Official DFI LanParty UT X38-T2R(and LT) Discussion/Review/Overclock/Guide Thread

[ZeroCool101]

I just installed the new DFI Bios Date Code 2008/08/07 (X38AD807)and my 4870X2 now works, BUT my IDE dvd drives now don't show up????? Anyone else have this issue? I am running Vista 64 bit OS. Before the bios update I could see my dvd drives fine. Now I don't see them at all. The bios sees them but in Vista its a no go

[jcool]

Ya that seems to be a common issue with the new bios. Read it elsewhere, too.
Solution: Spend 10 bucks on a SATA DVD like you should have done ages ago

No real problem IMO, IDE is dead long since.

[Tarowah]

I posted this in the Bandwidth section as well, but I managed to get my system stable at 500 FSB with 4 sticks of memory, it took me a while but I am getting to know the board pretty well these days.

[RGone]

Released After 820 bios to fix IDE CD/DVD Issue.

述BIOS
版本 All
日期碼 2008/08/21
檔案 X38AD821.exe
大小 841,980 bytes
說明 DiamondFlash Image for BIOS.

Please Click Here if you are not familiar with the procedure of Diamond Flash Image!!
Major Reasons of Change:
1. Fixed system can't display when insert ATI HD 4870 X2 Graphic card. 2. Added ABS profile version control for UT/LT X38/X48 series.

版本 All
日期碼 2008/08/21
檔案 X38AD821.zip
大小 495,077 bytes
說明 If users do not have floppy drive in their computer system, Please update BIOS by using Winflash Ver. 1.92 and In Winflash Ver. 1.92 program, please click on "Update all" in "update options" area and"Clear CMOS" in "CMOS options" area.


Major Reasons of Change:
1. Fixed system can't display when insert ATI HD 4870 X2 Graphic card. 2. Added ABS profile version control for UT/LT X38/X48 series.

I just installed the new DFI Bios Date Code 2008/08/07 (X38AD807)and my 4870X2 now works, BUT my IDE dvd drives now don't show up????? Anyone else have this issue? I am running Vista 64 bit OS. Before the bios update I could see my dvd drives fine. Now I don't see them at all. The bios sees them but in Vista its a no go

[jcool]

Just flashed to 821 bios and installed 4x1GB Cellshock 1000C4 D9GKX sticks.
Played a bit and am running 1100 CL5 now.. which is ok for 2,0V I guess.
They didn't seem to like CAS4 much, but haven't tried higher than 2,25V yet.

Need to test more later.

[Aerou]

are there anywhere the new BIOS options for drive strength and such at least remotely explained? I am still at 603 because of that, since my overclock on 725 and 820 was unstable

[jcool]

Dunno, I just used the DS/DDS modes that were given (6/8) and the DLL levels that anotehr user (forgot who...) discovered to be best for D9GKX (5/5).

Working great, I'm on 4x1GB 1100 CL5 with 1,96V.

[Aerou]

well. I got PSC & D9GMH, didnt test the GMH with GKX settings, but instability with PSC

[zsamz_]

are there anywhere the new BIOS options for drive strength and such at least remotely explained? I am still at 603 because of that, since my overclock on 725 and 820 was unstable

yup you better off with 603
its just incredible how newer bios is just gettin worse
wtf did dfi lose its bios coders
thats exactly why u dumped my x38 n took out my ut p35

[jcool]

I like the new bios... my sporadic usb problems are gone now, and it's stable as ever.
Plus it works with HD4870X2 now

[merlin76]

BIOS 821 and the older ones including a 4870 X2 fix sometimes give me sound issues when watching videos or during gameplay. I don't use onboard sound but a X-Fi. With 821 BIOS once I had a problem when burning a DVD that I could only set 4X as maximum speed. I think this is due to Jmicron fix in 821 BIOS.

Overall BIOS 821 is slower and therefore it might be easier to overclock.

