ASUS Maximus Formula SE

[safan80]

Could someone post a graph of their 3.3v line under full load (5 minute run) in OCCT? It looks like my Antec Quattro 1KW PSU is the weakest link in my hardware. Go figure!

here you go.

[Nuckin_Futs]

I have been trying to tell ppl for days now.
Asus Update 6.0 beta will work on vista 32 bit and xp 32 bit, I posted a link to it maybe 10-15 pages back, I'll look for it.

I know it works cause I used it from 902 back to 802

Yes, I know that and saw it. I was reffering to an ASUS DOS utility that would not be OS dependent. A lot of people are nervous about Windows Live Update, so just thought I'd mention that alternative.

[Nuckin_Futs]

How do these readings compare to what you guys are getting on this mobo and with hat PSU?

Here are my results with config in sig (SilverStone 600w PSU) on BIOS v0903.\






Here is the DDR VDIM as set to 2.14 = 2.24 and drops to 2.22 under load.

Has anybody figured out if any tweaking of DDR2 Ref fixed the drop or fluctuation a lil bi tbetter?

vcore @ 1.467v is solid.

[ElEctric_EyE]

This is where most overclocking begins. Using a lower multi allows you to up FSB and better RAM as well, since you now get to make better use of 1:1 for best stability. If your CPU allows, you can also get same CPU clock but now at higher FSB for more system bandwidth. It can be faster in apps that love bandwidth.

Thanks for that , thought I was close to being done after a month. I was wrong, but I think 0903 will be a good BIOS to work with for awhile... maybe...

[ElEctric_EyE]

Link to Asus Update 6.0 Beta is on page 138 and below now

It came from my A8N-SLI Deluxe mobo disk

Will work for BOTH Vista 32 bit ( run as admin ) and XP 32 bit

http://rapidshare.com/files/73214067/AsusUpdt.rar


It state's in the manual the install cd will restore bios to factory

Thanks for that dude but, I know you are one like me that is still wondering how to go about it with 64-bit OS. I mean, if we have to reinstall a 32-bit OS just to reflash the BIOS then I guess thats what we have to do. Bit tedious though...

[leoftw]

when settings are set to auto ; does that mean that it goes through the manufacture settings or the settings the mobo thinks is appropriate to run that hardware ?

what is the stock voltage a oem q6600 requires to be run @ stock from the manufacture ?

[ElEctric_EyE]

when settings are set to auto ; does that mean that it goes through the manufacture settings or the settings the mobo thinks is appropriate to run that hardware ?

what is the stock voltage a oem q6600 requires to be run @ stock from the manufacture ?

.85V-1.5V... Here's more info~
http://processorfinder.intel.com/det...px?sSpec=SLACR

[Ozan Baseski]

Hello everybody.
I just built a new watercooled system with Asus Maximus Formula. But I have an interesting problem. Ram slots A1-A2 (blue and white banks near cpu socket) are not working it seems. I tried with different sticks of ram and I always get a DET DRAM error on lcd poster and the system fans just keep turning but no video. When I put sticks in B1 and B2 or single sticks in B1 or B2 the system boots up fine. However I can't use dual channel technology.

When I first bought this board all the ram slots were working because we have tried it. I upgraded the bios from 0401 to 0903 but no use. Can it be a memory compatibility or a motherboard bug. Or just two bad ram slots? Does anyone have a similar problem?

[Grnfinger]

I had a similar problem with bios 902

Board would not boot unless I ran it stock, and then even at stock it ran like a pos
Could not run my Corsair 8500 at 1066 had to run lower, once back to 802 everything was a-o-k
Still waiting to try 903, somewhat aprehensive

[ElEctric_EyE]

How do these readings compare to what you guys are getting on this mobo and with hat PSU?

Here are my results with config in sig (SilverStone 600w PSU) on BIOS v0903.\

Here is the DDR VDIM as set to 2.14 = 2.24 and drops to 2.22 under load.

Has anybody figured out if any tweaking of DDR2 Ref fixed the drop or fluctuation a lil bi tbetter?

vcore @ 1.467v is solid.

Vcore is within Intel's spec of .85-1.5V. That rules out the CPU sending out spikes? On the Q6600 datasheet it says overvolting maybe damage cpu or external parts.. Your PSU is above the average amps for 3.3V @ 33A. I would think thats not the prob either...

[Nuckin_Futs]

Hello everybody.
I just built a new watercooled system with Asus Maximus Formula. But I have an interesting problem. Ram slots A1-A2 (blue and white banks near cpu socket) are not working it seems. I tried with different sticks of ram and I always get a DET DRAM error on lcd poster and the system fans just keep turning but no video. When I put sticks in B1 and B2 or single sticks in B1 or B2 the system boots up fine. However I can't use dual channel technology.

