680i SLI is too expensive? Asus as the solution : P5N32-E SLI PLUS

[squall12]

guy which is bios is stable and less vdroop??currently i using bios 0402 and i have a crucial ballistick pc6400 2gb kit anyone can recommend me a good bios for it??

thanks

[safan80]

0602 check my sig for link.

[r0n1n]

Hey guys,

Have been following this thread with great interest, but in silence since I didn't own a P5N32-E SLI PLUS yet.

But now I do... and I bumped into some troubles, so I wanted to post my findings in order to get some help, and help some of you guys...

The system:
asus p5n32 sli plus bios 0602
intel c2d 6420 week L710 (sucks)
scythe ninja rev b
4 x 1 gig corsair twinx 5-5-5-12 (now 2 installed)
sparkle geforce 8800 gts 320 mb
3 x seagate 250 GB, 2 in raid 0
enermax 480 wats
samsungcd/dvd combo writer and dvd writer
antec p180 b

Now on to the problems, which are kinda wierd.

During post, it hangs regularly. Just freezes, or starts up again .
This goes on untill windows has fully loaded. Once loaded, the system is rock stable!!!???
Also, there is no difference in it's behaviour whether it's oc'd or completely on auto. Had it running both at stock V and speed, or stable @ 1400 qFSB (2800 mhz).

I tried with 2, 3 and 4 gigs of ram. 2 and 3, no prob, with 4 it won't load windows (XP home). I know it will only use some 3.2 gigs, but what the heck...

Anybody had such issues, and where could I start looking?
It has been orthos stable for 8+ hours, both @ stock and @ 2800.

I find this strange, only problems during post...
maybe it's just me ;-)

Thanks anyway for some of your thoughts!!!

[HousERaT]

Mine has posting issues sometimes. I turn on the computer and everything powers up but nothing ever happens. I then have to hit the restart button which takes me into bios. I save bios and then it boots normally. I think this is just a bios issue and considering we're still working on a 3 month old beta bios (0602) I can see why this is still happening.

[Leeghoofd]

Ronin can you post ya settings in the following tempplate plz,... also thought on replacing ya 480 enermax ? maybe try to unhook some devices and let it boot on the bare essentials and see if stability then still persists, not many users can run 4 gigs with Corsairs on these mobo's not even at stock, there is also an issue with the Striker boards

AI Tuning: Manual
Nvidia GPU Ex: Disabled
LinkBoost: Disabled

FSB - Memory Clock Mode: Unlinked
x FSB - Memory Raio: N/A
FSB (QDR), Mhz: (means FSB)
Actual FSB (QDR), Mhz:
MEM (DDR), Mhz: (means mhz speeds)
Actual MEM (DDR), Mhz:

Vcore Voltage:
Memory Voltage:
1.2v HT Voltage:
NB Core Voltage:
SB Core Voltage:
CPU VTT Voltage:
DDRII Controller Ref Voltage:
DDRII Channel A Ref Voltage:
DDRII Channel B Ref Voltage:

tCL (CAS Latency):
tRCD:
tRP:
tRAS:
Command Per Clock (CMD): clock (T)

Advance Memory Settings
tRRD: AUTO
tRC: AUTO
tWR: AUTO
tWTR: AUTO
tREF: AUTO
tRD: AUTO
tRFC: AUTO
Async Latency: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Internal Thermal Control: Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal: Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E): Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
Virtualization Technology: Disabled
Enhanced Intel Speedstep Tech: Disabled
LDT Frequency: 5x

PCIEX16_1 Frequency (Mhz): 100
PCIEX16_2 Frequency (Mhz): 100
PCIEX16_3 Frequency (Mhz): 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, Mhz: 200

[r0n1n]

Will do so when:

1) I get home
2) I get the freaking thing up'n running

I will already have a look at the corsair problem you mentioned, and yes, I've already thought about replacing the powersupply... but nothing more untill now. Will try to unplug some non-essentials to tonight!

Thx already, will come back with more

[NinjaZX6R]

Got mine installed yesterday evening around midnight. A few things...

1) Sucks for me for buying open box because now I have no sound card or I/O shield :banghead:

2) The northbridge runs HOT HOT HOT! Even at stock speed, I think I left some skin on the heatsink.

3) The memory timings section is very, very fun

4) Splash screen is the coolest I've ever seen.

5) Will do much more testing tonight. I settled for 375x9 and 1000mhz 4-4-4 just so I could go to bed.

-Collin-

[r0n1n]

Here the specs in the template... pretty basic since I tuned down everything b/c of post issues.
Also unhooked 2 cdrom drives, still wierd post problem. Had to start 7-8 times to finally load into windows. Since then, all good. I don't understand...

