!UPDATE! abit AW9D-Max (retail) arrived

Hey guys,

just got my AW9D-Max, setting up Windoze now. Expect first results later today.

Setup used:

E6600
AW9D-Max (you guessed it)
2GB OCZ Gold XTC DDR2-800
XFX Geforce 7900GX2
Audigy 2ZS
OCZ Powerstream 600W ADJ
CPU watercooled.

Pics (phone's cam :():

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9...6007if1.th.jpg http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5...6008xe5.th.jpg http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/8...6009ha3.th.jpg http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/6...6010oj2.th.jpg http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/296...6011gr7.th.jpg http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2...6012eg5.th.jpg

UPDATE
Read this -> http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=110

Latest BIOS - B13
Latest µGuru software - 3036

!USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

get it on bro' lots of people waiting for this one..:)

Blue ports? Thought the retail board was going to have red.... interesting :)

early released boards perhaps...

nice to now that the retail is blau and black..:woot: and not red white and black.. sins i did not like that realy much..

Abit confirmed that retail is black/blue already a week ago or so. Red/black ones were samples.

Some more pics, gonna go testing now:


http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9...0182ku6.th.jpg http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7...0183et2.th.jpg http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7...0183et2.th.jpg http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8...0185xc3.th.jpg http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/8...0184ay3.th.jpg
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9...0186wm5.th.jpg http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6...0187mv8.th.jpg http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7...0188xv6.th.jpg http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1...0189sl8.th.jpg http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2...0191un1.th.jpg

Intending to re-apply thermal paste on all the sinks? :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TWY

Intending to re-apply thermal paste on all the sinks? :)

---

Heh, not yet. No wonder tho, there's basicly no airflow at all on teh heatsinks. I forgot to mention, there was a problem with the 8 Pin 12V connector when setting this up. It just didn't fit, so I'm on 4 Pin now ...

Pic quality is quite good considering it's from an N73 :)

Is the max vdimm 2.65v? Or is that just part of the list in the screenshot?

Also, what memory settings controls are there beyond the initial 4 settings (4-4-4-12 for example)?

this shud be good
Where did u get the Abit board from?
thanks

timko, how did you know it's a N73? :)
Yes, 2,65V is the max VDIMM. Other Mem settings? None :(

day187, I got it from E-Bug.de.

ummm is there any BIOS setting which u select will result in a no boot?? like GA-965-DS3, when i seleceted 1.6v vcore in bIOS it woulnt boot

Cool !! run it !! my Board come tomorrow !! You must search bios V12 if you use Conroe ES L 2M x 2 Good luck

theteamaqua: Haven't found any problems yet.

Hazzan: I'm on it :) Trying to find the max of my CPU, sucks to find out the max FSB with a 9x multi CPU. I'm on the stock BIOS, using my retail 6600.
Good luck with your board :toast:

what about the price?where to buy?THX!

Update: 533 RAM divider doesn't work for me, no boot. VDIMM overvolts by 0,03V.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

timko, how did you know it's a N73? :)
Yes, 2,65V is the max VDIMM. Other Mem settings? None :(

---

I knew it was your N73 because I was looking through the window when you was taking the pics :D








Or rather, Opera image properties brings up any embedded EXIF data...

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/8079/sicnessuz8.gif


...which shows you eventually pulled out your Canon Powershot A520 for the BIOS shots :)

eiceman: I bought it for €215 from E-Bug.de, not in stock anymore tho.

timko: Sneaky ;)

mykeos: I think that rather my CPU or RAM will be the wall. As the boar doesn't allow me to use 1:1 and I can't use any multi lower than 9x, I'm afraid I wont even hit 400 :(

thx,waiting for u test!

is there already a new bios for this board, or is the shipping bios the latest release?

regards
Raja

Waiting for max fsb, so i can ditch this DFI:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by raju

is there already a new bios for this board, or is the shipping bios the latest release?

regards
Raja

---

The BIOS on abit's site is the one the board came with. No (official) update arround yet.

Ok guys, here's my status ...

