted it down good and hard w/ extra washers on the NB and SB. It didn't want to boot right away. Tried clearing CMOS, no luck...I pulled out 2 sticks of RAM and she came right up! Bumped DRAM-voltage to 2.15, and NB to 1.15...put all other voltage to min except 1.25vcore, and put all the RAM back. She booted right up w/o having to re-install OS, but I will be trying out Windows 7 shortly anyway. Set it to 400x8.5 and no immediate issues. It was late, so tonight I get to start playing for real! I couldn't quite get 4GHz stable on my P5K-Premium...I'm hoping to get at least 4GHz stable on this board.

[Grnfinger]

Just some things I think might be useful for others. Please add to 1st post if you agree.



To anyone thinking of using the Speeding HDD in RAID0...Don't do it! I saw someone post a bench of it in the main thread, and it caps I/O at 120MB/s. The Intel ICH10 is far superior, and it's best to disable the 'Speeding HDD' (this will speed up boot-time as well) unless you really need more than 6 sata devices.

To everyone asking for others BIOS settings...you need to experiment! If you think that plugging in someone else's BIOS settings is going to work you are mistaken. An enthusiast board like this requires a lot of fine-tuning to get great results. Every board is unique and so is every CPU and RAM. If you want something quick and easy, go for a mainstream board that doesn't have so many tweaks. If you're going to leave everything on 'auto' what's the point of spending the extra $? Spending more on the mobo doesn't mean you'll get better results unless you're willing to spend a LOT of time tweaking, experimenting, taking notes, and finding the 'sweet spot'. In fact, you'll probably get better results on a mainstream board if you just want to leave most settings on auto.

To those w/ bent boards...does it straighten out when you screw it into the case? Problem solved! Those benching on a table may not have that option, but there are bench racks available.

*Just got an open-box M2F last night. Changed the TIM w/ MX-2, and bolted it down good and hard w/ extra washers on the NB and SB. It didn't want to boot right away. Tried clearing CMOS, no luck...I pulled out 2 sticks of RAM and she came right up! Bumped DRAM-voltage to 2.15, and NB to 1.15...put all other voltage to min except 1.25vcore, and put all the RAM back. She booted right up w/o having to re-install OS, but I will be trying out Windows 7 shortly anyway. Set it to 400x8.5 and no immediate issues. It was late, so tonight I get to start playing for real! I couldn't quite get 4GHz stable on my P5K-Premium...I'm hoping to get at least 4GHz stable on this board.

Well if thats an acceptable soloution for you great but dont be-little others if they choose not to accept the board in that condition.
When screwing it down to the case it can cause great stress on the PCB, it can reduce mosfet heatsink contact ( like in the case of my Maximus X38 board) so when running a mild clock like yours it may show no effects, but stressing the board at higher FSB will show instability very fast.

[radaja]

jason4207, listen i didnt buy an open box board, i bought and paid the full 270$ when it first came out.Asus wont accept deformed boards from us why should we accept it from them.and also, sometimes plugging in some one else bios settings work great as a starting point. why else do you think so many people post thier settings.even experienced users struggle sometimes with new hardware.it from other peoples successes that we all benefit.thats the whole point of these forums.not just to post about how great we are(i bought a board,didnt want to boot,but im so great i got it to work perfectly,but its my secret how i did it)come on.getting tired of certain people posting what they think is best for everyone.or trying to discredit others,or others hardware.

[jason4207]

Sorry guys! I had no intentions to offend anyone. Just felt like standing on the soap-box for a minute. :)


Well if thats an acceptable soloution for you great but dont be-little others if they choose not to accept the board in that condition.
When screwing it down to the case it can cause great stress on the PCB, it can reduce mosfet heatsink contact ( like in the case of my Maximus X38 board) so when running a mild clock like yours it may show no effects, but stressing the board at higher FSB will show instability very fast.

I hear what you're saying, but just installing the CPU HS can cause the board to deform. In my situation screwing the board into the case actually improved MOSFET contact.

My clock may not seem that high to you, but I can assure you that I'm stressing the FSB very hard on this quad. I know it has more CPU freq in it, but this damn FSB wall is testing my patience!


jason4207, listen i didnt buy an open box board, i bought and paid the full 270$ when it first came out.Asus wont accept deformed boards from us why should we accept it from them.and also, sometimes plugging in some one else bios settings work great as a starting point. why else do you think so many people post thier settings.even experienced users struggle sometimes with new hardware.it from other peoples successes that we all benefit.thats the whole point of these forums.not just to post about how great we are(i bought a board,didnt want to boot,but im so great i got it to work perfectly,but its my secret how i did it)come on.getting tired of certain people posting what they think is best for everyone.or trying to discredit others,or others hardware.

