**Official BIOSTAR TPower X58 Review/Overclock/Guide Thread**

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/665/biostarx58pl9.jpg

Official Biostar Forums

Novatech Forum - Official Biostar TPower X58 Review/Overclock/Guide Thread**

The Rebels Haven Forum! (Unofficial Biostar Forums)- Biostar 64 Bit Intel S1366 Motherboard


Reviews

Biostar Tpower X58: the alternative! @ matbe.com

Compatable Air Cooling List (NOTE: Doesnt take into consideration case sizes)

Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme-1366 RT

Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme + LGA1366 Bolt-Thru-Kit

Noctua NH-U12P SE1366

Zalman CNPS9700 LED Aero Flower + ZM-CS4A LGA1366 Clip Kit

Compatable Ram List - Bootable with default voltage to bios

'CLICK HERE' - BIOSTAR'S Official Compatable Ram List

OCZ 6GB Platinum DDR3 PC3-1600 (3x2GB) CAS7

OCZ 3GB Platinum DDR3 PC3-1600 (3x1GB) CAS7


Corsair 6GB Dominator DDR3 PC3-1600 (3x2GB) CAS8

Corsair 3GB Dominator DDR3 PC3-1600 (3x1GB) CAS8

Official BIOS

WARNING:- DO NOT USE THE WINDOWS FLASHMENU METHOD TO UPDATE YOUR BIOS, HIGH RISK OF BIOS FAILIURE!

How to update the BIOS via USB Flash Stick/Drive

What should I do If the system BIOS was corrupted after the flashing process ?

CPU support list

AFUDOS 4.23

Bios Flashing Procedure

BIOS ID: IX58A304

1. i7 core "D0" CPU Revision compatability.
2. Supports XMP memory and improved some memory compatibility with more memory.
3. Release Date: 4th March 2009

BIOS ID: IX58A210

1. Fix Hardware Detection to resolve FAN5 issue.
2. Release Date: 10th February 2009

BIOS ID: IX58AC25

1. Added bootflash screen prompts.
2. Release Date: 25th December 2008

BIOS ID: IX58C10

1. Adjustment 3pin/4pin CPU smart fan options.
2. Release Date: 10th December 2008

BIOS ID: IX58AC01

1. Initial release.
2. Release Date: 1st December 2008


Beta BIOS

WARNING:- DO NOT USE THE WINDOWS FLASHMENU METHOD TO UPDATE YOUR BIOS, HIGH RISK OF BIOS FAILIURE!

DISCLAIMER:
Biostar will not be held responsible or liable for any damage made with using a BETA BIOS.
Please proceed with discretion and do not attempt to use unless you know what you are doing!

BIOS ID: IX58A604 *NEW*

1. Fix XMP1 & XMP2 EX clock function.
2. Release Date: 11th June 2009

Instruction Manual

English Version (1st Edition) Dec 2008 - 3rd February 2009 *NEW*

DRIVERS - Last checked 4th August 2009.

INTEL Chipset Driver v 9.1.0.1007 for 2000 / XP / XP 64bit / 2003 / 2003 64bit / Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 8th December 08

RAID/AHCI Software - Intel® Matrix Storage Manager v 8.9.0.1023 for 2000 / XP / XP 64bit / 2003 / 2003 64bit / Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 17th July 09 *NEW*

32-bit Floppy Configuration Utility for Intel® Matrix Storage Manager - 17th July 09 *NEW*
Creates floppy disk for 32-bit OS with Intel® Matrix Storage Manager 8.9.0.1023 files - used to preinstall RAID driver (F6 during Windows* setup).

64-bit Floppy Configuration Utility for Intel® Matrix Storage Manager - 17th July 09 *NEW*
Creates floppy disk for 64-bit OS with Intel® Matrix Storage Manager 8.9.0.1023 files - used to preinstall RAID driver (F6 during Windows* setup).