This board is a charm to clock with 2 rather big exceptions:
1.) I can't use 1:1 RAM divider. No matter which other settings I use, it wont boot. I'm forced to use 4:5.
2.) I can't change multis in BIOS. It's possible with Crystal CPUID in Win, but still my RAM holds me back due to the not working divider.

The maximum I can run now is about 9x370, with my RAM running at 920 or so with 2,3V. Anything above will crash sooner or later.

A BIOS update might be able to fix this problems. Besides these issues, I really like this board.

I guess it needs a bios update from Abit. 370 is such a common occurence on these 975 boards unless the chipset is manipulated. Hopefully someone at Abit can get jiggly with the bios code and open up the ram timings and fsb...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by raju

I guess it needs a bios update from Abit. 370 is such a common occurence on these 975 boards unless the chipset is manipulated. Hopefully someone at Abit can get jiggly with the bios code and open up the ram timings and fsb...

---

I think you get me wrong buddy ... the RAM divider is holding me back. With me being forced to 4:5, my RAM maxes out at 370. At least it seems to be.

My appologies,

I hope I am wrong, I did understand your post. It's just that I'm getting so used to seeing 370-380 regardless of memory divider on these 975 boards. Don't get me wrong, I'm still expecting this board to hit the mid 450's, it should at least hit that with 1:1 or 4:3, I sure hope it does anyway..


regards and good luck.
Raja

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sicness

Ok guys, here's my status ...

This board is a charm to clock with 2 rather big exceptions:
1.) I can't use 1:1 RAM divider. No matter which other settings I use, it wont boot. I'm forced to use 4:5.
2.) I can't change multis in BIOS. It's possible with Crystal CPUID in Win, but still my RAM holds me back due to the not working divider.

The maximum I can run now is about 9x370, with my RAM running at 920 or so with 2,3V. Anything above will crash sooner or later.

A BIOS update might be able to fix this problems. Besides these issues, I really like this board.

---

What chips are your OCZ sticks using? So you can't run your ram 1:1 even @ stock!?! I'm a bit puzzled by this. 370FSB is hardly an overclock for an enthusiast board. Whats the highest you can run your FSB 1:1? I hope I'm not being redundant.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by raju

I guess it needs a bios update from Abit. 370 is such a common occurence on these 975 boards unless the chipset is manipulated. Hopefully someone at Abit can get jiggly with the bios code and open up the ram timings and fsb...

---

yes, Abit should open more ram timing like tRD and so on,and 1333 strap as well:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Nemesis

What chips are your OCZ sticks using? So you can't run your ram 1:1 even @ stock!?! I'm a bit puzzled by this. 370FSB is hardly an overclock for an enthusiast board. Whats the highest you can run your FSB 1:1? I hope I'm not being redundant.

---

No idea what chips my sticks use, but I'm pretty sure this is not the RAMs problem. See, I can't run 1:1 with any CPU setting, no matter if stock or oced. But the RAM runs fine with 4:5 divider, on it's stock 800 as well as 950smth. The RAM runs fine, it's just that the board's 1:1 wont allow me to boot. No matter which settings I use.

This is interesting.. coolaler was able to use 1:1, but wonder does the early production sample, and his CPU being an extreme ed ES make a diff?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TWY

This is interesting.. coolaler was able to use 1:1, but wonder does the early production sample, and his CPU being an extreme ed ES make a diff?

---

No idea. If it's a RAM compatibility problem after all, it'd be a strange one.

Sicness,

In the OC Guru section where it says "-N/B Strap CPU As PSB1066" is this setting adjustable? There has to be some setting thats being missed. No way should this board not run 1:1 on the memory. That would be a total dissapointment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Nemesis

Sicness,

In the OC Guru section where it says "-N/B Strap CPU As PSB1066" is this setting adjustable? There has to be some setting thats being missed. No way should this board not run 1:1 on the memory. That would be a total dissapointment.

---

Yes, it is adjustable. I'm using 1066. That's what turns out if I set "By CPU" too.

Quote:

---

In the OC Guru section where it says "-N/B Strap CPU As PSB1066" is this setting adjustable? There has to be some setting thats being missed. No way should this board not run 1:1 on the memory. That would be a total dissapointment.

