The Maximus Formula Thread - Help / OCing / Guide / Rampage Conversion
This thread is intended to be a knowledge base and save people from hours of searching through the original thread on the Maximus Formula! Thank you to L.oco for starting the thread, I only hope that in time this one can be as informative and helpful!
Board Revisions
There are 2 known revisions of the Maximus Formula, the Special Edition, or SE, is the 1.02g revision, and the Non-SE version is the 1.03g revision. This is the only known difference, just a revision change to signify the difference in the package.
Asus Master FTP
ftp://ftp.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socke...ximus_Formula/
Bios Versions
LATEST BIOS REVISION - MF1102
Most of the released Bios' for the Maximus Formula...
MF0401.zip
MF0504.zip
MF0505.zip
MF0602.zip
MF0701.zip
MF0702.rar
MF0802.zip
MF0901.zip
MF0902.zip
MF0903.zip
MF0907.zip
MF1003.zip
MF1004.zip
MF1006.zip
MF1102.rar
MF1201.rar
Direct Link to Maximus Formula Drivers / Software / Manuals
http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us&model=Maximus%20Formula
Latest OCCT for Stabity Testing
http://www.ocbase.com/download.php?fileext=beta
AsusUpdate that allows downgrading from the 09xx series
Confirmed to work on both XP x86 and XP x64 by Nuckin_Futs.
Please ONLY flash using Asus Update with STOCK CLOCKS and settings, flashing with an overclock is not advised and will lead to a bricked board when Asus Update inevitably crashes.
The prefered method of flashing is detailed below in the MAXIMUS to RAMPAGE section. Using AFUDOS is safer and faster than Asus Update.
AsusUpdate v6
Select 'Options', tick the downgrade box and the flash with bios of choice.
Bios settings and what they do
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Bios Straps and Getting Them to Work!!!
400 strap set to enabled relax level 0
333 strap set to disable relax level 0
You may need to set Dram Static to Auto
If you get the DET RAM hang its usally just a matter of finding the right Trans Booster setting
No need to clear cmos and certainly no need to power down and wait the bios.
Bios Setup Template - Please use this when Listing Settings used.
Code:
Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting :
FSB Frequency :
FSB Strap to North Bridge :
PCI-E Frequency:
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-
DRAM Command Rate :
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency :
RAS# to CAS# Delay :
RAS# Precharge :
RAS# ActivateTime :
RAS# to RAS# Delay :
Row Refresh Cycle Time :
Write Recovery Time :
Read to Precharge Time :
Read to Write Delay (S/D) :
Write to Read Delay (S) :
Write to Read Delay (D) :
Read to Read Delay (S) :
Read to Read Delay (D) :
Write to Write Delay (S) :
Write to Write Delay (D) :
DRAM Static Read Control:
Ai Clock Twister :
Transaction Booster :
CPU Voltage :
CPU PLL Voltage :
North Bridge Voltage :
DRAM Voltage :
FSB Termination Voltage :
South Bridge Voltage :
Loadline Calibration :
CPU GTL Reference :
North Bridge GTL Reference :
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage :
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage :
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage :
SB 1.5V Voltage :
NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED :
CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled
Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting :
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled
USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support : Disabled
vDroop Mod / vCore Mod / EPU Mod
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4...roophs4wg8.jpg
Use a HB / 3B / 4B pencil, 2 or 3 strokes only.
Bios to Actual vDroop listing
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/6334/001dj0wo6.png
This is the Anandtech setup for 450MHz FSB and 8x Mulitplier. It's a very good starting point for anyone attempting to overclock the board.
These settings are for 450MHz with a Quad Core, when using a Dual Core these same settings should be good for at least 480MHz, if not 500MHz (ram permitting).
Quote:
450FSB Quad-Core BIOS Settings
CPU Feature
Ai Overclock Tuner [Manual]
OC From CPU Level Up [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control [Manual]
Ratio CMOS Setting: [8]
FSB Frequency [450]
FSB Strap to North Bridge [400MHz] or [Auto]
PCIE Frequency [110]
DRAM Settings
DRAM Frequency [DDR2-1199MHZ] or [800MHz] or [Auto]
DRAM Command Rate [2T]
DRAM Timing Control [Manual]
CAS# Latency [5]
RAS# to CAS Delay [5]
RAS# Precharge [5]
RAS# Active Time [12]
RAS# To Ras# Delay [3]
Row Refresh Cycle Time [42]
Write Recovery Time [6]
Read To Precharge Time [3]
Read To Write Delay(S/D) [8]
Write To Read Delay(S) [3]
Write To Read Delay(D) [5]
Read To Read Delay(S) [4]
Read To Read Delay(D) [6]
Write To Write Delay(S) [4]
Write To Write Delay(D) [6]
DRAM Static Read Control [Disabled]
Ai Clock Twister [Strong]
Transaction Booster [Enabled]
Boost Level [0]
Voltage Settings
CPU Voltage [Whatever your CPU needs for 3.6GHz]
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
North Bridge Voltage [1.61v]
DRAM Voltage [2.16v]
FSB Termination Voltage [1.54v]
South Bridge Voltage [Auto]
Loadline Calibration [Enabled]
CPU GTL Reference [0.63x]
North Bridge GTL Reference [0.67x]
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage [Auto]
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage [Auto]
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage [DDR2_REF]
SB 1.5V Voltage [Auto]
Bios Strap Settings, as tested by Spyrus
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...1&d=1203276218
User Settings
Here are several possible configs that could work for you, posted by other Maximus Formula users...
