[18th Anniversary] Asus Black Pearl - P5k-Premium Testing Report

[sesdave]

So the plot thickens...

I have tried every voltage adjustment I can think of trying upto and including 1.4Vcore and Dram upto 2.3v and still cannot get through a 32m run od Pi. I have removed one set of GMh and ran my Ballistix that are good past 1200Mhz @ less than 900Mhz. Still no luck....

Last things I can think of is my OS is corrupted somehow, or my Raptor is the culprit. Does anyone think it could be my Raptor 150? I know these boards arent supposed to like them, but I am running out of ideas

Have you tried going reverting to BIOS 0404 yet. 0504 seems to have some RAM issues from what I have read - see comments from TinTin page 23. .

[sesdave]

Many thanks for your advice. In fact, it was a pain in the a55 to remove the stock cooler, and a much bigger pain to put the HR-05 IFX. The holes for the push pins are not secured like on my P5B deluxe, there are small electronic circuits less than 1mm from the holes
Also, the NB is too close to the RAM banks and PCI-E port, so the HR-05 wont fit unless in a diagonal way. Hopefully I'm on water with a low profile WB, otherwise, no way to cool the NB with the IFX and put a heatsink on the CPU

The DDR2 banks are also too close to the PCI-E slot: no way to mount a RAM cooler without some modding

Finally, the SATA ports are really misplaced: in the way of the PCI-E slot. My 8800 GTS 512 is too long and will cover the SATA ports 1&2. You need an angular SATA cable on these two ports to fit. So, the angle will cover SATA 3&4 ports rendered useless

The CD-analog input is in the path of my 8800 GTS 512 (double slot): it has to be removed or the mb could broke

And, to continue, teh PCI-E slot has a low design, that is, it is a bit more near to the MB edge than on my P5B deluxe. Reseating my pump on the case bottom was a tough thing

The layout is the worst I ever saw in a motherboard

Put you some shots later

All true but it overclocks great -lol! For future note - if you want to remove stock cooler or any other stock heatsinks from motherboards the small end of a click type pen barrel will fit over and compress the pin connectors just right to pull them out without any damage. No long nose pliers- no damage- nice and easy- lol!

[ladderman]

Just wondered if someone could give be a little advice please?

I’ve just started overclocking my new P5K prem and would just like to make sure I’ve set the right BIOS settings.

I’ve followed the advice given in this thread, but the area I’m unsure about is the FSB Strap to North Bridge and the DRAM Frequency.

I’ve got the FSB Strap to North Bridge set to Auto. Is this OK?

I’ve got the DRAM Frequency set to DDR2-720MHz. Is this OK?

I’ve just tested a 9 x 344 FSB 3.0 GHz stable OK with my E6600 and OCZ Flex 6400. But I would like to get a stable 9 x 400 FSB 3.6GHz

Does the DRAM set at 720MHz = 1-1 ?

Why is there not a 800MHz setting in the DRAM Frequency ?

My BIOS is 0204

Would a BIOS update give me better overclocking options, if so which one would you recommend?

[sesdave]

Just wondered if someone could give be a little advice please?

I’ve just started overclocking my new P5K prem and would just like to make sure I’ve set the right BIOS settings.

I’ve followed the advice given in this thread, but the area I’m unsure about is the FSB Strap to North Bridge and the DRAM Frequency.

I’ve got the FSB Strap to North Bridge set to Auto. Is this OK?

I’ve got the DRAM Frequency set to DDR2-720MHz. Is this OK?

I’ve just tested a 9 x 344 FSB 3.0 GHz stable OK with my E6600 and OCZ Flex 6400. But I would like to get a stable 9 x 400 FSB 3.6GHz

Does the DRAM set at 720MHz = 1-1 ?

Why is there not a 800MHz setting in the DRAM Frequency ?

My BIOS is 0204

Would a BIOS update give me better overclocking options, if so which one would you recommend?

I use 0404 and its very stable - if you want to update use ezflash and usb stick. Do not use asus update.