---

Well thats exactly what i was askin myself cause if it is adjustable maybe its a good way to manipulate the latencies on the nortbridge caused by different Strap Settings which would be a really good option then dont you agree? ^^

try setting to psb 800 or 533 and see ifyou can go 1:1 on your memory.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KingZer0

Well thats exactly what i was askin myself cause if it is adjustable maybe its a good way to manipulate the latencies on the nortbridge caused by different Strap Settings which would be a really good option then dont you agree? ^^

---

Yes indeed, it would be a great option. I'm hoping Asus implements something like this in their future bios releases. I meant no 1:1 on ram would be a disapointment.

With PSB 533, the only choice is 1:2. With PSB 800, I can choose between 3:5, 3:4 and 1:2. As for 1066, there's 1:1 (which doesn't work), 4:5 (which I'm on) and 2:3.

this board looks like a dud to me.

Just tested with just one stick of RAM, still no go. Looking forward to tonight, some other guy over at hardwareluxx.de got this AW9D-Max today and will be testing then. Wondering if he'll face the same problems.

@ Sicness:

Pack the board up and send it to me. I will pay shipping [/desperate mode off]

Hehe - congrats Mate, very nice to be 1 of the 1st guys to have one of the retail versions. Hang on a short while, I am very sure Abit will bring out a decent Bios that will address some of the smaller issues.

Good luck, and congrats again - needless to say I am green :)

Br,
MrBean.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MrBean

@ Sicness:

Pack the board up and send it to me. I will pay shipping [/desperate mode off]

Hehe - congrats Mate, very nice to be 1 of the 1st guys to have one of the retail versions. Hang on a short while, I am very sure Abit will bring out a decent Bios that will address some of the smaller issues.

Good luck, and congrats again - needless to say I am green :)

Br,
MrBean.

---

Thanks, but right now I'd prefer not to be a guinea pig :P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Thanks, but right now I'd prefer not to be a guinea pig :P

---

Have you tried a higher tRD and tRFC value to get the FSB higher? Is DDR920 usual for your RAM because it seems low.

As with Mr Bean, I'll gladly be your guinea pig substitute :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SLi_dog

Have you tried a higher tRD and tRFC value to get the FSB higher? Is DDR920 usual for your RAM? I'm not sure but it seems low.

As with Mr Bean, I'll gladly be your guinea pig substitute :D

---

I'm running 5-5-5-13 already. 920 might not be the maximum, and honestly I don't know of what this is cappable of since I haven't had any chance to kick em with my previous Asrock board. There might be headroom for maybe 40-100 more Mhz, neither would show what this board is cappable of.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KingZer0

Well thats exactly what i was askin myself cause if it is adjustable maybe its a good way to manipulate the latencies on the nortbridge caused by different Strap Settings which would be a really good option then dont you agree? ^^

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Nemesis

Sicness,

In the OC Guru section where it says "-N/B Strap CPU As PSB1066" is this setting adjustable? There has to be some setting thats being missed. No way should this board not run 1:1 on the memory. That would be a total dissapointment.

---

See Coolaler's preview here.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhero

this board looks like a dud to me.

---

Too sad i have to agree with you... :stick:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sicness

I'm running 5-5-5-13 already. 920 might not be the maximum, and honestly I don't know of what this is cappable of since I haven't had any chance to kick em with my previous Asrock board. There might be headroom for maybe 40-100 more Mhz, neither would show what this board is cappable of.

---

So can you push the FSB higher? :) I'm really interested in this board for it's voltage capabilities ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ^don.k's^

Too sad i have to agree with you... :stick:

---

Remember that it's just me, neither Anandtech nor coolaler reported problems with 1:1. With this issue fixed, I'm pretty sure this board can fly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ^don.k's^

Too sad i have to agree with you... :stick:

---

:slap:

It's not a good sign that you cant run the memory 1:1. I just don't understand how companies can hype something to death and then not test it to make sure it perfoms basic functionality. How stupid would it be to ship this board with a bios that can't run 1:1. Wake up Abit!!

I hope it's just a bad board.