Comparison (watch memory copy performance):

440x8 400/1066 tRD6, BIOS 821:


Settings:

CPU Feature
- Thermal Management Control: Enabled
- PPM(EIST) Mode: Enabled
- Limit CPUID MaxVal: Disabled
- CIE Function: Auto
- Excecute Disable Bit: Enabled
- Virtualization Technology: Enabled
- Core Multi-Processing: Enabled

Exit Setup Shutdown: Mode 2
Shutdown after AC Loss: Disabled
CLOCK VCO divider: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio Unlock: Enabled
CPU Clock Ratio: 8
- Target CPU Clock:
CPU Clock: 440
Boot Up Clock:
DRAM Speed: 400/1066
- Target DRAM Speed:
PCIE Clock: 100mhz
PCIE Slot Config: 1X 1X

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled

Voltage Settings
CPU VID Control: Auto (1.2325)
CPU VID Special Add Limit: Enabled
CPU VID Special Add: Auto
DRAM Voltage Control: 2.15V
SB Core/CPU PLL Voltage: 1.510V
NB Core Voltage: 1.566V
CPU VTT Voltage: 1.210V
Vcore Droop Control: Enabled
Clockgen Voltage Control: 3.45V
GTL+ Buffers Strength: Strong
Host Slew Rate: Weak
MCH RON Offset Value: 00
MCH RTT Offset Value: 00
MCH Slew Rate Offset Value: 00
MCH VREF 1 Value: 00
MCH VREF 2 Value: 00
MCH VREF 3 Value: 80
GTL REF Voltage Control: Enabled
x CPU GTL1/3 REF Volt: 85
x CPU GTL 0/2 REF Volt: 83
x North Bridge GTL REF Volt: 87

DRAM Timing
- Enhance Data transmitting: Fast
- Enhance Addressing: Fast
- T2 Dispatch: Enabled

DRAM CLK Driving Strength: Level 6
DRAM Data Driving Strength: Level 8
Ch1 DLL Default Skew Model: Mode 1
Ch2 DLL Default Skew Model: Mode 1

Fine Delay Step Degree: 5ps

Ch1 Clock Crossing Setting: Auto
- DIMM 1 Clock fine delay: Current
- DIMM 2 Clock fine delay: Current
- Ch 1 Command fine delay: Current
- Ch 1 Control fine delay: Current


Ch2 Clock Crossing Setting: Auto
- DIMM 3 Clock fine delay: Current
- DIMM 4 Clock fine delay: Current
- Ch 2 Command fine delay: Current
- Ch 2 Control fine delay: Current

Ch1Ch2 CommonClock Setting: Auto

Ch1 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 Command to CS Delay: Auto

Ch2 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 Command to CS Delay: Auto

CAS Latency Time (tCL):5
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD):5
RAS# Precharge (tRP):5
Precharge Delay (tRAS):15
All Precharge to Act: 6
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC): 54
Performance LVL (Read Delay) (tRD): 6

Read delay phase adjust: Enter

Ch1 Read delay phase (4~0)
- Channel 1 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

Ch2 Read delay phase (4~0)
- Channel 2 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

MCH ODT Latency: Auto
Write to PRE Delay (tWR): 14
Rank Write to Read (tWTR): 11
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD): 3
Read to Write Delay (tRDWR): 8
Ranks Write to Write (tWRWR): 6
Ranks Read to Read (tRDRD): 6
Ranks Write to Read (tWRRD): 5
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP): 3
ALL PRE to Refresh: 6

440x8 400/1066 tRD6, BIOS 603:


Settings:

CPU Feature
- Thermal Management Control: Enabled
- PPM(EIST) Mode: Enabled
- Limit CPUID MaxVal: Disabled
- CIE Function: Auto
- Virtualization Technology: Enabled
- Core Multi-Processing: Enabled

Exit Setup Shutdown: Mode 2
Shutdown after AC Loss: Disabled
CLOCK VCO divider: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio Unlock: Enabled
CPU Clock Ratio: 8
- Target CPU Clock:
CPU Clock: 440
Boot Up Clock:
DRAM Speed: 400/1066
- Target DRAM Speed:
PCIE Clock: 100mhz
PCIE Slot Config: 1X 1X

