Asus K8N/K8N-E tweaking guide

[Nem]

Right, decided to start another thread for this motherboard as the old one was basically about how bad it was.

Asus have today released a new bios, 1004, which the main purpose is the increase overclocking ability. What they have added is the HT bus multipler option, which was locked before at 4x.

With all other bios version before this my maximum HTT speed was 214HTT. Today, with the HTT bus multi set to 3x, the results are below...

http://www.nickgoodall.org/k8n-e/265htt.jpg

http://www.nickgoodall.org/k8n-e/265httres.jpg

You will notice that I have got the ram using the 333Mhz divider, my ram is not willing to go above about 218HTT speeds - owing to the lack of Vddr, the max being 2.7v

Nick

[LilGator]

Very Longhorn-ish :D

I assume there is a working vDimm mod for this board ?

Can you drop your CPU multi and raise the HTT further ?

How high does your HT go with 4x LDT ?

Multiplier options in BIOS ? How high can vCore go in BIOS ?

[Nem]

Using the Jade theme at the moment, quite liking it :D

Right, I tried to lowed the HTT Bus Multi, but even 2x and 1x do not offer any more really. I can get up to about 270 HTT but I think my ram is causing me problems there. Same as also dropping the CPU Multi, does not allow any higher either.

The vcore goes from 1.375 to 1.750.

At 4 LDT I can get to about 215 HTT, and thats all. So you can see what an improvement this is today!!!

Nick

[LilGator]

How about a lower RAM divider ?

[Nem]

Nope, lower ram divider does not help either. So Looks like my system tops out at 255 - 260 ish.

http://www.nickgoodall.org/k8n-e/255htt.jpg

Looking good tho!!

Nick

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Thx for pointing this out Nem :toast:

Will get one tomorrow hopefully :P :)
Will also look into the vmods for this mofo :D

Lets hope the vmods are not so hard to find out as the EPoX 8KDA3+ :D

The reason for upgrading for me is a stable vcore under load is the K8N-E Capable of doing that.

The EPoX realy messes that up with almost 0,1 V difference for idle and load ..... :grr:

Can you look into that ..... i know for sure im not the only one with this question :D ;)

Thx for pointing this out once again :toast: :banana:

[LilGator]

It's nice to see ASUS listening to people's problems and fixing overclocking related things with new BIOS releases :toast:

ABiT could learn something here ;)

[IvanAndreevich]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! Gonna test it RIGHT NOW!

OK in Windows @ 250 HTT. Good thing ASUS didn't :smileysex us over this time around :stick:

[Nem]

Originally posted by SmokeyTheBandit
The reason for upgrading for me is a stable vcore under load is the K8N-E Capable of doing that.

Just ran a full pass on 3dMark03, the vcore in the bios is set at 1.65v.

The history in Asus Probe while idle, running the test and at idle again after ranges from 1.648v up to 1.696v.

Looks pretty stable to be. It did not drop more than 0.002v below the setting in the bios, and just overvolted a small amount at times.

Nick

EDIT: the bios is actually set at 1.70v - so thats not looking too great now!!

[IvanAndreevich]

OK it's doing 266 HTT no sweat passing 3DMark2001 with lowered multi to 9 and 5:3 mem divider. Going for more.

[althes]

kepp us updated, bios seems to of worked.

[ekOms]

Very good news.. glad to see Asus put in the effort to fix the issues.. I look forward to seeing your progress with this board fellas. :D :toast:

[chunkylover77]

Boy if DFI was not coming out so soon I would be looking at this.

[IvanAndreevich]

It turns on @ 300 HTT, but BSOD. I didn't try the 2x multi on the HTT, though. I really need some memory that would do higher clocks!

Actually, this does 220 @ 2.7V so it's not that bad. What I need is more volts on the memory. If we can convince ASUS to get it up to 2.9V, that would suffice for now. If not - voltmod.

[K8N]

Trans Am complained (somewhat in jest I believe?? :) ) that it "only" took Asus 6 weeks to get a BIOS fix for the OC issues with the K8N-E Deluxe. I'm glad I waited ... I almost reinstalled an MSI Neo Platinum (still brand new in the box received as a replacement for another MSI Neo Platinum that I RMAd ... it was about the worst board I've ever encountered ... check the MSI forums for all the stuff those guys are still enduring).

Anyway, I opted to try the Asus K8N-E (even though I have a replacement MSI) because of fear of all the MSI issues I'm reading about, and decided that I'd stick it out with the Asus board because at least all the functions and features work aside from OCing...that is until now. OCing is here!

I'm using the BIOS 1004.3 Beta with the following:

HTT: 3
Processor Multi: 9 (Stock)
CPU: 255 @ 1.625v
Memory: 333 @ 2.6v / 2.5-2-2-10

That equates to CPU running at 2295.4MHz with memory at 208.7MHz. Similarly to others here, I couldn't get stable beyond 215 "FSB" with the earlier BIOSes (1001 through 1003.x).

Anyway, bumping up to 260 caused a lock-up at the Win XP Pro (SP2) login screen, so I backed off to 255. Anything further will require some changes to voltage and memory timings, I'm sure. I'm gonna stick with 255 for a couple of days and then experiment some more.

Thanks for the posts.

[StormPC]

Asus makes great stuff. My A8V (even with it's initial problems) is the fastest non-vmodded 100% air-cooled computer on the ORB.

I'm testing a K8N-E Deluxe and I really like it so far.

[K8N]

Update: I couldn't wait a couple of days...so more experimentation :).

The latest stable is up from 255 to 260:

HT Ratio: 3
Processor Multi: 9
Mem: 333 @ 2.7v = 212.8MHz / 2.5-2-2-10 1T
CPU: 260 @ 1.650v = 2340.3MHz

I was able to get 260 stable by raising the voltage on the CPU and memory slightly.

I tried setting the HT Ratio to 2 (there is no 2.5, only full unit increments from 1 -4) and bumping up higher, but no go. I got a lot of strangeness on my boot manager screen (BootIt NG)...video breakup... the screen was blank where [parts] of images should have been, mouse pointer trails would "erase" the screen, etc. etc. I just had to power-off from there and change settings in BIOS.

By the way, I notice screenshots of ClockGen, but I can't use it if I set anything higher than ~240 HTT. If I go higher, the computer just shuts off or hangs when I click "Set Values". So, I've just been making all settings changes the old fashioned way...in the BIOS.

[Mentaly]

Hi


Nice I just knew they would pull it off, I bought the board real cheap, from some guy who needed a fast overclock :), will be fun to see how it faires with my 2x512 Crucial Ballistix, they run 220 cas 2-2-2-5 default volts no problems :). Now we just need a modded bios with 1.85 for vcore again and some more vdimm if its possible.

Menty

[Nem]

If we could get some bios guru to have a look at the 1001 bios to see how they had 1.85vcore in there, and then mod the 1004 that would be amazing.

I was showing the pics of clockgen just to show thae speeds, mainly for the locked agp/pci busses. I cannot use clockgen on this board at all now, just locks up.

Nick

[K8N]

Nem,

Okay...I gotcha now regarding ClockGen. I originally thought your screenshots of ClockGen implied you were using it to set HTT, etc. Glad I'm not the only one that has to use BIOS for settings changes.

By the way, I am stable at 263HTT now. I can make 265HTT stick while doing low load tasks, but as soon as I run something that applies a load for several minutes, the computer reboots. Bumping to 266HTT won't even boot into Windows...it just boots over and over until I reset BIOS.
266HTT (*3=798) seems that it would be as close as I could get to the 800MHz bus max anyway at an HT Ratio of 3 (am I correct in my estimation of how the AMD 64 HT ratio works?).

If I am correct, I guess "263 * 3 = 789MHz" is close enough to the 800 MHz bus maximum for now. Any other tweaks wouldn't gain much before running into the 800MHz wall, right?

[Mentaly]

Hi


Well it looks promising :), both the board and my Crucial Ballistix

http://www.upit.dk/u/K8N-Ebiosfix.JPG



Im gonna test some more a little l8r btw mem is still at 2.5 volts :).


Menty

[Nem]

Which ballistix is that????

The PC3200 as it says in CPUz?

Nick

[Mentaly]

Hi


Yep the same stuff from this test Its based on Micron pc3200 G sample chips.
http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2145

It roxx big time as he says it also do 220 2-2-2-5 at 2.5 volts no problem, havent really tested the max yet as I got the mem Monday and the bios fix came today :).

Edit: Sandra scores went from 1500 to 3300 now well thats BW loving.

Menty

[Nem]

Just placed my order for 2x 512Mb Crucial Ballistix PC4000.

