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

[rbsmontemor]

What is your current settings?

Strap= 333
fsb= 500

NO BOOT

Strap= 400
fsb= 450

NO BOOT

Strap= 266 OR 333
fsb= 400

NO BOOT

All settings before can run stable 1:1 or with rams at <DDR1100.

I know I tried all kinds of timings, TDR, voltages, 3 different CPUs...and another pair of rams that can run @ DDR1200+ too.

[Sources]

what voltage and please post your full setting for bios for this please please... with the template on the first page post.

I've got my tracers at 1100 5-5-5-15 stable on this board and I've had them at 1130 5-5-5-15 on this board. I think the lack of advanced board timing control really hurts this board. I can get higher clocks stable, but performance really suffers because of lack of board latency control.

I've got the "new" Ballistix, so I think my clocks could be limited by the RAMs ability.

[Talonman]

Hey thanks a lot. When my NB and SB heat sinks arrive I will take some pics of inside the case and the mobo after I mod it. Hope the hair dryer works to remove NB good.

Me too buddy! I wish it wasen't such a pain, but there is a reward on the other side.

Make sure you stop by this thread to post about all your water cooling adventures with the Maximus, and you aftermarket blocks:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=162085

[Zucker2k]

Strap= 333
fsb= 500

NO BOOT

Strap= 400
fsb= 450

NO BOOT

Strap= 266 OR 333
fsb= 400

NO BOOT

All settings before can run stable 1:1 or with rams at <DDR1100.

I know I tried all kinds of timings, TDR, voltages, 3 different CPUs...and another pair of rams that can run @ DDR1200+ too.

OK, IT HAS BEEN SAID SEVERAL TIMES - ONCE YOU HIT NEAR 500 FSB ON THE 333 STRAP, YOU HAVE TO DISABLE TRANSACTION BOOSTER -1.

[rbsmontemor]

OK, IT HAS BEEN SAID SEVERAL TIMES - ONCE YOU HIT NEAR 500 FSB ON THE 333 STRAP, YOU HAVE TO DISABLE TRANSACTION BOOSTER -1.

-1
-2
-3
-5
-7

NO BOOT.

Caps off please.

I'm not a newbie...when I say that I tried everything, means that i tried every single timing and voltage on this mobo.

Anyway...if helps:

Extreme Tweaker 
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual 
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9x/8x/7x
FSB Frequency : 423/450/500
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400/400/333
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1140 / 1200 
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual 
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5 
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 5
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 42
Write Recovery Time : 5
Read to Precharge Time : 5

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : 8
Write to Read Delay (S) : 3
Write to Read Delay (D) : 5
Read to Read Delay (S) : 4
Read to Read Delay (D) : 6
Write to Write Delay (S) : 4
Write to Write Delay (D) : 6
DRAM Static Read Control: Disable
Ai Clock Twister : AUTO
Transaction Booster : -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, nothing works

CPU Voltage : 1.20-1.6X
CPU PLL Voltage : AUTO-1.80
North Bridge Voltage : AUTO-1.75
DRAM Voltage : 2.20v (needs 2.05 to be stable on all other mobos..)
FSB Termination Voltage : AUTO-1.80
South Bridge Voltage : AUTO-1.20
Loadline Calibration : Enable
CPU GTL Reference : .63
North Bridge GTL Reference : .67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5-1.6

NB LED Selection : NB Volt 
SB LED Selection : SB Volt 
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt 
Voltiminder LED : Enable

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled 
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled 

Advanced CPU Configuration 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 9 / 8 / 7
C1E Suppport : Disabled 
CPU TM Function : Disabled 
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled 
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled 
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled 


USB Configuration 
USB Functions: Enabled 
Legacy USB Support : Disabled

Rbs.

[ZenEffect]

Strap= 333
fsb= 500

NO BOOT

Strap= 400
fsb= 450

NO BOOT

Strap= 266 OR 333
fsb= 400

NO BOOT

All settings before can run stable 1:1 or with rams at <DDR1100.

I know I tried all kinds of timings, TDR, voltages, 3 different CPUs...and another pair of rams that can run @ DDR1200+ too.

RMA TIME
sorry in advance for the caps

[iadstudio]

what voltage and please post your full setting for bios for this please please... with the template on the first page post.

I'm doing this from memory, but I know my settings pretty well.

400 strap settings worked too, along with other configs, but these settings gave me the best performance. I'm looking forward to getting a chip on this that requires less voltage so I can really push this board.

