two little tips about DFi NF4 board

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02-04-2005, 04:45 PM
Onepagebook

two little tips about DFi NF4 board

Just chat with oskar couple minutes ago,
here you guys gotta be aware of.

1. whenever you wanna change hardware, you must completely shut down your psu, certainly the standby switch too.:D
wait for the two orange leds completely off 10 seconds BEFORE you add/remove hardware ; or you might damage your hardware or motherboard.

2.after you flash bios if you are thinking use 5v rail for vdimm extension, you need to set vcore for non-auto setting and save bios then come back into bios, then you can see 4v option. It's probably the 1.25 and 2.01 bios got this circuit protection.

Looks like easy concept, but it's really easy to forget.
any problem we can discuss here.!
Hope it helps.

OPB
02-04-2005, 04:50 PM
Mastakilla

thx 4 the tips

might come in handy when i get mine :)
02-04-2005, 05:24 PM
pudds

"1. whenever you wanna change hardware, you must completely shut down your psu, certainly the standby switch too.
wait for the two orange leds completely off 10 seconds BEFORE you add/remove hardware ; or you might damage your hardware or motherboard.
"

Is this a quirk of the dfi board or a tip for all motherboards?
02-04-2005, 05:33 PM
Onepagebook

Quote:

Originally Posted by pudds

"1. whenever you wanna change hardware, you must completely shut down your psu, certainly the standby switch too.
wait for the two orange leds completely off 10 seconds BEFORE you add/remove hardware ; or you might damage your hardware or motherboard.
"

Is this a quirk of the dfi board or a tip for all motherboards?

Either way I think:D..but looks like Oskar is really serious about this concern.
02-04-2005, 06:29 PM
drunkenmaster

it says something similar in the msi manual, also mentions that you must remove power cables, it says its because several pins on the chipset are incredibly sensitive to ESD problems. nforce issue by the sounds of it.
02-05-2005, 03:56 AM
HARDCORECLOCKER

:D THX OPB - it's always nice to know how concerned You are about our "healthy".......... :toast:
02-05-2005, 04:32 AM
topfuel

whooops, how about just changin ram slots?? initially plugged the rams into the wrong slots...so i switched powered off the mobo with ez switch but i did not wait for the orange led to go off, i just switchd the rams into 2 and 4...the system is still running now of course but did i damage the board? Is it so easily damaged?
02-05-2005, 04:45 AM
eva2000

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepagebook

Just chat with oskar couple minutes ago,
here you guys gotta be aware of.

[color=red]1. whenever you wanna change hardware, you must completely shut down your psu, certainly the standby switch too.:D
wait for the two orange leds completely off 10 seconds BEFORE you add/remove hardware ; or you might damage your hardware or motherboard.

i always do that.. not new but hey worth the reminder :)
02-05-2005, 05:26 AM
D_o_S

Thanks for keeping us updated.
02-05-2005, 09:33 AM
THunDA

Quote:

Originally Posted by eva2000

i always do that.. not new but hey worth the reminder :)

Yup me too.. Ive been in the habit of hitting the power switch after the psu is unplugged to discharge all the power in the system before I touch it..
02-05-2005, 09:56 AM
slayer899

so wait, what's the proper procedure for doing this? just wanna make sure i don't mess up hehe, so i power off computer, unplug psu power cord, then press computer power switch to make sure all charge is drained? then what's that about the standby switch on psu?
02-05-2005, 09:58 AM
Lidocaine

Good to know, because I spent ALL DAY yesterday troubleshooting.........my CPU didn't know if it was coming or going I had to rebuild so many times yesterday. :(
02-05-2005, 10:08 AM
[XC] serlv

Thanks for the heads up.

What is that standby switch to which you refer? What is meant by that?
02-05-2005, 01:16 PM
xavicl

Thx, helpfull tips for non pro users :)
02-05-2005, 09:18 PM
topfuel

Quote:

Originally Posted by serlv

Thanks for the heads up.