The PC4000 was only £3 more per stick that the PC3200 - so thought it was worth it to make sure.

Thanks for the info!!

Nick

[IvanAndreevich]

K8N
For my board it seems that the HT wall is 220*4=880 Mhz. However, I also max out around 266*3=798 with memory running @ 217.

We need more volts on the core & memory!

[Mentaly]

Hi

Well I just messed some more with mine it seems 230x4 HTT is no problem now before I couldnt get over 220x4, we need to get a modded bios for this board. Ill try some more and see how it goes.


Menty

[Filter]

what video card are you running?

[K8N]

Hello, IvanAndreevich.

How did you make the determination that your board's system bus maxed at 4 * 220 = 880?

My figure of 800 max (4 * 200 [stock], or 3 * 266, 2 * 400, etc.) was taken from the Asus / nVidia specs for the chipset.

By the way, have you (or has anyone else) noticed that the Chassis Fan
and Power Fan are reported reversed in the BIOS?
I have a Swiftech MCX159 on my chipset, and even though
the fan is attached to the correct header, the BIOS (and Asus Probe) report the fan as the Power Fan.
Not that big of a deal, but thought I'd ask.

Anyway, thanks for the reply(ies).

[K8N]

Ivan and all,

Nevermind my question about "real life" bus max versus stated specs. I was brain- dead for a moment, I guess.

Anyway, my "real" max was around 218 HTT @ HT Ratio of 4.

I apologize for my stupidity. :)

[Mentaly]

Originally posted by Filter
what video card are you running? ´


Hi

Are u asking me, if u are it says so in my sig under here ATI X800XT PE.


Menty

[IvanAndreevich]

K8N
Yeah that's what I meant - the o/c max, not the official max :)

Mentaly
So even @ 4x HTT, the 1004 gave you a boost of 10 Mhz on the HTT?

Yeah dang it.. we need more volts here!

[Mentaly]

Hi

Ivan it posts now at 230x4 HTT I couldnt do that before, havent tested if its primestable yet, but we still need to unlock all the wonders of this bios, I asked for a little help from Bigtoe, he says he would look into it :).



Menty

[Nem]

If Bigtoe is on the case, then things are looking up :D

Nick

[IvanAndreevich]

Mentaly
If Bigtoe can boost the voltages.. mmmmm :D

[Ya Ma Yee]

Phew good thing I looked at this thread!! I was about to throw this board away. I will try to do something with this over the weekend.

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Well just got it.
I think the mods are about the same as with the SK8N since there using the same voltage regulators for both vdimm and vcore :) .

Will look at the mods after work, i dont think it will be much work though :)

[Mentaly]

Hi


yea smokey I know the mods are the same, but we also want all the hidden options in the bios unlocked, vcore is at 1.75 now but it can go to 1.85 like in the first bios, would be nice if memvolts could go higher too with out modding.

Menty

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by Mentaly
Hi


yea smokey I know the mods are the same, but we also want all the hidden options in the bios unlocked, vcore is at 1.75 now but it can go to 1.85 like in the first bios, would be nice if memvolts could go higher too with out modding.

Menty

If someone can somehow combine the first biossen with the new ones than it would rock :D
And LDT and 1.85 Vcore :D

I dont think the Vdimm will go higher through a bios update though ..... soldering is the only possibility im afraid :D

[IvanAndreevich]

SmokeyTheBandit
>>soldering is the only possibility im afraid
Why do you think so? Are you saying the voltage regulator is incapable of producing more than 2.7V?

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by IvanAndreevich
SmokeyTheBandit
>>soldering is the only possibility im afraid
Why do you think so? Are you saying the voltage regulator is incapable of producing more than 2.7V?

Nope thats not what i mean ....
I meant i dont think that asus will release a bios with higher vdimm simply because its not necessary.
For 99% of their custumors its not a problem at all (oems etc).
The overclocking community are far to little customer part for them to focus on them.
Asus realy infests more time in stabalizing there products then make them more overclockable.

Abit/EPoX for example are more overclocking minded because they simply have far more overclockers as customers than normal users.
Since the overclocking community is so little they want to get the best overclocking power out of there boards simply because they have to if they want to sell ....

News from the vmods :

Vcore mod has been done :) more info tomorrow
Vdimm mod trying on the other hand fooked up my board :mad:

Thank god i work in a pc store or ill have some big problems RMAing and returning it :D :rolleyes:

[Mentaly]

HI

LOL smokey :), could some here enlighten me as im new to AMD, but i have been testing 200x11 with 4 HTT and 200x11 with 3 HTT and I get the same 3dmark, same Superpi times, isnt 3 HTT suppose to give u lower scores with same FSB ?.

Menty

[IvanAndreevich]

Mentaly
>>isnt 3 HTT suppose to give u lower scores with same FSB
Guess not ;)

SmokeyTheBandit
>>I meant i dont think that asus will release a bios with higher vdimm simply because its not necessary.
Including the htt mutli isn't necessary either, yet they did it for us.

[K8N]

I understand Smokey's point of view, but I am wanting to believe that Ivan may be correct in comparing Asus' behavior regarding the HT Ratio update and what they might do to update / increase the vdimm.

Plus, more memory is coming out that has stated stock requirements of 2.7+, which is pushing the BIOS all the way to its max right off the bat.

The OCZ EB memory I'm using "suggests" 2.8v, but I can't even set that in this BIOS.

By the way, I wonder if setting the BIOS memory voltage to "auto detect" will actually run the memory at 2.8v or if it is really limited to the same voltages as the manual options settings?

[Mentaly]

Hi

Yes the Ballistix I have also states 2.8, but what the heck it does 250 at 2.5volt right now with 2.5-3-3-10 im gonna try lowering it more, Regarding the vdimm well they can only do it if the controller supports more than 2.7 volts, maybe we can find a specsheet for the memcontroller, im gonna see what i can find.

Nope thats not what i mean ....
I meant i dont think that asus will release a bios with higher vdimm simply because its not necessary.
For 99% of their custumors its not a problem at all (oems etc).
The overclocking community are far to little customer part for them to focus on them.
Asus realy infests more time in stabalizing there products then make them more overclockable.


Well thats the reason why need to get in this bios and see what is hidden right :), well we might be in luck as they released a bios with HTT options, who knows they might be thinkind a little more in OClanes than they use to.

Menty

[IvanAndreevich]

Let's all email them and ask for move VDIMM. I'm sure they could give us at least 2.8 (K8V has that).

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Well im not waiting for that bios if it will ever come :D
Im going to vmod it since i realy want 3.3V + to have a little bit of fun :D

Need....a....new.....stable.....mobo....to....repl ace.....my....crap.....8kda3+......right....now !!!!!:D :banana:

[Mentaly]

Hi Smokey


Post pics when u have done the mods plz :), Ill test some tonight, im currently at 250x9 1/1 mem (2250), 2.5-2-3-8 with 2.5 volts on mem scoring 26900 in 3dmark01 with out overclocking anything but fsb.

Menty

[Kador]

With the same ballistix I'm happily running 275*9 5/6 mem (makes 225 mhz) 2.5-2-2-5 with 2.7 v (same MB but newcastle 3200 proc.

[K8N]

-Stability question-

Still sticking with the following OC for now:

260HTT @ 1.675v
Ram @ 333 / 2.7v; 2.5-2-2-10-1T

I am not aware of any real world glitches with these settings while running the PC / software / OS.

However, here are my Prime95 results:

Test1 = Small FFTs = 8 hours , no errors

Test2 = In Place Large FFTs = Fatal error after 3 minutes (rounding error was .5; expected less than .4)

Test3 = Blend = Fatal error after 4 minutes (rounding error was .5; expected less than .4)

Temps during these tests were:

CPU max = 52C mostly constant (idle = 39C); temps slightly lower for Tests 2 & 3 (failed tests)
Chipset max = 39C constant (idle = 36C)

Raising CPU voltage to 1.7v did not change results but did raise CPU max temp to 54C.

Lowering HTT to 255 allowed Test3 to run for 3 hours after which same fatal "rounding" error occured.

Since Test 2 & 3 are stated to more aggresively test memory than Test 1, my immediate thought is that memory is the culprit. How so? Timings or voltage? Probably both? :)

By the way, Memtest86 3.1a was run without error overnight with the same settings as above. So, what does this say about any conclusions that Prime95 is uncovering memory issues?

[Kador]

Currently running DDR480 @2.5-2-2-5-1T 2.7V with CPU at 2520 1.6V, stock cooling. No prob on prime95. Next step is try to get DDR500. I tried but it seems to require some more voltage, or increased timings. I'll also try to reach 2.6 Ghz on CPU, with air cooling this would be amazing (for me), I'm just a noob in overclocking) !!!

