BIOS Thread

Printable View

Show 100 post(s) from this thread on one page

10-26-2007, 03:39 PM
turtletrax

What is annoying me the most is the boot issues I am having. I get random loss of CMOS setting, and about 1 in 5 cold-boots I lose my RAID array. I have to spend 10-15 minutes getting it to find the array without errors and then go into BIOS and point it to boot from the stripe :mad:

I have relentlessly tried voltage combinations and memory setting and no luck. I have also heard a few bad stories about Gigabyte RMA's and dont have the pateince to deal with that crap. Does anybody in Canada have Gigabyte RMA experience?
10-26-2007, 04:19 PM
Alcibiades

Standard Bios options I use for High performance settings:
FSB 413-460, CPU 3.4-3.8, DDR2 1100-1224

Robust Graphics Booster [Turbo]
!! Performance Enhanced with... [Extreme]
DRAM Timing Selectable (SPD) [Manual]

Static tRead Value [7] Performance Level - for 1100Mhz and up
If you leave the tRead Value to [Auto] value will sometimes be too low and o/c will fail
Refresh to ACT Delay [36]
CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [1000Mv]
DDR2 Overvoltage Control [+0.55v] to give 2.38v
PCIE Overvoltage Control [+0.35v]
FSB Overvoltage Control [+0.15v]
(G)MCH Overvoltage Control [+0.150v]
CPU Voltage Control [1.456v] for up to 3.6-3.7 Ghz - 1.4256v for 3.66GHz works nicely

TIP: Never try booting new o/c settings with any external devices attached and powered on. Example eSata.

F5g bios IS very good for Quad and Memory for me anyway
F3 only good for HIGH FSB
10-26-2007, 05:41 PM
Supershanks

Bit late in the day but got mine yesterday. Gigabyte GA X38 DQ6 Am pretty impressed with build quality & design so far. Am currently running in yellow slots , was wondering if there is any difference in performance/stability to the red. I'm running ballistix 8500.

Apologies if ii's been covered already & i've missed it.

Off to bed now running prime on 3.6k, fingers crossed:lol:

cheers:)
10-26-2007, 10:24 PM
equlizer

I got the same problem
Q6600 G0
X38 DQ6
Crucial BallistiX PC8500

Can`t get the fsb past 400fsb.
Tried every bios from F3-F5I
Must be Cpu related or something weird with the m/b.
I can however runt 400x9 with mem @ 600 4-4-4-4
But it will not boot with 415x8 using any timings or voltage. :(
10-27-2007, 01:17 AM
xwards

does this Motherboard have any Vdroop?
10-27-2007, 03:22 AM
DStealth

Quote:

Originally Posted by xwards

does this Motherboard have any Vdroop?

With the first F3 bios it's huge, with next bioses is in normal range of 0.02-0.03 V (with Quad @ 4ghz and 1.45-1.55V ). But if there would be Vdrop mod i'll be the first to try it ;).
10-27-2007, 05:11 AM
~aoe~

I can't believe I didn't see this thread earlier.

Anyway, had this board for a few weeks now, but it's part of my new WC setup which is still not complete. However, I have got the CPU loop up and running and am currently testing. So far, Q6600 G0 is 2 hours Prime stable at 400x9 with 1.4875v in BIOS (F5h). Max temps at load are 48C, so still some headroom to push this further.

I have replaced the stock cooling with MCW30 on NB and a modded Enzotech CNB-S1L on SB

When I get the rest of the components I need to complete the GPU loop, I'll be able to give this more serious testing.

I did lose one of my WD Raptors after flashing the BIOS to F5g - constant reboots like previously mentioned until I cleared CMOS, but by then it was too late. Still, at least it's still under warranty :up:
10-27-2007, 06:20 AM
zuess

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtletrax

What is annoying me the most is the boot issues I am having. I get random loss of CMOS setting, and about 1 in 5 cold-boots I lose my RAID array. I have to spend 10-15 minutes getting it to find the array without errors and then go into BIOS and point it to boot from the stripe :mad:

I have relentlessly tried voltage combinations and memory setting and no luck. I have also heard a few bad stories about Gigabyte RMA's and dont have the pateince to deal with that crap. Does anybody in Canada have Gigabyte RMA experience?

Hi turtletrax,
I've had 2 experiences with Gigabyte RMA's.
The first board i got had a driver issue with the ethernet controller, so that went back.
The second board i got was damaged during shipping, the pcb was cracked and bent so that was sent back. Now i await my third board which i should have on Monday.
I must have alot of patience because i ordered the first board on September 27 and i still don't have one i can use.

Hope that helps.
10-27-2007, 09:28 AM
koc

I need help guys :(

Im on 440 FSB and i cant go over 440 what ever i do in the bios :mad:

i try f3 bios and i updated to f5h , and the same problem
i cant go over 440 FSB , and when i try to increase the FSB to more than 440
the bios reset it self to default

I use these setting

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [1000Mv]
DDR2 Overvoltage Control [normal]
PCIE Overvoltage Control [normal]
FSB Overvoltage Control [+0.15v]
(G)MCH Overvoltage Control [+0.150v]
CPU Voltage Control [1.456v]

the temp is very good

CUP 33C
NB 33C ( HR-05 )

It is bad CUP patch , or need some bios tweaks ? :shrug: :shrug:
10-27-2007, 01:39 PM
turtletrax

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuess

Hi turtletrax,
I've had 2 experiences with Gigabyte RMA's.
The first board i got had a driver issue with the ethernet controller, so that went back.
The second board i got was damaged during shipping, the pcb was cracked and bent so that was sent back. Now i await my third board which i should have on Monday.
I must have alot of patience because i ordered the first board on September 27 and i still don't have one i can use.

Hope that helps.