JMicron SATA Driver V 1.17.49 for 2000 / XP / XP 64bit / 2003 / 2003 64bit / Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 24th July 09 *NEW*

Realtek 8111C Gigabit Lan V5.718 Driver for Win9x/Me/2000/XP/2003 - 21st July 09 *NEW*

Realtek 8111C Gigabit Lan V6.225 Driver for Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 21st July 09 *NEW*

Realtek High Audio Definition R229 Driver for 2000 / XP / XP 64bit / 2003 / 2003 64bit - 23rd July 09 *NEW*

Realtek High Audio Definition R229 Driver for Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 23rd July 09 *NEW*


Utilities

Biostar TPower II v0.9.5.6 for 2000 / XP / XP 64bit / 2003 / 2003 64bit / Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 9th April 09

BIOScreen v0.9.0.1 for 2000 / XP / XP 64bit / 2003 / 2003 64bit / Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 25th February 09

G.P.U( Green Power Utility) v0.9.0.5 for 2000 / XP / XP 64bit / 2003 / 2003 64bit / Vista 32bit / Vista 64bit - 25th February 09

4GHz - 20 passes on LinX - stable on Air with Biostar TPower X58

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5...x584ghzsta.jpg

4.2ghz - 20 passes on LinX - stable on Air with Biostar TPower X58

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1...x5842ghzst.jpg

4.3ghz - 20 passes on LinX - stable on Air with Biostar TPower X58

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/287...x5843ghzst.jpg

Excellent job Nelly.

Biostar needs to unlock memory multipliers for 920/940! Their tech support seems to think it can't be done via BIOS, and that you must have a 965. :rofl:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by derektm

Biostar needs to unlock memory multipliers for 920/940! Their tech support seems to think it can't be done via BIOS, and that you must have a 965. :rofl:

---

I've sent the Tech I was speaking to at Biostar-Taiwan screen dumps of 4 motherboard manufacturers who have unlocked the multipliers for the i7 920/940 yesterday via e-mail, should hear something within the next day or two.

Wintec 3GB kits I use boots up Biostar X58 the first time, timing is
7-7-7-19-1T. But I don't know how to run at 1333 MHz other than overclocking.
Only 800 and 1066 available.
Tpower2 does not report the temperature right, and won't run
unless I start at default setting, otherwise I got an error message.
And CPU temp is always in the 30C range according to Tpower2.
I am running Win XP.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by weblogicx

Wintec 3GB kits I use boots up Biostar X58 the first time, timing is
7-7-7-19-1T. But I don't know how to run at 1333 MHz other than overclocking.
Only 800 and 1066 available.

---

I'll add it to the compatability list, hopefully Biostar will unlock the multipliers soon for i920 / i940, see above thread - sent them info plus screendumps.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by weblogicx

Tpower2 does not report the temperature right, and won't run
unless I start at default setting, otherwise I got an error message.
And CPU temp is always in the 30C range according to Tpower2.
I am running Win XP.

---

Just waiting on some more hardware to arrive this week, will be using Vista 64bit but I do have Win XP so will try that 1st & see if I get the same error with TPower 2.

It doesn't support dram multiplier adjustments? Lol?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jcool

It doesn't support dram multiplier adjustments? Lol?

---

Needs a bios update, already e-mailed Biostar USA & Taiwan. Hopefully get fixed soon.

For the 920/940 only 800/1067Mhz
http://i41.tinypic.com/ohp7k2.jpg

On the 965 Extreme Edition as follows:

http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/7...8bios43jz6.jpg

Ah I see.. that blows, even though you won't need higher than 8x (1066) ram mults for normal operation with normal mems.
For 10x with BCLK 200 and above (which people around here are usually running) you'd need some good HFC0 or the new Elpidas if you don't wanna break the Vdimm barrier, my D9GTR need around 1,95V to run 2000 CAS8 memtest stable which is not for everyone.

Just an update, recieved a new Beta Bios today that enables more ram dividers.

Would love to test it myself, I'm waiting for my ram to arrive. :(

DISCLAIMER:
Biostar will not be held responsible or liable for any damage made with using a BETA BIOS.
Please proceed with discretion and do not attempt to use unless you know what you are doing!

BETA BIOS ID: X58AA115

1. Add memory 1333/1600 speed for i7 920 / 940 cpu.
2. Release Date: 15th January 2008

Biostar have issued a new Beta Bios.

DISCLAIMER:
Biostar will not be held responsible or liable for any damage made with using a BETA BIOS.
Please proceed with discretion and do not attempt to use unless you know what you are doing!