Heres an overclocking guide if you havent done much o/c before http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/overc...beginners.html read that then the P5K add on http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/overc...s-p5k-add.html

Whatever your memory is happy running at - 720 is underclocked for 6400memory. DRAM will be showing you all available options with strap set at auto. it will show all dram options based on available ratios of your current FSB setting. e.g 1:1,2:3,4:5,5:6 etc. You want DDR800 then set FSB to 266(2:3) ,333(5:6) or 400(1:1) -last is best for optimum performance of 3.6CPU(400x9) with memory running rated speed DDR800(2xFSB) but remember your E6600 might not be capable of achieveing 3.6 stable. Its an old chip and 3.6 used to be the top end for a lot on air with anything from 1.45 -1.55v

[ladderman]

Many thanks for your swift response.

I’ll try setting the Strap 400 (1:1) then do some stability tests with Super Pi and Orthos at 9 x 334 FSB. If it handles the tests ok I’ll move the FSB up in 10s to see if I can get near 3.6.

My rig is fully Liquidcooled so I should have good room with the temps for the CPU.

What would you say was a safe max temp and Vcore for the CPU?

I’ll have a good read through those links.

[sesdave]

Many thanks for your swift response.

I’ll try setting the Strap 400 (1:1) then do some stability tests with Super Pi and Orthos at 9 x 334 FSB. If it handles the tests ok I’ll move the FSB up in 10s to see if I can get near 3.6.

What would you say was a safe max temp and Vcore for the CPU?

FSB strap and FSB frequency determine available DRAM frequency. Leave the strap on auto and raise FSB it will show you all available DRAM frequencies in the BIOS. I used to run my E6600 on a P5W with 1.5v @ 3.6 - temps were idle 48c load(prime) 62c with an Artic cooler 7 pro. On air no more than 1.55v -on water your choice if the tempos are okay.
Temp guide http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide

[roger_h99.nor]

Got som rater odd Speedfan readings (temps & voltage). Anyone having this as well? Coretemp seems reasonable (idle in cold room), same as reporter by both Everest and CoreTemp.

[sesdave]

That looks like an old version of speedfan - Try pc wizard 2008 for accurate temps http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php Minimise for screen display or download latest beta speedfan if thats your preferance.http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/...SpeedFan.shtml

[ladderman]

FSB strap and FSB frequency determine available DRAM frequency. Leave the strap on auto and raise FSB it will show you all available DRAM frequencies in the BIOS. I used to run my E6600 on a P5W with 1.5v @ 3.6 - temps were idle 48c load(prime) 62c with an Artic cooler 7 pro. On air no more than 1.55v -on water your choice if the tempos are okay.
Temp guide http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...perature-guide

I can’t thank you enough for your help.

That’s a great guide for guys like me who are still trying to understand the basics of DRAM timing ratios and other aspects of overclocking.

I had just read through the section explaining DRAM ratios and now I understand how to keep my timing (1:1).

I’ve set my Strap to Auto and my DRAM is raising (1:1) with the FSB.

My temps look pretty good so far, I’m using Core Temp 0.95

I’ve tested 9 x 360 with a Vcore 1.35, idle temp 22c. (Ambient temp 22.7c)

Under load with Orthos for 1 hour 40c.

I’ll run Orthos overnight, if everything ok I’ll keep upping the FSB.

Should I stay with BIOS 0204 until I hit a wall, or update now?

[sesdave]

I can’t thank you enough for your help.

That’s a great guide for guys like me who are still trying to understand the basics of DRAM timing ratios and other aspects of overclocking.

I had just read through the section explaining DRAM ratios and now I understand how to keep my timing (1:1).

I’ve set my Strap to Auto and my DRAM is raising (1:1) with the FSB.

My temps look pretty good so far, I’m using Core Temp 0.95

I’ve tested 9 x 360 with a Vcore 1.35, idle temp 22c. (Ambient temp 22.7c)

Under load with Orthos for 1 hour 40c.

I’ll run Orthos overnight, if everything ok I’ll keep upping the FSB.

Should I stay with BIOS 0204 until I hit a wall, or update now?

