ASUS Rampage Extreme

I just got this board today so I thought that sharing some results would be appropriate. I will add pics and more results later.

E8400 Q811A (only one in stock at local store)
Rampage Extreme (retail, bios 0301)
A-Data EE PC3-12800 CL7

Cooled by AC Freezer 7 Pro, no additional fans.

Here's what I've managed today:

http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=389997

http://valid.x86-secret.com/cache/screenshot/389997.png

Further testing including subzero will hopefully be up soon.

update:

VTT: 1.55v
VPLL: 1.55v
VNB: 1.789v

Bandwidth Everest Ultimate 4.50:

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/1/288/640everest.jpg

3DMark06:

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/1/288/6353dm06.jpg

update2:

Pics of the board, courtesy of Kinc.

http://kinc.se/rampex/board1.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/board2.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/board3.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/flashback.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/fusion.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/fusion2.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/hidenscap.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/hidenscap2.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/irog.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/mosfetalt.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/nbfan.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/sb.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/supremefx.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/tweakit.jpg

http://kinc.se/rampex/tweakit2.jpg

On the fly FSB OC and voltage change rocks :)

Dam, great start!

wow OMFG!! why is my maximus so :gay:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by elmor

I just got this board today so I thought that sharing some results would be appropriate. I will add pics and more results later.

E8400 Q811A (only one in stock at local store)
Rampage Extreme (retail, bios 0301)
A-Data EE PC3-12800 CL7

Cooled by AC Freezer 7 Pro, no additional fans.

Here's what I've managed today:

http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=389997

http://valid.x86-secret.com/cache/screenshot/389997.png

Further testing including subzero will hopefully be up soon.

---

:shocked: great start. waiting for subzero tests. congrats. :up:

nice work! wouldn't mind seeing it go a bit higher tho ;)

Updated first post with bandwidth and 3d stability. ASUS 8800GTS 512 TOP at stock used for 3DMark06.

Oh, and check out that write bandwidth :eek:

thanks for the update Elmor :up: 630+ PL9 3D stable is very encouraging.

now...will retail samples hit these numbers or are we going to have to be sifting through a half dozen boards to find a decent one?

oh and the read bandwidth is alright, but it has nothing on 790i at much much lower FSB :D (gotta stir the pot when i can)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 3oh6

thanks for the update Elmor :up: 630+ PL9 3D stable is very encouraging.

now...will retail samples hit these numbers or are we going to have to be sifting through a half dozen boards to find a decent one?

oh and the read bandwidth is alright, but it has nothing on 790i at much much lower FSB :D (gotta stir the pot when i can)

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I think this board should be about average, check how much VNB I need for that speed :D OPB said he needed only ~1.5-1.6v for about the same freq/speed.

And on the 790i topic, read is lower by 1-2000mb/s on X48. But X48 is still faster, if you wanna know why, check that memory write speed ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by elmor

I think this board should be about average, check how much VNB I need for that speed :D OPB said he needed only ~1.5-1.6v for about the same freq/speed.

And on the 790i topic, read is lower by 1-2000mb/s on X48. But X48 is still faster, if you wanna know why, check that memory write speed ;)

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yeah, i was just looking at the voltages you guys are running and it is definitely very positive looking.

if we could get 630+ 790i's then write would come up nicely but your definitely right, still can't quite get the Intel chipsets in overall read/write. it is also fun seeing the 1080MHz memory on the RE from over@locker886. i am seriously considering biting the bullet, despite my terrible P5E3-Premium experience. just the thought of a $500 board is crazy...and i fully expect the RE to be $500 up here in Canada, or damn close.

Yep, it's not gunna be cheap that's for sure.

Tempting.... Evo does nice FSB as wel but unfortunately only 1/1 here. It better be out soon :D

My wallet is already crying out in sheer agony.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gautam

My wallet is already crying out in sheer agony.

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Ha ha.... considering going back to the red camp? ;)

Wow!

That's some serious FSB love right there!

thnks for sharing :up:

pl for 655 fsb?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hiwa

thnks for sharing :up:

pl for 655 fsb?