[IvanAndreevich]

K8N
Yeah it's your memory-cpu subsystem that's failing in Prime. If it's not 3D&Prime-stable.. it's not.

[K8N]

Ivan

Well, I knew it wasn't stable. And I wasn't fishing for a full-pass for getting through one of the Prime95 tests. I just re-read my post, though, and I have to admit I can see how it might have appeared that way. :)

What I was really looking for was maybe what some of you guys would do as your next move if you were faced with the same situation I described.

Well, here's what I did and it worked!

Since Prime95 was pointing to memory, I knew I'd have to start there. I also knew I didn't want to cut back on mem timings if I didn't have to. And since the CPU (and chipset) seemed to be passing Prime okay, I thought it might have to do with cooling. Both my CPU and chipset have nice heatsinks/fans, but my memory only has heat spreaders and they get pretty hot. So, I went out and bought an 80 mm / 2700 RPM / 35 CFM airlfow fan, made a bracket out of aluminum stock and mounted it directly beside (actually touching) the 80mm Thermatake Venus CPU fan. The new fan is directly over the memory slots; when looking in the side panel window of the case, it now looks like I might have two CPUs mounted side by side based on the appearance of the twin fans. I also replaced the stock Lian Li rear-exhaust fan while I was at it.

Memory is cool to the touch now, and I pass all Prime95 tests.

You water-cooling guys are probably laughing, but hey, it worked. :)

[IvanAndreevich]

K8N
Hmm.. interesting. Never had anyone have an improvement by cooling the memory. Maybe since it's so hot right now? Can you maybe test what's the highest stable with and without memory cooling? That would be VERY interesting data.

[K8N]

Ivan:

Yea. I can test that. I'll do tests lowering the HTT (which will lower memory speed), and I'll also do a test or two just relaxing the memory timings.

I'm pretty sure that the absolute stable HTT is gonna be around 250-255 with the memory timings set as they are now (2.5-2-2-10-1T @ 2.7v); a little higher with relaxed timings perhaps. I didn't do any 8 hour tests of Prime95 at 250-255, but I do recall that I passed at least a couple of hours before I stopped the tests.

The Prime95 tests that kept snagging me were the Lucas-Lehmer iterations using 1024k FFT length. When I first installed the fan and got passed that test, I was pretty sure I was home free ... and I was.

Anyway, it may be a couple of days before I get back with this info; now that I'm stable (even though I was "stable" before...just not Prime95 stable...meaning I was running Photoshop with 300MB+ files, even playing Doom 3, etc. and didn't notice any problems), I need to get some work done. Running all these multi-hour stress tests pretty much had my computer tied up for several days.

Later.

[TribesMan]

I am currently testing Asus K8N-E Deluxe and my FSB is stable up to 228mhz, but only in non 3D applications, if I try to run any 3D application PC restarts immediately. 3D stable FSB is around 215MHz. Will setting HT multiplier to 3x solve my problems?

And there is another strange thing. I set mem frequency to 400MHz (that should mean 1:1 FSB:RAM), when I check mem frequency in CPU-Z it says 228MHz 1:1 multi. But if I test mem bandwith with Sandra it is around 3050MB/s. And that is lower than bandwith of non overclocked FSB at 200MHz. Are there any known problems like mine? Is there any solution?

Thanks

TribesMan

[Kador]

Originally posted by TribesMan
I am currently testing Asus K8N-E Deluxe and my FSB is stable up to 228mhz, but only in non 3D applications, if I try to run any 3D application PC restarts immediately. 3D stable FSB is around 215MHz. Will setting HT multiplier to 3x solve my problems?

And there is another strange thing. I set mem frequency to 400MHz (that should mean 1:1 FSB:RAM), when I check mem frequency in CPU-Z it says 228MHz 1:1 multi. But if I test mem bandwith with Sandra it is around 3050MB/s. And that is lower than bandwith of non overclocked FSB at 200MHz. Are there any known problems like mine? Is there any solution?

Thanks

TribesMan

1) 228*4=912 HTT, I don't think the K8N-E is capable of that, switching to *3 should definetly solve your problem, with no noticeable loss in performance.

2) Bandwidth depends on frequancy, of course, but also on timings. Try switching to 1T command rate or reduce timings if possible.

[Mentaly]

Originally posted by K8N
Ivan

Well, I knew it wasn't stable. And I wasn't fishing for a full-pass for getting through one of the Prime95 tests. I just re-read my post, though, and I have to admit I can see how it might have appeared that way. :)

What I was really looking for was maybe what some of you guys would do as your next move if you were faced with the same situation I described.

Well, here's what I did and it worked!

Since Prime95 was pointing to memory, I knew I'd have to start there. I also knew I didn't want to cut back on mem timings if I didn't have to. And since the CPU (and chipset) seemed to be passing Prime okay, I thought it might have to do with cooling. Both my CPU and chipset have nice heatsinks/fans, but my memory only has heat spreaders and they get pretty hot. So, I went out and bought an 80 mm / 2700 RPM / 35 CFM airlfow fan, made a bracket out of aluminum stock and mounted it directly beside (actually touching) the 80mm Thermatake Venus CPU fan. The new fan is directly over the memory slots; when looking in the side panel window of the case, it now looks like I might have two CPUs mounted side by side based on the appearance of the twin fans. I also replaced the stock Lian Li rear-exhaust fan while I was at it.

Memory is cool to the touch now, and I pass all Prime95 tests.

You water-cooling guys are probably laughing, but hey, it worked. :)


Hi

Well I have to admit i also have a 92 mm lownoise fan, at 5volts blowing on mem, just so I know its not boiling :), mem gets real hot these days hardtimings and all. Btw just pulled the IHS on my 3400+ CH sh7-cg, ill post some pics l8r, temp drop off 5 degrees, it carried no waranty anyways, I got real cheap from some guy who pulled 2 legs off it, I just soldered 2 new legs on it and kazoom it worked again. All it needs to cool down is a little flow, mine also feels cool to touch, bu before the fan was there very hot.

Menty

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Vcore Mod + Vdimm mod has succeeded :D :D

Will hopefully post some VERY High Res pix later tonight. :D

Thx goes out to YoupY for helping me !!

Got Vdimm up to 3.4 :)
Mobo usses the 3.3 V for Vdimm

[Mentaly]

Hi


OHHH come on share :), hehe ill be studying those pics up closely I can assure u :).


Menty

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by Mentaly
Hi


OHHH come on share :), hehe ill be studying those pics up closely I can assure u :).


Menty

Yeah :)
My 8KDA3+ wont boot at all (boot = FF emidiately) its as good as dead ..... :mad:
Tomorrow ill build it in my pc and see what kind of potential this thing realy has :D ;) :banana:

[Nem]

Originally posted by SmokeyTheBandit
Vcore Mod + Vdimm mod has succeeded :D :D

Will hopefully post some VERY High Res pix later tonight. :D

Thx goes out to YoupY for helping me !!

Got Vdimm up to 3.4 :)
Mobo usses the 3.3 V for Vdimm

Right, I've never done a volt mod before. So I'm going to need some very detailed information and pics, and exactly what to do.

Looking forward to trying this now. Great work Smokey!!

Nick

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by Nem
Right, I've never done a volt mod before. So I'm going to need some very detailed information and pics, and exactly what to do.

Looking forward to trying this now. Great work Smokey!!

Nick

Dont worry m8 youll get some VERY high quality pix :D :D

[Nem]

Sound great mate :)

I'm sure I'm up to doing it, but just havn't done anything like that before.

Also a list of exact parts would be great.

I'm currently running 240 HTT 1:1 at 2.7v with this new Crucial Ballistix ram at 2.5,3,3,10, but also have some OCZ BH5 which does 250 - 260 HTT at 2,2,2,5 - but needs 3.2v to do that. So this might let me try that again.

Thanks

Nick

[Kador]

My ballistix does 2.5-2-2-5 at 240 (2.7 v), you should try ;-)

[Nem]

I'll give it a go....

:)

Nick

[IvanAndreevich]

SmokeyTheBandit
Let's go photos :D I guess VDIMM is something I need so this Crucial Value stuff can go higher.

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by IvanAndreevich
SmokeyTheBandit
Let's go photos :D I guess VDIMM is something I need so this Crucial Value stuff can go higher.

Got the pix @ my not working epox pc ...... cant get to them till tomorrow .... :mad: :stick:

[IvanAndreevich]

SmokeyTheBandit
No worries.. what resistor did you use to raise the VDIMM? Do the other volts track along with it or not?