You have every right to request a new board. That is 1 problem w/ having these huge heatpiped HS's. They look great, but as we all know the heatpipes can bend fairly easily. If they get slightly out-of-whack during manufacturing it can cause the board to also bend. I guess we could spend some time trying to bend the heatpipe assembly by hand and setting it on the board until it sits flush w/o any screws, but for $270 you really shouldn't have to do that.

In my situation the board was bent, but my TRUE also put some additional bend in it. Once in the case it's good to go. Contact is good on the NB, SB, and MOSFETS b/c I locked the screws down hard w/ washers on the NB & SB. Right now at 485FSB my temps in the BIOS are 34C-NB, 37C-SB, 25C-MB, 28C-PWM in a 69F house. Voltages are: vcore-1.23v, DRAM-2.15v, NB-1.24v, PLL-1.6v, vTT-1.25v.

My comment about the BIOS settings came out wrong. It seemed to me that many folks (probably not you) were just typing in others BIOS settings and when they didn't work they just kind of gave up. They didn't try to tweak anything or experiment in anyway. I agree that using others BIOS settings as a starting point can help, but usually using someones completely maxed out settings will not work. Using someone elses 'safe' settings as a start and then looking at various 'max' settings to see where people fine-tuned is usually more helpful IMO. It also seemed like many had bought this board as their first foray into OCing, and perhaps had the misconception that buying a more expensive board would mean that they would be able to OC further. I saw quite a few posts where every setting was on auto, and then they asked what was wrong. This is not an 'auto' board IMO. My comment was more directed to those folks.


I'm having my own issues. I'm working on getting 485FSB stable, and so far I can't get more than a minute of P95-large-fft before I get 2 cores failing. I'm still playing w/ the GTL's, though. I may end up having to settle for less for 24/7 operation, though.

Also, 2 of my beloved D9 Tracers appear to have bitten the dust last night. I'm kind of regretting this purchase now, as my P5K-Premium has been running strong w/ this RAM for 1-1/2 yrs now. Tried to take a step forward, and I end up taking 2 steps back. I know Crucial isn't going to send me D9's as replacements, so I'm going to have to buy a whole new set of RAM as mixing D9's w/ the new crap they have always ends up causing problems for people.

Do you guys still think 1307 is the best? I started out w/ 1802, and then decided to try 1901 to see if it helped. Then I tried to copy BIOS1 over to BIOS2 and 2 of my RAM sticks died...:confused: Anyway, in my panic I went back to 1307. I tested the 2 bad sticks 1 at a time in each dimm slot, but it won't boot w/ them. The other 2 boot up just fine. :shrug:


radaja, I see you have the UD3P now. Do you like it better? Can you get the FSB higher for 24/7 than you could on the M2F?

[Evil_AnAnAs]

Hi, I have some questions I hope someone could answer. I use the MIIF with kets 1307 bios for pure clocking with old p4 but it's way more advanced than I'm used to.
I can't get setFSb to work, have found the clock generator but the nr isn't listed in setFSB, doesn't setFSB support the card?

And I would be really happy if someone could give me a link or something that would help me understand all the more advanced stuff in bios, like cpu clock skew.

[Grnfinger]

Sorry guys! I had no intentions to offend anyone. Just felt like standing on the soap-box for a minute. :)


I hear what you're saying, but just installing the CPU HS can cause the board to deform. In my situation screwing the board into the case actually improved MOSFET contact.

My clock may not seem that high to you, but I can assure you that I'm stressing the FSB very hard on this quad. I know it has more CPU freq in it, but this damn FSB wall is testing my patience!



You have every right to request a new board. That is 1 problem w/ having these huge heatpiped HS's. They look great, but as we all know the heatpipes can bend fairly easily. If they get slightly out-of-whack during manufacturing it can cause the board to also bend. I guess we could spend some time trying to bend the heatpipe assembly by hand and setting it on the board until it sits flush w/o any screws, but for $270 you really shouldn't have to do that.

In my situation the board was bent, but my TRUE also put some additional bend in it. Once in the case it's good to go. Contact is good on the NB, SB, and MOSFETS b/c I locked the screws down hard w/ washers on the NB & SB. Right now at 485FSB my temps in the BIOS are 34C-NB, 37C-SB, 25C-MB, 28C-PWM in a 69F house. Voltages are: vcore-1.23v, DRAM-2.15v, NB-1.24v, PLL-1.6v, vTT-1.25v.