People in this forum crack me up, everyone is so eager to dismiss any piece of hardware on the first hour of testing by a single person.

Wonder if you did remember to manually set your RAM timings under the Advanced Chipset Features?

I would attempt something relaxed like 5-5-5-15 and then go back to OC Guru and feed 1.9V Vdimm and try 1:1 again.. :stick:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bootsy

It's not a good sign that you cant run the memory 1:1. I just don't understand how companies can hype something to death and then not test it to make sure it perfoms basic functionality. How stupid would it be to ship this board with a bios that can't run 1:1. Wake up Abit!!

I hope it's just a bad board.

---

Could be a compatibility issue with my RAM too. Wait until tonight when that other guy at hardwareluxx.de will test his board. It's too early to blame someone.

TWY: Yes, I set the timings manually. 1:1 wont work tho.

I'm gonna get an AW9D-MAX myself too. But my local distributor doesn't seem keen in bringing it in because of poor ABIT sales in the past year.

Having a hard time persuading them to do so. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Could be a compatibility issue with my RAM too. Wait until tonight when that other guy at hardwareluxx.de will test his board. It's too early to blame someone.

TWY: Yes, I set the timings manually. 1:1 wont work tho.

---

Hmmm, sounds a bit like a repeat of the AW8? OCZ and the ABIT don't seem to like each other at times. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by happyhero

this board looks like a dud to me.

---

:stick:

Seems a little early to jump to conclusions like this...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CPLB

:stick:

Seems a little early to jump to conclusions like this...

---

Right. TurricanM3 from hardwareluxx.de, the guy who'll test his board later tonight, just reported that he had similiar problems with OCZ RAM on an early P5WDH BIOS revision. Considering that, the previews of coolaler, bit-tech, anandtech and nordic hardware ... I think the board is not to blame.

odd that they released the board with a bios inferior to the preview boards bios.

I wish some OCZ lord would be arround ;)

Hmmm none of the reviewers used OCZ ram for testing so we will not be able to see if it is compatibility issues with OCZ ram. Everyone either used Corsair or Gskill. Waiting for more results from other people with different types of ram.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by situman

Hmmm none of the reviewers used OCZ ram for testing so we will not be able to see if it is compatibility issues with OCZ ram. Everyone either used Corsair or Gskill. Waiting for more results from other people with different types of ram.

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Yeah, that's why I'd love to hear from an OCZ guy. And guys ... please stop blaming the board just because of this thread. It could be the RAM, the BIOS, or just my stupid self.

I dont mind what a review sample can do, but i care more about what any board can do. Sorry. When it runs like a champ, ill be the first to buy one, but it should do 470fsb no mods with 2v on the mch... If it doesnt, i dont want this board. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sanborn

People in this forum crack me up, everyone is so eager to dismiss any piece of hardware on the first hour of testing by a single person.

---

QFT

So in the FSB strap there's only 3 options? 533, 800, & 1066 ? They really need a 1333 setting (or even 1600 setting) which would probably alleviate the FSB hole many boards experience from 330-400Mhz FSB. I think the boards automatically go to some higher FSB setting when you hit 401, thats why so many people can boot past the FSB hole at 401, but not in it.

The 1:1 problem is probably that some of the advanced (auto) dram timings are too aggressive for your ram. Since its expecting ddr2 667 speeds at 1:1, and at the other ratio it probably has much more relaxed advanced timings, expecting to run ddr2 800. They do this for the other 80% of people out there who don't overclock! (Those damn fools!)

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Yeah, that's why I'd love to hear from an OCZ guy. And guys ... please stop blaming the board just because of this thread. It could be the RAM, the BIOS, or just my stupid self.

---

is there any chance you can show us a screenshot of memset 2.20? That'll show if some of the ram timings are too tight in the bios. Chances are it's the chipset that needs addressing though, but on the 975XBX and P5WDH some guys managed an extra 10-20fsb by relaxing some of the ram timings.

Sometimes a little boost of pcie mhz can help.