Thanks Zuess. I am still praying a BIOS release sorts me out, but I think that is a pipedream. My biggest worry is I send it in for RMA, and they say NTF (nothing to fix). I had Anus do that to me once and I flipped out and have not bought a Asus board since. Crappy thing is that I am slowly leaning towards the Maximus Formula SE.

What is the average RMA turnaround time for yours so far?

Thanks ;)
10-27-2007, 01:50 PM
zuess

Hi turtletrax,

First RMA was a week now after complaining about the lack of packing material to protect it i'll have my third board on Monday.
I guess it really depends on where you bought it.

Hope better luck is coming.
10-27-2007, 02:42 PM
zsamz_

yes always depens on where you bought it
i buy from ncix average return 1 week
10-27-2007, 03:34 PM
Alcibiades

Quote:

Originally Posted by koc

I need help guys :(

Im on 440 FSB and i cant go over 440 what ever i do in the bios :mad:

i try f3 bios and i updated to f5h , and the same problem
i cant go over 440 FSB , and when i try to increase the FSB to more than 440
the bios reset it self to default

I use these setting

CPU/PCIEX Clock Driving Control [1000Mv]
DDR2 Overvoltage Control [normal]
PCIE Overvoltage Control [normal]
FSB Overvoltage Control [+0.15v]
(G)MCH Overvoltage Control [+0.150v]
CPU Voltage Control [1.456v]

the temp is very good

CUP 33C
NB 33C ( HR-05 )

It is bad CUP patch , or need some bios tweaks ? :shrug: :shrug:

Turn up your PCIE to max +0.35v ALWAYS this is what the bios does anyway when you set the voltage settings to normal. I hear vdroop is less when this is max. make sure you select Turbo at the top
You must set your RAM's timings manually, choose the x2.66D 400Mhz strap for your ram, most important setting to change is the tRD to 7 or higher, you can leave the other memory settings to AUTO
(G)MCH overvoltage I don't think is needed at these modest settings
Also give your memory extra volts to get it up to recommended high speed setting.
make sure no external devices are connected when attempting these new settings as a good o/c might fail for 'other' reasons
good luck
p.s give your cpu 1.525v just to make sure vdroop not stuffing you around
and try the CPU/PCIEx driving control at normal 800mv
p.s.s use the f5g bios as it has stated better quadcore and memory support, even though f5h should also be good , i haven't tried it.
p.s.s.s I can't get over 460fsb with mine, but my brothers q6600 goes at least 480FSB on a crappy Asus p5KC!!!!
10-27-2007, 11:02 PM
GAR

Hows this board doing fella???
10-27-2007, 11:54 PM
DStealth

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAR

Hows this board doing fella???

Nice
Water cooled Q6600 and water cooled, single, 1 year old 8800gtx :cool:
78338
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/924...4160qk1.th.jpg
10-28-2007, 08:11 AM
koc

Quote:

Turn up your PCIE to max +0.35v ALWAYS this is what the bios does anyway when you set the voltage settings to normal. I hear vdroop is less when this is max. make sure you select Turbo at the top
You must set your RAM's timings manually, choose the x2.66D 400Mhz strap for your ram, most important setting to change is the tRD to 7 or higher, you can leave the other memory settings to AUTO
(G)MCH overvoltage I don't think is needed at these modest settings
Also give your memory extra volts to get it up to recommended high speed setting.
make sure no external devices are connected when attempting these new settings as a good o/c might fail for 'other' reasons
good luck
p.s give your cpu 1.525v just to make sure vdroop not stuffing you around
and try the CPU/PCIEx driving control at normal 800mv
p.s.s use the f5g bios as it has stated better quadcore and memory support, even though f5h should also be good , i haven't tried it.
p.s.s.s I can't get over 460fsb with mine, but my brothers q6600 goes at least 480FSB on a crappy Asus p5KC!!!!
__________________

thank you Alcibiades

Well i reached 450 FSB with the setting that you recommend ,

however i stick again with 450 FSB , and i can not pass 450 FSB

damn it Gigabyte :down: :down: :down:
10-28-2007, 08:34 AM
mjb1206

Hey GAR>>>>>> It's running great! Seems like the quad core guys might need a tweaked bios, so hopefully one will be released soon that actually has some improvements that would help all.....How about those Asus boards, I have been sneaking over there and reading, and it seems it's quite problematic as all new released boards are!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ntitled-14.jpg
10-28-2007, 10:05 AM
andre X_X

hi, anybody can confirm if P35 DQ6 PCB is the same with P35 DS3P? coz i want to mod may P35 DS3P and it seems the look quite the same. P35 DQ6 Mod also works nice on P35 DS4, which means they have same PCB/layout. thx
10-28-2007, 11:35 AM
Supershanks

Well at least i've got a stable base now Stable - 9x400 13hr Prime stable + settings

Keep throwing those hints out Alcibiades:lol: I'm listening., whilst i figure these settings. Looking to go higher. managed 9x450 (next post in above link. )
but was troubled going further.
What's the max fsb looking like??

cheers
10-28-2007, 02:41 PM
Richard Dower

My board has been stable at 425x8 for a week now, 1.4V set in bios...Vdroop is alot less with this mobo, memory at 2.2V. all other voltage options set to normal or auto.

I don't like to add voltage unless i have to.
10-28-2007, 03:55 PM
Supershanks

Hi Richard,
Yep

Quote:

I don't like to add voltage unless i have to.

i'm the same , this quad i got the other week does seem to run on a low voltage
On my p5k got 3.6 13hr prime with 1.375v (bios)
Am just getting a feel for this board & working without the damper that's on the p5k bios.