My comment about the BIOS settings came out wrong. It seemed to me that many folks (probably not you) were just typing in others BIOS settings and when they didn't work they just kind of gave up. They didn't try to tweak anything or experiment in anyway. I agree that using others BIOS settings as a starting point can help, but usually using someones completely maxed out settings will not work. Using someone elses 'safe' settings as a start and then looking at various 'max' settings to see where people fine-tuned is usually more helpful IMO. It also seemed like many had bought this board as their first foray into OCing, and perhaps had the misconception that buying a more expensive board would mean that they would be able to OC further. I saw quite a few posts where every setting was on auto, and then they asked what was wrong. This is not an 'auto' board IMO. My comment was more directed to those folks.


I'm having my own issues. I'm working on getting 485FSB stable, and so far I can't get more than a minute of P95-large-fft before I get 2 cores failing. I'm still playing w/ the GTL's, though. I may end up having to settle for less for 24/7 operation, though.

Also, 2 of my beloved D9 Tracers appear to have bitten the dust last night. I'm kind of regretting this purchase now, as my P5K-Premium has been running strong w/ this RAM for 1-1/2 yrs now. Tried to take a step forward, and I end up taking 2 steps back. I know Crucial isn't going to send me D9's as replacements, so I'm going to have to buy a whole new set of RAM as mixing D9's w/ the new crap they have always ends up causing problems for people.

Do you guys still think 1307 is the best? I started out w/ 1802, and then decided to try 1901 to see if it helped. Then I tried to copy BIOS1 over to BIOS2 and 2 of my RAM sticks died...:confused: Anyway, in my panic I went back to 1307. I tested the 2 bad sticks 1 at a time in each dimm slot, but it won't boot w/ them. The other 2 boot up just fine. :shrug:


radaja, I see you have the UD3P now. Do you like it better? Can you get the FSB higher for 24/7 than you could on the M2F?

No need to apologize, and no offence taken, its just a sore subject for some:D

In the case of your ram...1802 and 1901 are really good, I currently have both loaded, after a flash do not load a save bios profile, do a cmos clear and enter everything manually. GTLs will be key to getting your chip high FSB stable.
Post your setup if you like and suggestions can be made on ways to improve

[radaja]

jason4207,no problem but just a little info on my boards,even with the heatsinks off boards 1&2 were severly warped where the pwms are between the two screw holes.its as if the screw holes on the heatsinks themselves were not the right distance apart,so during the initial assembly,its almost like it pulled and bent the board just to fit.resulting in the deformity.i even tried to make the heatsink as flat and straight as possible,no luck because the board itself is permantly bent that way now.also i completly agree about some new OCers thinking that this board would some how because of it being highend would magicly make OCing a breeze.but then again if they gave up because it didnt work like that then that still is thier choice.its thier money.and about the UD3P,this is just my limited opinion but,hell yea!i love this board.im going to buy the UD3R next.but i cant really compare it with the maxII because ive only gotten to use my max's for a handful of days,and they were not fully functioning boards.i wish i had one that did work,but alas its just not in the stars for me.again no hard feelings sorry.

[jason4207]

Thanks for the warm responses guys!

485 seems pretty stable now (at least 1:30 of large fft before I stopped it). Working on 490 now (11mins stable so far...1 core just failed). I'm using the 6x multi, and have the RAM loose 1:1 for now. This way I can stay focused on the FSB. Next is CPU top speed (I think this will be easy since I could get over 3.9GHz at only 1.208v on my old board), and then RAM/tRD tweaking which will be fun w/ only 2x1GB of D9, but won't be as practical for 24/7 usage.

I started w/ min voltages all around except 1.25 vcore, and 2.15 vdimm. All GTLs on auto. Then I played w/ NB, vTT, and PLL in a cyclical fashion until I found the sweet spot for each setting at 485. Next I played w/ NB GTL which surprised me by how much it helped. I went from 3mins stable to 7mins stable w/ a bump to +10mV, and then over 1:30 stable w/ +20mV before I stopped it to go higher. Went to 490 and was getting a lock-up w/n 5 mins. More NB GTL didn't help, but a bump to the NB voltage allowed me to go 11mins before a core failed. I've given it another bump...let's see what happens!

I always clear CMOS after a BIOS update and re-enter everything from scratch. Then save over my old profile. Thanks for the tip, but I figured that one out on my old board. Makes sense too b/c some BIOS' have settings that other BIOS' don't.

I'll post up my BIOS settings if I hit another snag I can't figure out, or if I get done...just to share.

Any advice on some good RAM that won't kill my wallet? I only need 4GB. Does anybody still sell D9's that clock crazy? I know Team had some for a while after Crucial stopped using them in Ballistix, but I'm not sure of what's currently available. Maybe I'll check the classifieds here and at OCF.

