The Maximus Formula Thread - Help/OCing/Guide/Rampage conversion

[beard]

Did you read this? http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?...Language=en-us

KeeperJones recently bought his new maximus formula. Afaiu (sorry stupid word), for some reason the board came with beta bios (1006). He was kind enough to upload the dumped bios (asus update can dump bios too) for everyone to dl.

Revision does not matter, the electrical components are the same. I just told i have 1.02g (water) so that people won't think it's for 1.03g (air) only.

I've downloaded all bioses except MF1006 from the main post. Btw, kup, an update ? (to the LATEST BIOS REVISION - MF1004) And thanks for a great thread / first post.

What about S3?

[aussie-revhead]

Before you do anything else, upgrade bios to MF1004. If you're not scared to use Asus update in windows, then go all the way up to MF1006. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try rampaging your board to RF0308. All these bioses will give you better stability and Ocs. PM sent. Goodluck.

Where do I find 1006 ? Im not game enough to go Rampaging . I ordered some of that ram too mate , thanks for the tip.

[beard]

Oh man, is my english that bad?

http://seanet.com/~keeper/MAXIMUS_FORMULA_1006.ROM

Rename it to MF1006.rom , not necessary though. Flash with asus update (you can dl it from maximus formula dl section) in windows (with stock settings of course).

[aussie-revhead]

OK , benching now with 1006 but it hasnt helped my clocks , Im still stuck at 400mhz max.

Hopefully ram will fix this tomorrow .

[cyrixMII300]

an update for you guys. my sys now has completed 24hr Small FFT run without errors at 3.81GHz on air. temps are not too thrilling but acceptable. everything looks hunky dory now after much work.

i am running on RF0308 and i feel maybe the bios helped me a little with stability and tweaking. will post complete settings as soon as i am done with the RAM tweaking over the long weekend.

[beard]

OK , benching now with 1006 but it hasnt helped my clocks , Im still stuck at 400mhz max.

Same here. Can't get 450 stable.

EDIT: Rampage bios (0308) is still the best one. With identical settings, (manual voltage, also cpugtlref is same) at 447x8, MF1006 couldn't even load windows but RF0308 is nearly occt stable (30min but it tells something).

[ChaosMinionX]

So seems that fix for 45nm clocking on x38/48 is FUD?

[M13]

Well I just took my MF907 to MR219, tried MR308 but got det ram issue. Went back to 219 and everything is looking GREAT so far. With 907 I could not get the Q6600 up to 3G stable, thought it was ram, mb, something, after I made the jump to Rampage 219, all I can say is WOW! I'm not pushing the limits at ALL while running @ 3.6G 450x8, ram is finally running like it should @ 1125, almost everything else is on auto. Static ram is on, set mem speed, fsb, mult, that's about it. All voltages are auto. This thing has been running for almost 6 hrs now and not faltering one bit. This is what I built this system for, finally after months of trying just about everything. Oh and there is 4x 1G sticks of ram! Yeah I know, could go further with only 2. But I never wanted a benchmark machine, I wanted stable 24/7. If this proves to be stable for another day or so I think it will be time to reload Vista w/sp1 clean. I just got the new dvd's with sp1 already there.

Kudo's to this extremely long thread and everyone that has had something useful to say!!!

[panfist]

So seems that fix for 45nm clocking on x38/48 is FUD?

I'm trying to figure out what you mean...but my head just sploded.

[ChaosMinionX]

I'm trying to figure out what you mean...but my head just sploded.

Overclocking limitations of X38/48 chipsets with 45nm Penryn chips (X3350, Q9450) especially of the Asus variety have a really hard time breaking 440FSB.

It was said that Asus was working on this issue according to a Dutch forum, and someone who had contacted Asus BIOS Engineers to figure out the problem.

Nothing has been seen of this since about 2 weeks ago.