Like i said i'm re-running tonight on a notch or 2 lower to see if it's still stable:)

cheers:)
10-28-2007, 04:14 PM
Richard Dower

Might be of interest to those who have this modem/router:

http://kbserver.netgear.com/release_notes/D103201.asp

Take caution when flashing firmware and ensure you've got the right model/region. Firmware revision 1.03.35...some new features added, embedded firmware driver updated.

:)
10-28-2007, 04:57 PM
Alcibiades

Quote:

Originally Posted by koc

thank you Alcibiades

Well i reached 450 FSB with the setting that you recommend ,

however i stick again with 450 FSB , and i can not pass 450 FSB

damn it Gigabyte :down: :down: :down:

I'm glad the settings worked for you :up:

I see you have 4GB not 2, and if you are trying to get all 4GB to work at 1100MHz on a 2.40D or 1200MHz on a 2.66D strap, might be a few bios rev's away.

If I had my system running @

8x451 @3608Ghz
4GB DDR2 @ 1200Mhz

I would be very happy on Vista Ultimate x64 :clap:
10-29-2007, 03:44 AM
Sommer

1 Attachment(s)

My second X38-DQ6 mobo, the first just looped nonstop at startup after a bios update.

The F5i bios much better than F3 for me. It's early yet for a satisfaction value on the X38, but I like it so far, RMA and all. Runs very stable.

Still trying to get the best out of the rig, testing right now.

http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=261016
10-29-2007, 04:14 AM
djshotty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sommer

My second X38-DQ6 mobo, the first just looped nonstop at startup after a bios update.

The F5i bios much better than F3 for me. It's early yet for a satisfaction value on the X38, but I like it so far, RMA and all. Runs very stable.

Still trying to get the best out of the rig, testing right now.

I had the same looping probs when I jumped from F3 to F5h. Got past it after I crossed the jumper and reset BIOS to default. Only tried to go to 360 since then, without much success. Kinda thinking it may be the GPU's draining power from the chip. Plus, it's still not reading that I've got four strips of PC2-8500 there. For some reason BIOS and Vista benchmarks say they're DDR2-800.
10-29-2007, 04:57 AM
Sommer

I had no luck shorting clear cmos or remove battery, endless looping no matter what.

You should be able to set up your memory right in bios, try som higher divider or something?
10-29-2007, 10:46 PM
Richard Dower

F6a beta bios for the X38-DQ6:

http://www.giga-byte.com.tw/Support/...S&FileID=13110

F4a beta bios for the X38T-DQ6:

http://www.giga-byte.com.tw/Support/...S&FileID=13109

F4a beta bios for the X38-DS5:

http://www.giga-byte.com.tw/Support/...S&FileID=13111

Not directly related, but if anyone is using a Ralink chipset like the RT2500 (like me), new driver out dated September 29th 2007, brand new control panel.

http://www.ralinktech.com/ralink/Hom...t/Windows.html

GB driver page for the X38 updated, they have the latest build of the Realtek codec drivers:

http://www.giga-byte.com.tw/Support/...ProductID=2665

CPU support page updated, shows support for 45nm QX9650!

http://www.giga-byte.com.tw/Support/...ProductID=2665

New X38-DQ6 reviews:

http://zockon.de/artikel,489.html

http://www.bootdaily.com/index.php?o...=810&Itemid=56

http://techreport.com/articles.x/13351/3

http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid...e=expert&pid=3

http://www.hothardware.com/articles/...Debuts/?page=5

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?pag...item=871&num=1

http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Ha...x38-dq6/4.html

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/...38_dq6_review/

http://techgage.com/article/gigabyte_ga-x38-dq6/
10-30-2007, 12:05 AM
Richard Dower

DON'T USE THESE BETAS!...they are screwed up, you can't make voltage or FSB adjustments like normal...say FSB, you could manually input say "425" from standard 266 from the keyboard...normally.

Not with this beta, i had to use the Page Up/Down keys to manually go to 425x8...even after that, i can't enter bios!

Major issues with this bios from what i can see, i'll report more as i see it.
10-30-2007, 12:32 AM
turtletrax

Wow, seems like the BIOS's are getting progressively worse. I cant even sell this board for a huge loss. A shame really, I guess I was a sucker this time round...
10-30-2007, 01:18 AM
REVHEAD

I just got my board yesterday ,I jumped ship from a Striker 680i ,I am down from sli to a single card ,so far I am very impressed with this board ,way better than my Strikers.

I have a niggling problem ,on my old striker I could get my ram to run @ 1t on this board it wont boot on 1t only 2t ,any ideas guys?

I havnt had time to read thru this thread ,it the problem has been reported in another post i am sorry ,ill have time to read the thread in a few days.
10-30-2007, 01:49 AM
zsamz_

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtletrax

Wow, seems like the BIOS's are getting progressively worse. I cant even sell this board for a huge loss. A shame really, I guess I was a sucker this time round...

happily i sent mine back
i havent had a bsod since 24/7@510fsb
10-30-2007, 03:24 AM
Cob

Has anyone got their hands on a X38-DS5 yet?

I see they're on sale over here in the UK for around the same price as the X38 P5E.
10-30-2007, 03:30 AM
djshotty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sommer

I had no luck shorting clear cmos or remove battery, endless looping no matter what.

You should be able to set up your memory right in bios, try som higher divider or something?

Old hat at OS issues and other tech stuff, just new to changing BIOS settings, especially ones that relate to voltages, chipset frequencies, etc. Could you please explain which settings in F5h to change, cos each time I've made SMM changes I've had errors, and I'm still yet to see DDR2-1066 written up in any benchmarking tool/system diagnostic application. I mean, come on! I've just forked out over AU$2700 for this machine only to have it tell me I haven't got what I thought I bought (RAM), while I watch guys with similar specs to me punch numbers I can only dream about :shrug:
10-30-2007, 03:58 AM
Supershanks

Quote:

Wow, seems like the BIOS's are getting progressively worse

Sorry to hear that,
I'm starting to get some decent results with this board
Am currently playing with max fsb Havegone back to bios F5G

@djshotty - Have you checked out my settings in my 13hr stable post above?? you may get some help there.