Thanks again guys!

[CryptiK]

Nice work so far keep at it. Say you get to 471 x 9, you can run your ram 5:6 so DDR2-1130MHz. Your ballistix should do that without trouble, my cellshock & teams do it with 1.94v (1.95900 bios). Don't forget to tweak your CPU GTL Refs they help with high FSB/Clocks.

You should still be able to find either team or cellshock stock left somewhere they have been good for me and work well with the board. Maybe look on ebay too you might be able to pick up some more double sided crucial.

[jason4207]

Well no 9x multi for me on my Q9550, but 8.5 will do pretty good if I can get 490+ completely stable. 500 would be awesome.

I already know these RAM have some kick to 'em. ;) Here's PL=6 on my old P35 at 2.3v. Best $20 I ever spent!

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7596/ddr2125054521pr6.jpg

The trouble I had on my P35 is that I could never get anything but the 1:1 ratio to be completely 24/7 stable. Probably stable enough for most, but I like it to be solid.

So far I haven't needed to adjust my CPU GTLs, but I will toy around w/ them once my other efforts fail. I like to leave those for last and then work backwards on volts if permitted.

[folklore11]

eSATA

Anyone getting this to work in Windows XP Pro?

I loaded Marvel SATA driver and that completely wracked the system even causing my DVD drive to disappear. Now it is uninstalled. I do have Marvell controller IDE/esata enabled in BIOS.

I am trying to get the Thermaltake BlacX USB & eSATA docking station to work with eSATA. USB works well. Any help?

[pphx459]

Quick question, has anyone used Thermalright HR-09's on this board?

[529th]

Hey guys, I just bought this board and figured instead of having to troll through 60 pages in the M2F thread, I'd summarize what I could here similarly to how someone did for the P5WDH. I hope this helps! Many thanks to all contributors to the existing threads.

Asus Maximus II Formula P45 Motherboard - Problems & Fixes
---------------------------------------

In an effort to keep threads organized, please only use this thread to post overclock settings and SOLUTIONS to issues. Use the other threads below for discussion. Thank you.


Additional information:
ASUS Maximus II Formula - new P45 king? (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=190812)
How to set up GTL Ref Values for 45nm & 65nm (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=202292)

BIOS

Latest: 1802
Recommended: 1307

1802 (ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/asus/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1802.zip)
- Fixed multi bug (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3489881&postcount=2286)
- Pull ins not working
1702 (ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1702.zip)
- Multi is still stuck
1602 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1602.zip)

Possible multiplier lock issue (unable to change)

1403 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1403.zip) - issues with long post @ SATA stage (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3375704&postcount=1518)
1307 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-1307.zip)
1307 - KET modified (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3293149&postcount=358)
0901 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0901.zip)
0802 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0802.zip)
0701 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0701.zip)
0604 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0604.zip)
0503 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0503.zip)
0117 (http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/Maximus_II_Formula/Maximus-II-ASUS-Formula-0117.zip)


"EDIT - I also do not know where/how Solarfall got bios version 603, all i can find is 604. I have tried 1307, 701 & 801 and all of them had the same limits, but 1307 recovers from a failed overclock properly, whereas the older bioses do not, requiring a power off at the PSU switch."
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3308698&postcount=1038

Problems & Fixes

Will not boot / hangs / CMOS reset to POST after overclock
Ensure difference between vFSB and vNB is no more than ~0.11v. This seems to help on some people's configurations, but maybe not all.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3301507&postcount=996

Very high northbridge temperatures
See below for remounting the heatpipe with more pressure on the NB.

Booting from Speeding HDD (possible solution)
Install a bootable drive on Primary Intel SATA port, select External Disk 0 as the second bootable drive, in the bios selection of bootable drives.
After installing a new windows on the Speeding HDD drives, it will present an OS selection after the first reset.
(thanks Gunnz Akimbo)

Cooling

Northbridge

May not have good contact
Take off heatpipe assembly, remove foam spacers
Add metal washers to underside to increase pressure (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3194968&postcount=446)
Diagram of washers and standoffs (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3388936&postcount=34). Also see post 36 for details of what to be careful of.