[Nuckin_Futs]

Is anybody using NeroVison 5 of the Nero * Ultra Suite v8.3.2.1? I ask here only cause I was curious of the tweaking of RAM sub timings as I keep asking for advice on, if it can improve for real time video rendoring. Here's the daily tested stable profile for a Core 2 E6750;

Ai Overclock: [Manual]
OC From CPU Level Up: [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control: [Manial]
  Ratio CMOS Setting: [8]
FSB Frequency: [480]
FSB Strap to North Bridge: [Auto]
PCI-E Frequency: [110]

DRAM Frequency: [DDR2-1153]
DRAM Command Rate: [2T]
DRAM Timing Control: [Manual]
  Primary Info : 5-5-5-15-3-50-6-4
  CAS# Latancy: [5]
  RAS# to CAS# Delay: [5]
  RAS# Precharge: [5]
  RAS# Active Time: [15]
  RAS# to RAS# Delay: [Auto] = 3
  Row Refresh Cycle Time: [50] = 50
  Write Recovery time: [Auto] = 6
  Read to Precharge Time: [4] = 4

  Secondary Info : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
  Read to Write Delay(S/D): [Auto] = 8
  Write to Read Delay(S): [Auto] = 3
  Write to Read Delay(D): [Auto] = 5
  REad to Read Delay(S): [Auto] = 4
  Read to Read Delay(D): [Auto] = 6
  Write to write Delay(S): [Auto] = 4
  Write to Write delay(D): [Auto] = 6
DRAM Static Read Control: [Enabled]
Ai Clock Twister: [Moderate]
Transaction Booster: [Disable]
 Relax Level [0]

CPU Voltage ----------------- [1.49125v] = 1.480v
CPU PLL Voltage ------------- [1.52v] ==== 1.632v
North Bridge Voltage -------- [1.49v] ==== 1.52v
DRAM Voltage ---------------- [2.12v] === 2.22v
FSB Termination Voltage ----- [1.40v] ==== 1.472v
South Bridge Voltage -------- [1.075v] === 1.104v
Loadline Calibration -------- [Enabled]
CPU GTL Refference ---------- [0.63%] --
North Bridge GTL Reference -- [0.67%] --
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage -- [Auto] ---
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage -- [Auto] --- 
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage - [Auto] ===== 1.152v
SB 1.5v Voltage ------------- [1.55v] ==== 1.600v

voltages in [] are as set, followed by actual reported, used.
Can anybody with knowledge of RAM and its sub timings look over and see where I can alter to make more stable for the sole purpose of video rendoring in NeroVision 5? On some projects it just cuts out (app only, not system). It happens during a long period of real time shifting through file in either slow mo or scrolling through w/ minute selector. It starts by responding sluggishly, then crashes. The profile is tested in several runs of Prime 95 v25.5 in all 3 modes with good results. Maybe it is just NeroVision, but just wondering if I can do anything for it just for editing. I doesnt happen a lot, but it does and thats the point.

EDIT: CPU/RAM in sig

[ChaosMinionX]

Is anybody using NeroVison 5 of the Nero * Ultra Suite v8.3.2.1? I ask here only cause I was curious of the tweaking of RAM sub timings as I keep asking for advice on, if it can improve for real time video rendoring. Here's the daily tested stable profile for a Core 2 E6750;

Ai Overclock: [Manual]
OC From CPU Level Up: [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control: [Manial]
  Ratio CMOS Setting: [8]
FSB Frequency: [480]
FSB Strap to North Bridge: [Auto]
PCI-E Frequency: [110]

DRAM Frequency: [DDR2-1153]
DRAM Command Rate: [2T]
DRAM Timing Control: [Manual]
  Primary Info : 5-5-5-15-3-50-6-4
  CAS# Latancy: [5]
  RAS# to CAS# Delay: [5]
  RAS# Precharge: [5]
  RAS# Active Time: [15]
  RAS# to RAS# Delay: [Auto] = 3
  Row Refresh Cycle Time: [50] = 50
  Write Recovery time: [Auto] = 6
  Read to Precharge Time: [4] = 4

  Secondary Info : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
  Read to Write Delay(S/D): [Auto] = 8
  Write to Read Delay(S): [Auto] = 3
  Write to Read Delay(D): [Auto] = 5
  REad to Read Delay(S): [Auto] = 4
  Read to Read Delay(D): [Auto] = 6
  Write to write Delay(S): [Auto] = 4
  Write to Write delay(D): [Auto] = 6
DRAM Static Read Control: [Enabled]
Ai Clock Twister: [Moderate]
Transaction Booster: [Disable]
 Relax Level [0]