AI Tuning: Manual
Nvidia GPU Ex: Disabled
LinkBoost: Disabled

FSB - Memory Clock Mode: Unlinked
x FSB - Memory Raio: N/A
FSB (QDR), Mhz: (means FSB): 266 stock or 350 stable
Actual FSB (QDR), Mhz: 1066 or 1400
MEM (DDR), Mhz: (means mhz speeds): 400
Actual MEM (DDR), Mhz: 800

Vcore Voltage: Auto (1.34v)
Memory Voltage: Auto (1.9v)
1.2v HT Voltage: Auto
NB Core Voltage: Auto
SB Core Voltage: Auto
CPU VTT Voltage: Auto
DDRII Controller Ref Voltage: Auto
DDRII Channel A Ref Voltage: Auto
DDRII Channel B Ref Voltage: Auto

tCL (CAS Latency): Auto (5)
tRCD: Auto (5)
tRP: Auto (5)
tRAS: Auto (5)
Command Per Clock (CMD): clock (T) Auto (18)

Advance Memory Settings
tRRD: AUTO
tRC: AUTO
tWR: AUTO
tWTR: AUTO
tREF: AUTO
tRD: AUTO
tRFC: AUTO
Async Latency: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Internal Thermal Control: Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal: Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E): Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled
Virtualization Technology: Disabled
Enhanced Intel Speedstep Tech: Disabled
LDT Frequency: 5x

PCIEX16_1 Frequency (Mhz): 100
PCIEX16_2 Frequency (Mhz): 100
PCIEX16_3 Frequency (Mhz): 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, Mhz: 200

Any ideas would be appreciated. Gonna check incomming current (normally 230 v...) but need to get me a voltmeter first

Happy tuning guys...

[Leeghoofd]

AI Tuning: Manual
Nvidia GPU Ex: Disabled
LinkBoost: Disabled

FSB - Memory Clock Mode: Unlinked
x FSB - Memory Raio: N/A
FSB (QDR), Mhz: (means FSB): 266 stock or 333 stable
Actual FSB (QDR), Mhz: 1066 or 1333
MEM (DDR), Mhz: (means mhz speeds): 400
Actual MEM (DDR), Mhz: 800

Vcore Voltage: Auto (1.34v)
Memory Voltage: Auto (1.9v) --> try 2.0 or even 2.1
1.2v HT Voltage: Auto --> 1.3
NB Core Voltage: Auto --> 1.4
SB Core Voltage: Auto --> 1.55
CPU VTT Voltage: Auto --> 1.35
DDRII Controller Ref Voltage: Auto
DDRII Channel A Ref Voltage: Auto
DDRII Channel B Ref Voltage: Auto

tCL (CAS Latency): Auto (5)
tRCD: Auto (5)
tRP: Auto (5)
tRAS: Auto (5) --> 12
Command Per Clock (CMD): 2T clock
Advance Memory Settings
tRRD: AUTO
tRC: AUTO
tWR: AUTO
tWTR: AUTO
tREF: AUTO
tRD: AUTO
tRFC: AUTO
Async Latency: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum: Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Internal Thermal Control: Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal: Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E): Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled --> Disabled
Virtualization Technology: Disabled
Enhanced Intel Speedstep Tech: Disabled
LDT Frequency: 5x

PCIEX16_1 Frequency (Mhz): 100
PCIEX16_2 Frequency (Mhz): 100
PCIEX16_3 Frequency (Mhz): 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, Mhz: 200

[Leeghoofd]

Mine has posting issues sometimes. I turn on the computer and everything powers up but nothing ever happens. I then have to hit the restart button which takes me into bios. I save bios and then it boots normally. I think this is just a bios issue and considering we're still working on a 3 month old beta bios (0602) I can see why this is still happening.

Are you running ya SLI approved ram at 800mhz with those timings at 2.1 volts ? I need 2.25 volt's to go 3-3-3-9 1T at 800mhz or 2.1 volts for 4-4-4-10 1T timings

I disabled the SLI ram setting as having it enabled gave erratic behaviour

[HousERaT]

Are you running ya SLI approved ram at 800mhz with those timings at 2.1 volts ? I need 2.25 volt's to go 3-3-3-9 1T at 800mhz or 2.1 volts for 4-4-4-10 1T timings

I disabled the SLI ram setting as having it enabled gave erratic behaviour

All of my ram settings are done manually. None of them are even close to stock. My OCZ sticks were running at 972Mhz 4-4-4-8 1T with 2.50v and my current Tracers are at the same mhz and timings with 1.95v.

[computerpro3]

I really hate this board now.

I'm on my second one and it's even worse than my first.