Swiftech MCW30

Fits without modification but with slightly bent posts. (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3229502&postcount=530)
Fits better if you cut a little bit of the mounting "axe". (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=194858)


Swiftech MCW-NBMAX

Waterblock designed specifically for M2F and Rampage Extreme (http://www.swiftech.com/products/mcw-nbmax.asp)


EK-NB Asus HP

Fits M2F and Rampage Extreme (http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=309)


MOSFET

Only one MOSFET sink is removable from the heatpipe, X38 block from MF fits (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=194858)


Template




Processor: QX9770
Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
FSB Frequency: 467
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: 333
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1122MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Advance 300ps
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information:

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay: Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: 55 DRAM Clocks
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
Write to Read Delay (D): Auto
Read to Read Delay (S): Auto
Read to Read Delay (D): Auto
Write to Write Delay (S): Auto
Write to Write Delay (D): Auto


3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
Read to PRE Delay: Auto
PRE to PRE Delay: Auto
All PRE to ACT Delay: Auto
All PRE to REF Delay: Auto
DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Moderate
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 8
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.41875
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.35175
DRAM Voltage: 2.15775
North Bridge Voltage: 1.39150
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (1):-40mv
CPU GTL Reference (2): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (3):-40mv
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto


CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled





Overclocks
4ghz Q9450 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3141583&postcount=265)
4ghz q9550 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3253299&postcount=679)
Try positive GTL ref voltages. (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3304698&postcount=1016)
E8600 @ 4 GHz - cstkl1 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3376640&postcount=17)
E8400 @ 4 GHz (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3346331&postcount=1369)

Have these problems been fixed in the latest 1901 bios???

Thanks

[CryptiK]

What problems specifically? If you mean the vNB/Vtt thing, no thats hardware based AFAIK, same with with the high NB temps on some boards with badly made/mounted heatpipe assembly. I'm not sure about the booting from speeding HDD port thing, I dont use them, however there is a possible solution posted immediately after that issue in the text you quoted. 1307 & 1901 are solid BIOSes.

[KURTZ]

hey guys i've heard for a SLI modded BIOS ... can you confirm that?

[e.v.o]

w00t? SLI BIOS?
never heard of that :p
i wrote you a PM...

[KURTZ]

w00t? SLI BIOS?
never heard of that :p
i wrote you a PM...

just answered ... :)

[KURTZ]

guys, what about the 2104 release? and also anyone has seen the 2101? :p

[humeyboy]

2104, No gains for me, still cant boot ram at 1200mhz.

[SkOrPn]

Not sure where you are finding 2104, when I visit the MIIF page I only see up to 1901.

[KURTZ]

Not sure where you are finding 2104, when I visit the MIIF page I only see up to 1901.

right now you can download the 2104 from the support website ... ;)

[GeorgeVasil]

2104, No gains for me, still cant boot ram at 1200mhz.

You are trying to boot with 4*2GB @1200?Sorry m8 but this is impossible.

After 5 months we have a new BIOS..Whooooaaa!!! nice work ASS -US.:mad:

I bet 10$ :p: that ''2104'' is still a crappy one.:up:

[WaterFlex]

1307 is still the best for me.

[noobzed]

I have annoying problem, i am 22 hours ( yes twenty two ) occt stable @ 478x9 ( 4,3 cpu speed ) but when i hard reboot ( with button ) or even with windows restart, mobo hang at reboot, if hard reboot always, if windows restart sometimes, do you have this problem too ? ( at 472 - 473 all is ok, but soon I go to 474+ hang at reboot )

[humeyboy]

You are trying to boot with 4*2GB @1200?Sorry m8 but this is impossible.

After 5 months we have a new BIOS..Whooooaaa!!! nice work ASS -US.:mad:

I bet 10$ :p: that ''2104'' is still a crappy one.:up:

NO, Where did I state I was ? :confused:

I posted full info in the Proper MFII thread (Multiple Times). :)

I hardly doubt its impossible if with no fancy tweaks and no extra voltage 8GB (4Sticks) boots @ 1175mhz. ;)

[GeorgeVasil]

NO, Where did I state I was ? :confused:

I posted full info in the Proper MFII thread (Multiple Times). :)

I hardly doubt its impossible if with no fancy tweaks and no extra voltage 8GB (4Sticks) boots @ 1175mhz. ;)

Your signature says : Corsair 8GB DDR2 XMS2 Dominator PC2-8500C5.:p::)

[humeyboy]

Correct, but does not state OC etc ;)

[KURTZ]

http://www.hwupgrade.it/forum/showpost.php?p=27758312&postcount=7761

with evo's SLI compatible bios :D

[In-Fluence]

SLI Bios? I've got 2 8600GTs sitting here!

[KURTZ]

SLI Bios? I've got 2 8600GTs sitting here!

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=231500

check here :p

[e1ectra_one]

hi can someone help me, i got M2F few days ago, and mbo doesn't want to boot with Q8400 and E8400 but it boots with E6600, i upgraded bios and still no change.

thanks