It's early doors yet, so it's not fair to condemn the board. We're lucky that some people are early adopters so we can see if there are any shortcomings before buying.

regards
Raja

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by raju

is there any chance you can show us a screenshot of memset 2.20? That'll show if some of the ram timings are too tight in the bios. Chances are it's the chipset that needs addressing though, but on the 975XBX and P5WDH some guys managed an extra 10-20fsb by relaxing some of the ram timings.

Sometimes a little boost of pcie mhz can help.

It's early doors yet, so it's not fair to condemn the board. We're lucky that some people are early adopters so we can see if there are any shortcomings before buying.

regards
Raja

---

I just found a link for MemSet 3.0, hope it'll do. Here's my screen:

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5509/memsetzj6.jpg

Note that I'm back on stock settings now, except my RAM running 800 4-4-4-12 instead of it's default 800 setting 5-5-5-12.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sicness

eiceman: I bought it for €215 from E-Bug.de, not in stock anymore tho.

timko: Sneaky ;)

mykeos: I think that rather my CPU or RAM will be the wall. As the boar doesn't allow me to use 1:1 and I can't use any multi lower than 9x, I'm afraid I wont even hit 400 :(

---

It is the bios as you will have issues with certain memory types (OCZ was one of several in my testing with the beta bios) and you will need to use the 8-pin ATX connector on this board. The multiplier lock will be solved in a future bios update along with some additional memory timings. Also, did you disable the EQ settings in the voltage section as that caused overclocking issues in the beta bios. Make sure you set the NB up to 1.85V also due to the 1066 strap overclocking.

Those timings seems pretty much ok for that fsb, maybe read delay at 7 may help for a little more, maybe clockgen is the way to go. I guess your ram is holding you back on that divider.

Looking at the memset timings, I recon that it's just a bit of an early bios, with lame divider support. As the board is a Max I'm sure that ABit will release an enhanced version for a boost.

I did post a link to a thread I started on the Abit forum for them to enable a forced 1333fsb strap setting, not that many people responded though. I'll try again, please register your support here so that Abit can hav a go a getting a more 'MAX' bios out.

http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread.php?t=112212


regards
raja

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bingo13

It is the bios as you will have issues with certain memory types (OCZ was one of several in my testing) and you will need to use the 8-pin ATX connector on this board. The multiplier lock will be solved in a future bios update along with some additional memory timings.

---

I don't mean to question what you say, but how do you know?

bingo13 sounds like a reviewer


regards
Raja

With all 975/965 boards on the market, mobo maker should release mobo with near perfect bios....unless end user want to wait for R&D or going through tens of board to find the good ones. If it stuck@XXXFSB then most likely it will be for a while.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by raju

bingo13 sounds like a reviewer


regards
Raja

---

You should know, you write me all the time. :p:

ah yes, I know who you are now.....

nice to see ya here.

regards
Raja


Bingo13 is cool...

Im watching ;)

First off im not happy ...where is my god damn board so I can help you A**T?

Next, if the gold you are using is older than 4 weeks then it may be topping out. The Gold is more a budget gamer module and as such does not do uber high clocks.

In the bios there is an option for EQ voltage settings, this needs to be turned off for the board to accept voltage tweaks.

Sicness if you have access to 6400Plat rev2 this should do well 400+ 1:1, the only issue is it seems Abit have not got the 1333 strap working so you are on the 1066 at all times, this will be pushing the NB real hard, you are going to have to juice it up to get it clocking well.

Micron based dimms are still king for 1:1...7200 plats, 8500gold, 9000DFI,8000geek, VX2...all micron...see what you can get hold of.

Yep I too am waiting for Abit to get back to me about a board for review on my upcoming forum.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tony

Im watching ;)

First off im not happy ...where is my god damn board so I can help you A**T?

Next, if the gold you are using is older than 4 weeks then it may be topping out. The Gold is more a budget gamer module and as such does not do uber high clocks.

In the bios there is an option for EQ voltage settings, this needs to be turned off for the board to accept voltage tweaks.

Sicness if you have access to 6400Plat rev2 this should do well 400+ 1:1, the only issue is it seems Abit have not got the 1333 strap working so you are on the 1066 at all times, this will be pushing the NB real hard, you are going to have to juice it up to get it clocking well.