Extreme Tweaker 
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual 
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
FSB Frequency : 460
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: 1104 
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual 
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5 
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 5
Row Refresh Cycle Time : auto
Write Recovery Time : auto
Read to Precharge Time : auto

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : auto
Write to Read Delay (S) : auto
Write to Read Delay (D) : auto
Read to Read Delay (S) : auto
Read to Read Delay (D) : auto
Write to Write Delay (S) : auto
Write to Write Delay (D) : auto
DRAM Static Read Control: enable
Ai Clock Twister : enable
Transaction Booster : disable (0)

CPU Voltage : 1.66
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.65
North Bridge Voltage : 1.52
DRAM Voltage : 2.14v (2.19v actual)
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.58v (actual, don't remember what I set for this)
South Bridge Voltage : 1.15
Loadline Calibration : Enable
CPU GTL Reference : .63
North Bridge GTL Reference : .67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2-REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2-REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2-REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

NB LED Selection : NB Volt 
SB LED Selection : SB Volt 
CPU LED Selection : CPU Volt 
Voltiminder LED : Enable

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled 
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled 

Advanced CPU Configuration 
CPU Ratio Control : Manual 
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
C1E Suppport : Disabled 
CPU TM Function : Disabled 
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled 
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled 
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled 


USB Configuration 
USB Functions: enabled 
Legacy USB Support : enable

[iadstudio]

-1
-2
-3
-5
-7

NO BOOT.

Caps off please.

I'm not a newbie...when I say that I tried everything, means that i tried every single timing and voltage on this mobo.

Anyway...if helps:

Rbs.

looks like you had some pretty high voltage on this mobo at times. Wouldn't be surprised if it's fried. IF it makes you feel better, this is my third maximus formula. Firs two were defective, this one does things the first two didn't even come close to.

[atomicvai]

I just picked up a Maximus Formula, but it seems to be running weird. I have tried installing Vista 32 bit and Vista 64 bit but I get the same issue. When I load something like Rivatuner or Everest etc it take about 30-45 seconds before it actually loads the program (firefox loads instantly)... this is usually after right after bootup... like something is just clogging up the system. Doesn't matter how I clock the board etc, factory settings do this.

Running
Q6600
2x2gb OCZ PC6400
Enermax 650watt
Gt8800
2 x 250gb RAID 0

It never did this with my P5W-DH that I just replaced... is this something that just happens with this board, or should I get it replaced? It's flashed with latest bios etc. Any help would be appreciated, since I have a limited time to just take the board back for a swap.

[iadstudio]

Settng on ths board are crazy. Getting stable at even stock speeds can be an issue some times. However, my experience is that there are some bad boards out there. 2 out of 3 for me.

[atomicvai]

Yeah that's what I was afraid of... it's that uncertainty of "what if" it's a bad board and I wait too long trying to figure it out.

In regards to those loading issues... once that 30-45 secs passes all those types of progs (that access hardware I guess?) load instantly... and windows doesn't feel slow or anything, in fact it loads quite quickly...

Off topic... thinking of upgrading ram for something faster... 4x1gb or 2x2gb a better way? I see very few 2x2gb sets out there at higher speeds.

[Talonman]

I just picked up a Maximus Formula, but it seems to be running weird. I have tried installing Vista 32 bit and Vista 64 bit but I get the same issue. When I load something like Rivatuner or Everest etc it take about 30-45 seconds before it actually loads the program (firefox loads instantly)... this is usually after right after bootup... like something is just clogging up the system. Doesn't matter how I clock the board etc, factory settings do this.

Running
Q6600
2x2gb OCZ PC6400
Enermax 650watt
Gt8800
2 x 250gb RAID 0

It never did this with my P5W-DH that I just replaced... is this something that just happens with this board, or should I get it replaced? It's flashed with latest bios etc. Any help would be appreciated, since I have a limited time to just take the board back for a swap.

I have the same issue. Apon any re-boot, after the desktop appears, the break is in hard for 60 seconds or so. My connection to road runner keeps the red X even though the modem is fully ready. No program will launch. I wait it out and the system seemes to give up on something it wanted to do bad. All 4 cores jump to action, disk drive begins to access, modem connection kicks in too. The system returnes to it's speedy normal self.

I have looked in Device Manager, but find nothing that is !'ed.

I know the system is trying to do something for the first 60 seconds when the desktop appears, that runs with such a high priority, it stops all other system activity. Only when Vista gives up on the idea (what-ever it is) does the system allow any programs to launch.

I have just been waiting it out on bootups, and scratching my head mostly.

[iadstudio]

soemtimes Vista needs to load a few times before it acts right. does the problem persist even after you have powered down after an being in the OS for a bit?

the boot-up tie could be related to how you power down, or not.

[Talonman]

It happens on every single re-boot, the exact same way.

Everest won't launch, CPU-Z won't launch... No error, just no responce when when double clicking the icon, other than an hour glass mouse pointer, until the the system decides it is ready to move.

[Raver]

This is happeneing to me too and I think it's after a couple of BSOD's during overclocking, especially if you had a memory dump.