@REVHEAD - Not Tried 1T yet.
luck:)
10-30-2007, 04:08 AM
REVHEAD

Quote:

Originally Posted by REVHEAD

I just got my board yesterday ,I jumped ship from a Striker 680i ,I am down from sli to a single card ,so far I am very impressed with this board ,way better than my Strikers.

I have a niggling problem ,on my old striker I could get my ram to run @ 1t on this board it wont boot on 1t only 2t ,any ideas guys?

I havnt had time to read thru this thread ,it the problem has been reported in another post i am sorry ,ill have time to read the thread in a few days.

Allso something else is annoying me ,My 680i I would get roughly 7200 mbps bandwidth in Sandra soft,with the X38 I am struggling to push 6500 bandwidth? I am confused I was lead to belive I would at least get similar if not better bandwidth on the Intel chipset, BTW I run my ram at identical setups as my Striker 5-5-5-15 800mhz.

Any help would be appreciated,I dearly love this board 1600 fsb 9x multi and 1.475 vcore on a q6600 stepping b3,the striker wouldnt even dream of booting on a 1600 fsb ,that was a massive fsb hole with quads.
10-30-2007, 09:47 AM
Supershanks

1st thing i would look at , have you got a version of sandra that supports x38. "nd thing they warn you that you can't really compare benches run on different versions of the software, Try Everest & compare your results there with others.
10-30-2007, 10:58 AM
krampak

Ok, got my X38T-DQ6 back from RMA... it uses the F2 BIOS, should I flash to F4a ? I don't want to screw it up again with a bad Flash like last time... :( but changelog shows many interesting improves with bios over F2.

Any X38T user to give me an advice ? :up:
10-30-2007, 01:46 PM
Richard Dower

I keep getting BSOD!....very bizarre.
10-30-2007, 02:36 PM
zsamz_

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Dower

I keep getting BSOD!....very bizarre.

not bizzare bios is not stable 100% not even f3
i'm happy i sent it back by the time they fix it it will be 50% off lol
10-30-2007, 02:44 PM
Richard Dower

These X38 bios have been the most unstable i have ever encountered from Gigabyte, and i've tried many a beta in my time.

They NEED to get some serious work on these bios done, it's just not good enough!

Maybe we need a new mobo revision?....i can't even return my board for a refund!!
10-30-2007, 03:42 PM
zsamz_

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Dower

These X38 bios have been the most unstable i have ever encountered from Gigabyte, and i've tried many a beta in my time.

They NEED to get some serious work on these bios done, it's just not good enough!

Maybe we need a new mobo revision?....i can't even return my board for a refund!!

yup i never seen it so bad
the board topped out @ 580fsb but not 100% stable
i had 30 days to return my board for a refund i'm out 25$ for shipping:mad:
my local pc store was cheaper but no refunds
300$ for bsod board was too much had to install os 10+ times in 3 weeks
since you cant get a refund hang in there
if you get lucky n board dies maybe new revision
something really wrong with the board i think
its ok for mild overclock but killed my os so many times
it was 10$ more than p35-dq6 when i bought it
10-30-2007, 04:03 PM
Severance

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsamz_

yup i never seen it so bad
the board topped out @ 580fsb but not 100% stable
i had 30 days to return my board for a refund i'm out 25$ for shipping:mad:
my local pc store was cheaper but no refunds
300$ for bsod board was too much had to install os 10+ times in 3 weeks
since you cant get a refund hang in there
if you get lucky n board dies maybe new revision
something really wrong with the board i think
its ok for mild overclock but killed my os so many times
it was 10$ more than p35-dq6 when i bought it

Its funny reading this stuff....580fsb is mild is it? MILD? And you wonder why u mess up your OS? Guys ....I started off with the dq6 and just for the heck of it I decided to try the maximus and let me tell you that its much worse then the dq6. Still playing with the maximus right now but im gonna give up very soon. This thing wont even boot on 266 strap at all:confused: and also The vdroop is scary so dont give up on the dq6:yepp:
10-30-2007, 05:14 PM
zsamz_

Quote:

Originally Posted by Severance

Its funny reading this stuff....580fsb is mild is it? MILD? And you wonder why u mess up your OS? Guys ....I started off with the dq6 and just for the heck of it I decided to try the maximus and let me tell you that its much worse then the dq6. Still playing with the maximus right now but im gonna give up very soon. This thing wont even boot on 266 strap at all:confused: and also The vdroop is scary so dont give up on the dq6:yepp:

i ran 400 430 450 480 510 535 550 fsb
510 and 535fsb was the most stable

on my p35c im 100% stable up to 550fsb
hopefully dfi is bnetter or i'll just wait on x48
10-30-2007, 05:29 PM
Alcibiades

f5g is the BEST bios in my opinion. F3 might give you a slightly higher FSB, but f5g let's you try your ddr2 so many more ways.
I'd love to hit 550FSB to go 1:1 with the ram, but, not even F3 can get me over 480. So...
I'm now on f5g again running 460x8 FSB on my Q6600
1224MHz on my OCZ 9200FlexXlc @ 5-5-5-14 (using 2.66D 400Mhz strap)
memory read 9700MB/s on latest Everest Ultimate EE beta (supports X38)
Latency is ~ 58-60 (not too bad)

I have't booted my XP OS for about a week now after installing Vista Ultimate x64, plus bioshock now on hold as I replay Crysis demo for the 3rd straight day. :)

So work out a good stable setting FIRST.
Lock it in, save it, write it down.
Next, go for gold overclocking, but don't do anything :shakes: :rofl: :mad: :eek: :down: with the voltages BE CAREFUL!