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled

Voltage Settings
CPU VID Control: Auto (1.2325V)
CPU VID Special Add Limit: Enabled
CPU VID Special Add: Auto
DRAM Voltage Control: 2.15V
SB Core/CPU PLL Voltage: 1.510V
NB Core Voltage: 1.530V
CPU VTT Voltage: 1.260V
Vcore Droop Control: Enabled
Clockgen Voltage Control: 3.45V
GTL+ Buffers Strength: Strong
Host Slew Rate: Weak
GTL REF Voltage Control: Enabled
x CPU GTL1/3 REF Volt: 77
x CPU GTL 0/2 REF Volt: 75
x North Bridge GTL REF Volt: 105

DRAM Timing
- Enhance Data transmitting: Fast
- Enhance Addressing: Fast
- T2 Dispatch: Enabled

Clock Setting Fine Delay
DLL Mode: Mode 0

Ch1 Clock Crossing Setting: Auto
- DIMM 1 Clock fine delay: Current
- DIMM 2 Clock fine delay: Current
- Ch 1 Command fine delay: Current
- Ch 1 Control fine delay: Current


Ch2 Clock Crossing Setting: Auto
- DIMM 3 Clock fine delay: Current
- DIMM 4 Clock fine delay: Current
- Ch 2 Command fine delay: Current
- Ch 2 Control fine delay: Current

Ch1Ch2 CommonClock Setting: Auto

Ch1 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 Command to CS Delay: Auto

Ch2 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 Command to CS Delay: Auto (where cpuz sees 1T or 2T SETTING)

CAS Latency Time (tCL):5
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD):5
RAS# Precharge (tRP):5
Precharge Delay (tRAS):15
All Precharge to Act: 6
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC): 54
Performance LVL (Read Delay) (tRD): 6

Read delay phase adjust: Enter

Ch1 Read delay phase (4~0)
- Channel 1 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

Ch2 Read delay phase (4~0)
- Channel 2 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

MCH ODT Latency: Auto
Write to PRE Delay (tWR): 14
Rank Write to Read (tWTR): 11
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD): 3
Read to Write Delay (tRDWR): 8
Ranks Write to Write (tWRWR): 6
Ranks Read to Read (tRDRD): 6
Ranks Write to Read (tWRRD): 5
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP): 3
ALL PRE to Refresh: 6

As I'm not going to buy a 4870 X2 I'm back to 603 BIOS which is fast and works fine for me. I'd wish DFI would include the fixes from previous versions when working as they should and don't have negative side effects and DLL modes for better memory compatibility into 603 BIOS.

[Aerou]

yup you better off with 603
its just incredible how newer bios is just gettin worse
wtf did dfi lose its bios coders
thats exactly why u dumped my x38 n took out my ut p35

I am not saying its worse, neither would many 4870X2 or D9GKX users, just that the new options should be explained or at least profiled for some memory ICs or something. The BIOS coders shouldnt put it just there for us to play the experiment game with

[zsamz_]

I am not saying its worse, neither would many 4870X2 or D9GKX users, just that the new options should be explained or at least profiled for some memory ICs or something. The BIOS coders shouldnt put it just there for us to play the experiment game with

i wish they would explain it too lol it woulda saved me a day
but it doesnt matter cause newer bioses suk compared 603

[ic3m4n2005]

Is flashing now possible with Winflash 1.92 under Vista x64 ? If not how is the exact command line with Afudos ?

[zsamz_]

Is flashing now possible with Winflash 1.92 under Vista x64 ? If not how is the exact command line with Afudos ?

no way you cant use winflash with vista64
just make floppy n all you gotta do is press enter its verry easy

[zanzabar]

i use winflash in vista x64, u click the dload link on the top of the dfi site and dload then use the .sys x64 version, its been out for a long time

