Testing / comparing : Intel D975XBX2 / Asus P5B DX ***56K WARNING***

[gtj]

Nice suggestion but I checked disk on other computer and disk had all the files on it.

But it seems that the Bad Axe 2 simply isnt recognizing any of the internal floppy drives I hook up.

There is not even an option in the Bios even though the internal drives have lights flashing and work on other computer just fine.

Not showing up in the BIOS is a bug that was fixed in 2507 I think. Don't worry about it. You SURE you don't have the floppy cable reversed (check the MB end)?

[Eluzion]

For those of you running 4 sticks of RAM, how much vMCH are you running and did you have to up your RAM voltage quite a bit? I just went from 2 to 4 sticks of 1gb Corsair XMS2 DDR800 and I had to up it from 1.92v to 2.12v to get it stable in memtest86+. The test froze half way through so it's still not 100% stable...

[Comp-Freak]

If your only running a single drive, you don't need the drivers from the floppy. I hope you knew that. The diskette is ONLY for RAID (2 or more drives).

You do need drivers when you've de controller configured as RAID or AHCI. When using IDE mode, windows doesn't need drivers. So if you're using one disk, but the controller is in RAID mode, you'll still need drivers.

(changing the mode after a windows install will result in a bsod. I keep it on RAID mode for the future)

[horatiub]

i have another question:

I have the Seasonic 430W PSU and I'm not sure if I connected all the cables properly. I also have the EVGA 7600 GT card. So, right now, I connected the 24pin to the motherboard and also the 2x4 one. Do I still need to connect the 1x4 to the motherboard?

[Comp-Freak]

No, only if you're overclocking with a card without an external power connector.
Under normal conditions a card without an external power connector won't draw 75+ watt from the PCIe slot.

[horatiub]

No, only if you're overclocking with a card without an external power connector.
Under normal conditions a card without an external power connector won't draw 75+ watt from the PCIe slot.

ok, got it. Thanks

I posted a question regarding overclocking on the previous page, can you take a look and let me know what I should do?

Thanks

[Comp-Freak]

You should enable enhanced power slope (performance > processor overrides) and disable the watchdog timer (in maintenance mode afaik).
Vcore probably 1,4. But you'll have to find the right voltage for your cpu by yourself.
Memory configuration reference freq @ 266 and memory freq @ 533. Your memory has to be able to work @ 400MHz with those settings. Don't know if mem freq @ 400 works.

Other settings like memory timings are different on each system. You'll have to play with it.

[horatiub]

You should enable enhanced power slope (performance > processor overrides) and disable the watchdog timer (in maintenance mode afaik).
Vcore probably 1,4. But you'll have to find the right voltage for your cpu by yourself.
Memory configuration reference freq @ 266 and memory freq @ 533. Your memory has to be able to work @ 400MHz with those settings. Don't know if mem freq @ 400 works.

Other settings like memory timings are different on each system. You'll have to play with it.

thanks. I have the G.Skill DDR2-800, I think the HK ones, so they should be running ok at 400Mhz

[stmckin]

I saw the post on the 506 PCN, but haven't been able to find the 505... can somebody post the 505 PCN?

[Blacklash]

thanks. I have the G.Skill DDR2-800, I think the HK ones, so they should be running ok at 400Mhz

In addition to Comp-Freak's list add disable C1E, it's in the same area as the Watchdog, after you move the jumper it will go into config mode.

I'd disable EIST in the BIOS and VT, save and exit the BIOS, turn off the comp power, move the jumper to position 2, enter the BIOS again and disable C1E and Watchdog, save and exit, turn off the power, move the jumper to its default position. Enjoy.

If you find getting much above a 423 FSB difficult you can move your ref freq to 333 and your freq to 667, which will put you @ 1:1 on a 1333 Strap. You will take a performance hit and it will make a 450-470FSB possible. <I am mentioning this because someone with an E6400 or E6300 might find it useful.

If high FSB and memory speeds of DDR2 1100-1300 are your goals you'd do better with a 965 board; Asus Commande, Asus P5B Deluxe wifi, or even a second rev of the P5B-E.

[heikis]

the max on 1333 strap:


the max on 1066 strap:

[DaddyRabbit]

You do need drivers when you've de controller configured as RAID or AHCI. When using IDE mode, windows doesn't need drivers. So if you're using one disk, but the controller is in RAID mode, you'll still need drivers.

(changing the mode after a windows install will result in a bsod. I keep it on RAID mode for the future)

RAID is what Intel recommends

I did manage to switch to AHCI mode after I installed in IDE mode without re-installing (and guess it would work for the RAID drivers as well).

IDE mode = no drivers needed but also no NCQ or Hot Plug (no SATAII functionality)

AHCI mode = Full SATAII functionality, Intel Raid Drivers floppy needed (select the AHCI drivers)

RAID Mode = Full SATAII functionality (enables RAID and AHCI), can be used with a single drive, Intel Raid Drivers floppy needed (select the RAID drivers). Intel recommends this configuration even with a single drive for easier future upgrade to RAID.

If the floppy drive light is ALWAYS on then the floppy cable is reversed.