When you're ready to actually use your computer for FUN or work, put in those good settings your wrote down somewhere and enjoy!

X38-DQ6 ROCKS!
10-30-2007, 05:56 PM
Severance

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

f5g is the BEST bios in my opinion. F3 might give you a slightly higher FSB, but f5g let's you try your ddr2 so many more ways.
I'd love to hit 550FSB to go 1:1 with the ram, but, not even F3 can get me over 480. So...
I'm now on f5g again running 460x8 FSB on my Q6600
1224MHz on my OCZ 9200FlexXlc @ 5-5-5-14 (using 2.66D 400Mhz strap)
memory read 9700MB/s on latest Everest Ultimate EE beta (supports X38)
Latency is ~ 58-60 (not too bad)

I have't booted my XP OS for about a week now after installing Vista Ultimate x64, plus bioshock now on hold as I replay Crysis demo for the 3rd straight day. :)

So work out a good stable setting FIRST.
Lock it in, save it, write it down.
Next, go for gold overclocking, but don't do anything :shakes: :rofl: :mad: :eek: :down: with the voltages BE CAREFUL!

When your ready to actually use your computer for FUN or work, put in those good settings your wrote down somewhere and enjoy!

X38-DQ6 ROCKS!

I think you have this board figured out better then most. Your information has helped me alot thankyou. Good work:up: I was able to run my e6850 at 4400 3d stable on the dq6 but with the maximus its a no go. Alcibiades I been playing crysis beta and now the demo on my sli system for past couple of days also. The sli system eats crysis up compared to my crossfire system. Pic of my systems just before swapping dq6 for the P.O.S maximus:p:
10-30-2007, 08:56 PM
turtletrax

Looks like F5g has me at least to 423 FSB stable at 9x. Nothing to scream at, but is a start.

Sorry, failed while I was writing this..

What a POS... honestly
10-30-2007, 10:21 PM
koc

noob question ?

the stripe for my memory in the bios ( 2.00 D - 2.66 D ) which give me ( 880 - 1170 ) ,

But i use the 2.4 B stripe which give me 1080 MHz almost the same as my memory

So. is it OK , if i use the 2.4 B , or i have to stick with ( D ) ?
10-30-2007, 10:50 PM
Alcibiades

Quote:

Originally Posted by koc

noob question ?

the stripe for my memory in the bios ( 2.00 D - 2.66 D ) which give me ( 880 - 1170 ) ,

But i use the 2.4 B stripe which give me 1080 MHz almost the same as my memory

So. is it OK , if i use the 2.4 B , or i have to stick with ( D ) ?

If you can hit the same Mhz with a lower strap you are doing better
10-30-2007, 11:29 PM
koc

Quote:

If you can hit the same Mhz with a lower strap you are doing better

thanks you again

another noob ques.

what do u mean by ( lower strap ) ?
10-31-2007, 12:19 AM
turtletrax

Looks like F5g might have toasted my highly modded X-Fi. Will report back, but not looking good. I have not hated a board more than my MSI/Via days.

Edit: Reverted back to F3 and then removed the X-fi and rebooted, reinstalled card/drivers and all seems well. Scared the crap out of me.
10-31-2007, 02:26 AM
dominick32

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT USE THE NEW GIGABYTE F4A bios on the DQ6T.

Multipliers and FSB are no longer adjustable. It forced me to boot at 6 X 333 - 2.0 GHz and 1333 mhz frequency. And I am stuck there.

I flashed back to F3i and everything is fine again.
I AM SO PISSED OFF WITH GIGABYTE RIGHT NOW
10-31-2007, 06:50 AM
E.R

Quote:

Originally Posted by dominick32

I AM SO PISSED OFF WITH GIGABYTE RIGHT NOW

You are not alone, i was pissed of until i trade X38.-Q6 for Maximus SE X38, and like magic i CAN ran my Flex XLC at stock and higher speeds with tighter timings and lower vdimm even counting in the overvoltage without any problems or even begining to tweak the performance.
DQ6 did not wanna do better than 550 on slightly looser timings then Maximus when using 4 dimms and at poor memorystrap along with poor memoryperformace i general on the X38-DQ6.
10-31-2007, 07:20 AM
Richard Dower

My OS keeps crashing!....IRQ not less or equal to BS, it's not my drivers or my hardware. They all played fine with an early beta like F5g...F5i and up...all hell is breaking loose!

F6a is a total dud, GB did add one nice feature not in any previous final or beta bios, it shows "CPU Frequency 3400MHz 425x8"...it's a nice little addition under the M.I.T. section.

Can i also add something less i spotted, you know the Gigabyte splash logo screen that shows up (if you enable the option in bios)...well, thats also screwed up as it says hit F9 to enter QFlash...um hello!

This is like wrong!...it's supposed to read F8, yet another botched item within these bios.

Is anyone reporting these issues to Gigabyte?....Bingo, you've got some contacts, can you like pass this info onto the engineers or get someone to read this thread?
10-31-2007, 07:25 AM
Richard Dower

Thats another thing i noticed, if you input say 2.2V on the memory the bios actually overvolts!...it's not massive over voltage but i would think when you enter a voltage it should be either bang on or a very minor fluctuation plus or minus.
10-31-2007, 07:56 AM
thefiddler

Hey people,

I read almost this entire topic.

I currently own an ASUS P5K Premium motherboard which gives me a lot of headaches (harddrive errors, time outs, sometimes BSOD - mainly when copying/moving large files from one partition/drive to another).