Micron based dimms are still king for 1:1...7200 plats, 8500gold, 9000DFI,8000geek, VX2...all micron...see what you can get hold of.

---

Tony, thanks for taking a look at this. It's ok for me if my sticks top out at 912, it's just that I desperately need the 1:1 divider. I'm afraid I don't have access to any other RAMs and I can't afford buying new ones now.
Do you think my gold stick cause the 1:1 divider problems?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sicness

Do you think my gold stick cause the 1:1 divider problems?

---

I will try the gold sticks this evening on the beta bios.

I can run 1;1 just fine with the gold as long as over 350 the board sets the 1333 strap, if not I shoot straight for 400 like on the P5B where the board does move to this strap and its good to 450.

The Aw9 is sat on the 1066 strap, this will make it harder at higher clocks. using the gold which is a gamer module will be having an effect as its not as tollerant as our plat range which is mainly micron based.

I have just begged Abit for a board..if they come thru I will work with them to get this sorted. In short though they need the 1333 strap in bios and usuable for this board to clock like the the asus 965 and gigabyte boards are doing. Badaxe has 1333 so there is no reason the AW9 can not have it either

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tony

I can run 1;1 just fine with the gold as long as over 350 the board sets the 1333 strap, if not I shoot straight for 400 like on the P5B where the board does move to this strap and its good to 450.

The Aw9 is sat on the 1066 strap, this will make it harder at higher clocks. using the gold which is a gamer module will be having an effect as its not as tollerant as our plat range which is mainly micron based.

I have just begged Abit for a board..if they come thru I will work with them to get this sorted. In short though they need the 1333 strap in bios and usuable for this board to clock like the the asus 965 and gigabyte boards are doing. Badaxe has 1333 so there is no reason the AW9 can not have it either

---

Just to make sure I don't get it wrong, you're saying that I can't run 1:1 as long as abit doesn't implement a 1333 strab?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sicness

Just to make sure I don't get it wrong, you're saying that I can't run 1:1 as long as abit doesn't implement a 1333 strab?

---

All 975 boards have issues above 350fsb 1:1 due to the nature of the strap settings and memory ratio's. What I am saying is for Abit to stand a chance they HAVE to implement the 1333 option in bios for you to choose at 350ish and this will allow the board to sale thru 350fsb to well over 400+fsb. The issue is this though, ram performance will be slower. Now i asked abit to add the NB latency settings into bios also with the hope that the 1333 slowness could be countered by altering the latency, pretty much like you saw on the IC7 boards.

Micron based dimms are more tollerant and give the memory controller an easier time...they will allow 1;1 and above 350fsb easier using the 1067 strap, but they will still top out.

ALL the 975 boards at this time excpet badaxe are using the 1067 strap and not moving to the 1333..this is the reason they are ALL clocking less than 965. 965 is also a better clocking chipset and will clock higher in the strap range than 975 but it does still top out, this is why we see asus using 1333 at 400 and up.

So in short the dimms may limit you a little yes, the nature of the chipset is also limiting you and unavailable bios options.

Hmmm glad I read this, looks like when I go conroe I will be getting either a P5B or a DS3. Just another dud from abit, shame to be honest.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tony

All 975 boards have issues above 350fsb 1:1 due to the nature of the strap settings and memory ratio's. What I am saying is for Abit to stand a chance they HAVE to implement the 1333 option in bios for you to choose at 350ish and this will allow the board to sale thru 350fsb to well over 400+fsb. The issue is this though, ram performance will be slower. Now i asked abit to add the NB latency settings into bios also with the hope that the 1333 slowness could be countered by altering the latency, pretty much like you saw on the IC7 boards.

Micron based dimms are more tollerant and give the memory controller an easier time...they will allow 1;1 and above 350fsb easier using the 1067 strap, but they will still top out.

ALL the 975 boards at this time excpet badaxe are using the 1067 strap and not moving to the 1333..this is the reason they are ALL clocking less than 965. 965 is also a better clocking chipset and will clock higher in the strap range than 975 but it does still top out, this is why we see asus using 1333 at 400 and up.