When I first bought this board all the ram slots were working because we have tried it. I upgraded the bios from 0401 to 0903 but no use. Can it be a memory compatibility or a motherboard bug. Or just two bad ram slots? Does anyone have a similar problem?

First off, dual channel is gonna be A1+B1 for the blue and A2+B2 for the white (these are the higher rated slots for DDR1200). Can you get it to boot as in either A/B 1's or 2's slots?

I do recall some mobos being tricky with new RAM and just after a BIOS flash. I would try reset CMOS and boot. If it POST, load system defults and go from there. Although I never had this issue with my ASUS. But worth a shot.

Good luck.

[ElEctric_EyE]

I was just doing another stress test after lowering nbV and saw something I've not seen b4. Looks like the CPU temp max's out at 82*C, That's weird and after it stayed there awhile and didn't crash I decided to shut OCCT down for fear of damage. Volts monitor pic was snapped about 5 sec's after the first (forgot to resize the volts scale, sorry)

[ElEctric_EyE]

Just FYI after abit of browsing while letting my loop cool down, looks like Maximus Formula SE retail is done. You can only buy open box from newegg now... damn I'm thinking of adding another MCR320 and 3 more fans. I get into OC trouble when loop temp exceeds ambient by 10+*F.

[HousERaT]

So is it official that the 0903 bios is the best one yet? I'm still on the 0602 bios and wonder if it's worth the upgrade? 0903 users please chime in.

[Nuckin_Futs]

CPU is held again, stable at 1.480v



Below is VDIMM as used in 5:6 as 1152MHz


Is the fluctuation acceptable ofr the 5v rail?

Monitored with Everest v4.20.1201

Oh ya, It was said from the beginning that the "SE" version of this mobo was a Limited Edition production.

EDIT: In this profile, I only had to up NB to 1.536v and PLL to 1.642v. I was able to keep strap manual to 333 and DRAM frequency to 5:6 of 1153, Static Read Control Enabled, Ai Clock Twister to Moderate, and DRAM Booster Disabled- Relaxed to 0.

EDIT: In this config, I can use S4 but it was failing S3 support (it can enter often, but failed to resume) if allowed to cool for more then 5mins. That was w/ NB to 1.52v & PLL to 1.632v. After today of using NB of 1.536v and PLL of 1.642v it tested fine so far. Only days of use will confirm reliability. Full ACPI as in my 500x8 1:1 config were smooth as can be and fast too for entering and resuming of S3, resume from S3 to enter S4 (in auto), and resuming from S4. I figured since the deviders put such a strain on MCH and NB, it needed more volts to be ACPI stable since S3 is totally RAM and MCH dependant.

[Zucker2k]

I was just doing another stress test after lowering nbV and saw something I've not seen b4. Looks like the CPU temp max's out at 82*C, That's weird and after it stayed there awhile and didn't crash I decided to shut OCCT down for fear of damage. Volts monitor pic was snapped about 5 sec's after the first (forgot to resize the volts scale, sorry)

Yesterday, while running a test, I accidentally kinked my loop and didn't notice. PC shuts down. I power her up again and it loads windows, I fire up core temp, and temperature was at 100c and rising!!! I quickly hit the wall switch and saved myself about 300 bucks and the hassle

[Zucker2k]

@ Nuckin_Futs: I will run a test asap and and upload my voltage levels. Looks like my PSU isn't too bad afterall. Though, I did the online wattage calculation run on Antec's website and the total clculation for my components was 1508 watts!!! and I'm only running 1KW!!! Anyway, my old psu I upgraded from actually delivers 285watts on the 3.3v, 5v, so I brought it into the mix to take some of the load off of the poor Antec TPQ IKW. No wonder the poor thing was always making some high pitched sqealing sounds when I stressed my system So I got my 10 S-Flex 120mm fans on the 600w PSU. lol.

[Nuckin_Futs]

Update to my above APCI stability isses under 5:6 devider:

I altered some of the settings and it feels a lot smoother and goes in and out of S3 (sleep) now.
VOLTS: PLL=1.648v, FSBT=1.488v, NB=1.516v, DDR2 Controller Ref Voltage to [DDR2 Voltage Ref], I am now able to fix strap to 333 and DRAM to 1153. I could not do this in the past few BIOS 802/901/902. So the BIOS are starting to improve. I believe this is gonna' be a sweet board for the better part of '08 till we move to DDR3.

Also in yesterdays test, DRAM Static Read, Booster, & Clock Twister were set in AUTO. Today, I moved them back to as before in my 500x8 profile (Static Read Control Enabled, Clock Twister to Moderate, & DRAM Booster Disabled & relaxed to 0.

In all my profiles, I can utilize X-bit Disable, and TM2+C1E, & Virtualization Enabled if I needed.

Who here is or can get full ACPI function w/ their overclock?