Quad Core
400x9 from Maglin
400x9 from giorgos th.
450x8 from Renegade5399
450x8 from cadaveca
450x8 from Grnfinger
450x8 from ChaosMinionX
450x8 from Zucker2k
425x8 from Grnfinger
400MHz FSB from pphx459
400MHz FSB from arfett (12 Hours Prime Small FFT Stable)
Dual Core
450x9 from Renegade5399
500x7 from Nuckin_Futs
500x7 from eSp!s0
450x8 (Ram @ 1200MHz) from eSp!s0
All have reported varying degrees of success with their specific hardware.
Maximus / P5E to Rampage Conversion.
All credit goes to The Stilt for finding the initial bios mod! And then secondly to the community for their continued support for this bios mod. This thread is intended to just be a tidy version of the work already done.
This bios mod can be performed on both the Asus P5E and the Asus Maximus Formula to turn them part way into an Asus Rampage Formula.
The Guide
1: Download the HP Bootable USB Utility from here:
2: Download the Boot Files from here:
3: Download the bios of your choice:
4: Download AFUDOS Engineering Version here:
5: Run the HP Bootable USB Utility and tick the "Create a DOS Startup Disk" option. Now navigate to the Boot Files (extract them first) and select the Folder you extracted them to.
6: Click "Start" within the HP Bootable USB Utility and it will make your USB Stick bootable.
7: Extract the AFUDOS of your choice (I personally used v2.29ES) to the USB Stick along with the bios you wish to flash and a backup bios for your board (located on the Asus Support site) so you can flash back if the need arises.
8: Reboot your system and press F8 when the splash screen appears to select the boot menu. Once the boot menu has loaded navigate to the USB Stick and hit Enter.
9: Once the DOS Prompt is ready, type the following to flash to the Rampage Bios (Example uses Bios 0219):
Code:
AFUDOS /iRF0219.rom /pbnc /n
To flash any other bios, or even back to a Maximus / P5E bios just use the following:
Code:
AFUDOS /i**INSERT*BIOS*FILENAME*HERE** /pbnc /n
Please note the "/i" that comes before the bios filename, this is required for any flash with AFUDOS. And also please note the extension on the bios file in use, you'll need to use this too.
This will erase, flash and verify the bios for you. Once it has completed you can reboot and be greeted by your new Rampage splash screen.
P5E Users Only
10: Disable the Second Gigabit LAN and the "OPT SENSOR" #1, #2 and #3 to stop the errors from appearing.
The Rampage Formula uses the same drivers as both the P5E and the Maximus Formula so you shouldn't need to reinstall anything but some users have experienced a better result with a fresh install of Windows after the flash.
For those of you suffering with voltage ripples, try this, as demostrated by Grnfinger
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Grnfinger
I did a test today
moved the ram from blue slots to white slots, and stopped over volting my ram from 2.2 to 2.0 ( rated for 2.1 ) Set transaction booster from disabled to Auto.
Changed
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
to all AUTO
Some Quad overclocking advise for this board from Nuckin_Futs
Quote:
For the Quads in general, leave memory and graphics out of it till you get the CPU/mobo where you like and stable in 1:1. So for best stability, leave strap and RAM frequency to Auto, Disable both speed spectrum settings, Disable RAM Booster an drelax to 0 (1~3 as needed for stability, when stable again), Set Ai Clock Twister to Auto or light (for now, avoid "strong", as it will add stress to memory system and become unstable, destracting OC test), Enable Static Read Control. Getting higher FSB out of a quad is gonna need some more PLL and FSBT thgen in my core 2 OC. Matbe PLL up to 1.712v and FSTB to 1.504v is a good refference point.
Try this and use overvolting as little as needed for low temps and stability.
Some thoughts offered by cadavega, on PLL voltage
Quote:
I wanted to mention the importance of cpuPLL voltage. It is definately important to increase this votlage when going over 400mhz FSB with a quad. There is no specifics...each cpu will differ. For example, my B3 quad doesn't care for it...increase too much and stability was quickly lost. My G0, tho, was not stabe for 48hr prime without 1.8v...1.7v...33hrs...1.75v...38.5hrs...
Also of note is that my B3 did not need any FSB or PLL voltage change when FSB was increased(or it had negative effects), while my G0 ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED more vFSB and cpuPLL. b3 was happy with 1.2vFSB, 1.5v PLL, as a comparison.