[zsamz_]

i use winflash in vista x64, u click the dload link on the top of the dfi site and dload then use the .sys x64 version, its been out for a long time

it has frozen on a few people zanzabar n

[zanzabar]

oh well get 2 bios blocks

$8 isnt that much u have a $225+ board and 8MB blocks are comon so u can reuse them when u upgrade, if u get a dfi



also it looks like it freezes sometimes with it but then it finishes its just that the progress bar stops it dosnt, at least what ive seen. i had a flash take 5min anhd one take 15sec so dont be impatient

[ic3m4n2005]

No floppy drive for me, so not so easy at all
Got it to work with HP tool and usb stick after a little research. But thanks to all of you, apreciate the many helping hands here

[OnDborder]

I like the new bios... my sporadic usb problems are gone now, and it's stable as ever.
Plus it works with HD4870X2 now

Ya, got the 4870x2 working on mine too..
Tried to tri-fire it with another 4870. I couldn't get it to work.
Must be something I'm missed. Tried a bazillion catz too.

[Atal]

I like the new bios... my sporadic usb problems are gone now, and it's stable as ever.
Plus it works with HD4870X2 now

When u say USB problems, are u talking bout the "touch usb port when pc is on and it resets" problem?? lol cuz I HATE that !!! mine is also working like a charm with my 4870 X2

[Hamilton]

Well whatever. I just put it on a 790i and it fails there too. Seems that one's really defective. Oh well, RMA...
I can't imagine a QX9770 wouldn't run on the DFI just because FSB400 isn't officially supported... and I don't see how changing the jumpers would alter anything except sparing you the double-boot after a power-off.

I got the 9770 to work just fine now without changing any jumpers.
I left the PC without power overnight, then put back the 9650 and it booted right up.
Set all bios settings to default and shut down.
Put the 9770 back in and it works fine at 409x11 and 1.504V!

One very annoying thing though is that setting the 400/1066 strap will cause a no-post only showing the "BIOS ROM Checksum Error" message.
Currently running the 333/800 strap but I'd really like to get my Dominator 8500s up higher than 982MHz. Any ideas??

[barza]

A plea for help! Having spent hours trying to fix this over the weekend, this is driving me mad. If you have a working HD4870X2 on the DFI LT X38 please give this a read...

My HD4870X2 installs with no problems, and works fine in 2D. Start ANY game or a benchmark (i am running win XP SP 2) and the system crashes or gives perfomance which is unusably poor. Here the list of things I have done to try and sort this out - none of these have worked.
1. X38 bios updated to 08/21 (I have also tried 4 or 5 other versions).
2. System not overclocked in any way, all settings at defaults.
3. Tried all catalyst versions from 8.5 onwards, currently on the 8.8 beta, (i have tried the official)
4. Card has been RMA'd and replaced with a new one.
5. Fresh windows XP install
6. Updated all chipset drivers.
7. Change PCI-express compliancy option in bios to 1.0 (or any other pci-express looking option)
8. Different PSU (thermaltake 750w)
9. Different memory sticks
10. Move card to second PCI express slot
11. Use second physical DVI output on the card
12. Deactivated all other integrated devices on the board
13. Used driver cleaner to remove old drivers
14. Updated/reinstalled directx 9.0

I am really stumped here. Any suggestions most welcome.

[jcool]

When u say USB problems, are u talking bout the "touch usb port when pc is on and it resets" problem?? lol cuz I HATE that !!! mine is also working like a charm with my 4870 X2

Lol? No, never had it rebooting, ever. I usually keep my PC running for weeks wirhout reboot, and after a few days, once or twice a day I get that "dong" sound that windows makes if a removable drive like USB drive or SD card, or ipod or whatever is connected/removed and my keyboard is dead for like 2-3 seconds, then it "dongs" again and it's back. Not that tradic but a nuisance nonetheless.

@Hamilton: Yeah, 400 strap is buggered. Use 333/1066?
Or higher FSB I run mem @ 1100 using 333/800.

[merlin76]

When u say USB problems, are u talking bout the "touch usb port when pc is on and it resets" problem?? lol cuz I HATE that !!! mine is also working like a charm with my 4870 X2

That's not a software problem, sounds like a short circuit.

[...] Yeah, 400 strap is buggered. Use 333/1066? [...]

Works fine here.