What is that standby switch to which you refer? What is meant by that?

i think he meant the switch on the psu?

anyway before this post was made, i actually did not turn off my powersupply switch nor did i unplugged the 24pin from the board, i just switched rams havin the orange led on but it still works fine now so i doubt the board is so easily damaged...other boards dont require you to actually power off everything(like your psu and disconnect the 24pin) from the board itself just to change a ram slot or connect another hdd or optical drive.
02-05-2005, 09:29 PM
matt9669

Quote:

Originally Posted by THunDA

Yup me too.. Ive been in the habit of hitting the power switch after the psu is unplugged to discharge all the power in the system before I touch it..

Good to know I'm not the only one :banana4:
02-05-2005, 09:31 PM
Sgt_Strider

Is it possible the DFI boards have issues with TCCD rams? my Patriot TCCD is giving me trouble when I install Windows with some files not copying over to the hard drive. Also I made a mistake initially plugging in the power LED and the HDD Led front connectors. Is it possible that I damaged it and that's why the LED's aren't on even though the CPU and the HDD is connected?
02-05-2005, 09:44 PM
STEvil

flip the connectors over, probably have them upside down.
02-05-2005, 09:59 PM
Sgt_Strider

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEvil

flip the connectors over, probably have them upside down.

You think? Because I have them facing down. The ATX Switch and the reset buttons work and they're all facing down if you know what I mean.
02-05-2005, 10:02 PM
GRAFiZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

You think? Because I have them facing down. The ATX Switch and the reset buttons work and they're all facing down if you know what I mean.

Turn them around and it'll work.

The power and reset switches work either way as they're nothing but a momentary short, when you press the button, power is allowed to flow, hell... you can start a system with a screw driver if you touch the right spot.

Just turn them all around and everything will work and light up fine.
02-05-2005, 10:36 PM
Sgt_Strider

Are you serious? Flip them? I have never had anything like that before...Just so that there isn't any confusion, I took some pictures to describe what I mean with the connectors facing down. The LEDS are not working when the connectors are facing down.

http://members.shaw.ca/Sgt_Strider/7.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/Sgt_Strider/8.jpg
02-05-2005, 10:41 PM
AMDnewbie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

Are you serious? Flip them? I have never had anything like that before...Just so that there isn't any confusion, I took some pictures to describe what I mean with the connectors facing down. The LEDS are not working when the connectors are facing down.

http://members.shaw.ca/Sgt_Strider/7.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/Sgt_Strider/8.jpg

L.E.D had polarity, if it don't works then flip it around...the wording face the other way. those sw had no polarity so no concern.....
02-05-2005, 10:42 PM
Sgt_Strider

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMDnewbie

L.E.D had polarity, if it don't works then flip it around...the wording face the other way. those sw had no polarity so no concern.....

What do you mean by Polarity and how does that have to do with the Power and Reset switch?
02-05-2005, 10:47 PM
Klisp

Quote:

Originally Posted by THunDA

Yup me too.. Ive been in the habit of hitting the power switch after the psu is unplugged to discharge all the power in the system before I touch it..

I do the excact same thing :D
02-05-2005, 10:53 PM
GRAFiZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

What do you mean by Polarity and how does that have to do with the Power and Reset switch?

LOL... stop asking so many questions and just rotate them around. Trust us will you.
02-05-2005, 10:58 PM
AMDnewbie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

What do you mean by Polarity and how does that have to do with the Power and Reset switch?

LED had positive and negative pole. only light when voltage is applied in the positive pole....so if reverse then no light because it is actually a diode...where current flow on single way only.......

power and reset sw are just basically contacts only....when depress the contact are just close to send a trigger signal only....

i had always use a screwdriver just to on the com. this way....

as for the led, just had to know which is positive or negative will do or just flip around when it doesn't
02-05-2005, 11:09 PM
Sgt_Strider

Thanks for the information AMDnewbie. Can you click on the links to the pictures that I have provided and tell me if I should flip the front connectors around for the HDD and SYSTEM LED? It's kinda weird to have connectors facing two different connectors. One's facing up and the others down. I'm scared to try it because I'm afraid it'll damage the connectors or the motherboard. If enough people can verify it, I will do it. Thanks.
02-05-2005, 11:22 PM
WheresWaldo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

Thanks for the information AMDnewbie. Can you click on the links to the pictures that I have provided and tell me if I should flip the front connectors around for the HDD and SYSTEM LED? It's kinda weird to have connectors facing two different connectors. One's facing up and the others down. I'm scared to try it because I'm afraid it'll damage the connectors or the motherboard. If enough people can verify it, I will do it. Thanks.