So in short the dimms may limit you a little yes, the nature of the chipset is also limiting you and unavailable bios options.

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Ok, but why can't I run stock FSB of 266 1:1? As I said, no matter what voltages, FSB or other settings, 1:1 doesn't work for me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tony

All 975 boards have issues above 350fsb 1:1 due to the nature of the strap settings and memory ratio's. What I am saying is for Abit to stand a chance they HAVE to implement the 1333 option in bios for you to choose at 350ish and this will allow the board to sale thru 350fsb to well over 400+fsb. The issue is this though, ram performance will be slower. Now i asked abit to add the NB latency settings into bios also with the hope that the 1333 slowness could be countered by altering the latency, pretty much like you saw on the IC7 boards.

Micron based dimms are more tollerant and give the memory controller an easier time...they will allow 1;1 and above 350fsb easier using the 1067 strap, but they will still top out.

ALL the 975 boards at this time excpet badaxe are using the 1067 strap and not moving to the 1333..this is the reason they are ALL clocking less than 965. 965 is also a better clocking chipset and will clock higher in the strap range than 975 but it does still top out, this is why we see asus using 1333 at 400 and up.

So in short the dimms may limit you a little yes, the nature of the chipset is also limiting you and unavailable bios options.

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Tony, I wonder if Asus are maniplualting the strap on the P5WDG2 Pro too. I have a few users that are known personally to me that are NOT hardcore overclockers that can get that board to post above 450fsb in bios.

BTW Tony where are you at present? If in the UK drop me a pm, I have a contact email of ABIT over here which is not listed on the web...

regards
Raja

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

With this issue fixed, I'm pretty sure this board can fly.

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:D Haha - yes I also thought this too many times. The only way those boards did fly for me were out of the window........ :slapass:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sentential

Hmmm glad I read this, looks like when I go conroe I will be getting either a P5B or a DS3. Just another dud from abit, shame to be honest.

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:slap: :frag: :flame:

Posts like this are the main reason why i rarely visit XS ... it's the first user review bout the board and it's less than 12 hours old.

An instant ban for posts like that would be nice ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Ok, but why can't I run stock FSB of 266 1:1? As I said, no matter what voltages, FSB or other settings, 1:1 doesn't work for me.

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No idea as even after 20 requests I still do not have a board. its probably the board not reading the SPD coorectly and forcing cas3 maybe which the dimms will not do.

Err, remember me mentioned having issues to assemble the 8 Pin 12V connector and using the 4 Pin one instead?
I just investigated the connectors, I tried my best paint skills to get this explained on a picture:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6011/wtfwb8.th.jpg

In case it's too blurry, here's what a 8 Pin 12V PSU connector looks like. Both of my PSUs use that design, just that abit's connector has a rounded "port" where pin number 7 (with a not rounded port) should fit. Long story short, it doesn't fit. What the ...?
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2...wer8pinrc3.gif

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Anarchy

:slap: :frag: :flame:

Posts like this are the main reason why i rarely visit XS ... it's the first user review bout the board and it's less than 12 hours old.

An instant ban for posts like that would be nice ...

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Everone has the right to an opinion, being said that is a bash and i will be keeping an eye on further posts.

lets all remember it is early days for this board...im sure fixes will surface soon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Err, remember me mentioned having issues to assemble the 8 Pin 12V connector and using the 4 Pin one instead?
I just investigated the connectors, I tried my best paint skills to get this explained on a picture:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6011/wtfwb8.th.jpg

In case it's too blurry, here's what a 8 Pin 12V PSU connector looks like. Both of my PSUs use that design, just that abit's connector has a rounded "port" where pin number 7 (with a not rounded port) should fit. Long story short, it doesn't fit. What the ...?
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2...wer8pinrc3.gif

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Thats one for Abit to answer i think

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tony

Thats one for Abit to answer i think

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Definately ... gonna post that in abit-usa's forum ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tony

No idea as even after 20 requests I still do not have a board. its probably the board not reading the SPD coorectly and forcing cas3 maybe which the dimms will not do.