[jinu117]

Got 50 more mhz out of this board compared to Chaintech VNF3-250. Seem to allow a little bit tighter memory timing. (using DDR booster ATM. It seem to work with both board granted you are willing to go with 1 DIMM or heavy modding).
Just need some points for volt modding and measurings :)

[chr]

anyone try K8N-E Deluxe Beta BIOS 1004.003? any differences?

[Nem]

Not tried it, but I've got the release 1004 installed and it shows up as 1004.003 anyway. So seems to be the same really.

Nick

[K8N]

CHR,

All my posts have been based on BIOS 1004.003. I never flashed to 1004, so I can't make a comparison, other than to say I'm getting similar results to other people in this thread.

It definitely does not have the change most people are wanting, namely a wider range of vdimm values beyond the current max of 2.7v.

[IvanAndreevich]

Let's all email ASUS and complain for at lease 2.8V of VMEM?

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Hi guys i havent got any great news im afraid i cant boot my pc up for a few days because the hose of my prometeia broke :( :(
Its going to be fixed but it will take a few days ........

Ill put the pix up right away when i see a chance of getting them.

[YoupY]

Contact me and I'll send the ones you need asap ;)

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by YoupY
Contact me and I'll send the ones you need asap ;)

Will be home tonight if you can up them again :rolleyes: i will put them online.

Thx in advance m8 :toast:

[TribesMan]

I've tried 3* HTT multi as you sugested. And it rocks. Now board goes up to 237MHz, at 1:1 RAM:FSB and RAM timings at 2-3-3-7@ 2.7V. Obviously my TwinMOS Twisters are holding me back. But that's just because voltage on them is so low.

Unfortunately the board is not mine, I'am testing it for big A64 S754 board roundup. And I'am not allowed to do any mods on the boards.

This board rocks. It overclocks better than any other board on test. Except Gigabyte K8NS Pro wich is also very good overclocker, but the same CPU overclocked 30MHz better on Asus than on Gigabyte. FSB on Gigabyte also tops at 237MHz at same settings as on asus.
I also have some other boards, like Epox 8KDA3+, 8HDA5+, Asus K8V and one crappy Asrock K8S8X.

But they all suck compared to asus and gigabyte.

Today new I'll get next package of boards to test, I think MSI and Abit will be in package... :D

Will let you know.

[milan03]

I wouldnt say that it overclocks the best. try lowering the multipliers to about 6 and raising fsb and see how far your mobo will go. Also lower your memory to 166mhz 5:4 and push taht fsb. It looks like your ram is holding you back. You'll never test that mobo to its full potential untill you up your fsb as far as it goes. You just started testing that mobo.... You got long way to go.

[TribesMan]

Tested :D

Asus runs at 255 like a charm :D

But bandwith sux because of 5:4 divider...

Unfortunately I don't have time to test Gigabyte again because I have to return it tomorow morning.

Thanks milan03

[Mentaly]

Hi


Ohhh SmokeyTheBandit, dont keep us in suspense put up the pics of the mod :) and some results after.


Menty

[jinu117]

Originally posted by milan03
I wouldnt say that it overclocks the best. try lowering the multipliers to about 6 and raising fsb and see how far your mobo will go. Also lower your memory to 166mhz 5:4 and push taht fsb. It looks like your ram is holding you back. You'll never test that mobo to its full potential untill you up your fsb as far as it goes. You just started testing that mobo.... You got long way to go.

It does compared to chantech vnf3-250 :P
Extra 50mhz is nothing to joke about. (that is even before my as5 to cure in :P)

[milan03]

You're welcome, TribesMan

[jinu117]

Pics on vmod yet? :P Would appreciate vmem point as well as this mobo doesn't display it on bios... (Reading off the booster is pITA as I have to take one of memory out).

[jiff]

Just ordered 1 today, after another epox goes up in smoke my second board in a month.
Speaking to supplier seems like the voltage stability ant the only thing wrong with it. Hope this gives me more stable O/C. Ordered some ballistix so low vdimm shouldnt be a problem......fingers crossed;)

[Hightower]

well, got mine yesterday with a A64 3000. So far at 250 x10. But memory isnt doing so well. for those who are running a decently high HTT:mem ratio, what slot(s) are you using. Im in 1 & 3 now and have to drop to a 2:1 ratio to get above 2.4Ghz. maybe i just have stupid ram though.

[jinu117]

Slot 1 and 2. Using Modified DDR booster on slot 3 running 245x10 2.5-2-2-10.

[jiff]

Originally posted by jinu117
Slot 1 and 2. Using Modified DDR booster on slot 3 running 245x10 2.5-2-2-10.

Modified ? as in changing the components to the other side of PCB ?

[jinu117]

Originally posted by jiff
Modified ? as in changing the components to the other side of PCB ?
Exactly.

[mouzel]

I was following this thread for a while waiting for the Vmod pics but nothing showed up....
So I decided to go ahead.

For all of you waiting for the Vdimm mod
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=528776#post528776

Maximum HTT is 285 on my K8N-e. The VLDT mod didn't help. It seems to be a bios issue, but I'm not sure

[RacerX]

Fellow members following this thread with great interest. Been out of the loop for awhile but looking to purchase a K8N-E/3700+ combo. Which memory will suite the board better the new Crucial Balisitic or the OCZ 3700EB? Thanks

[onethreehill]

Originally posted by RacerX
Fellow members following this thread with great interest. Been out of the loop for awhile but looking to purchase a K8N-E/3700+ combo. Which memory will suite the board better the new Crucial Balisitic or the OCZ 3700EB? Thanks

OCZ 3700EB

Since you have been out of the loop for a wjile. Have you heard about the DFI LANPartyUT? Read the sticky at the OCing forum.

[RacerX]

Originally posted by onethreehill
OCZ 3700EB

Since you have been out of the loop for a wjile. Have you heard about the DFI LANPartyUT? Read the sticky at the OCing forum.

Sure have. I've had dfi nf2 boards in the past. While the OCing features were rich the undervolting(what board doesn't)made it depressing.

I haven't played with a Asus board for sometime. This new setup is strictly for gaming and surfing. I like the fact the 3700+ is yeilding good OC's. I would think 2.6-2.7 will be easy with my WWB.

Does the OCZ booster work with the K8N?

[jinu117]

Originally posted by RacerX
Sure have. I've had dfi nf2 boards in the past. While the OCing features were rich the undervolting(what board doesn't)made it depressing.

I haven't played with a Asus board for sometime. This new setup is strictly for gaming and surfing. I like the fact the 3700+ is yeilding good OC's. I would think 2.6-2.7 will be easy with my WWB.

Does the OCZ booster work with the K8N?

yes and no... :P
It works but can't use slot 2... :P (so 1 DIMM)
You can unsolder few components, etc of booster and move it to back of PCB to make it work. or wait for HiPro's stuff :P

[IvanAndreevich]

I wrote to tech support @ ASUS asking for more volts (at least 2.8 and 2.9 hopefully). The guy said that he will pass my request to R&D.

Seriously guys - ALL write and say that you have memory for which 2.8V is STOCK! Maybe they'll move their butts and give us 2.9.

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by IvanAndreevich
I wrote to tech support @ ASUS asking for more volts (at least 2.8 and 2.9 hopefully). The guy said that he will pass my request to R&D.

Seriously guys - ALL write and say that you have memory for which 2.8V is STOCK! Maybe they'll move their butts and give us 2.9.

If they can also reimplant the Vcore back to a 1.85 V max that would be great.

I got the board running with prom guys :)

Capable of posten into windows @ 3100 Mhz @ 1.7V :D :banana:
Its only pifast stable at 2950 @ 1.7V wich is also realy nice :D :)

My vcore mod works howeever it makes the board very unstable so i cut the wire.
Will look into that tonight though because this will be a 3 Ghz + 1.85 V combination :D

[Kador]

How did you get the ram working at 210 only with HTT at 268 ??? Which HTT multiplier did you use ?

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by Kador
How did you get the ram working at 210 only with HTT at 268 ??? Which HTT multiplier did you use ?

RAM @ 333 divider
LDT @ 3X

Somehow it doesnt realy like my 2 BH-5 Sticks ..... :mad:

[IvanAndreevich]

Wow nice clocks on that CPU! If only I mail, they won't bother changing :stick: Everyone email them :toast:

[YoupY]

Originally posted by mouzel
I was following this thread for a while waiting for the Vmod pics but nothing showed up....
So I decided to go ahead.