FYI, please see: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=163183

Now, I'm going to RMA my P5K Premium, and I thought about getting a Gigabyte X38-DQ6 to replace it. Though, I see some of you guys are having problems with this one as well (and it looks like every motherboard released these last months or being released has issues).

Should I consider buying this X38-DQ6, or should I consider buying something else?

:)
10-31-2007, 08:06 AM
andre X_X

*** Edit ***
10-31-2007, 08:35 AM
~aoe~

Well, you should certainly consider this board as an option. However, bear in mind the following:
- the x38 chipset is new, so expect some teething problems
- this motherboard is currently on it's 1st revision
- there's a few beta bios' available, but only 1 official (F3) to the best of my knowledge. Some are reporting problems with most of the beta bios'

Future bios releases may fix some/all of the current problems. However, a board revision may also be required.

On a personal note, I've managed to achieve my target of 3.6GHz on my Q6600 without problem, but need more time before I can provide a definite :up: or :down: (haven't tried to install raid0 yet, for example).

Most reviews of this and other x38 boards suggest that, at this time, x38 doesn't offer much over the P35. Also consider that P35 has been around longer, and is currently the more stable chipset.

In time, I would expect x38 to perform much better than it does currently, but whether this can be achieved simply by an improved bios or whether it will require a revision to the chipset, I can't say.
10-31-2007, 07:20 PM
Alcibiades

Quote:

Originally Posted by koc

thanks you again

another noob ques.

what do u mean by ( lower strap ) ?

A strap 266Mhz
B strap 333Mhz
C strap 200Mhz
D strap 400Mhz

Using a C strap to do DDR2 800Mhz will outperform the A,B or D strap doing 800Mhz with the same timings.
Each strap has it's own mutlipliers, all of them have the 2x multiplier.
For example:
Strap B has 2x, 2.4x and 3.2x
Strap D has only 2x and 2.66x

So if you set your fsb to 400Mhz
CPU multiplier x 9 gives you 9x400=3,600Mhz
D Strap multiplier x 2.66 gives you 2.66x400=1,064Mhz
10-31-2007, 08:54 PM
koc

Quote:

A strap 266Mhz
B strap 333Mhz
C strap 200Mhz
D strap 400Mhz

Using a C strap to do DDR2 800Mhz will outperform the A,B or D strap doing 800Mhz with the same timings.
Each strap has it's own mutlipliers, all of them have the 2x multiplier.
For example:
Strap B has 2x, 2.4x and 3.2x
Strap D has only 2x and 2.66x

So if you set your fsb to 400Mhz
CPU multiplier x 9 gives you 9x400=3,600Mhz
D Strap multiplier x 2.66 gives you 2.66x400=1,064Mhz

Thank you for explanation :)

Well , Im now on 3.6Mhz ( 8 X 450 )
So. i hope that i can use 2.66 D strap to overclock my ram to 1197
with new version of bios
11-01-2007, 12:26 AM
Richard Dower

Right...this is MADNESS!!
I was using a 2GB kit of Corsair PC2-8500, 1066MHz, 2.2V, 5-5-5-15....i could get past 425FSB no problem, even with the betas.

But now!...just installed the new G.SKILL 4GB kit, PC2-8000, 2.0-2.1V, runs 1000MHz with 5-5-5-15....input 400FSB, would not boot!

Simply put, with this F6a bios i CANNOT reach 400FSB let alone try go over it....running 333x9 at the moment. Can i also add that GB have updated QFlash with this new beta bios, it's now version 2.05 (as opposed to V2.02).
11-01-2007, 03:07 AM
mister_no

New Bios (F6B):

http://rapidshare.com/files/66689035/X38DQ6.f6b.html
11-01-2007, 03:25 AM
REVHEAD

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister_no

New Bios (F6B):

http://www.jzelectronic.de/jz2/Download2/x38dq6f6b.exe

Error 404 - Not found
11-01-2007, 03:38 AM
mister_no

http://rapidshare.com/files/66689035/X38DQ6.f6b.html
11-01-2007, 09:56 AM
turtletrax

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Dower

Right...this is MADNESS!!
I was using a 2GB kit of Corsair PC2-8500, 1066MHz, 2.2V, 5-5-5-15....i could get past 425FSB no problem, even with the betas.

But now!...just installed the new G.SKILL 4GB kit, PC2-8000, 2.0-2.1V, runs 1000MHz with 5-5-5-15....input 400FSB, would not boot!

Simply put, with this F6a bios i CANNOT reach 400FSB let alone try go over it....running 333x9 at the moment. Can i also add that GB have updated QFlash with this new beta bios, it's now version 2.05 (as opposed to V2.02).

How are these bios's getting so bad?? :shrug:
11-01-2007, 12:24 PM
GTX

Quote:

Originally Posted by dominick32

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT USE THE NEW GIGABYTE F4A bios on the DQ6T.

Multipliers and FSB are no longer adjustable. It forced me to boot at 6 X 333 - 2.0 GHz and 1333 mhz frequency. And I am stuck there.

I flashed back to F3i and everything is fine again.
I AM SO PISSED OFF WITH GIGABYTE RIGHT NOW

lol,too late, after flashed this bios , my board never boot again
debug card stops at "00"
11-01-2007, 12:48 PM
Richard Dower

I'll test F6b...
11-01-2007, 01:37 PM
koc

Quote:

lol,too late, after flashed this bios , my board never boot again
debug card stops at "00"

just remove the CPU and reinstall it again , its work for me
11-01-2007, 01:42 PM
Richard Dower

4 Attachment(s)

OK, so the good and the bad, F6b is flashed and i can now make FSB and ratio adjustments ok, just as one would normally. So they seem to have fixed all that stuff.

As you can see from the images i am now able to attain my standard overclock settings, with 4GB of memory. 425x8=3.4GHz.