CPU Voltage ----------------- [1.49125v] = 1.480v
CPU PLL Voltage ------------- [1.52v] ==== 1.632v
North Bridge Voltage -------- [1.49v] ==== 1.52v
DRAM Voltage ---------------- [2.12v] === 2.22v
FSB Termination Voltage ----- [1.40v] ==== 1.472v
South Bridge Voltage -------- [1.075v] === 1.104v
Loadline Calibration -------- [Enabled]
CPU GTL Refference ---------- [0.63%] --
North Bridge GTL Reference -- [0.67%] --
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage -- [Auto] ---
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage -- [Auto] --- 
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage - [Auto] ===== 1.152v
SB 1.5v Voltage ------------- [1.55v] ==== 1.600v

voltages in [] are as set, followed by actual reported, used.
Can anybody with knowledge of RAM and its sub timings look over and see where I can alter to make more stable for the sole purpose of video rendoring in NeroVision 5? On some projects it just cuts out (app only, not system). It happens during a long period of real time shifting through file in either slow mo or scrolling through w/ minute selector. It starts by responding sluggishly, then crashes. The profile is tested in several runs of Prime 95 v25.5 in all 3 modes with good results. Maybe it is just NeroVision, but just wondering if I can do anything for it just for editing. I doesnt happen a lot, but it does and thats the point.

I would increase your NB voltage to 1.55v and see if your RAM still does that. Your subtimings look fine. Is your RAM a 2x2GB kit?

[panfist]

Overclocking limitations of X38/48 chipsets with 45nm Penryn chips (X3350, Q9450) especially of the Asus variety have a really hard time breaking 440FSB.

My FSB has no problem breaking 440MHz, but my E8400 isn't a very good one because past 3.4 or 3.5GHz, it needs 1.36V or more to stay stable...which is more than I want to feed it 24/7. If they do release a BIOS that let's me drop my vcore that would be awesome, but I'm pretty happy with 3.4GHz @ 1.3Vcore.

Anyway I just got my GSkill 2x2GB PC8000 kit and I'm beginning to mess around. It would not boot at 800MHz 4-4-4-12 2.1V, but it will at 2.14V. That's in the motherboard, I'm going to measure with a multimeter tomorrow because I don't want to feed too much past the rated 2.1V. The bad performance at 800MHz leads me to believe that maybe it won't boot at the rated 5-5-5-15 1000MHz, if so then I will RMA the pair.

I just did some brief benchmarks in Everest...at 780MHz 4-4-4-12 my latency is 66ns. At 800MHz 4-4-4-12 my latency is 72ns. I haven't messed with the subtimings yet, but if I'm stable overnight at 4-4-4-12 800MHz (and they actually boot at the rated speed tomorrow) I will begin messing with the subtimings.

I hope that I can find some settings around 420MHz FSB (x8 multi) with latency at or under 66ns. Those would be my ideal 24/7 settings.

EDIT: I still would like to know two things...1.) is the vdroop mod reversible if I don't like it....2.) where the heck do you measure vcore with a multimeter??? CPU-Z is reading that my voltage fluctuates by up to 16mV under load. It could be more, I think the smallest change it registers is 8mV. This seems like a lot to me...

[pet168]

any improvements from BIOS 1004 to 1006?

[aussie-revhead]

I bought some Team Xtreme rams today to try and now I get huge video corruption and POST hangs on VGA BIOS , whats with that ? Have any of you guys had this before ?

[Tony]

1150MHZ with 4GB of DDR2 (2x2GB) is NOT easy to do, especially on X38 and X48 boards, it is NOT impossible though
First off the starting blocks is the Asus rampage formula.



Click the pic for details on the board from Asus.




Click on the pic for Flex II 1150 DDR2 info

For this guide I used the 0308 beta bios which you can grab here

We decided to test with a QX9650, this was to simulate load that Q6600 users would be seeing who over clock the processor to 3.6GHZ or so, please remember though we don't guarantee CPU over clocks, only the memory. Also note quad core CPU's place a massive load on the chipset and the FSB as a whole, not every CPU will do FSB speeds like mine here, so be prepared to fine tune your system taking into account the limits your CPU places on it.

Also worth noting here is tRD (performance Level) Using my calculator the theory was I should to be able to run tRD at 6...reality was 7 was as low as I could go.
This is massively important so please take note of my bios shots and make sure you get familiar with tRD as you have to set this manually. Also way up on the important list was the Dram Clock Skew..again you have to set this manually and it may differ from board to board, what i post here is a guide, not set in stone.

To prove the flex was indeed in the Formula here is the marketing shot eagle eyed amongst you will see I actually was using a P5E deluxe, its built off the rampage PCB so i just flashed the rampage bios to it :look:...it functions the same as the Rampage so take this as a Rampage guide.