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Auto in bios, think it was at 13. It's very doable with the same settings that I ran 3D and bandwidth tests but no point in tight settings for suicide shot :p:

Hi my friend,
Did we mention this board features 16-phase power and Fujitsu high density ML-3 solid capacitors ;). If you get a chance pop in a quad and compare max fbs with other boards you might tried before, and see how hot the PWM area gets on the motherboard when you prime a quad +1.5 or +1.6v :yepp:
Thanks

Nice start Elmor!

Give tweakit a spin and see how it can maximize your score in 3Dmark 06 by chaning clock speeds for different tests :)

Updated top post with pics, thanks Marcus.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nfm

Hi my friend,
Did we mention this board features 16-phase power and Fujitsu high density ML-3 solid capacitors ;). If you get a chance pop in a quad and compare max fbs with other boards you might tried before, and see how hot the PWM area gets on the motherboard when you prime a quad +1.5 or +1.6v :yepp:
Thanks

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Yup, the features of this board really live up to it's surname. At 1.5v+ my quad will burn up with my current cpu cooling :D I'll be away this weekend so might not be able to get some quad results until next week, will try to make it today though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kinc

Nice start Elmor!

Give tweakit a spin and see how it can maximize your score in 3Dmark 06 by chaning clock speeds for different tests :)

---

This board will surely shine in 3DMark06 along with some 4870X2s :D

When is this board coming out? And is it going to be DDR3 only ?

Formula is DDR2, xtreme DDR3

Looks very good Elm,
I really hope it isnt the usual ASUS stuff where only a few samples are good, but the entire line will be... I've seen 2 good boards so far...
And nice BW for the given frequency! (can be bursted by 2-300 by a few changes in memset, FYI)

nice.....that my next board.............:):) when ready on market ?? :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by elmor

http://kinc.se/rampex/tweakit2.jpg

On the fly FSB OC and voltage change rocks :)

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No more restart:up: no more VR?hehehehe Nice Ramapage..Cool Heatpipe, maybe looking next my mobo, Ordered:rofl:

That fusion block is aluminum yes?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trigger5521

That fusion block is aluminum yes?

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Nope, all copper.

@elmor

Wath was the diffrence in max fsb from this Board to your standart benchboard with the same CPU ?

It looks like a Cu base with a coated alum top. But it looks like it comes off very easy, without removing all the cooling so we could pop on a block of choice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by splmann

@elmor

Wath was the diffrence in max fsb from this Board to your standart benchboard with the same CPU ?

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3D benchable at 600Mhz with P5E64 WS Evolution, validation at 625Mhz with EP45-DS3.

Did the board come with bios 0301? And you flashed to bios 0401? Is it beta bios?

ETA August, September :confused:

The board came with 0121. I believe 0401 is beta yes.

I heard it will be in stores in (the beginning of) August.

Look at the supreme fx card, it is now an x-fi powered card.... That's kinda strange isn't it?

Asus now has its own brand of sound card, and they are pretty serious about the sound card market. I can't believe they will bring X-Fi into their premium motherboard product line.

and there were some shots being fired between Creative and Asus, over the EAX5 implementation. I don't believe it is the right time 2 companies would sleep in the same bed and make something together (love or something else, like a sound card)

I agree that they really need to bundle a better card then (the original) supreme fx. Com'on, if you can spend a premium price to buy a top of the line motherboard, there is a high chance that you will buy a decent sound card too. I end up paying more that a cheapy sound card that you won't use. And seem you can't use it on other computer also.... complete waste

Bundling a X-Fi card is technically a good move, assuming that it is really a decent card instead of just a marketing gimmick. However I really wonder why it would happen, on a business perspective....

Hardware-wise, is there any real difference between this and the previous supreme fx card? I really wanna know.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FatboyHK

Look at the supreme fx card, it is now an x-fi powered card.... That's kinda strange isn't it?

Asus now has its own brand of sound card, and they are pretty serious about the sound card market. I can't believe they will bring X-Fi into their premium motherboard product line.

and there were some shots being fired between Creative and Asus, over the EAX5 implementation.