445x8 400/1066 tRD7


Settings:

CPU Feature
- Thermal Management Control: Enabled
- PPM(EIST) Mode: Enabled
- Limit CPUID MaxVal: Disabled
- CIE Function: Auto
- Excecute Disable Bit: Enabled
- Virtualization Technology: Enabled
- Core Multi-Processing: Enabled

Exit Setup Shutdown: Mode 2
Shutdown after AC Loss: Disabled
CLOCK VCO divider: Auto
CPU Clock Ratio Unlock: Enabled
CPU Clock Ratio: 8
- Target CPU Clock:
CPU Clock: 445
Boot Up Clock:
DRAM Speed: 400/1066
- Target DRAM Speed:
PCIE Clock: 100mhz
PCIE Slot Config: 1X 1X

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled

Voltage Settings
CPU VID Control: Auto (1.2325)
CPU VID Special Add Limit: Enabled
CPU VID Special Add: Auto
DRAM Voltage Control: 2.15V
SB Core/CPU PLL Voltage: 1.510V
NB Core Voltage: 1.566V
CPU VTT Voltage: 1.260V
Vcore Droop Control: Enabled
Clockgen Voltage Control: 3.45V
GTL+ Buffers Strength: Strong
Host Slew Rate: Weak
MCH RON Offset Value: 00
MCH RTT Offset Value: 00
MCH Slew Rate Offset Value: 00
MCH VREF 1 Value: 00
MCH VREF 2 Value: 00
MCH VREF 3 Value: 80
GTL REF Voltage Control: Enabled
x CPU GTL1/3 REF Volt: 90
x CPU GTL 0/2 REF Volt: 87
x North Bridge GTL REF Volt: 90

DRAM Timing
- Enhance Data transmitting: Fast
- Enhance Addressing: Fast
- T2 Dispatch: Enabled

DRAM CLK Driving Strength: Level 6
DRAM Data Driving Strength: Level 8
Ch1 DLL Default Skew Model: Mode 1
Ch2 DLL Default Skew Model: Mode 1

Fine Delay Step Degree: 5ps

Ch1 Clock Crossing Setting: Auto
- DIMM 1 Clock fine delay: Current
- DIMM 2 Clock fine delay: Current
- Ch 1 Command fine delay: Current
- Ch 1 Control fine delay: Current


Ch2 Clock Crossing Setting: Auto
- DIMM 3 Clock fine delay: Current
- DIMM 4 Clock fine delay: Current
- Ch 2 Command fine delay: Current
- Ch 2 Control fine delay: Current

Ch1Ch2 CommonClock Setting: Auto

Ch1 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch1 Command to CS Delay: Auto

Ch2 RDCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 WRCAS GNT-Chip Delay: Auto
Ch2 Command to CS Delay: Auto

CAS Latency Time (tCL):5
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD):5
RAS# Precharge (tRP):5
Precharge Delay (tRAS):15
All Precharge to Act: 6
REF to ACT Delay (tRFC): 54
Performance LVL (Read Delay) (tRD): 7

Read delay phase adjust: Enter

Ch1 Read delay phase (4~0)
- Channel 1 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 1 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

Ch2 Read delay phase (4~0)
- Channel 2 Phase 0 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 1 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 2 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 3 Pull-In: Auto
- Channel 2 Phase 4 Pull-In: Auto

MCH ODT Latency: Auto
Write to PRE Delay (tWR): 14
Rank Write to Read (tWTR): 11
ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD): 3
Read to Write Delay (tRDWR): 8
Ranks Write to Write (tWRWR): 6
Ranks Read to Read (tRDRD): 6
Ranks Write to Read (tWRRD): 5
Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP): 3
ALL PRE to Refresh: 6

There's new beta BIOS:

Major Reasons of Change:
1. Fixed system can't display when built ATI HD 4870 X2 Cross Fire Edition..
2. Update Intel new 45nm CPU micro code.

Download: http://dfi.com.tw/Upload/BIOS/X38AD829.zip

Performance is still lower compared to 603 but apart from that it seems to work well.