No probs - that what the forums are for. Say thanks to Clunk who produced the guides If I start giving you duff advice some who knows better will step in- lol!. I woudln't bother updating BIOS if you find it all goes okay. The later ones are mainly for later model CPU and resolving an ICH9R SATA II AHCI/RAID compatability that some boards were having. You are probably better just to make sure you have all the latest drivers and chipset update. If you do decide to update I would go with 0404 .If you are thinking of using Intel matrix RAID check this out - http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=467848 its worth a go just for the fun of seeing the R/W speeds plus you get some resilience. .Try PC wizard 2008 - i just posted the link. I am a great fan of it for monitoring temps. Its really neat when you minimise it and it gives as much info as everest when expanded.

[turtletrax]

I am at wits end.

This thing isnt even stable at stock speeds. I have tried 3 sets of RAM and they all pass memtestX86 V2.0, but I cannot pass any stablity such as SuperPi/orthos/Prime/OCCT.

Gonna try a reload of Windows on a Seagate drive, then if no luck I will pitch it in a snowbank because I know what Asus RMA's are like.

Edit: I cannot seem to revert to 404 becasue I am on VistaX64. TinTin's method wont work for me

Edit#2: Reloaded Vista on a Seagate drive at stock and ran SuperPI on a bare install and it passed... More info on the way.

Nope sorry, it is a pile of crap.... cant get stable at 4.0Ghz that a baby could get stable on a DFI....

[sesdave]

I am at wits end.

This thing isnt even stable at stock speeds. I have tried 3 sets of RAM and they all pass memtestX86 V2.0, but I cannot pass any stablity such as SuperPi/orthos/Prime/OCCT.

Gonna try a reload of Windows on a Seagate drive, then if no luck I will pitch it in a snowbank because I know what Asus RMA's are like.

Edit: I cannot seem to revert to 404 becasue I am on VistaX64. TinTin's method wont work for me

Edit#2: Reloaded Vista on a Seagate drive at stock and ran SuperPI on a bare install and it passed... More info on the way.

Nope sorry, it is a pile of crap.... cant get stable at 4.0Ghz that a baby could get stable on a DFI....

Odd - the e8400 should fly on this MB. I was thinking of getting one to play with. I take you have checked all the MB power connections, CPU seating , MB mounted on standoffs okay etc. Here my settings for a q6600 @3.6 with 4x1GB ballistix which are 100% prime stable if its of any help. I used basically the same for an E6850 running at 4.0Ghz with more Vcore and 9x450.

AI Overclocking: Manual
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Frequency: 450
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: 1128
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge:4
RAS# Activate to Precharge:9
TWR: 3
TRFC: 30
TWTR: 3
TRRD: 3
TRTP: 8
DRAM Static Read Control: AUTO

Transaction Booster: AUTO
Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: 1.4125
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.6
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
C1E Suppport: disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
PECI: Disabled

USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support: Enabled

[ladderman]

I want to tweak my voltages so I can try to gradually move up to a 9 x400 FSB

The two settings I would like some advice on is the CPU PLL Voltage and the FSB Termination Voltage.

What are the safe max volts for these two settings?

Is the CPU PLL Voltage just beneficial to quad core CPU’s?

To get a stable 9x370 FSB I’ve moved my CPU Voltage to 1.43750v, CPU PLL Voltage to1.50v, and my FSB Termination Voltage 1.30v.

Idle Temp is 24c, and under full load 45c

BIOS Settings
AI Overclocking [Manual]
CPU Ratio Control [Manual]
Ratio CMOS Setting [9]
FSB Frequency [370]
PCI-E Frequency [100]
DRAM Frequency [DDR2-740MHz]
DRAM Timing Control [1T]
CAS# Latency [4]
RAS# to CAS# Dela [4]
RAS# Precharge [4]
RAS# Activate to Precharge [15]
TWR [AUTO]
TRFC [AUTO]
TWTR [AUTO]
TRRD [AUTO]
TRTP ]AUTO]
DRAM Static Read Control [Disabled]

Transaction Booster [AUTO]
Clock Over-Charging Mode [AUTO]

CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

CPU Voltage [1.43750v]
CPU Voltage Reference [AUTO]
CPU Voltage Damper [Enabled]
CPU PLL Voltage [1.50v]
DRAM Voltage [2.05v]
FSB Termination Voltage [1.30v]
North Bridge Voltage [1.40v]
North Bridge Voltage Ref [ AUTO]
South Bridge Voltage [AUTO]

[sesdave]

I want to tweak my voltages so I can try to gradually move up to a 9 x400 FSB

This link http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=3156&p=4 for Asus P5E3 BIOS tweaking gives a detailed explanation of what ithe BIOS settings are for. Most are the same/similar to this BIOS - ignore the non relavant ones.