On page 59 of the users manual, it shows a chart of the connections. The power LED + voltages are on pins 2 or 4 of the header connector The HDD LED + voltage is on pin 3. Normally the colored wire in the connector is + and the all white wire is ground. You need to match the colored wire to the plus pin for each connector. The pins are numbered from right to left with the odd numbers at the top and the even numbers at the bottom.
02-05-2005, 11:24 PM
WheresWaldo

Since the switches do not have a plus or minus side you can leave them as it is or flip them around also if having writing on one side bothers you.
02-05-2005, 11:35 PM
Sgt_Strider

Are you sure it's page 59? I don't have a p.59 in my manual...
02-05-2005, 11:43 PM
STEvil

Look at the index of your manual and go to the page that is listed as having the info on the power/reset switches and hdd/system power LED's etc.
02-05-2005, 11:49 PM
Sgt_Strider

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEvil

Look at the index of your manual and go to the page that is listed as having the info on the power/reset switches and hdd/system power LED's etc.

It's on p.17 of my manual and I did looked at it before I inserted the front connectors. So are all of you guys telling me that I gotta put the 2 LED connectors facing up in order to get the LED's to light up?
02-06-2005, 12:01 AM
AMDnewbie

it can't be spoilt....because it is a diode by itself...it glows if current is pass thru from the definite pole n not reverse....if u reverse it then no current can flow thru so the led won't work....

just flip around from ur pic n it will do....
02-06-2005, 12:04 AM
Sgt_Strider

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMDnewbie

it can't be spoilt....because it is a diode by itself...it glows if current is pass thru from the definite pole n not reverse....if u reverse it then no current can flow thru so the led won't work....

just flip around from ur pic n it will do....

Wow, you're right it worked! I kinda hesitated earlier because of my paranoia, but yea I'm happy now!
02-06-2005, 12:17 AM
reject

lol u noob, take a chance :D
btw. guys u can unplug drives and fans with the comp on even, i always do. if you memtest overnight you can even unplug your hd after memtest loads, just pull it out fast so it wont short
on my dfi, there was a sticker on the dimm slots telling about you have to turn off to change dimms.
02-06-2005, 12:23 AM
Sgt_Strider

Quote:

Originally Posted by reject

lol u noob, take a chance :D
btw. guys u can unplug drives and fans with the comp on even, i always do. if you memtest overnight you can even unplug your hd after memtest loads, just pull it out fast so it wont short
on my dfi, there was a sticker on the dimm slots telling about you have to turn off to change dimms.

LOL after buying a crappy Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe and selling it at a loss, I wasn't in the mood to buy a new motherboard. I'm pretty happy right now except with the BIOS. I hope DFI address the issues that were mentioned by me and the others and release a good new BIOS!
02-06-2005, 01:03 AM
AMDnewbie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

LOL after buying a crappy Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe and selling it at a loss, I wasn't in the mood to buy a new motherboard. I'm pretty happy right now except with the BIOS. I hope DFI address the issues that were mentioned by me and the others and release a good new BIOS!

well, that's my wish too....
being doing well with the twinmos UTT at 248 2-2-2-7-1T but can't get tccd to cl 2.5 for high htt yet...
02-06-2005, 01:12 AM
Onepagebook

here is another thing you guys need to be aware of:

If you will use vdimm above 3.2v by switching the jp17 to 2-3,
you do NOT want to use "ZIPPY 700w(6701-p)" PSU. Otherwise, it won't boot at all.
Talked with Oskar already, this is not the problem cause by DFI, it's PSU 5v stand by problem.