[Comp-Freak]

In addition to Comp-Freak's list add disable C1E, it's in the same area as the Watchdog, after you move the jumper it will go into config mode.

I'd disable EIST in the BIOS and VT, save and exit the BIOS, turn off the comp power, move the jumper to position 2, enter the BIOS again and disable C1E and Watchdog, save and exit, turn off the power, move the jumper to its default position. Enjoy.

You're right. I didn't mention it because I didn't see any disadvantages during oc-ing with C1E enabled. As long as you don't choose for the minimal energy profile in windows (don't know it's real name @ English windows) I suppose it won't be a problem.

[horatiub]

I saw the post on the 506 PCN, but haven't been able to find the 505... can somebody post the 505 PCN?

thank you. So far, I raised the FSB to 333, and then I set the reference freq @ 266 and memory freq @ 533. So, this basically means that I'm running 1:1 right?

it booted up fine without me increasing the voltage or anything. I disabled VT and EIST, but I haven't disable Watchdog yet. Btw, what is watchdog anyway?

btw, my memory specs are:

Speed DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Cas Latency 4
Timing 4-4-3-5
Voltage 2.0V - 2.1V

[slagdemon]

I think i read somewhere that either CPU-Z has a bug or the calculator is incorrect. When I set my bios to 333/667, I dont get a 1:1 ratio. I get a 4:5 ratio which cpuz shows is overclocking my memory.

People on Anandtech told me to use 266/533 instead and that 333/667 is not a true 1:1 ratio on this board.

Thoughts?

[AndyM]

Has anyone been able to find a fan and/or a better heatsink for the NB that will fit with a Tuniq Tower installed? If you have a Tuniq installed correctly with the fan blowing air towards the back of the case there is almost no room at all between it and the stock HS.

I got this because it is what is on the Swiftec NB heatsink, and glowingly referred to as silent in that advertising. Looking at the Sunon spec sheets you would think it would be silent too. But, it does buzz. Not super loud, but loud enough that I run it now at 7 volts off a PS connector instead of the MB. Not sure what CFM it pushes at the lower volts, but now it's silent.

Fits under a Tuniq just fine:

[chaotic646]

Andy - Thanks for the reply. I have a few questions.

1)Do the fan and Tuniq touch?
2)How did you attach it? Zipties to the black plastic clips on the NB?
3)Should the fan be blowing air on to the heatsink or pulling air away?

TIA.

[urbanriot]

Fits under a Tuniq just fine:

Andy, I have a very similar setup to yours - 975XBX2, Tuniq Tower and an Antec P180B. I was also able to fit a small skinny NB fan that has no problem exhausting air from the NB. However, I'm having a heck of a time with temperatures and cable management - with my side on my case, the temperature raises 10 - 15 degrees despite all fans being cranked, and I was wondering if you had any pics anywhere detailing your cable management and setup? I need inspiration

Thanks in advance.

[argylesocks]

so will a tuniq not fit properly with a stock xbx2???

[supa-fly]

Hey there all,
Ive just upgdaed from BX1 to BX2, 3 days ago.
Does anyone here know what C1E option in the BIOS do?
Ive been able to OC higher on this board (Check my SIG)
than I did on BX1. I am having a couple of issues. I use
an ASUS ATI X1800XT 512Meg card. It works 100% on
BX1. But if I put it BX2, no boot no screen nothing. To
get it to work I have to slap in a spare 6600GS in the 2nd
PCI-E slot, then the BX2 boots on the ATI. WTF. Anyone
else having this problem?

[nanoprobe32]

so will a tuniq not fit properly with a stock xbx2???

no it fits
that picture is only showing half of the northbridge

the tuniq tower fan rest's on the other side of the heatsink
thats why you see his fan on right hand side.

[supa-fly]

OH and does anyone here know how to enable 1333 strap on BX2.

[AndyM]

The fan and Tuniq dont touch, but with the 120mm fan hanging down from the Tuniq you have to mount the fan off to the side like I have it so it fits. It's held on with zipties to the black clips, the heatsink wont hold screws securely enough due to them bending under pressure. Generally I think blowing into the heatsink is the best way to run it.

Urbanriot: Here's a pic of my P180. I'm also linking something that dropped my TAT temperature 10C with the voltage/speed I have now under Orthos load. With 78F room temps it runs at 60-62C (TAT) under Orthos. Not that any of this will matter anymore...I just ordered a Thermochill PA160, Laing D5, and D-TEK FuZion to make my own copy of this. I kind of wish I would make up my mind on the final config of this machine, but with the lower volts compared to others that my 6600 runs at, and that short Orthos stable run at 3.7 GHZ at 1.4375 volt it did (but pushing 70C in TAT), I gotta see how fast it'll go with better cooling.

[AndyM]

Crap crap crap. Just got an email saying the PA160 is out of stock from the last place that shown it available, grrr. Damn non-updated websites. I was looking forward to WC'ing this weekend.

[supa-fly]

Dude your sig says "Corsair 2GB 6400C4 (sucks)"
Does it really. Damn I was planning on getting a pair of those.
Oh well guess Ill just have to go for Dominators.