---

agreed, fully incomprehensible :shrug: Creative Labs have been sweating from Asus making their own sound cards now, customers seem to like the new cards, and Asus introducing its competitor's technology on their motherboard...:shrug:
There's something we obviously don't know...:confused: Could be that the Xonar...OK pure speculation...Asus could be paying for something...and the "Supreme X-Fi" could be the price...if anyone has a better idea, or is in the know, you're welcome to share ;)

if can 3d run with a 8500 and max multi with low PL will be best mobo for dual clockers :D

600 X10 with a 8600 :eek::eek: pl?:rolleyes:

any leaks on how much it will be? i'm guessing around $350

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WhiteFireDragon

any leaks on how much it will be? i'm guessing around $350

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Doubt it...

The Striker II Extreme is still over $400. I imagine this one will be, too.

About 250€

I still cant find what the iRog feature does and what are the two chips for?

I guess this will be $400-$450

I still wanna see what it looks like naked :D

Looking at block mounting, any idea which EK block will fit or none?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WhiteFireDragon

any leaks on how much it will be? i'm guessing around $350

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in germany ~340EUR incl vat (thats ~USD540) :down:

Nice run Elmor!! Is the E8400 a cherry-picked chip?

Also testing the board with:

QX9770 (C1)
Several DDR3-1600 kits
ATI Radeon HD 4870 CrossFireX

http://plaza.fi/s/f/editor/images/rampage1.jpg

http://plaza.fi/s/f/editor/images/rampage2.jpg

TweakIt feature works great and changes voltages and FSB in milliseconds on the fly.

Currently trying to stabilize settings to get 450 MHz FSB and 1800 MHz 7-6-6-8 1T memory settings stable.

I'll try with cascade when I find optimal settings for high FSB/memory speed :)

That board makes my Maximus Exteme look like a toy. Well maybe not, but still, what a board :shocked:

Looking forward to your results Sampsa.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cool_case

Nice run Elmor!! Is the E8400 a cherry-picked chip?

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No, just walked down to the local store and got it. Got lucky I guess :)

Awesome work bro...

WIll have an eye on u...

Keep pushing it...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by elmor

3DMark06:

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/1/288/6353dm06.jpg

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This PL is possible because you use Cas 7 on memory, if you use Cas timing 8 PL min is 10....;)

When Engineer stabilize ratio 1:2 in high frequency this board is valid solution on Intel X48.

The glismo voltage control is difficult to use with two vga on board, and the heatpipe castle is problem with intensive Ln2 use.


One question your EPU engine work correctly with high voltage?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chri$ch

in germany ~340EUR incl vat (thats ~USD540) :down:

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What percent is the vat?

According to OCUK the board should be avaliable next week in the UK... 25th July to be precise;

OCUK Rampage Extreme page

for £270 !!!

I have started some RAM testing. Here's with 2x2GB OCZ PC3-12800 EB Platinum.

7-6-6-18-2T 1.9vDimm

http://bandwidth.se/imgs/1/288/80076...imm1418vnb.jpg

why can't I get this board :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cool_case

What percent is the vat?

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19% vat

I could get my new QX9770 C1 3DMark stable @ 440 - 445 MHz FSB (Memory 7-6-6-18 1T @ 1760 - 1780 MHz DDR) which is not very good result at all.

When I switched to cascade cooling the results were even more disappointing. If I adjusted anything above 1.7V from BIOS and Load Line calibration was enabled the system just shut down immediately when I tried 3DMark06 CPU-test.

Without Load Line Calibration I could adjust for example 1,85V from BIOS but LCD-display showed 1,75V in idle and voltage dropped to ~1,65 under load... not very good either.

I was able to run 3DMark06 only @ 4925 MHz with 1,7V (Load Line Calibration enabled) and LCD display/CPU-Z showed 1,688V.

I guess BIOS (0401) needs couple of bugs fixed for higher Vcore. I'll try tomorrow with P5E64 WS Evolution and see if my QX9770 C1 does any better.

LLC on Evo is a disaster as wel unfortunately. Set at perf/auto results in bsod here, same settings LLC standard is fine though :confused:

Such a shame that these awesome boards (Evo & Rampage) are having vcore issues. The Rampage is supposed to have this new 16 phase power too...sad because I really thought that this board would shine where the Evo lacked in proper power delivery.