Now, my highest stable overclock is 3.2ghz (chip is known good to 4ghz on air orthos stable) and my memory won't run over 660mhz (330 actual). Tried every single combination of voltages and settings possible. Tried corsair and ocz pc1066. I have a Zippy 700W power supply, so that's not the problem. Tried going around memory holes, different dividers, linked, unlinked, etc. Nothing works. This board is the biggest peice of crap I've ever used, period. Going to try throwing more cooling on the board and see what happens, but I really don't have my hopes up.

My P5W-DH has been out for a year now and is 10x more stable and faster than this board. If only it had the features...

[shimmishim]

my board does 450 easily. the only trouble i have is 500+ and that is 1:1.

[computerpro3]

my board won't go over 320mhz. I wonder if I got a lemon, this board is much worse than my old one. At least the old one let me run @ 3.5ghz even though the memory wouldn't go over 700mhz...

[HousERaT]

my board won't go over 320mhz. I wonder if I got a lemon, this board is much worse than my old one. At least the old one let me run @ 3.5ghz even though the memory wouldn't go over 700mhz...

Are you using the 0602 bios? That's the best that's out right now.

[computerpro3]

yup

[Leeghoofd]

and with 2 gig still the same results computerpro3 ? have you tried CPU VTT at 1.45 or even higher ?

[r0n1n]

Computerpro3, what about your temps? NB runs xtremely hot... OC without additional cooling is almost a NONO on this board.

I'm going to find a way to install a small fan on it anyways somewhere this weekend... see if that helps.
Cheers, and good luck.

[easypanic]

My system ( E6600,2 GB , 7950GX2 + stuff) is fully stable @ 3.6GHz @9*400 (1/1).

But even so, it refuses to boot too sometimes. Hard resetting it helps...
It's "normal" with this board .

[r0n1n]

My system ( E6600,2 GB , 7950GX2 + stuff) is fully stable @ 3.6GHz @9*400 (1/1).

But even so, it refuses to boot too sometimes. Hard resetting it helps...
It's "normal" with this board .

Well, ok. I could accept that, but the problem isn't that it refuses to boot sometimes, it boots ok, but resets automatically at variable points: sometimes in the boot screens, or in the SATA loading screen, or even as far as the blue Windows XP Loading screen.
It even did it when I started a memtest86+...??? (mem is fine btw.)

What helps? hard resets don't change a thing, even unplugging the battery and so on don't change a thing.
That's why I'm sarting to think that it's really a 'current' problem. Or my power supply can't feed it, but I suspect it's more dips in the incomming power. Checking this out as soon as possible.

The only thing I don't understand then, is why the bloody system is stable once Windows XP has loaded.
But hey, we wouldn't be on this forum if it's not a little bit 'fun' to fix all these little issues

[squall12]

how is this board running using QX6700 proc???stable and can overclock??

[safan80]

how is this board running using QX6700 proc???stable and can overclock??

I haven't seen any quad core results for this board.

[SLINROB]

Does anyone have a clue as to when Asus is going to give us a new bios?! This is ridiculous and im getting extremely pissed off! We have been on a friggin beta bios for 5 months now!

I went through some great pains to get this board completely stable with 4gbs of ram and a E6600@3.3ghz. The thing that is pissing me off is the fact that I can run 3.6ghz with this board but with only 2gbs of ram installed. If I go to 4gbs I have to lower my overclock on the CPU to 3.3ghz to get it stable.


Trust me, I have tried every single setting/voltage combination that you can think of too!


Im just about to the point of breaking down and trying an EVGA 680I board with the A1 revision that has the passive NB cooling solution. I am hearing good things about those boards and most people act like the bugs are worked out of them.


ASUS I am losing my patience with you very quickly!

[Ace-a-Rue]

the abit forum guys should read your words...they were blasting abit for not coming out with a bios update for months with the AB9 QuadGT board...abit finally came around but it took them about 6 months.

[SLINROB]

the abit forum guys should read your words...they were blasting abit for not coming out with a bios update for months with the AB9 QuadGT board...abit finally came around but it took them about 6 months.

You know what I mean? You spend your hard earned money on a companies product and the least they could do is properly support the product you bought from them.

The thing that is really pissing me off is that it seems like all the people who own this board dont even seem to mind? I mean WTF?! I go over to the asus forums and you see tons of people complaining about ram issues and what not yet you cant find one Topic where someone is Calling ASUS out for the lack of support with a new bios.



I might make the jump to the EVGA 680I revision A1 board. I have seen lots of positive reviews on this board, I was afraid to at first because of some of the nightmares people went through with some of the earlier 680I boards but it seems the issues have been worked out and EVGA is supporting the board really well.


Hell anything has to be better than this at this point.