I have done some Everest benchmarks and my scores are alot less then before, this might be the result of the memory though...being 4GB as opposed to 2GB...and my chips are not Micron based but Powerchips.

The main things is that the big bugs in F6a *appear* to be gone, but i can't honestly say if this bios is more stable or not...needs proper testing.
11-01-2007, 01:44 PM
Richard Dower

It's interesting to note that Vista shows 3,582MB available...OS limitation no doubt, still better then others who show 3.2GB, it must vary with your hardware and bios. Another thing, this bios seems to undervolt the memory, input 2.1V in bios and the PC Health section shows voltage under that...it may just be a bug in how the voltages are reported though.
11-01-2007, 01:52 PM
Richard Dower

1 Attachment(s)

I wonder why my benmarks are so poor?...same FSB and clock speed as before, the only difference is the memory...4GB as opposed to 2GB and different RAM chips.

Latency is higher, i was getting 64ns previously and memory bandwidth over 8,200MB/s.

:confused:
11-01-2007, 01:57 PM
mjb1206

Richard, here is mine, and I'm using F3! I'm scared to change it, after not seeing a decent new bios release..............
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ntitled-15.jpg
11-01-2007, 02:01 PM
Richard Dower

Well your CPU speed and FSB are higher, your memory is 1200MHz and your timings are lower. That might account for alot of the difference.

Can i also suggest you update Everest, you're using an old version and the results change from release to release.

Try Everest 4.20.1173
11-01-2007, 02:04 PM
mjb1206

Thanxs Richard I'll go take a look at the newer version of Everest!!
11-01-2007, 02:05 PM
Richard Dower

Try this:

http://rapidshare.com/files/66812206....1173.rar.html
11-01-2007, 02:47 PM
mjb1206

Thanks Richard, New Run, And Didn't See Much Of A Difference!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...5/cachemem.png
11-01-2007, 02:52 PM
Richard Dower

I will try a different strap setting, i use 2.50A as it gives me the closest to 1066MHz on the memory, the 2.40B strap will gove me 1020MHz.
11-01-2007, 07:37 PM
zsamz_

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Dower

I wonder why my benmarks are so poor?...same FSB and clock speed as before, the only difference is the memory...4GB as opposed to 2GB and different RAM chips.

Latency is higher, i was getting 64ns previously and memory bandwidth over 8,200MB/s.

:confused:

richard when running 4 sticks is a performance killer "lucky if it boots lol"
best performance i seen @2.2v was 5-4-4-9 @ 1100+ 2 sticks

on my p35 i lose 400 in bandwidth with 4 sticks on x38 its extreme 30%+
11-01-2007, 10:09 PM
DStealth

F6B is same sh!ft as everything else except f5h. It gives me perf.level 6 with C strap and made my latency under 50ns and read ~10k, but it makes on/off constantly, with every combination i'm fully stable with f5h :mad:
11-02-2007, 01:00 AM
Richard Dower

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsamz_

richard when running 4 sticks is a performance killer "lucky if it boots lol"
best performance i seen @2.2v was 5-4-4-9 @ 1100+ 2 sticks

on my p35 i lose 400 in bandwidth with 4 sticks on x38 its extreme 30%+

It's not four sticks, just two...2x2GB...in the primary yellow DIMM slots.
11-02-2007, 01:02 AM
Richard Dower

I just ran a 10 hour Prime 95 stress test using the latest 25.5 build...passed. So at least my memory can handle 1063MHz with 2.1V.
11-02-2007, 03:41 AM
dominick32

I hope they release a F4B fast for this X38T because I was honestly going to pick up Yorkfield on release day, not to mention my Corsair Dom's still will not run higher than 1700 mhz on this board.... :(

The new bios for X38T is a complete disaster. Nothing works, and it will only boot at 2.00 GHz 6 X 333 ....
Thinking it may have been a corrupt download from softpedia, I downloaded direct from Gigabyte-usa.com and the same issues presented themselves.
11-02-2007, 04:33 AM
dinos22

yorkfield works with this board
Team.AU has already tested it

i read many posts now & to be honest i see very little in constructive criticism and why do people flash to every bios they see.......if you're happy with say F3 on DDR2 just stick to the damn thing....

you are only supposed to flash if you have a specific issue and you know that the new bios is supposed to fix it.

We provide a lot of input to engineers and they've done a lot of work to integrate features we and others required. The board needs tweaking to get the most out of it. Hell that's normal and all boards are about the same. We benched both DDR2 and DDR3 with earlier revision bioses to bench PAST 600MHz FSB :confused:

I have the DDR2 version here and it still has F3 bios and everything is top notch >> i did try F4x something bios and it was very spotty and had FSB holes. I didn't like it and went back to F3 which is great. The reason i tried the other one is because of the strap selection we required but it wasn't liking my components.....F3 on my setup was rock solid >> just dig around my started threads and there will be something on E6850 benching at 4.9GHz on SS with this board...really stable setup with components i had with it

i will try and get some time and test the latest ones as we've had a meeting last week with them to change the way the bios reset loop works as it was leaving the multi as it was set and only resetting the FSB....there were a number of other issues that we tried to sort out so just need to get it all tested

i am getting the DDR3 board and i am planning to push some new 2GB CAS7 DDR1800 Corsairs and some 4GB CAS7 DDR1600 Corsairs to see how they go.

i'll pop in and report on my testing as i get a chance

the best way to get engineer attention is to report on bugs which can be replicated by numerous users.......after that the quirky one offs i guess
11-02-2007, 05:57 AM
dominick32

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinos22

i am getting the DDR3 board and i am planning to push some new 2GB CAS7 DDR1800 Corsairs and some 4GB CAS7 DDR1600 Corsairs to see how they go.