Here are the things you need to look out for.

tRD (performance level) had to be 7

Dram Clock Skew had to be advanced 300ps

NB voltage has to be around 1.45 to 1.55V...this depends on how good the NB is on your board.




As the ram is rated at 1150, you are going to have to play with CPU Multipliers and FSB speeds with the various ram ratio's to get a stable system with a good over clock, the magic 400fsb on a Q6600 is not going to happen if you want the ram at bang on 1150MHZ...you will have to be over 3.6GHZ or under...keep this in mind.


Bios shots, highlighted sections in red, these were important









http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/fo...839#post266839 for the whole thread

[clip]

Thanks Tony

[Dostoyevsky77]

Nice one. But what is the effect of advancing both channels' clock skew by the same amount? I thought that had a net effect of zero. Someone school me!

[Tony]

Well in simple terms I advanced channel A first, this reduced the errors from 1000 per pass to 20 or so, then I added Channel B to the mix and eliminate the errors...and the best part is you HAVE TO DO it....if you don't you are limiting the ram clocks and I bet most of you have felt the ram was just under performing.

At least i have show you can push the board high but you have to tune a lot more than most have been doing.

[Sem]

i currently have a Maximus Formula with the 907 bios and i have a Q9450 Retail arriving tomorrow

should i convert my board to a rampage formula
what are the advantages

im hoping for 450x8

[beard]

I own this set ... including use your settings...

You quoted the whole "guide" just to point that out?

[Dostoyevsky77]

Well in simple terms I advanced channel A first, this reduced the errors from 1000 per pass to 20 or so, then I added Channel B to the mix and eliminate the errors...and the best part is you HAVE TO DO it....if you don't you are limiting the ram clocks and I bet most of you have felt the ram was just under performing.

At least i have show you can push the board high but you have to tune a lot more than most have been doing.

That's really great. I can't wait to try this out on my 4x1. I haven't had any problems at 1128, but it would be nice to squeeze a little more bandwidth out. Thanks again for the heads up!

@ Beard!

[eSp!s0]

Very good information, Tony!

I will flash to Rampage next days and I think that will help me a lot with my 2x2GB 8500, too. Thank you!

[ChaosMinionX]

My FSB has no problem breaking 440MHz, but my E8400 isn't a very good one because past 3.4 or 3.5GHz, it needs 1.36V or more to stay stable...which is more than I want to feed it 24/7. If they do release a BIOS that let's me drop my vcore that would be awesome, but I'm pretty happy with 3.4GHz @ 1.3Vcore.

Anyway I just got my GSkill 2x2GB PC8000 kit and I'm beginning to mess around. It would not boot at 800MHz 4-4-4-12 2.1V, but it will at 2.14V. That's in the motherboard, I'm going to measure with a multimeter tomorrow because I don't want to feed too much past the rated 2.1V. The bad performance at 800MHz leads me to believe that maybe it won't boot at the rated 5-5-5-15 1000MHz, if so then I will RMA the pair.

I just did some brief benchmarks in Everest...at 780MHz 4-4-4-12 my latency is 66ns. At 800MHz 4-4-4-12 my latency is 72ns. I haven't messed with the subtimings yet, but if I'm stable overnight at 4-4-4-12 800MHz (and they actually boot at the rated speed tomorrow) I will begin messing with the subtimings.

I hope that I can find some settings around 420MHz FSB (x8 multi) with latency at or under 66ns. Those would be my ideal 24/7 settings.

EDIT: I still would like to know two things...1.) is the vdroop mod reversible if I don't like it....2.) where the heck do you measure vcore with a multimeter??? CPU-Z is reading that my voltage fluctuates by up to 16mV under load. It could be more, I think the smallest change it registers is 8mV. This seems like a lot to me...

I probably should have been more specific..... they dont do well at all when clocking a quadcore 45nm.... thats where the 440FSB comes in, and I highly doubt its the chip as almost everyone has run into the same problem.

@Tony - Awesome info man , think you could explain a little what exactly the channel clock skew option does?

[Tony]

I own this set and a Ramage/MF and it total crap ram, I have done everything possible and it won't break DDR2 1000 including use your settings. It is a total pain to use on a X48 don't buy it.

you know its binned at 1200MHZ, total crap it is not...end user frustrated it is.

You may have to set the board up differently to mine, i had issues over 1040 till i spent time with skew and tRD...maybe you just have to do the same.

I can not spoon feed exact settings as every board is different, you may just need to keep tweaking