BETA BIOS ID: X58AA117

way to go nelly!:up:...i am still a few weeks away from getting this board; i think.;)

I tested the X58AA117. Now you have all mem dividers on 920 thats true. But mem oc needs to be more improved.

im finding that after updating to the beta bios to enable 1600mhz ram speed on my i7 920 system that my system will randomly just turn off... actually the last time it did it it is not powering back on. ive got everything unplugged and im considering re-flashing back to the newest release bios. has anyone else had similar issues with their board when using a i7 920. system specs are as followed

i7 920
gtx 285
OCZ 8-8-8-24 1600mhz ram 3x2gb
corsair 1kw psu
coolermaster HAF

running this board with bios IX58C10, oc'ed 920 to 4ghz @ 1.31vcore (191x21), ran a bunch of burn programs, no crashes.
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/427...me95wr5.th.jpg
Temp are a little high but that's because I'm still tweaking my loop. I might try lowering the vcore a little bit, as well, already went from 1.4v to 1.31 with a few burn tests in between. I didn't try newer bioses, don't see any point in that.

seems my problem wasn't caused by flashing the bios to the 115 beta, the corsair 1kw psu in my system simply fails to start, tested with a thermaltake 800w and it fired right up... seems like a solid board overall, tons of features. definetally on par with what i expected from biostar.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by anzial

running this board with bios IX58C10, oc'ed 920 to 4ghz @ 1.31vcore (191x21), ran a bunch of burn programs, no crashes.
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/427...me95wr5.th.jpg
Temp are a little high but that's because I'm still tweaking my loop. I might try lowering the vcore a little bit, as well, already went from 1.4v to 1.31 with a few burn tests in between. I didn't try newer bioses, don't see any point in that.

---

your temps are probably about 10C cooler than the users who posted their temps...what cooling are you using for the cpu?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vab206

seems my problem wasn't caused by flashing the bios to the 115 beta, the corsair 1kw psu in my system simply fails to start, tested with a thermaltake 800w and it fired right up... seems like a solid board overall, tons of features. definetally on par with what i expected from biostar.

---

excellent troubleshooting!:up:

hey Nelly, what is the status of your board..i believe you were waiting on memory..correct?

Today i flashed the new bios, but the memory won't go higher.

But i have another big problem with the board. In nearly 8 from 10 boots my USB-devices the OS say "USB device not recognized". The USB mouse and keyboard works, but my extarnal HDD and USB-stick won't work. I've tested new drivers and the new bios. The problem is the same (with OC and non OC).

My system:
i7 920 @ 3,6Ghz
Biostar TPower X58
3GB OCZ DDR3-1600 CL7
WinXP 32bit Pro

is there a setting in the bios to make the USB devices show up in DOS?...generally they have that setting for Keyboard and Mouse.

have you tried the last beta bios?

I have the lastest official bios from 10/2/2009. I am not alone with this problem. While the system posts/boots all usb devices are active, but in windows many times they are incactive.

is this board a dead issue; no longer viable or is it just a money thing (to costly)?

Finally! I'm looking to switch my MSI X58 Platinum for one of those. Subscribed ;)

Could somebody please test Vista S3 sleep mode at a BCLK of at least 200, and post results?
Thanks.

I am on Windows 7 now, i7 920 20x20 without increase any voltage, but if I go like 205 and up I have to set the voltage up to 1.40 for CPU

Can you give me an unbiased opinion on which one to get if you were making a purchase today? :shrug:

Thanks in advance! :up:

I just changed the PSU of my system (to an Antec TP-650). This time around, I decided not to plug in the molex connector on the motherboard (which provides extra power to PCI-E). The molex is located in the middle of nowhere; a :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: to remove and cable management is very difficult.

Question: does doing so might harm my system in anyway?
I know that PCI-E v2 specs says that you can draw 75w from the pci-e slot itself. Is it safe to ignore this connector?

My current have 2 cards in the system: HD 4870 1GB and pci-e X-Fi.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SeLecT

Today i flashed the new bios, but the memory won't go higher.

But i have another big problem with the board. In nearly 8 from 10 boots my USB-devices the OS say "USB device not recognized". The USB mouse and keyboard works, but my extarnal HDD and USB-stick won't work. I've tested new drivers and the new bios. The problem is the same (with OC and non OC).

My system:
i7 920 @ 3,6Ghz
Biostar TPower X58
3GB OCZ DDR3-1600 CL7
WinXP 32bit Pro

---

I had the same issue. I called Biostar, they said replace it, so I rmaed it to the vendor (was still under 30 days) and then got EVGA. EVGA proved worse in terms of overclocking but no USB storage issues. I'd say Biostar is a solid overclocker but quality is an issue as there were a few reports of non-working USB storage when I had it. Makes no sense: usb mouse works but storage devices don't and there's no discernible pattern to when it happens (most of the time the did work but sometimes didn't). Another guy on rebelhaven forums had 2 biostar mobos in a row with the same issue. The other two switched to other mobos.