I wish DFI would come out with some new BIOSes to fix up their UT DDR3 X48board because it seems if you are gonna go sub-zero, that's probably gonna be your best bet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sampsa

I could get my new QX9770 C1 3DMark stable @ 440 - 445 MHz FSB (Memory 7-6-6-18 1T @ 1760 - 1780 MHz DDR) which is not very good result at all.

When I switched to cascade cooling the results were even more disappointing. If I adjusted anything above 1.7V from BIOS and Load Line calibration was enabled the system just shut down immediately when I tried 3DMark06 CPU-test.

Without Load Line Calibration I could adjust for example 1,85V from BIOS but LCD-display showed 1,75V in idle and voltage dropped to ~1,65 under load... not very good either.

I was able to run 3DMark06 only @ 4925 MHz with 1,7V (Load Line Calibration enabled) and LCD display/CPU-Z showed 1,688V.

I guess BIOS (0401) needs couple of bugs fixed for higher Vcore. I'll try tomorrow with P5E64 WS Evolution and see if my QX9770 C1 does any better.

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Now that was truely disappointing. No question the real test for highend boards is with a quad and 2x2 GB RAM running 1:2.
I would love to hear about more results with the Rampage Extreme and Yorkfields and 2x2 GB RAM. With my Evolution I am forced to run 9.5x426 since 9x450 is not stable with memory 1:2and I know it is the board holding me back (NB) - sux. And I am also forced to set LLC to Normal to avoid random BSOD (the v-drop is roughly 0.1V :mad:)

More RAM testing.

4x1GB 8-8-8-24-2T 2.2v A-data PC3-12800 CL7 + Kingston PC3-14400 CL8

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/1/288/9...imm1630vnb.jpg

2x1GB 9-9-9-27-1T 2.093v Kingston PC3-14400 CL8

http://www.bandwidth.se/imgs/1/288/1...imm1630vnb.jpg

Just had a thought.. how do you avoid crushing the huge SL cap under the CPU socket (backside) when you need to use a backplate for a waterblock or even a heavy HSF? Is there a special backplate in the box? or have to make do without one? :confused:

speciaal backplate included if im not mistaken. i saw obp have one and mention u have to use it

any definate release date yet?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vivi2

speciaal backplate included if im not mistaken. i saw obp have one and mention u have to use it

any definate release date yet?

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Cool, do you have a link to the page? I couldn't find it using the search..:(

I have seen from 2 sources that at least in the UK the Rampage Extreme is arriving this friday the 25th;

OCUK
Scan

So depending on your location they should arrive very soon. :D


edit: looking at the content of the box at http://www.xfastest.com/viewthread.php?tid=11417 there don't seem to be a backplate.. :( Hope they just missed it in the photoshoot

THE 25TH. AWESOME!!!

hmm. il link you now hold on


ahh here u go. Dont know if its included in box, but here is the Asus backplate

http://www.ocxtreme.org/forumenus/sh...17&postcount=3

LOL dude i live in South Africa thats on the very bottom tip of africa lol. far from Everything. but we up to date and up to date with Tech :)

Thanks for the link Vivi2, I have found other sites that show using different backplate for the Rampage Formula, so obviously it is not included in the retail package...

Tried googling for compatible backplate, but no UK retailer had any that misses the ML cap. Any suggestions those that have already played around with this board? what do you guys use?

that picture is of the back plate of http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835101011
see it doesn't come with it, i think some other companies use the same design but im not sure... any other questions?

270GBP=342EUR :eek:

VAT is 19% in Germany. But you don't need to pay this VAT for shipping from the UK to Germany. (Both countrys are part of the EU).;)

This mobo is magical, really best Intel chipset mobo ive had ...

Very nice results Elmor, do you have a link for BIOS 0401? I tried 0206 and 0301 have Vcore bug while over 1.7Volt + enable Loadline Calibration Vcore jump up to nearly 1.9V :eek: hahaha last time we put some 1.95Volt BIOS for our 8400 i think CPU eat over 2.1Volt already :mad: this CPU gonna die soon :shrug::shakes:

OMG, I think I just pee-ed myself in excitement......that is a very nice looking board. Looks like another board has joined the darkside with the black heatsinks.

Allright , where is the nearest trashcan ? I'm going to throow my new Rampage there and will wait for this masterpiece, it looks amazing , it is amazing. I don't care about the price and I'm crying while writing this post ... Gimme !