OPB
02-06-2005, 01:12 AM
STEvil

Quote:

Originally Posted by reject

lol u noob, take a chance :D
btw. guys u can unplug drives and fans with the comp on even, i always do. if you memtest overnight you can even unplug your hd after memtest loads, just pull it out fast so it wont short
on my dfi, there was a sticker on the dimm slots telling about you have to turn off to change dimms.

DO NOT DISCONNECT DRIVES WHILE THE BOARD IS POWERED ON!!!!

This will fry your hdd controllers.
02-06-2005, 01:18 AM
GRAFiZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepagebook

here is another thing you guys need to be aware of:

If you will use vdimm above 3.2v by switching the jp17 to 2-3,
you do NOT want to use "ZIPPY 700w(6701-p)" PSU. Otherwise, it won't boot at all.
Talked with Oskar already, this is not the problem cause by DFI, it's PSU 5v stand by problem.

OPB

Would the PCP&C 510SLI work?
02-06-2005, 01:20 AM
Onepagebook

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRAFiZ

Would the PCP&C 510SLI work?

Yes, works fine, OCZ 600w as well :)
02-06-2005, 01:21 AM
GRAFiZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepagebook

Yes, works fine, OCZ 600w as well :)

Great! Thanks friend! :toast:
02-06-2005, 02:01 AM
eva2000

Quote:

Originally Posted by reject

lol u noob, take a chance :D
btw. guys u can unplug drives and fans with the comp on even, i always do. if you memtest overnight you can even unplug your hd after memtest loads, just pull it out fast so it wont short
on my dfi, there was a sticker on the dimm slots telling about you have to turn off to change dimms.

you're crazy ? why pull it out ?

anyway i all my hdds in removable lian li rh53 aluminum drive caddies, so can remove them when needed much safer :)
02-06-2005, 02:08 AM
D_o_S

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepagebook

here is another thing you guys need to be aware of:

If you will use vdimm above 3.2v by switching the jp17 to 2-3,
you do NOT want to use "ZIPPY 700w(6701-p)" PSU. Otherwise, it won't boot at all.
Talked with Oskar already, this is not the problem cause by DFI, it's PSU 5v stand by problem.

OPB

So which other PSUs have this problem. I wanted to get the Zippy :(
02-06-2005, 04:40 AM
bugeyes

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_o_S

So which other PSUs have this problem. I wanted to get the Zippy :(

Yes this info is mission critical...
I have an enermax noistaker 470w ATX v2.0 with no -5 volt rail, will I have the same problem as the zippy?
02-06-2005, 04:59 AM
HARDCORECLOCKER

:D So I think using a 24 pin PSU, plugging the RAM into orange slots and doing a CMOS clear first will avoid 99% of all problems here........ :toast:
02-06-2005, 04:59 AM
P_1

Quote:

Originally Posted by reject

lol u noob, take a chance :D
btw. guys u can unplug drives and fans with the comp on even, i always do. if you memtest overnight you can even unplug your hd after memtest loads, just pull it out fast so it wont short
on my dfi, there was a sticker on the dimm slots telling about you have to turn off to change dimms.

err why not just have the hds unplugged when its off? If memtest is on a cd or floppy theres no need to even have the hd's plugged in. :stick:
02-06-2005, 05:46 AM
D_o_S

The Zippy does have a -5 though, see here:

http://www.zippy.com/P_product_detai...code=PSL-6701P
02-06-2005, 06:10 AM
jikdoc

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEvil

DO NOT DISCONNECT DRIVES WHILE THE BOARD IS POWERED ON!!!!