For all of you waiting for the Vdimm mod
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=528776#post528776

Maximum HTT is 285 on my K8N-e. The VLDT mod didn't help. It seems to be a bios issue, but I'm not sure

Sorry about that. I let it up to Smokey to post the pics since he sort of discovered the mod. But he had troubles getting the pics from his hdd's :(

Have you had any luck with the vcore mod. The ADP3166 is controlling Vcore and pin 8 is used as feedback pin, but according to Smokey that gives some instability, while it's the same chip used on the K8V and maybe other asus k8 boards too, but I'm not sure about that.

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Well i stole a pic of the k8v mod wich is the same as far as i can see.

I soldered a 10k pot to the resistor with the red dot.
It has to be soldered to the blue dot though ..... :stick:

If someone can test this :toast:

[jiff]

Hi Guys
Bought this board yesterday (SO much better than the Epox dodgy voltage board)
Only problem I have is the X 9 multiplier.
Prime stable @ 10 X 230 1.1……prime stable @ 8.5 X 260 1.1(memory limit)…… at 9 X 250 1.1 locks up

So the memory handles 260
The chipset handles 260
The chip does 2.3 GHz
But not all together

Any advice I would be grateful

Cheers Jeff
:p:

[alz85]

Originally posted by jiff
8.5 X 260 1.1(memory limit)

Your memory isn't running 260 MHz here, it's running 221 MHz iirc.

[Nem]

I'm currently running at 250 HTT x 10 multi with the ram 1:1. Using the 3x HTT Bus speed.

Ram is at 3,4,4,7 timings which is ok for me for now.

Using 2.7v on the ram ,and 1.7 on the cpu.

Nick

[YoupY]

Originally posted by SmokeyTheBandit
Well i stole a pic of the k8v mod wich is the same as far as i can see.

I soldered a 10k pot to the resistor with the red dot.
It has to be soldered to the blue dot though ..... :stick:

If someone can test this :toast:

Before you grab your iron to put another mod on please grab your multimeter first. Measure from pin 8 to the spot you want to solder on and check if the resistance is 0 ohm. Only in that case you will have a direct trace to pin 8 of the chip which is the feedback pin that can be used for controlling vcore.

If I'm not mistaken you should use either a 20K or 50K for that mod since it's probally the same as on the K8V ;)

[jiff]

Originally posted by alz85
Your memory isn't running 260 MHz here, it's running 221 MHz iirc.

Erm 1:1 means no divider ie HTT 260 memory 260 8.5 multi cpu @ 2210

[alz85]

Originally posted by jiff
Erm 1:1 means no divider ie HTT 260 memory 260 8.5 multi cpu @ 2210

Haven't you read about the glitch with the half multipliers ?

260 MHz / 10 * 8.5 = 221 MHz

[jiff]

Originally posted by alz85
Haven't you read about the glitch with the half multipliers ?

260 MHz / 10 * 8.5 = 221 MHz
cant say I have, cpuz and clockgen both say 260

[alz85]

that's why they call it a glitch, cpuz and clockgen report the wrong value.

[jiff]

Originally posted by alz85
that's why they call it a glitch, cpuz and clockgen report the wrong value.

got any ideas as to what to use to find out for sure?

[alz85]

Originally posted by jiff
got any ideas as to what to use to find out for sure?

Just try 8 x 260 MHz.

[jiff]

Originally posted by alz85
Just try 8 x 260 MHz.

good man thanks for that, memory didnt boot @260, least now I know why I had a problem with X 9

Thanks again Jeff

[Dagalidis]

On 260 1:1 you must be near to this .......

[jinu117]

V core vmod done successfully now. 50k 20 turn is in between the solder pad mentioned above and ground point. (Used one of 3 pin header so I can take it off on fly) The solder pad above is directly connected to pin 8. Haven't tried how far I can up the volt yet but sitting at +0.1v now and will start testing oc'ing now. stability seems fine at 1.8v (would be bios 1.85v) and stock speed.

UPDATE: Vcore mod is working just fine (heats up CPU nicely). However, my particular CPU was at end of its potential already so no voltage seem to matter unless some better cooling is in order (already on Koolance exos so only thing that will really eek out performance would be phase).

Didn't cost me anything and was kind of exciting to try :) BTW, a hint for some of you guys who keep case closed... :P You can cut the wire of those audio cable (extra ones) put it with switch and put it on PCI slot holder. Connect the corresponding part to CMOS jumper and voila, you got cmos reset switch right at back of your PC :P (been meaning to do this for months but never got around till today)

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by jinu117
V core vmod done successfully now. 50k 20 turn is in between the solder pad mentioned above and ground point. (Used one of 3 pin header so I can take it off on fly) The solder pad above is directly connected to pin 8. Haven't tried how far I can up the volt yet but sitting at +0.1v now and will start testing oc'ing now. stability seems fine at 1.8v (would be bios 1.85v) and stock speed.

UPDATE: Vcore mod is working just fine (heats up CPU nicely). However, my particular CPU was at end of its potential already so no voltage seem to matter unless some better cooling is in order (already on Koolance exos so only thing that will really eek out performance would be phase).

Didn't cost me anything and was kind of exciting to try :) BTW, a hint for some of you guys who keep case closed... :P You can cut the wire of those audio cable (extra ones) put it with switch and put it on PCI slot holder. Connect the corresponding part to CMOS jumper and voila, you got cmos reset switch right at back of your PC :P (been meaning to do this for months but never got around till today)

Did you soldered to the blue dot as shown on my picture a few posts back.:)

[Mookie]

Can i break in with an untopic question? I'm thinking about buying the K8N but wonder how the onboard soundcard is? Today i have an old soundblaster live but is the included board better than my old?

[jinu117]

Originally posted by SmokeyTheBandit
Did you soldered to the blue dot as shown on my picture a few posts back.:)

Aye the blue dot is same as pin 8 (there seem to be a trace on it and I confirmed). The leg was so small I either had to get $15 micro smd grabber or just do solder :P Pad is tons easier in this case. (In retrospect, should have bought micro smd grabber while back instead of smd grabber since more and more components are coming in with this really tiny legs now).

[Mentaly]

Hi

Smokeybandit did u ever get the Vdimm done ?, if u did plz email a pic to me or upload here :).

Edit: Ups my bad reread the thread and pics were allready here sry :), im gonna try and see what these ballistix are capable off with a little more vdimm than 2.7volts.


Menty

[freeloader]

Just got my system up and running tonight. K8N-E/3200+ (Newcastle). So far (with Bios 1004) I'm at 2420 mhz on stock voltage/cooler. I just set the overclock option in the BIOS to 20% and let it run from there. Nothing else touched.

First system with Raptor HD as well. God these drives are fast. Computer boots from BIOS to XP login screen in under 15 seconds! :) Been running Prime 95 for about 5 hours now.

Just out of curiousity, how many people are getting stock coolers with the copper bottom? I've built a few Newcastle 3200+ systems now and have gotten a mix of two different coolers. One is all aluminum and the other has a copper bottom. The cooler I have has the copper bottom.



http://home.cogeco.ca/~overclocker/2420mhz.jpg
http://home.cogeco.ca/~overclocker/220memory.jpg

[jinu117]

Yet to see one with copper bottom after 4 CPUs... (3200+)... strange.

[IvanAndreevich]

Never seen 1 with a copper bottom. Must be new model ;)

Where's my bios with more volts? Ehehe.

[Mentaly]

Hi


Well i tried a couple of those bios tools none of them could open the bioses, so well have to hope one of the bios gurus will look into it :).


Menty

[chr]

Originally posted by IvanAndreevich
Where's my bios with more volts? Ehehe.

;)

[IvanAndreevich]

chr
Are you onto something there?

All
Hmm.. 240 HTT / 200 mem @ 5-2-2-3.0 is faster than 267 HTT / 217 mem 6-3-3-3.0. I need some more volts, damn it.

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Well guys looks like asus made the change allot of people suggested.

Bios 1005 is released :)

In this bios the vdimm is up to 2.8V wich is still far to low if i can help it.
But absolutely a step in the right way :)

[Nem]

Eh?

I've not got 2.8v in mine?

I've just re-downloaded, and re-flashed my board with 1005, and still only got 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 for the ddr voltage?

Where've you had yours from?

Nick

[mouzel]

Nick, my guess is you have a rev 1.04 board like me. The higher Vdimm is only for the rev 1.05 boards.
Guess we are left in the cold here by Asus ! :mad:

[Nem]

It is indeed a Rev. 1.04 board, had it the day they came out.

I wasn't aware there was a Rev. 1.05 out yet, had heard no reports of one, or any changes at all.

Oh well, I'm going to get the new DFI S754 when it's out in the next few weeks, so the Asus will be sold then. It's just not up to overclocking, at stock it's great but nothing more.