For now Change PLL to auto and leave FSB =1.3. Your temps look very nice - my E6600 idled on 46c-48c on air at 3.6 with 1.5v!. Jump in and try going straight to 3.6 with 1.475v - 1.5v vcore 9*400. If stable reduce vcore incrementaly downward until you find lowest stable vcore. The E6600 nearly always needed somewhere between 1.45-1.5v for 3.6 stable.
You are safer running DDR2 memory at 2T until you are stable - once prime stable you can play with command rate if you want.

[clone38]

Hi im looking at this board to run with my QX9650 will it clock better than the Asus Maximus Formula Intel X38 ?

[ladderman]

This link http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=3156&p=4 for Asus P5E3 BIOS tweaking gives a detailed explanation of what ithe BIOS settings are for. Most are the same/similar to this BIOS - ignore the non relavant ones.

For now Change PLL to auto and leave FSB =1.3. Your temps look very nice - my E6600 idled on 46c-48c on air at 3.6 with 1.5v!. Jump in and try going straight to 3.6 with 1.475v - 1.5v vcore 9*400. If stable reduce vcore incrementaly downward until you find lowest stable vcore. The E6600 nearly always needed somewhere between 1.45-1.5v for 3.6 stable.
You are safer running DDR2 memory at 2T until you are stable - once prime stable you can play with command rate if you want.

Yet another great link.

I'll do as you advise, and post results tomorrow.

many thanks

[ladderman]

Hi im looking at this board to run with my QX9650 will it clock better than the Asus Maximus Formula Intel X38 ?

This is my first attempt at overclocking, and I have to tell you this board is great.

I’ve not had any Sata issues and I’m close to getting a rock solid 3.6 GHz out of my E6600.

[sesdave]

Hi im looking at this board to run with my QX9650 will it clock better than the Asus Maximus Formula Intel X38 ?

Dont know - its early days with that CPU. These guys are having fun with it - http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=165636
I am sure it will clock fine on this board as it was built to support them. From what I have read the x38/X48 MB may offer a little better o/c capability but not much( if any!) - DDR3 needed for any real performance difference. There main benefit going x38 would apprear to be for running crossfire and PCI-E 2.0. The maximus also seems a little quirky! I suggest you read up on the maximus threads and make your own decision.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=168119

http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/revie...ng-review.html

[jonny_ftm]

The maximus also seems a little quirky! I suggest you read up on the maximus threads and make your own decision.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=168119

http://www.clunk.org.uk/forums/revie...ng-review.html

I agree, I chose the P5K P for that reason. After reading through Gigabyte/ASUS X38 boards, including the P5E, it looks like there are many issues with overclocking stability and memory deviders. The P35 looks to be more stable if you read those threads. At least, the P5K thread is about many issues, but not OC problems, while X38 threads are only full of OC and stability issues

[turtletrax]

Odd - the e8400 should fly on this MB. I was thinking of getting one to play with. I take you have checked all the MB power connections, CPU seating , MB mounted on standoffs okay etc. Here my settings for a q6600 @3.6 with 4x1GB ballistix which are 100% prime stable if its of any help. I used basically the same for an E6850 running at 4.0Ghz with more Vcore and 9x450.

AI Overclocking: Manual
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 8
FSB Frequency: 450
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: 1128
DRAM Command Rate: 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency: 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5
RAS# Precharge:4
RAS# Activate to Precharge:9
TWR: 3
TRFC: 30
TWTR: 3
TRRD: 3
TRTP: 8
DRAM Static Read Control: AUTO

Transaction Booster: AUTO
Clock Over-Charging Mode: AUTO

CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

CPU Voltage: 1.4125
CPU Voltage Reference: AUTO
CPU Voltage Damper: Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.6
DRAM Voltage: 2.2
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.4
North Bridge Voltage: 1.40
North Bridge Voltage Reference: AUTO
South Bridge Voltage: AUTO

Advance CPU Settings
CPU Ratio Control: Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting: 9
C1E Suppport: disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Vanderpool Technology: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled
PECI: Disabled

USB Configuration
USB Functions: Enabled
Legacy USB Support: Enabled

Thanks Sesdave. I appreciate your help M8.