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Sorry, didn't mean to bother. I was just trying to find out if this might be a known bug for this sticks, or smth chipset related you might heard of from other boards, etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Sorry, didn't mean to bother. I was just trying to find out if this might be a known bug for this sticks, or smth chipset related you might heard of from other boards, etc.

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hey i wasn't having a go at you..i honestly have no idea as i don't have the board. i know from past boards though bios forcing a setting is usually the main reason for none boot.

Sicness,
You don't have access to any other ram modules? Maybe a friend? I purchased a kit of corsair 5400C4's when I was making the move to conroe so I would have options in case of incompatability.
I'm not going to write this board off just yet. If Zipzoom get em tomorrow I'll order one and test. I've had a pretty good run testing conroes of late, so maybe my luck will hold out for this board. If not, the P5W DH with the available 1.85mch and now adjustable downward multi will certainly be the pick of the litter. I'm quite pleased with mine.:)

Freaking awesome to see you here Tony! What OCZ ram do you guys have thats comparable to the G Skills in both performance & price.

Tony, nevermind. I really appreciate your help :toast:

The Nemesis, I don't have access to any other DDR2 sticks :(

So how are the other guys doing at the other forums? Are they having similar issues? Seems to be the people at Abit are a little clueless as to how these chipset internal timings function if the problem is not limited to OCZ ram.

Hmm.... that 8pin EPS is reminiscent of that board that came out which had one of the PCI 1x (??) slots which was located on the motherboard in such a way that you would never be able to actually plug in a device. Don't know if I want to say it, but I BELIEVE it was an abit board...

Nevertheless, I'm interested in how this board will do with some BIOS updates.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Err, remember me mentioned having issues to assemble the 8 Pin 12V connector and using the 4 Pin one instead?
I just investigated the connectors, I tried my best paint skills to get this explained on a picture:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6011/wtfwb8.th.jpg

In case it's too blurry, here's what a 8 Pin 12V PSU connector looks like. Both of my PSUs use that design, just that abit's connector has a rounded "port" where pin number 7 (with a not rounded port) should fit. Long story short, it doesn't fit. What the ...?
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2...wer8pinrc3.gif

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LOL They dont even know how an 8pin eps connector should be made...:slapass: How can they even build a good BIOS ??:nono:

I was hoping good things for this board, i liked 2vmch and some other voltage options it has, but, if it's crap, it doesnt mind even if it can feed the cpu with 220v... Im VERY sorry to say that, be sure of it.

Ordered this board from EXcalibur PC. It will probably be Monday or so before I get it. I doubt its gonna replace my P5W DH, but hopefully it will be fun to play with:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sicness

Definately ... gonna post that in abit-usa's forum ...

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it's user-to-user though so you won't get an official reply.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ^don.k's^

LOL They dont even know how an 8pin eps connector should be made...:slapass:

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I'm sure that they just ordered a part from a supplier the same as Asus, DFI etc. do.
it's too soon to know if this is a 1-off, a batch error or w.h.y.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Anarchy

:slap: :frag: :flame:

Posts like this are the main reason why i rarely visit XS ... it's the first user review bout the board and it's less than 12 hours old.

An instant ban for posts like that would be nice ...

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With twenty something posts I don't think you are in a position to be calling for a ban on anyone quite yet. That said, I think that it is ok for people to vent their frustrations with any hardware particulars here as long as they don't over do it. Xtreme forums tend to be a friendlier place than some other sites which will remain nameless, and I am sure that this will continue under the new setup.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xgman

With twenty something posts I don't think you are in a position to be calling for a ban on anyone quite yet. That said, I think that it is ok for people to vent their frustrations with any hardware particulars here as long as they don't over do it. Xtreme forums tend to be a friendlier place than some other sites which will remain nameless, and I am sure that this will continue under the new setup.

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I said that i'm rarely here ( joined 07/2003 - 3 years ago) because of the numerous nonsense posts ... but if you want some Postcounts go to the H|F : 3k posts, joined 08/2000 - thats over 6 years.

Venting frustrations sure is OK, but you just can't expect the very first BIOS to be perfect. Abit is working on that prob so calling this board a dud or somethin is plain wrong (ATM)

Any more updates on performance yet?