Nick

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Originally posted by mouzel
Nick, my guess is you have a rev 1.04 board like me. The higher Vdimm is only for the rev 1.05 boards.
Guess we are left in the cold here by Asus ! :mad:

Oh nice i didnt even know there was a rev. 1.05 .... but heej the soldering iron can even supply far more vdimm :smileysex

So who needs asus :)
I just hope the HTT will go higher because i cant get higher than 11x271 (LDT 3X) stable @ 1.74V .....
Can pifast at max 272 but higher is not possible not even with 1.85 Vcore (0.1V increase for 1 HTT :stick: ) and LDT @ 1X/2X

I can run upto 3100 mhz but not program stable .....

[IvanAndreevich]

SmokeyTheBandit
Damn I have Rev 1.04 as well. What the heck did they change on the PCB in 1.04 -> 1.05?! Oh well, gonna reflash anyway.

[IvanAndreevich]

Ok, how about some bios modder make the BIOS allow 2.8V VDIMM on K8N-E Deluxe Rev 1.04??

[freeloader]

I can't find a REV 1005 on their site. Is it possible they took it down due to people having problems with not getting higher vdimm? It would have been nice for Asus to allow atleast 2.9 volts in the BIOS.

[Nem]

Try here:

ftp://ftp.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/sock754/K8N-E_DX/

Or here:

ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/mb/sock754/K8N-E_DX/

Or top item here for description:

http://usa.asus.com/support/download/item.aspx?ModelName=K8N-E%20Deluxe

;)

Nick

[dr^MiFF^]

hopefully asus will not leave ppl with Rev 1.04 out in the cold as far as the higher vdimm for Rev 1.05

[freeloader]

Nem...thanks for the links.

Just popped open my case. Rev 1.04 :(

Oh well, I guess I'll just buy an Overclockerz ddr voltage booster.

[IvanAndreevich]

Let's email them. I mean seriously it's not possible that the 1.04 rev doesn't support 2.8V.

[Nem]

Originally posted by freeloader
Nem...thanks for the links.

Just popped open my case. Rev 1.04 :(

Oh well, I guess I'll just buy an Overclockerz ddr voltage booster.

I tried the OCZ DDR Booster and had problems with it. I've nw found out thst you can only use 1 stick of DDR if you are using the Booster.

Just so you know.

Nick

[Subsequence]

I can get mine up to 270-268 on the HTT but i'm i need of some new memory, i read that 3700EB is better then Ballistix pc4000 but the price difference is huge.

Which would you choose :

2x512MB PC4000 Ballistix 290e or so incl shipping
2x512MB PC3700EB OCZ 390e incl shipping

I can't make up my mind about this, i want that 268 1:1 with decent timmings :D

With my current 2x512MB DS BH5 i can only get around 180mhz on the mem or 225 2-2-2-5-1 with a single stick so that's v bad, does any1 want to buy this ? :p:

[jinu117]

Originally posted by Subsequence
I can get mine up to 270-268 on the HTT but i'm i need of some new memory, i read that 3700EB is better then Ballistix pc4000 but the price difference is huge.

Which would you choose :

2x512MB PC4000 Ballistix 290e or so incl shipping
2x512MB PC3700EB OCZ 390e incl shipping

I can't make up my mind about this, i want that 268 1:1 with decent timmings :D

With my current 2x512MB DS BH5 i can only get around 180mhz on the mem or 225 2-2-2-5-1 with a single stick so that's v bad, does any1 want to buy this ? :p:

Wait wait... I don't think anyone really test PC4000 ballistix... I only tried 3200 myself :P I should try... eh?

[Nem]

I had the Ballistix PC4000 - 2x 512Mb sticks.

I got up to 240HTT with 2.7v, using 2.5,3,3,7 timings. But would not got above that speed even if I relaxed the timings.

Nick

[shigs]

Originally posted by SmokeyTheBandit
Oh nice i didnt even know there was a rev. 1.05 .... but heej the soldering iron can even supply far more vdimm :smileysex

So who needs asus :)
I just hope the HTT will go higher because i cant get higher than 11x271 (LDT 3X) stable @ 1.74V .....
Can pifast at max 272 but higher is not possible not even with 1.85 Vcore (0.1V increase for 1 HTT :stick: ) and LDT @ 1X/2X

I can run upto 3100 mhz but not program stable .....

how can u supply ur chip with 1.85vcore?? :confused: my bios only allows me 2 go up2 1.75 (bios 1004)

shigs

[Nem]

Smokey's been pioneering the volt mods for this board,

So it's not a bios setting, it's a hard mod on the board itself.

Nick

[shigs]

Originally posted by jinu117
V core vmod done successfully now. 50k 20 turn is in between the solder pad mentioned above and ground point

is that 50k resistor set @ 50k then mate?

shigs

[jiff]

Originally posted by Nem
I tried the OCZ DDR Booster and had problems with it. I've nw found out thst you can only use 1 stick of DDR if you are using the Booster.

Just so you know.

Nick

Thought "jinu117" managed to use 2 sticks? be nice to know, thinking of buying one. I can run my ballastix in slot 2 and 3 with no problems atm.

[IvanAndreevich]

Anyone reached close to 300 HTT on this board, with voltmods if need be?

[jinu117]

Thought "jinu117" managed to use 2 sticks? be nice to know, thinking of buying one. I can run my ballastix in slot 2 and 3 with no problems atm.

Yeah bit involving but here are the pics.

http://upload.krazywulph.net/./userfiles/jinu117/IM004411.JPG
http://upload.krazywulph.net/./userfiles/jinu117/IM004412.JPG
http://upload.krazywulph.net/./userfiles/jinu117/IM004413.JPG
http://upload.krazywulph.net/./userfiles/jinu117/IM004414.JPG

As for 300 HTT, I stopped at 290 in fear of corrupting OS :P Was there any volt mod for chipset on this board available? Not that I think I am limited in FSB with that much FSB :P

[K8N]

AnandTech finally has a review of the K8N-E (date of article is 9/14):

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2206

Maybe Asus will read it and do something about the memory voltages. These are quotes from the various sections of the article:



"We were more than a bit surprised, however, to find the uneven range of adjustment options on the K8N-E. Perhaps this is a concession to the K8N-E appearing late in the 754 cycle, but we were particularly dismayed by memory voltage adjustments that top out at 2.7V. This is not even adequate for some of the best-performing memory on the market when you use 2 or more DIMMs at DDR400. Some of the fastest current memory requires 2.8V with 2 DIMMs at DDR400."

"Except for the inadequate memory voltages available, the overclocking controls are OK, if not noteworthy. The CPU voltage is wider than what we see on many competing boards, and the 200 to 300 CPU adjustments are average. Asus did not include any chipset voltage adjustments at all on the K8N-E, a feature that many will miss. Also, the HT range only extends to 4X in large 1X increments - a range to 5X like many competitors with finer 0.5X adjustments would have been useful. It was good to see Asus paying more attention to the FID/VID ratios, where finer 0.5X adjustments will be appreciated by any enthusiast."

"All-in-all, the K8N-E is a really mixed bag, with some adjustments that are exemplary, and others, missing or downright crude. With the attention that Asus has lavished on their VIA-chipset Athlon 64 boards, you have to wonder what they were thinking when designing the K8N-E. As you will see in our benchmark results, this lack of consistent OC controls with broad ranges is really a shame, since the Asus K8N-E is a fast 754 board.at stock speeds."

"The Asus K8N-E is also a surprisingly decent overclocker with 2 DIMMs, but the extremely limited memory voltage range is a serious problem for the Asus. Most of the fastest DDR400 that we have for testing cannot even be set at specification in the Asus, since manufacturers are specifying voltages around 2.8V for the latest Samsung TCCD memory."



One final quote that I fail to understand adequately as I never really thought about hard disk controllers having much to do with OCing a PC:


"The decision by Asus to use Silicon Image SATA instead is really a drawback in overclocking. Whether using the 2 nVidia SATA channels or any of the 4 Sil3114 channels, the highest overclock that we could achieve with our standard SATA drive was 230, much lower than some other nF3-250 boards. When using an IDE drive, the K8N-E fared better, reaching a stable 260 FSB at 1:1 before failing boot. While this is a much better overclock, it is still below the performances of the DFI, MSI, Epox, and Chaintech 754 boards that we have tested."

Anyone have comments about this controller issue?

[mouzel]

Anyone have comments about this controller issue?
I'm running 3xHTT@ 290 with the NF3 native SATA. With 4xHTT it barely makes it to 230 FSB. Is 4xHTT and more than 230 FSB possible with PATA ?

Another issue:
My first Dimm slot is 10 Mhz less stable then when I run RAM in slot 2 or 3. Maybe some of you experienced this also ?

[jinu117]

I sent an e-mail to wesley and got respond back on his review. If you noticed the FSB stoppage, he only tested on 1:1 setting. Now... makes you wonder with 2.7v limitation what some memory can do eh? On my setup I go easily to 290FSB. (3x HTT)
His review has some merits such as lack of VDIMM, but the SATA issue IDE issue with OC'ing leaves something interesting to me as I have been running 2 SATA HDD on native channel @ 290FSB ever since I read the review.
230->290... quite a bit of disparity eh?

[jiff]

I sent an e-mail to wesley and got respond back on his review. If you noticed the FSB stoppage, he only tested on 1:1 setting. Now... makes you wonder with 2.7v limitation what some memory can do eh? On my setup I go easily to 290FSB. (3x HTT)
His review has some merits such as lack of VDIMM, but the SATA issue IDE issue with OC'ing leaves something interesting to me as I have been running 2 SATA HDD on native channel @ 290FSB ever since I read the review.
230->290... quite a bit of disparity eh?

I have to say I found the same problem with high FSB, over 240 FSB I just get random lockups. I have done Vdimm mod, tryed BH5 and Ballistix but no joy of 240.

Even tryed both raids Nforce and Silicon, The Ballistix is doing 240 2.5.2.2.11, but anything over it will randomly lockup no matter what timings I use. Shame I havent an IDE driver to try

[Subsequence]

Doing 299HTT here with scsi and ide and it seems stable so far only my mem needs some tweaking still.

300HTT seems to mess with the gb lan tho.

[mouzel]

Beta bios 1006.005 arrived.
ftp://ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM/BIOS/Socket_754/NVIDIA_Chipset/nForce3_250GB/K8N-E_Deluxe/
So far I didn't notice any difference with the 1005 version. Probably support for the new D0 steppings I suppose.

[Subsequence]

I take that comment about that nic issue back and throw my switch in the trash :p:

I think i'll wait for the final to see the changelog, i'm happy with the way it runs for now.

[IvanAndreevich]

Ok, so I just flashed bios 1006.08 Beta. Anyone know what's new in it?

[Smolly]

Ok, so I just flashed bios 1006.08 Beta. Anyone know what's new in it?
Dont know wat's new ,but it seems ok.

Kan run 300 htt stable now , 3 X LDT and 5/6 mem devider (240 mhz) (krap twinmos 512 mb set :D )
Next week som Gskill pc 4800 1/1 action a hope :banana:

[IvanAndreevich]

Did you get any improvement on the HTT from previos version?

[Smolly]

Did you get any improvement on the HTT from previos version?

Now it is stable at 300 mhz ,1005 did 285 mhz stable .

At 3 X LDT 310 mhz (930 mhz ldt) my cpu reboot the system .
At 2 X LDT 270 mhz :reboot.
At 1 X LDT 270 mhz :reboot
At 4 X LDT 240 mhz : reboot

Seems a64 newcastle only work corectly at 4X and 3 X LDT multiplier :rolleyes:

[IvanAndreevich]

Woo-hoo that's great. Increases are always nice.

[IvanAndreevich]

Hm, Bios 1007.05 beta seems to have helped in some compatibility with my new x800pro. Before, I was getting some weird colors in the bios. Just weird, will have to investigate more.

[gkid]

How do i adjust HTT and Multiplier on the K8V-SE Deluxe? I cant seem to find them anywere. I have the 1005.006 bios

[shadowing]

Question: I can't find the RAM divider in the K8N-E Deluxe. I have the 1006.08 Bios.

[dimasdw]

Question: I can't find the RAM divider in the K8N-E Deluxe. I have the 1006.08 Bios.
the ram divider in this mobo is set the memory clock manualy..in chipset advanced setting... :)

[dimasdw]

Now it is stable at 300 mhz ,1005 did 285 mhz stable .

At 3 X LDT 310 mhz (930 mhz ldt) my cpu reboot the system .
At 2 X LDT 270 mhz :reboot.
At 1 X LDT 270 mhz :reboot
At 4 X LDT 240 mhz : reboot

Seems a64 newcastle only work corectly at 4X and 3 X LDT multiplier :rolleyes:


what chipset your memory?
and your cpu?

[SPQQKY]

Iwill be getting one of these boards soon. At this point, what BIOS is best? I was wondering if there was a vDIMM mod guide for it?

[gkid]

I just got this board today and when i started to play with it i set the HTT to 4 and the Multiplier to 10x in my A64 3200+ NewCastle(2.2GHz stock) with Corsair XMS PC3200 256x2. and my AGP went up to 90 MHz, i though this mobo had a working AGP and PCI lock but the PCi stayed at 33, Only the AGP goes up. No artifacting or anything. I have the latest BETA BIOS, Please help me.

[shadowing]

Anyone know what's the stock voltage for the 64's on this board? Mine's running at 1.550V. I'm not sure if that's safe.

[gkid]

Thats what mine ran it at, i had to switch it back to 1.5V

[brechtvm]

hellow
this is my first post on this forum...
but i just wanted to tell something...remark something...

@ smolly (also from belgium :)) :
quote :
Kan run 300 htt stable now , 3 X LDT and 5/6 mem devider (240 mhz) (krap twinmos 512 mb set )

the max htt of this board is 800mhz instead of 1000mhz !!!!
3*300 = 900 !!!!
when you're above the 800mhz limitation,you risk dataloss / datacorruption !
greetz:)

ps : i have a 3400+ newcastle @ 2.4ghz (stock)...my max oc = 2.5 (prime95 running,when i go higher i get an SUMOUT error...)...
my ram max = 244mhz(CL2.5)
my HTT max = (800/3) = 266.66Mhz (theoretical max ;))
Isn't it a very low oc ?! 2.4->2.5 ? :confused:
I went once from 2.4 upto 2.6 ! but that was without prime95 running -> stable ? donno :)

greetz


Help me :)
:toast: :toast:



*****
edit

attached file = my max stable oc !

[MrQ3W]

Probably your ram limiting your oc, Twinmos DDR400 512mb modules only do about 230MHz max from what i've experienced - to increase your OC you must therefore set your memory to run asynchronous at a lower rate(ie divider) in your BIOS.
Even though the HT is rated 800MHz on the board it should be able to handle 1000MHz without any problems, so don't worry about that just keep your LDT at 3X for most stable usage.

[brechtvm]

Probably your ram limiting your oc, Twinmos DDR400 512mb modules only do about 230MHz max from what i've experienced - to increase your OC you must therefore set your memory to run asynchronous at a lower rate(ie divider) in your BIOS.
Even though the HT is rated 800MHz on the board it should be able to handle 1000MHz without any problems, so don't worry about that just keep your LDT at 3X for most stable usage.


LDT already @ 3x
Ram maxed out @ 244 (i setted my Cpu Multiplier @ 7x and tried to move my ram till the highest clocks...)
ans 244 was the highest i could reach stable...

so i dont think the ram would be the problem... :rolleyes:
greetz

[brechtvm]

i will try this evening to set my vcore to 1.750...
we will see :)
but most oc's i saw on the internet were with a vcore = 1.750v :)
hopefully it will work :)
greetz

[brechtvm]

i setted my vcore up to 1.750v
but my cpu isn't prime95-stable @ 2560mhz...
i have a serious problem
i can't oc 200mhz !!!!
pfff...is it such a bad oc'er ?

or is it possible there are some other reasons for this bad oc ?

[shadowing]

Yeah, it really is. I can't even get it to be stable at 10X at 220 mhz when I know my RAM can handle it. I even upped it to 1.6V...

[brechtvm]

check the attachements !

same cpu as mine ! (stepping,...)

but other mobo (i guess)

....
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
....

[Smolly]

hellow
this is my first post on this forum...
but i just wanted to tell something...remark something...

@ smolly (also from belgium :)) :
quote :
Kan run 300 htt stable now , 3 X LDT and 5/6 mem devider (240 mhz) (krap twinmos 512 mb set )

the max htt of this board is 800mhz instead of 1000mhz !!!!
3*300 = 900 !!!!
when you're above the 800mhz limitation,you risk dataloss / datacorruption !
greetz:)

ps : i have a 3400+ newcastle @ 2.4ghz (stock)...my max oc = 2.5 (prime95 running,when i go higher i get an SUMOUT error...)...
my ram max = 244mhz(CL2.5)
my HTT max = (800/3) = 266.66Mhz (theoretical max ;))
Isn't it a very low oc ?! 2.4->2.5 ? :confused:
I went once from 2.4 upto 2.6 ! but that was without prime95 running -> stable ? donno :)

greetz


Help me :)
:toast: :toast:



*****
edit

attached file = my max stable oc !


G-skill pc4800 1X 512 mb 2.5-4-3-5 1/1 devider.
max 1T =240 mhz htt stable .
max 2T =304 mhz htt 100%Stable
Asus K8N-E does not like 1T at al .
A' dont know a solution .

So for now my system runs 304htt X 8 MP on air 24/7 (2T)
It is the best a kan doo on K8N-E :rolleyes:

http://users.pandora.be/smolly/k8n-e/MEM/304.JPG

[brechtvm]

G-skill pc4800 1X 512 mb 2.5-4-3-5 1/1 devider.
max 1T =240 mhz htt stable .
max 2T =304 mhz htt 100%Stable
Asus K8N-E does not like 1T at al .
A' dont know a solution .

So for now my system runs 304htt X 8 MP on air 24/7 (2T)
It is the best a kan doo on K8N-E :rolleyes:

http://users.pandora.be/smolly/k8n-e/MEM/304.JPG


nice HTT
mmmh..it doesn't like 1T...
thanks for telling me that
by the way : max HTT-speed = 800 !!!!
so 3*300:900!
your I/O multiplier should be @ 2x if u dont want to have data corruption :)

do you also have a SATA disk ?
i have a 200gig WesternDigital SATA disk...
and a few people told me yet that sata causes an oc-limitation...

ps: feel free to mail me... (pm me...or track me @ games.telenet.be (oc-threat))

edit : checked your site (also parent dir's)..
and now my question..i wondered how u can get your cpu @ 1° @ 2800mhz ;)
do you have Phase Change cooling ? :)
or Dry Ice cooling ?

it's a nice oc...:)

i can get my 3400+(2.4ghz stock) @ 2.5ghz max ...
and it's really irritating/frustrating...

greetz


edit :
i searched for a while (few minutes)
and i found the answer :
'Waterkoeling gekoeld door de bierkoeler gemod met propaangas :p '

[Smolly]

nice HTT
mmmh..it doesn't like 1T...
thanks for telling me that
by the way : max HTT-speed = 800 !!!!
so 3*300:900!
your I/O multiplier should be @ 2x if u dont want to have data corruption :)

do you also have a SATA disk ?
i have a 200gig WesternDigital SATA disk...
and a few people told me yet that sata causes an oc-limitation...

ps: feel free to mail me... (pm me...or track me @ games.telenet.be (oc-threat))

edit : checked your site (also parent dir's)..
and now my question..i wondered how u can get your cpu @ 1° @ 2800mhz ;)
do you have Phase Change cooling ? :)
or Dry Ice cooling ?

it's a nice oc...:)

i can get my 3400+(2.4ghz stock) @ 2.5ghz max ...
and it's really irritating/frustrating...

greetz


edit :
i searched for a while (few minutes)
and i found the answer :
'Waterkoeling gekoeld door de bierkoeler gemod met propaangas :p '
http://users.pandora.be/smolly/Phase%20change/inwerking1.JPG

Custom phase-change ;) cpu-16°C stressed @2840 mhz :D

[brechtvm]

http://users.pandora.be/smolly/Phase%20change/inwerking1.JPG

Custom phase-change ;) cpu-16°C stressed @2840 mhz :D

nice...
but TOO extreme for me :p
just gimme my 2.6ghz (stock = 2.4ghz) and i'll be happy :)
greetz :banana:

[Andrea20ge]

hi! i have the k8n..
but... can i use the k8n-e bios 1006?
and the ddr booster start? i have the new twinmos 1a4t that use a chip similary the winbond bh-5....i need the ddrbooster by ocz ...

[chrispycrunch]

I don't think you'd want to use a bios designed for another motherboard...

[Andrea20ge]

the layout and pcb is identical..
:rolleyes:

[Python]

check the attachements !

same cpu as mine ! (stepping,...)

but other mobo (i guess)

....
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
....

With what setup was this?

I have the same Proc and (2*256) 512MB PC3200 Twinmos and get these (http://www.pandemic.nl/~python/stuff/oc/11x232.JPG) results.
What cooler do you use? With my Arctic Silencer64 my temps are 42 degrees @ idle and max 57 degrees @ 100% load.

[Celcius]

I recently got an asus k8n motherboard and the highest I've been able to OC my cpu is 2.7Ghz. I think the bios is the issue. Since it's similar to the asus k8ne, I'm considering trying the 1006 k8ne bios as a last resort. Before I do, does anyone know of any new or modded bios for the asus k8n that fixes stability problems at 270-300 fsb? (I'm trying to reach 3ghz) thanks...

[brechtvm]

With what setup was this?

I have the same Proc and (2*256) 512MB PC3200 Twinmos and get these (http://www.pandemic.nl/~python/stuff/oc/11x232.JPG) results.
What cooler do you use? With my Arctic Silencer64 my temps are 42 degrees @ idle and max 57 degrees @ 100% load.

i can't reach 2.6ghz stable :(
superPi 1m > stable
Prime95 torture test > not stable...

i wrote down my core info :
ADA3400AEP4AX
CBASC 0414XPMW
9545842D40453

i think i have a bad oc cpu :(

if you can talk in dutch > pc.naar.be
there you'll find all info about my pc config....
(chose the amd3400+ section)

greetz

[Poy]

look this: http://img177.echo.cx/img177/156/28007on.jpg

[brechtvm]

look this: http://img177.echo.cx/img177/156/28007on.jpg
is that your cpu ?
Can you please give me the core info...

en français: c'est ton processeur ?
Voulez-vous me donner l'info de votre processeur ?
c'est écrit sur votre processeur :
example:
ADA3400AEP4AX
CBASC 0414XPMW
9545842D40453
(c'est la mienne ;))

[AndreAPL]

hi guys. does any1 still use this mobo ? :rolleyes:
Was using bios 1011 then 1012.beta, but they set ddr400@333 when using 2 dimms :eek:
got back to 1009 but manual settings won't work correctly (setting cas 3 when i put cas 2.5, when i put cas 3 it freeze), so way back to 1006... but having serious problems, like is stable with 250*8.5x, but getting errors with 250*8x :( and can't get this gskil F1 (TCCD) 2*512mb above 260fsb (even with ldt 2x) ... strange mobo :stick:
what bios do you guys advice?

[lism]

Hmmm after readings almost 8 pages of the K8N oc' experiences.. i would like to add mines.

I bought this motherboard a while ago (1 year) together with a S754 A64 3000+ that runs at 2GHz.

3Days later i just pushed the HTT to 240 and the memory at Default timings / 83% devider. The cpu hits 2.4GHz now.
Last sunday i tried to remove the IHS, which succeeded, but with some trouble :P I accidently broke a capacitor while i was trying to cut the IHS from the Chip. Second, the size did'nt fit anymore, meaning my cooler woud'nt fit at all at the CPU.
I had to make some serious adjustments and hope the CPU is still alive. I took a saw and made my bracket that is on the K8N, a little bit lower so if the cooler would be placed it would make contact with the core. After testing and testing i finally hitted the power button and it still worked! Thought i was going to miss my 130€ Cpu for a moment.

http://members.home.nl/lism.1/k8noc.jpg

I did not do really much for it to get it at that speed. Lowered the MemoryDivider (83%) and hitted the 240HTT (equal to 200MHz memory speed) It's Prime95 stable.

So. My last thing i'm wanting todo now that the IHS is gone, is start playing with some peltiers. I still wonder what the TDP of a OC'ed CPU would be, not that i'm installing a wrong TEC lol...

I have'nt updated the BIOS yet (1.04 i think) but i see it's at 1.11 now :P Time to bring back a floppy drive... I've also tried various ways to get the HTT at a higher value, but above 245 it chrashes, even if i set the HTT MP to 3,2 or even 1x.

It looks like a lack of chipset power here. It won't go any further no matter what i do. Still, 240HTT with a Clock of 2.4GHz , is high :)

http://tweakers.net/ext/f/2b4dc6d7c766fad021186e407df46f49/full.jpg

Bad image quality, but the red marker shows the broken Capacitor, yet the CPU still works and does'nt show any errors...

[[XC] Teroedni]

Is there a bios version out there that supports more than 300htt?

I can do 300*8 on a Ml30 , but that only yields 2400mhz and this Turion definitivly can yield much more.

[chrispycrunch]

I know this is an old thread but wonder if anyone has installed bios 1011? AI overclock works @ +10%, no problems. Too bad stand by no longer works with this bios. I wonder what o/c's you guys get w/ stock fan.

my AMD is stock cooler, and idle temps is 38C, 45C load (cnq, q-fan enabled).