The origianal problem was the Raptor, but after working on this problem so long I should have walked away for a day and get back to a normal state of mind, would have saved me alittle sanity. It turned out to be Static Read Control that was the issue. I must have done a clear Cmos and forgot to disable it again. Worst thing about it was that it was reacting exactly like it was with the Raptor issue.

Still not out of the woods yet, I have to get 4GB working and lower voltages, but I passed 6hours prime @ 4ghz, so I think I am OK

THanks!

[sesdave]

Thanks Sesdave. I appreciate your help M8.

The origianal problem was the Raptor, but after working on this problem so long I should have walked away for a day and get back to a normal state of mind, would have saved me alittle sanity. It turned out to be Static Read Control that was the issue. I must have done a clear Cmos and forgot to disable it again. Worst thing about it was that it was reacting exactly like it was with the Raptor issue.

Still not out of the woods yet, I have to get 4GB working and lower voltages, but I passed 6hours prime @ 4ghz, so I think I am OK

THanks!

hey success - perseverance pays 6 hours would do me - I was never one for 24/7 prime. As long as I can play games at the settings I am usually happy. Its a nice board once the initial frustrations disapate -lol!
I run with DRAM static=Enabled (not auto as wrongly posted - I must have been tired!). Enabling DRAM Static Read Control increases the memory controller performance - You may find this article of interest http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mai...overclock.html its for a p5K deluxe test but it is relevant information as it very similar. It has a few comments re DRAM static with the recommendation that it should be set to enabled . Interesting stuff. But to be fair I didnt notice a lot of difference when I had it disabled - I probably just cant push this MB hard enough with my q6600-lol!

[turtletrax]

hey success - perseverance pays 6 hours would do me - I was never one for 24/7 prime. As long as I can play games at the settings I am usually happy. Its a nice board once the initial frustrations disapate -lol!
I run with DRAM static=Enabled (not auto as wrongly posted - I must have been tired!). Enabling DRAM Static Read Control increases the memory controller performance - You may find this article of interest http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mai...overclock.html its for a p5K deluxe test but it is relevant information as it very similar. It has a few comments re DRAM static with the recommendation that it should be set to enabled . Interesting stuff. But to be fair I didnt notice a lot of difference when I had it disabled - I probably just cant push this MB hard enough with my q6600-lol!

Wow. I get stable and put in another 2GB of RAM and no luck, so I say "Screw it, I will go back to 2GB and try 4GB again some other day" and now I cant get stable again. I think my board is bugged.


Odd thing is in a 32M run of SuperPI it always dies at 12 iterations...

Soooo frustrated....

[sesdave]

Wow. I get stable and put in another 2GB of RAM and no luck, so I say "Screw it, I will go back to 2GB and try 4GB again some other day" and now I cant get stable again. I think my board is bugged.


Odd thing is in a 32M run of SuperPI it always dies at 12 iterations...

Soooo frustrated....

when you cleared CMOS you did remember to reset memory remap of course. What slots is it in - you tried the black ones. The gskill memory you have does seem to be getting some indifferent write ups and I bet the 0504 BIOS wont be helping. Does the board work stable with 2x1 gb sticks?

[turtletrax]

when you cleared CMOS you did remember to reset memory remap of course. What slots is it in - you tried the black ones. The gskill memory you have does seem to be getting some indifferent write ups and I bet the 0504 BIOS wont be helping. Does the board work stable with 2x1 gb sticks?

It seems memory remap is always on by default, but I double checked and is enabled.

I have the Ballistix in the Yellow slots ATM, as I did on the stable run. I will try the blck slots next. I have not tried the 2x2GB kit sice the Raptor was removed, want to keep them in the main rig.

I think I might risk going back to 0404, even tho many boards have fallen by the hands of that.

[CERO]

Damon , those black slots will give u better Overclock , probbly because of the higher drive strenght( some said higher drive strenght can actually damage RAM )just like on the Deluxe since the premium is based on the Deluxe it will be the same, it was said by a Asus tech, and confirmed by myself and many others