Teemax: molex is not necessary but I believe it helps with overclocking, providing extra reserve of power. I can't prove it now though, since I no longer have the motherboard.

Quote:

---

molex is not necessary but I believe it helps with overclocking, providing extra reserve of power. I can't prove it now though, since I no longer have the motherboard.

---

GPU overclocking or CPU overclocking? :)

My CPU at 3.8GHz runs fine after removing the molex connector. The slightly overclocked GPU works reliably as well.

I ran OCCT PSU test (which tests the whole hardware the hardest) for 5 mins and the system seems stable.


I guess I'll leave it out for a while and see how it goes. Thanks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoTech

Can you give me an unbiased opinion on which one to get if you were making a purchase today? :shrug:

Thanks in advance! :up:

---

My T-power X58 has been working fine for about 2 months now. I'm happy with the purchase and the price was very good compared to Gigabyte or DFI.

Main issues of the board for me:
- PCI-E x1 slot is hidden if you install a dual slot GPU (the single biggest flaw for me)
- PCI-E molex power connector is poorly located.
- PCI-E retention clip is very hard to push. Frequent removal of GPU can be a pain.


Those are significant flaws but not deal breaking. I think it's an awesome value for the money :)

Probably, both but I think molex on mobo is more for the CPU rather than GPU. I mean, that's the reason EVGA Classified has 2 CPU 8-pin plugs, Biostar just cheapened out and used one molex lol

Look's like the forums went down & someone forgot to take a backup, so reposting some infomation.

NOTE: This is with the "C0/C1" Revision, I now have in my possesion a "D0" so will retest in the next day or so.

Biostar TPower X58

4ghz on Air, 1.39v idle / 1.4v load

10 Passes of IntelBurnTest v1.9

Cooling: Thermalright Ultra-120 eXtreme + 1 YATE LOON 120mm - D12SL-12

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/4...584ghzstac.jpg

Okay this is the mininum voltages etc needed for 4Ghz, with my current "D0" :D

I'll get another fan for a push/pull config, should lower the temps even further.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5...x584ghzsta.jpg

4.2Ghz seems to be the sweet spot for my CPU, can do that on 1.26v fully stable :) takes a big voltage jump for 4.3ghz as seen below.

Got some OCZ Blade 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-16000C9 2000MHz arriving tommorow from Novatech, will see if that gives me more headroom. :)

4.2ghz - 20 passes on LinX - stable on Air with Biostar TPower X58

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1...x5842ghzst.jpg

4.3ghz - 20 passes on LinX - stable on Air with Biostar TPower X58

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/287...x5843ghzst.jpg

This thread is a bit quiet... surprised more people don't have this board.

i need to know if this board is average, good or excellent for overclocking?

what about Vdrop and Vdroop?

Updated the bios / driver section a few weeks, just letting anyone know who uses the Biostar Tpower X58.

New results/users?

I have this MB, really hard to get stability at 4200MHz.

920 d0
tpower x58
ocz ddr3 reaper hpc 1800 3x2gb cas8
tx750
xigmatek dark knight.

:)

Up***************

I am going to dig this thread up. I have one of these mobos coming. I got it for a good price. Going to turn it into a cruncher. I may need some advice when I get it up and running.
First question is will any other air coolers work with it?

I have a TRUE on mine LU.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by loonym

I have a TRUE on mine LU.

---

Thanks for the input. How does the mobo do as far as clocking? I will be useing the chip that I got from you. It will be for crunching only.

im having problem with my kingston hyperx 2000 cl9, im trying put him to 2000mhz but no sucess, impossible to set 4ghz uncore with x58a
anyone to help me ?

ty

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gnux

im having problem with my kingston hyperx 2000 cl9, im trying put him to 2000mhz but no sucess, impossible to set 4ghz uncore with x58a
anyone to help me ?

ty

---

Impossible VERY impossible even if i set it to those settings the system will boot up with 1600 memory if i blast the VTT up to around 1.38v then the memory after a reboot will be shown at 2000mhz but other than that nothing works and when you try to load into memtest it freezes as soon as memtest loads. I dont think its a i7 IMC problem either i think the board is just crap with 2000 memory at its rated speeds
and where the hell is the 1866 memory divider on this board anyway.