i'll pop in and report on my testing as i get a chance

the best way to get engineer attention is to report on bugs which can be replicated by numerous users.......after that the quirky one offs i guess

Dino,
I will be eagerly awaiting your DDR3 results. Because there seems to be an inherent problem with the DQ6T (ddr3 version of the giga X38 board). I have been through two sets of DDR3-1800+ sticks:

Patriot Extreme 2X1GB 1866mhz (8-8-8-20, 1.9v)
Corsair Dominator 2X1GB 1800mhz (7-7-7-20, 2.05v)

Both sets of sticks had the exact same issues. They run absolutely flawless up until around 1740 mhz when memtest produces errors and vista/xp will not run stable. Tried 1T, 2T, different voltages, different primary/secondary timing adjustments. MCH/CPU skew adjustments. The board just cannot handle the high frequency. The odds of two seperate sets of sticks from seperate manufacturers not working at rated speed/timings on this board only tells me 1 thing: Either the mobo needs a revision, or we need a bios that works.
11-02-2007, 06:17 AM
Glorfindel

Got mine Yesterday. So when i power it up, it last about 5 secs and died...I didnt even get in the bios...So it look like a shorted board, i always made clean install, i dont see how i shorted it, i hope Gigabyte will rma it...

So now i have to go back with my 'trusty' ( lol!!!!) evga 680i....
11-02-2007, 11:44 AM
REVHEAD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glorfindel

Got mine Yesterday. So when i power it up, it last about 5 secs and died...I didnt even get in the bios...So it look like a shorted board, i always made clean install, i dont see how i shorted it, i hope Gigabyte will rma it...

So now i have to go back with my 'trusty' ( lol!!!!) evga 680i....

Man thats bad news ,what a bummer, You wont be dissapointed when you get one up and running ,no fsb holes like 680i ,and another thing that really impresses me with this board is the intel matrix raid,heaps faster and allmost flawless compared to Nvidias.
11-02-2007, 12:44 PM
Glorfindel

I did a rma request this morning and i've got the rma number about 4 hours later!! Great custumer service by DirectCanada!!! thx guys! Should make some tests next week! Hope i will be luckier this time!
11-02-2007, 01:17 PM
Supershanks

Quote:

i read many posts now & to be honest i see very little in constructive criticism and why do people flash to every bios they see.......if you're happy with say F3 on DDR2 just stick to the damn thing....

Have to agree, my last board p5k 0311 was great, couldn't run as well on any of the others until 0601:D , doesn't mean the board is crap.

Like Alcibiades, i'm running a quad which is great with F5G. Thanks, to his tips:up: i'm running well.

Only issue i do have atm is running anything other than 2(1:1) on x8 multi.
11-02-2007, 03:26 PM
jbloggs

What 3rd party CPU coolers (air) will fit the X38 DQ6 without having to remove any of the cooling pipes?

It would be used with a Q6600.

Thanks. :up:
11-02-2007, 03:41 PM
mjb1206

H2O it!!
11-02-2007, 04:49 PM
Richard Dower

Scythe Ninja Rev B. and the Infinity models fit, stock Intel coolers fit...not sure what others are using.
11-02-2007, 06:17 PM
Smy

when running 4 sticks ca 4gb ram is normal go get low read speed mb/s in test like everst readtest. geting 7000mb/s -+ on 400*9 on my q6600
And crossfire is just to instal second card and putt it on at driver meny?
11-02-2007, 06:47 PM
mjb1206

I will be lower than 2 memory modules!
11-02-2007, 07:02 PM
Smy

so if ta out 2gb memory til wil go up to 9000mb/s ?

crossfire = install card nr 2 and enable in driver?
11-02-2007, 07:18 PM
jbloggs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Dower

Scythe Ninja Rev B. and the Infinity models fit, stock Intel coolers fit...not sure what others are using.

Thanks for the reply...:up:
11-03-2007, 01:57 AM
century child

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbloggs

Thanks for the reply...:up:

I'm currently using the OCZ Vendetta with mine. I've found it to be a great little cooler.
11-03-2007, 05:16 AM
Glorfindel

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbloggs

What 3rd party CPU coolers (air) will fit the X38 DQ6 without having to remove any of the cooling pipes?

It would be used with a Q6600.

Thanks. :up:

My Tuniq Tower fitted very well even more space than on my EVGA 680i
11-03-2007, 07:31 AM
DStealth

I have time today, so benched my 1year old GTX with the new set of drivers, they are miracle :))
GB booted straight @ 466 fsb from BIOS my quad Q6600 on water and finished all tests real good ~ 4200mhz :)
17844
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7...7844qf7.th.jpg

I like that board:cool:
11-03-2007, 10:20 AM
thefiddler

DStealth how is your GTX cooled?

I wonder if mine could reach such an overclock :p
11-03-2007, 11:28 AM
chrisbarham

Hey new to this post and in fact overclocking...got my x38-dq6 about 2 weeks ago and been happy with it till now.

I am not looking for major overclocks..but would like tp get it to about 3.0ghz.. which seemed easy till now.

basicly i had my CPU host clock control set at 400 and my multiplier set too 7.. which gave me a speed of 2.8, on bios F3

however.. whilse playing STALKER it all frooze and rebooted itself.. and reloaded all the default BIOS settings, now i cant touch the host clcok contol, otherwise the damn thing wont boot..even if i set it to the default of 266 or below....any ideas....????
11-03-2007, 11:33 AM
turtletrax

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefiddler

DStealth how is your GTX cooled?

I wonder if mine could reach such an overclock :p

x 2???

I am on an EK FC block on a spereate loop and all I can get is 710/1050. Pretty impressive :)

Show 100 post(s) from this thread on one page

All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:58 AM.

XtremeSystems