[iadstudio]

anybody else had problems with the rear firewire port? Mine doesn't seem to be working, but the firewire plug on the mobo for the front case port works fine. Any ideas?

[devilhood]

I just had some fun last night taking the Fusion Block off with the hair dryer method, it came off pretty easily. What the hell did they use as thermal paste though? it was like melted plastic, very hard too, that must have been causing such heat dispersion inefficiency problems.

So, from experience guys, do you think it would it better for me to re-seat the Fusion Block with AS5, or shall I just use the Thermalright HR-05 IFX on the NB and SB?

I'm think of getting the SLI version of the HR-05 because they have curved heatpipes that stick out of the way of most components, this would be especially useful for the SB because thelawns experienced a tight fit against his 8800 GTS

[jonny_ftm]

I just had some fun last night taking the Fusion Block off with the hair dryer method, it came off pretty easily. What the hell did they use as thermal paste though? it was like melted plastic, very hard too, that must have been causing such heat dispersion inefficiency problems.

So, from experience guys, do you think it would it better for me to re-seat the Fusion Block with AS5, or shall I just use the Thermalright HR-05 IFX on the NB and SB?

I'm think of getting the SLI version of the HR-05 because they have curved heatpipes that stick out of the way of most components, this would be especially useful for the SB because thelawns experienced a tight fit against his 8800 GTS

The HR-05 IFX will be of course, by its design, a far better performer than stock cooling solution. Furthermore, it can fit a silent 80mm x15 or x25 fan, giving even more headroom.

If you think you need more overclock headroom, go for the HR-05. If your board is stable at your desired optimal OC, why bother?

[Nuckin_Futs]

I just had some fun last night taking the Fusion Block off with the hair dryer method, it came off pretty easily. What the hell did they use as thermal paste though? it was like melted plastic, very hard too, that must have been causing such heat dispersion inefficiency problems.

So, from experience guys, do you think it would it better for me to re-seat the Fusion Block with AS5, or shall I just use the Thermalright HR-05 IFX on the NB and SB?

I'm think of getting the SLI version of the HR-05 because they have curved heatpipes that stick out of the way of most components, this would be especially useful for the SB because thelawns experienced a tight fit against his 8800 GTS

Surprisingly, the ASUS thermal cement for mine was pretty good and close to what I got from AS#5 when done. So it wasn't too bad. What helped was sepperating it from the PWM block at back. I change it out anywayz.

But if you have the ThermalRights, for sure , use them. I'm ordering more so I can swap it out too, since I used them on my other 2 builds recently. The only other good cooler for this was or is the Enzotech 45mm round solid copper cooler w/ fAN added or the SWIFTECH MCX159-CU-NF w/ 40x20mm fan. It looks small, but wow, it really kept up with my HR-05 SLI with 60x15mm fan. And for ease of cooling on the SB, Enzotech also makes a short version of the block and it does great for NB overvolting too. on air or ad a tiny fan for more cooling if nothing is in the way. Copper is great on passive air.

As I'm looking through my wrecking yard of parts, I notice that certai Xeon server copper coolers almos fit if we can just mod them and bolt in since X38 uses a bolt through mounting and nice large IHS to seure even a big heave chunk of copper with a fan. For us Ultra 120 users, I am working on a model that clears the pipes and extends back like origional for use f larger fan and more copper rod pins of fins.

[devilhood]

Cheers jonny/Nuckin, my temps were definitely not as low as I liked, especially the NB consistently reaching 50c.
I did temporarily put an 80mm pointing directly at the Fusion Block and that actually reduced temps by 10c, so I would imagine using the Thermalright would probably reduce temps by 15-16c in total.
SB is around 42-43c on average without any extra fans, so yeah, sounds like the Thermalright will be a great idea.

[safan80]

So is it official that the 0903 bios is the best one yet? I'm still on the 0602 bios and wonder if it's worth the upgrade? 0903 users please chime in.

make sure your system is OCCT stable before upgrading and you should be fine.

[thelawns]

Cheers jonny/Nuckin, my temps were definitely not as low as I liked, especially the NB consistently reaching 50c.
I did temporarily put an 80mm pointing directly at the Fusion Block and that actually reduced temps by 10c, so I would imagine using the Thermalright would probably reduce temps by 15-16c in total.
SB is around 42-43c on average without any extra fans, so yeah, sounds like the Thermalright will be a great idea.

The biggest difference the IFX makes is for the load temps, I couldn't believe how cool it kept the NB. I was expecting much better Idle temps though. The IFX SLI may be the better option on the SB, but if you have an IFX already, just see how it fits. Mine is a tight fit and its ever so slightly twisted because of the 8800GTS but as the SB chip is more than covered it works just fine. My 8800GTS might have a slightly bigger plastic fan housing than your GTX, you never know...

I still need to get my 2 80mm fans fitted, just to have on a low setting to help keep thinks cool and quiet!