This will fry your hdd controllers.

i think i found that out, saw smoke coming off a hd today. pretty bad day for me, killed a hd, bent a few pins on fx55 (got them straightened out ok) and dfi board won't work with zippy. anway, is there a way i can recover the data on that hd, i mean the platters should be ok right???
02-06-2005, 07:09 AM
SVTSnake

My OCZ PowerStream 520w is working fine (for the moment I guess, there have been a few threads that the 520w has KIA'ed again like with the Neo2).
02-06-2005, 07:45 AM
HARDCORECLOCKER

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTSnake

My OCZ PowerStream 520w is working fine (for the moment I guess, there have been a few threads that the 520w has KIA'ed again like with the Neo2).

:D Cannot confirm - I'm with the NEO2 and the OCZ PowerStream 520W for more than 3 month and both are working fine.

Hope to go on also with the DFI NF4........... :toast:
02-06-2005, 08:20 AM
Holberg

what is it exactly, that's makes Zippy different from the others?
02-06-2005, 08:36 AM
jikdoc

i'm not sure what it is about the zippy, opb says something about the 5v sense line. i had my zippy working well with ocz booster on neo 2 which in essence does same thing as the 4v jumper on dfi. booster takes voltage from 5v rail and uses 5v sense line.
02-06-2005, 08:41 AM
Holberg

maybe Zippy has a design flaw on the 5v line?
02-06-2005, 12:14 PM
Onepagebook

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holberg

maybe Zippy has a design flaw on the 5v line?

I think zippy doesn't have design flaw on 5v..might be just 5v standby problem.
02-06-2005, 12:31 PM
Holberg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepagebook

I think zippy doesn't have design flaw on 5v..might be just 5v standby problem.

can you explain what you mean.
02-06-2005, 01:13 PM
STEvil

+5VSB, usually rated betwee 0.5 and 2 amps.

Whats it rated on the zippy? Maybe the board doesnt put enough load on it.
02-06-2005, 01:16 PM
D_o_S

On the Zippy its 2A, on the Powerstream its also 2A, so I don't know what the problem is :confused:
02-06-2005, 01:39 PM
Holberg

I'm confused now
can someone explain what it is that's makes the Zippy bad "in details"
02-06-2005, 02:14 PM
Lidocaine

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTSnake

My OCZ PowerStream 520w is working fine (for the moment I guess, there have been a few threads that the 520w has KIA'ed again like with the Neo2).

I can vouch for this............bought the OCZ 520 Adj. on 10/04, ran 3 Neo2 boards and 1 Neo4 board just fine with it............put in the DFI NF4-Ultra mobo and the OCZ popped once and was dead.........default settings on the potentiameters too..........put in the old 20-pin ANTEC sl-450 and it fired right up........... :bsod:

I CERTAINLY hope OCZ's RMA dept. expedites this matter............I don't intend to use the 20-pin PSU anymore and I'm ready to get busy with the DFI.
02-06-2005, 02:30 PM
HARDCORECLOCKER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidocaine

I can vouch for this............bought the OCZ 520 Adj. on 11/05, ran 3 Neo2 boards and 1 Neo4 board just fine with it............put in the DFI NF4-Ultra mobo and the OCZ popped once and was dead.........default settings on the potentiameters too..........put in the old 20-pin ANTEC sl-450 and it fired right up........... :bsod:

I CERTAINLY hope OCZ's RMA dept. expedites this matter............I don't intend to use the 20-pin PSU anymore and I'm ready to get busy with the DFI.

:slobber: :confused:
02-06-2005, 02:58 PM
Lidocaine

Quote:

Originally Posted by HARDCORECLOCKER

:slobber: :confused:

Yup..........

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...5byebyeOCZ.JPG :cussing:
02-06-2005, 03:22 PM
jikdoc

i'm not sure what the exact deal is with the zippy vs. dfi.

i used the zippy with my booster on neo2 board and it worked with rock stable volts on vdimm. booster does same thing as 5v jumper setting on dfi iirc, it draws volts for vdimm from 5v rail allowing you to go higher than 3.3 without using pots on the psu. this is really depressing, my zippy doesn't work and i fried a hard drive testing some things out. is there any way to recover data on a hd if the pcb is fried?
02-06-2005, 04:34 PM
Tony

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidocaine

Yup..........