The guys with the motherboards: I am planning to get one too when it gets released. What memory would you recommend for it? (looking at 4gb/8gb config).

Could anybody owning the Rampage Extreme please test it with a Yorkfield (QX9650) and if possible with 2x2 GB memory? The board looks amazing for FSB OC on Wolfdales but what about with quads? I have only seen Sampsa testing with a 9770 and it was very disappointing (FSB around 445).

nice review!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Holmer

Could anybody owning the Rampage Extreme please test it with a Yorkfield (QX9650) and if possible with 2x2 GB memory? The board looks amazing for FSB OC on Wolfdales but what about with quads? I have only seen Sampsa testing with a 9770 and it was very disappointing (FSB around 445).

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If rampage extreme if a flop with quads what elase is out there that can give good overclocking for quads?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Holmer

Could anybody owning the Rampage Extreme please test it with a Yorkfield (QX9650) and if possible with 2x2 GB memory? The board looks amazing for FSB OC on Wolfdales but what about with quads? I have only seen Sampsa testing with a 9770 and it was very disappointing (FSB around 445).

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I tested very quickly and managed to run 490MHz (I get about 480MHz on P5E64 Evolution with the same cpu) with not much hazzel in 3DMark 06. That is with vcore nb voltage tweaking only (so there is more left). With air cooling and no fan on the NB what so ever. Also, the board is very tight clock vs clock, much like the good old Blitz.

Will provide screens after my next tests on LN2.

oh man i've been waiting for this board!! thought in would never come, and now it shines in performance and options like never before!
but a wallet hole it will be, 3000kr here in swe, 31euro~ or more or less translated 500 dollares :) quite expensive, but have done it before when maximus came, costed me 500$ and it sucked in FSB Wise, never got it over 500, but thats another story , i will and i WILL get this board, just for the fun of tweaking new stuff, am i unusal? hehe

cheers!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kinc

I tested very quickly and managed to run 490MHz (I get about 480MHz on P5E64 Evolution with the same cpu) with not much hazzel in 3DMark 06. That is with vcore nb voltage tweaking only (so there is more left). With air cooling and no fan on the NB what so ever. Also, the board is very tight clock vs clock, much like the good old Blitz.

Will provide screens after my next tests on LN2.

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Thank you very much, that sounds promissing. Looking forward to more longterm quad tests (maybe with 2x2 GB memory ;-). That is where this borad will stand the true test.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kinc

I tested very quickly and managed to run 490MHz (I get about 480MHz on P5E64 Evolution with the same cpu) with not much hazzel in 3DMark 06. That is with vcore nb voltage tweaking only (so there is more left). With air cooling and no fan on the NB what so ever. Also, the board is very tight clock vs clock, much like the good old Blitz.

Will provide screens after my next tests on LN2.

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Thanks Kinc. DO you have tests with 2x2gb of ram or more?

Also do you kow when this board will retail?

its allready retail more or less. any day now .. ETA 25-31 july here in swe.

Now in stock at www.overclockers.co.uk !!

Mine is arriving tomorrow.

Any heads up on the 0401 bios download or a later one ?.

Thanks.

yeah i saw a link here for 403 bios, trying to find it, i almost ordered it, but 41£ IN SHIPPING to sweden, thats redicilous... :(

Ouch ! that's steep getting it sent to Sweden.

Thanks for the post Infa, I found 0403 bios on this thread :-

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...highlight=0401

Looks like there are at least 3 threads on this forum now for this board. Hopefully this one becomes the main one for user experiences and advice for settings.
Moving from an Asus Strike II Extreme so looking forward to getting some good memory results with this board and better cooling on air using the heatpipe NB cooler.

nice results & photos great job

Just got my 10 mins ago £270 :D let the fun begin...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by day187

Just got my 10 mins ago £270 :D let the fun begin...

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Picked up stright from OCUK huh.. lucky you!!


2x will be arriving here tomorrow!!:up::up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eternal_fantasy

Picked up stright from OCUK huh.. lucky you!!