Raid and the Maximus Formula
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=166867
Water Cooling the Maximus Formula
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=162085
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=164610
Compiled list of posts offering advice, tweaks, suggestions for the Max. Forumula
3 threads regarding watercooling and starting up a raid:
Official Water Cooling Thread of the Stock Maximus SE ROG NB Club:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=164610
Water cooling the Asus Maximus SE X38 using aftermarket blocks and sinks:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=162085
Getting RAID to work on the ASUS Maximus SE
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=166867
From Talonman
FSBT is directly related to hte CPU PLL, so if not upping the FSBT a lil with the PLL and too low a GTL volt ref, it is not gonna' return as stable or high CPU and system FSB for overclock.
From Nuckin_Futs
Maximus Forumula & Q6600 G0
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...postcount=3831
Below are some OC results using this motherboard with a Q6600 and E6750. I recommend that you make sure that your northbridge chips is below 47C before OC'ing. Also, as with any OC, you do so at your own risk. Please make sure you have proper cooling for N/s bridge chipsets as well as ram, CPU, etc before you OC.
Forumula Maximus & Q6600 G0
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=568
Forumula Maximus & Q6600 G0
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=530
Forumula Maximus & Q6600 G0
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=370
Formula Maximus & 6750 OC
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...postcount=2703
Formula Maximus & 6750 may work for 6850
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...postcount=2704
Formula Maximus & 6850 OC
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...postcount=2957
voltage droop:
vcore, cpu pll, NB, DRAM, FSB T., SB
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=366
-Yes, this board can handle 4 Gigs of PC8500. However, OC'ing maybe limited. Appears that newer bios address this.
-Those upgrading from a MB with limited bios tweaking (P5W DH for example) may find the tweaking settings for the Maximus Formula's bios daunting. Please review some of the OC settings listed above to get an idea of what needs tinkering and what doesn't. Also, if your CPU OC is not found it may be better to make a formal request (in the original Maximus Formula thread, not in this thread) for bios settings using your CPU. Also look at the Anandtech article.
-Check Asus website for bios updates regarding ASUS Maximus Formula and ASUS Maximus Formula SE. Remember there are not removable bios chips for these boards. You use any bios on this forum at your own risk!
-You get better N/S Bridge temps when you remove the factory TIM and apply AS5 Ceramic.
-When updating from one bios to another RESET YOUR CURRENT BIOS TO STOCK, NONE OC SETTINGS BEFORE FLASHING
-If the fusion water block on the chipset doesn't come off you can use a hair dryer to heat it. Or, you can cool the MB in the frig for a few hours in to chill the thermal compound. Either suggestion can damage your MB, you do this at your own risk!
-If you water cool the NB (SE version) it's best to use plastic clamps or worm drive, from Anandtech
Quote:
Our biggest gripes revolve around the somewhat disappointing execution of the supplied water block design and unreliable 1/2" tubing clamps when using high flow rate pumps
-The black PCIe x1 port is proprietary for the included sound card
-Its worth the time to put a small 40mm fan on the s/b heatsink when OCing
-P5E is an excellent board if you are not looking for the features of the Maximus Formula
-Ultra 120 Extreme and clearance from the South Bridge heat sink using a 8800 http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=920
-SE has option for 3 thermal sensors however you have to buy the thermal sensor cable separate
-Use a 8-pin 12V connector
-In order to get charted voltage results using OCCT, start Everest and go to: Preferences, External Applications then Enable shared memory option
-Although DDR2 1600 is found in the specification for the Maximus Formula I haven't found any posts verifying 1600MHz Memory frequency as of yet. http://www.asus.com.tw/products.aspx...11&l3=572&l4=0
-When OC'ing your ram you can obtain better results maintaining the rated DDR2 frequency or higher
example 1
example 2
example 3
Also note, that 1:1 is not the best ratio for this motherboard
Quote:
...Had we used the lower 1:1 divider on the Maximus, the scores would have been reversed (performance would have been slower). In truth, using the 1:1 divider on either board should only reduce scores by around 1-2% maximum, making some of the cheaper DDR2-1000 capable modules a wise purchase for a workstation or gaming PC. ASUS is currently working on a BIOS release that improves overclocking and we will report any performance changes shortly...
Source
Below are some pics of the Formula Maximus prep'd for watercooling:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...la3_edited.jpg
This pic shows the MB prep'd and ready for installation
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...x_Formula2.jpg
This is another angle of the MB prep'd and ready for installation
Below are some pics showing the removal of the N/S bridge heat sinks. With the help of cadaveca I came up with the idea of refrigerating the Maximus Formula MB (with the plastic covering)for 3 hours in order to remove the north/south bridge heat sinks. Heat didn't loosens the thermal compound found on this motherboard for me but cold temperatures did. Once the board was chilled for 3 hours the north/south bridge heat sinks popped right off without any real force. I offer this advice as a possible solution for removing bonded type of thermal compound from the north/south bridge heat sinks. Please keep in mind that applying either heat or cold or both temperatures can damage your motherboard. You try this at your own risk.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...h_4658f9e0.jpghttp://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...h_19d81b59.jpghttp://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...h_a4dcfb9a.jpg
3 pics showing the south, north and combo n/s heatsinks
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...h_cbf00ab5.jpghttp://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...h_8be3f661.jpg
To the left is the southbridge chipset. To the right is the northbridge chipset after the HS was removed.