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...5byebyeOCZ.JPG :cussing:

All you need do is mail me m8...look in my sig and quote this thread.
02-06-2005, 09:37 PM
Spartacus

Quote:

Originally Posted by jikdoc

this is really depressing, my zippy doesn't work and i fried a hard drive testing some things out. is there any way to recover data on a hd if the pcb is fried?

Yes, you pull off the PCB and use a PCB from an identical drive. Obviously this will only work if no mechanical damage to the platters/heads/motors.
02-07-2005, 02:36 AM
HARDCORECLOCKER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidocaine

Yup..........

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/...5byebyeOCZ.JPG :cussing:

:( lol - feel with You........... :toast:
02-07-2005, 10:01 AM
jinu117

Ouch, sorry to hear than Jin. Platters ususally are fine (well most of it).
You could send it in for professional services if there are important data.
Have you tried checking to see if HDD is fine on other system? Another more adventerous method of getting data out I heard was replace the controller board and copy data, than swap back. I don't know how complex the procedure is though.
So, zippy is no go with DFI when it comes to 5v vdimm eh? Will keep wait and see which one really works now that we are finding more issues with diff boards. Maybe ATI chipset board will join in fray too now eh?
02-07-2005, 10:04 AM
Lidocaine

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigtoe

All you need do is mail me m8...look in my sig and quote this thread.

Thanx Tony.........a BIG :up: to John and Tony at OCZ ;)
02-08-2005, 03:40 AM
Nube

Do I need to install windows with 1 stick of my OCZ VX ? ?

Or can I use both and run dual channel and install,,, as VX is not TCCD.

does it matter if I install 1 stick in slot 4 ?
02-08-2005, 04:01 AM
Jupiler

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nube

Do I need to install windows with 1 stick of my OCZ VX ? ?

Or can I use both and run dual channel and install,,, as VX is not TCCD.

does it matter if I install 1 stick in slot 4 ?

This might help you. Seems to work for him.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...831#post703831
02-08-2005, 05:04 AM
Nube

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jupiler

This might help you. Seems to work for him.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...831#post703831

well that sux lol, I got XP120 HSF, I will have to take HSF off to change slots

but I will just put my ram in slot 2 and my 2nd ram in slot 4 not fully in, just holding in but not in fully, that way, I wont to take off my XP120, just push it in right,, hope that works :)

also,, U reset cmos by a jumper or something on mobo, or is it in bios,,

To flash the bios to the latest version,, I have to get it from a diff PC,, put it on a floppy/cd rom and install it from there ?

the install Win XP ??
02-09-2005, 07:43 PM
Lidocaine

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigtoe

All you need do is mail me m8...look in my sig and quote this thread.

New OCZ 520 Adjustable is in the rig as I type...........thanx Tony, Sean and John at OCZ................service is second to none! :thumbsup:
02-10-2005, 01:50 AM
jikdoc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidocaine

New OCZ 520 Adjustable is in the rig as I type...........thanx Tony, Sean and John at OCZ................service is second to none! :thumbsup:

i've always been happy with ocz service, but i have noticed that you get 'special' treatment if you post on these forums. i called up for an rma issue the other day and was basically ignored and told that i would be called back. i did not mention that i post on these forums or that i'm involved in writing hardware reviews. mind you, i have a friend with the same EXACT rma issue who mentioned they were from these forums and was overnight cross-shipped a replacement product. this left a bad taste in my mouth, really bad taste.
02-10-2005, 02:00 PM
WheresWaldo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt_Strider

Are you sure it's page 59? I don't have a p.59 in my manual...

Page 59 of the PDF manual not the printed User Guide
02-10-2005, 02:13 PM
bobmanfoo

wow, kinda scared to plug my dfi in tomorrow....
02-10-2005, 02:41 PM
Mr_Slinky

dam you ppl it always takes me at least half a minute to get all the cables out of it i never start unpluging them till all power is off to the beast i hit the ps switch and i drag all 35+lbs out to the front room (my room is a little cramped since school is in session)

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