I'm going to reinstall tomorrow and see if the OS load/delay dissapears.

XP was tougher, it could handle many BSOD's and memory dumps, but Vista is more sensitive.

[iadstudio]

This is happeneing to me too and I think it's after a couple of BSOD's during overclocking, especially if you had a memory dump.

I'm going to reinstall tomorrow and see if the OS load/delay dissapears.

XP was tougher, it could handle many BSOD's and memory dumps, but Vista is more sensitive.

I agree. my BSOD symptom is delayed USB detection but my boots have been fine. I'm just not into reinstalling Vista anytime soon.

[Virous]

Send them to me, I'll test them for ya Sometimes, you need to the use the data lifeguard tools to "prepare" the drives for OS installation. If you still have problems, then I'll troubleshoot the various drive settings, as well as "boot order" in the bios.

I took out the WD's cause one was making a Horrid noise. Sounded like sand in a bearing. Anywho a friend setup the raid for me and now im just using 1 500gb sata HDD with the Jmicron disable it says
"cannot find master IDE HDD" hit f1 to resume and system boots. just a bit annoying is there any way around it?

i have sata mode to enhance ide, and SMART monitoring disabled.

[CERO]

They are 5-5-5-15 1066. But it doesn't matter...all other motherboards I've tested can do DDR1200 with this ram, easy.

But the maximus not.

Just check few post above ya I got exactly same prob bro, except they used to work on this board lol, but all of a sudden they didnt work after I changed the cpu(E8500), and did a bios flash. @ 1200mhz or 1130 with 5-5-4-9, without upping some big notches of volts and 1200 up to 2.2v didnt work, and I stack them in @ the p5k deluxe, they suddently did work lol 1200mhz 2.05v 5-5-5-12 with performance lvl5. Same goes for my G.skill 8000CL5 4GBPQ, cant even get it stable @ 1040 5-5-5-15 up to 2.1v which is ridiculous.

[Kondik]

Just a quick question does it have any J Micron RAID chip ? Or for RAID 0 i need to use the ICH9R .. Thanks for quick response. And is the ICH9R Good or is the 363 J Micron better .. i need a MOBO that can manage RAID 0 with 2 Raptors and had DQ6 [ RMAed and the're nowhere to get , gigabyte pulled them from the market thanks to X48 ]

[cuke2u]

Hi, the jmicron doesn't do raid with this motherboard, only the ICH9R does and it is good enough, imho...
Chris

[Talonman]

I would like to make 1 correction about our 'delay' problem.

When the desktop appears the HD does continue to read. I had stated earlier that that was stopping too. It does not. It is 90 seconds before my internet connect gets made, and I am able to launch any programs.

I have had a few BSOD's chaseing 4.0GHz! That could be it?

[atomicvai]

My delays are with a fresh install of Vista 32 or 64, so it's not from shutdowns etc... does it from the very first boot. I don't show any core action though while the delay is there (well minimal if any), but get the same no-response hourglass type thing. I also get the red X through my network icon for quite a while even though I have connectivity. I'm going to through XP on after work today and see if I get the delay in XP as well.

Thanks for the responses, at least I know it's not just me... but still in the back of my head wondering if it's the board since not everyone experiences this.

[atomicvai]

I should mention though that as far as pushing the board goes, I can achieve much higher overclocks on the board than my previous P5W-DH, though my memory "reads" slower but "copy's" faster in synth bench's... that normal for the x38?

[WFO]

I have the same issue. Apon any re-boot, after the desktop appears, the break is in hard for 60 seconds or so. My connection to road runner keeps the red X even though the modem is fully ready. No program will launch. I wait it out and the system seemes to give up on something it wanted to do bad. All 4 cores jump to action, disk drive begins to access, modem connection kicks in too. The system returnes to it's speedy normal self.

I have looked in Device Manager, but find nothing that is !'ed.

I know the system is trying to do something for the first 60 seconds when the desktop appears, that runs with such a high priority, it stops all other system activity. Only when Vista gives up on the idea (what-ever it is) does the system allow any programs to launch.

I have just been waiting it out on bootups, and scratching my head mostly.

I have 2 Vista 64 systems both with the SP1 RC beta refresh. The Maximus takes at least a minute after the desktop comes up before it's usable. The Asus Deluxe is ready to use almost immediately after. Quite disappointing since the Maximus has a 4 drive Raid 0 set up. I was hoping for much quicker boot times than the 2 drive raid setup.

Edit: Thought it might be indexing but it does it even with that service disabled.

[Zucker2k]

All of you having a lot of hard disk activity login in Vista. Vista -preloads programs you use frequently for faster access. To avoid it (it annoys the hell out of me), just go into services and and disable "superfetch." You can improve this further, by turning off "indexing" service too. This will have next to no effect on performance.