2x will be arriving here tomorrow!!:up::up:

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yeah i live 100 steps away from overclokers :D they are my neighbours,

Any chance someone can measure the spacing distance on the NB (for mounting other water blocks) ?

lets see more quad results.
try to get into the 520mhz range.
This was on the p5e-vm best quad oc board i've seen yet.
x38 / p5e3 dlx same cpu would crap around 490fsb.

Anyone else up and running yet on this new board ?.

Mine is arriving today so just un-installed nvidia drivers from my Striker II Extreme hoping that I can get away without having to do a clean Vista install after the mobo swap.

Got mine few moments ago, initial impression is its amazing build quality.
I can confirm that the Fusion waterblock is indeed copper, with some kind of fat pin structure inside.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/...804987fc_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/...114da9f8_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/...963a4275_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/...faa8fdc9_b.jpg

Also not only the RAM mosfets are cooled with its own heatsink, the NB's mosfets&co are also in direct contact with the heatpipe system, with all the thermal pad/compound. :up::up::up:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/...b7fc4d25_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/...68279fb0_b.jpg


However as you can see from the last picture the thermal pad is not actually touching the mosfet. After reseating everything and some light modding everything fits snugly.

You can also stick some low profile ramsink on the mosfets for the NB on the back of the board.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/...bcfbb5b9_b.jpg
The last lone mosfet I will leave to the awsomeness of the STACK COOL 2:p:

Nothing quite like a little overkill:D:D

just a silly one...but would an EK block fit instead of the Fuzion block?

what kind of tubing fits on the fusion block? Guess I can't use compression fittings?

I understand that heatsink is AMAZING (comparing it to the other ROG heatsinks), but is that block safe to use? Seems better than the other Fusion blocks...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kriffith

what kind of tubing fits on the fusion block? Guess I can't use compression fittings?

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Im pretty sure 3/8 like every other block.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kriffith

what kind of tubing fits on the fusion block? Guess I can't use compression fittings?

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I'm currently using 10/8mm directly over it, seems to fit pretty snugly, with worm clamps so I don't accidentally pull it out :D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/...cfeeafab_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/...1ab3147b_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/...16afd8e0_b.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by slim142

I understand that heatsink is AMAZING (comparing it to the other ROG heatsinks), but is that block safe to use? Seems better than the other Fusion blocks...

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Safe how? material? leak? restriction? fitting?

Hey - way to go Eternal!The board looks great. We're still not able to get it in the US.

How did you fit the cpu waterblock backplate on over the little chip in that area on the back of the board?

Thanks ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cool_case

Hey - way to go Eternal!The board looks great. We're still not able to get it in the US.

How did you fit the cpu waterblock backplate on over the little chip in that area on the back of the board?

Thanks ...

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You should be able to get them soon enough.. they just showed up in huge quantities here in the UK.

Been wondering the same question before I got my RE, and ended up buying Asus Silent Square Pro HSF for its backplate that has the recess right behind the CPU socket where the ML is. It has the metal plate and not plastic that comes with other Asus HSFs, although you need to mod it a little as the CPU choker's legs really sticks out the back.
The plastic ones also works without modding though.:up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eternal_fantasy

You should be able to get them soon enough.. they just showed up in huge quantities here in the UK.

Been wondering the same question before I got my RE, and ended up buying Asus Silent Square Pro HSF for its backplate that has the recess right behind the CPU socket where the ML is. It has the metal plate and not plastic that comes with other Asus HSFs, although you need to mod it a little as the CPU choker's legs really sticks out the back.
The plastic ones also works without modding though.:up:

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Thanks Eternal ...

Yeh - I was thinking that ASUS plate was going to be the best bet. Not sure if it will work with my LN2 setup, but will give it a try. Prob need a little modding.

:)

Eternal, if it's not too much trouble, could you please find out how your SSDs perform on the ICH9R on this board. I kinda see that you have connected it to your raid card(or is it)and I know that its a full OS reinstall if you wanna connect it to the SB of the board. I am thinking going SSD route(OCZ core series or heck might even shelve out for the MTRON PROs) and also planning two 4870x2s in crossfire X, leaving no room for a controller. I saw ICH9R does not play very well with the SSDs but I so want this board. Please disregard if this is too much of trouble.

finger tweaking fun LOL :lol:

awesome heatsink design :toast: