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

[jorgito05]

Last night I ordered my 2nd 2900xt 1Gb GDDR4, along with a Koolance VID-290 water cooling block for it. Should be in by Wednesday.

Come on Crossfire!

Will update my pic posting Thursday when I assemble.

[jnick]

[snip...]

You might end up trying to boot with a FSB of 400MHZ on the 266 STARP, it probaly wont boot.

Thanks for the breakdown man! I think I actually understand the math. I still have no idea what the STRAP is, but other than that...I think I follow

I have two machines with identical configs, both now using this board. I got around to tweaking one of them last night/today and so far I have my e6600 @ 3.15Ghz. Config below...


Extreme Tweaker - BIOS Ver. 0907
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : 9
- Ratio CMOS Setting :
FSB Frequency : 350
FSB Strap to North Bridge : AUTO
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-933
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 : AUTO
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: AUTO
Ai Clock Twister : AUTO
Transaction Booster : AUTO

CPU Voltage : 1.37
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.54
North Bridge Voltage : 1.45
DRAM Voltage : 2.0
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.4
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63x
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : AUTO
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : AUTO
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 :

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : 9.0
- Ratio CMOS Setting :
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Enabled
Vanderpool Technology : Enabled
Execute Disable Bit : Enabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled

My load temps are 57C on the cpu and the NB is right on 47-48C. Right now, she's rock stable. I've tested 30mins of OCCT, 3DMark06, 2hrs of BF2, and watching a DVD via media center.

However, it will not complete anything over 16k in SuperPI. The minute I hit the last "OK" before the test starts, vista spits out "SuperPI has stopped working properly," and the program crashes. I'm using Vista x64 with the XS SuperPi.

Any suggestions!? I do plan on pushing the chip more as I know it can do at least 3.4Ghz. On my 680i, it was sitting at 3.4Ghz @ around 55C...

Oh also...has anyone noticed that this board spins down any extra storage hard drives? It's REALLY annoying as when you want to access files, it takes 1 minute just to show the directory of the hard drive. Not to mention, the loud clicking noise it makes when it powers down the drive...well, let's just say that it can be scary when you're tweaking the system (read: overclocking/staiblity testing!) and you hear it :p. I thought I killed something a few times already, LOL

[Kondik]

So, after i couldn't wait after RMAing my X38 DQ6 i bought Maximus Formula and i noticed 2 things, it needs more v on core to run without BSOD's in max load so now i'm testing 1.215 V but it apparetly has a nice vdrop because it's 1.192 irl, the great thing on this board i completley Thermalright passive overcooled it, they're everywhere and the temps are great , CPU in OS 27, max load i didn't saw more than 40 after 2 hours of Orthos, Mosfets wen't down from 48 to 41, NB is now around 41 too, the only thing that's strange is SB , its over 47 but im too lazy to reseat the heatsink.

Oh btw. why from time to time it refuses to boot and after classical on/off procedure it says OC failed, it apparently doesn't like me

[Leeghoofd]

You will need more Vcore then mate or up the NB voltage ( as you are working with 4 dimms ) did you enable load line calibration or not ? and be carefull as the CPU PLL overvolts and so does the ram voltage ( so don't fry ya rams plz ) Also update to Bios 0907 plz

[cadaveca]

CPU PLL DOES NOT OVERVOLT. Yes, i know lowest selectable is 1.2v...but that give 1.1XX(closer to 1.1 most often, varies a tiny bit) with 45nm chips, confirmed with DMM, bios reading is very close to actual(everest reports same volts too). Pop in a 65nm chip, same bios setting cpu pll is 1.216(again, varies, but can be confirmed in bios).

[atomica]

using 45mm qx processor and so far no problem with bios 1003.

[bro20000]

using 45mm qx processor and so far no problem with bios 1003.

Have you tryed changing the multi has soon has i do that it doesnt post! Maybe the bios works better for the QX9770!

[Leeghoofd]

CPU PLL DOES NOT OVERVOLT. Yes, i know lowest selectable is 1.2v...but that give 1.1XX(closer to 1.1 most often, varies a tiny bit) with 45nm chips, confirmed with DMM, bios reading is very close to actual(everest reports same volts too). Pop in a 65nm chip, same bios setting cpu pll is 1.216(again, varies, but can be confirmed in bios).

CPU PLL lowest value is 1.5 and it sets it on my board at 1.61, I think you mean FSB termination voltage which undervolts with 0.1... on my P5K I can run the Qx6950 at 1.5 CPU PLL, Maximus lowest value is 1.61 in reality... I hope the Foxconn MARS gives me better control of voltages and ram settings...

[Leeghoofd]

Have you tryed changing the multi has soon has i do that it doesnt post! Maybe the bios works better for the QX9770!

Soz for the double post, pc at work doesn't allow the multi quote....

Seems some peeps have had great succes with 1003, I reflashed it twice, 2nd rom was better ( first one I got of a german hardware site ) though once I started to tweak ram settings I had no posts and the bios didn't recover after a forced shutdown nor unplugging the power cable... only a pop of the CMOS battery brought the mobo back to life... I went back to 0907 and await a bios that gives me better control of the ram dividers and co... damn P35 is so easy to setup, X38 in comparison is a mess...

[cadaveca]

CPU PLL lowest value is 1.5 and it sets it on my board at 1.61, I think you mean FSB termination voltage which undervolts with 0.1... on my P5K I can run the Qx6950 at 1.5 CPU PLL, Maximus lowest value is 1.61 in reality... I hope the Foxconn MARS gives me better control of voltages and ram settings...

OOPS! you are VERY correct! I have mistaken FSB for PLL!!!

[kup]

that's what i did with 802... i think 6xx worked pretty well for me too.

Glad to know I'm not the only one...

I went back to 0907 and await a bios that gives me better control of the ram dividers and co... damn P35 is so easy to setup, X38 in comparison is a mess...

Isn't it just!!! My Blitz Formula just won't budge, I can't make it crash for love nor money, but the Maximus Formula I just have to look at it funny and a month long 24/7 Folding stable overclock will suddenly become crap!

And on a side note, with bios 1003 I couldn't even get stock clocks/volts to be stable after it went flaky (after being rock solid stable). But flashed back to 0505 and I'm stable with stock clocks and an overclock with less than stock volts, better FSB and better performance per MHz (FSB and CPU from what I can tell)!!!

[Leeghoofd]

Glad to know I'm not the only one...



Isn't it just!!! My Blitz Formula just won't budge, I can't make it crash for love nor money

Don't say that plz, you know I cancelled the BLitz formula order for the Maximus SE ( just for the fuzion block ) my worst decision in 2007 !!!

[MugenNugen]

Got a Maximus Formula and E8400 running 4050 Mhz (9 x 450). My NB temps reach like 61C on full load of ORTHOS. Is this too hot? It was like 13 hours ORTHOS stable at that point. It is pretty hot to the touch, just wondering if it's unsafe.

[Jodiuh]

^^Throw a 40mm fan on there.

I surely did have an easier time w/ the DFI and Abit P35's, but now that the Max's dialed in, it's all good. Then again, I'm on an E6400 still.

[edo]

hi guys, just 2 question:

does shyte infinity fir perfectly on maximus formula?

are thre any problem with 4+1gb Vdata 800mhz ?

i have to buy the Mb, thank's

[Mic]

Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.

[ante_ante]

Just bought this board cheap from a guy here in sweden. I will use a E8500 and 2gig Ballistix memorys. What bios should i go for ?? Hope this Asus board gives me better performance than my Abit IX38 board.

[Grnfinger]

Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.

If she is runnng smooth I would recommend leaving it alone...the old rule goes here...if it anit broke dont fix it.

Just bought this board cheap from a guy here in sweden. I will use a E8500 and 2gig Ballistix memorys. What bios should i go for ?? Hope this Asus board gives me better performance than my Abit IX38 board.

I would recommend bios 907, I'm curently running it on my E8400 and have NO issues

[TheSamurai]

Got a Maximus Formula and E8400 running 4050 Mhz (9 x 450). My NB temps reach like 61C on full load of ORTHOS. Is this too hot? It was like 13 hours ORTHOS stable at that point. It is pretty hot to the touch, just wondering if it's unsafe.

yeah, if i remember correctly, you don't want your NB temps going over 47*C or it will start reading something incorrectly. did you check task manager and see if you were actually running at 100% while testing?

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3149

Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.

i'd stick with that bios, it's the one that i'm currently using. which cpu are you using?

Just bought this board cheap from a guy here in sweden. I will use a E8500 and 2gig Ballistix memorys. What bios should i go for ?? Hope this Asus board gives me better performance than my Abit IX38 board.

imo, 6XX (can't remember exactly which one) or 802.

[Mic]

i'd stick with that bios, it's the one that i'm currently using. which cpu are you using?.

Q6600 G0..

[Ric2L]

Hey all,

Can anyone tell me what the most stable bios version for the maximus formula is? I just got my new rig togeather this weekend, and am having alot of stability issues, even at default settings. My current bios is the one it was shipped with, which I believe is vs. 0261 at least that is what it says at bottom of bios screen, if I run PC wizard 08 it says bios is vs. 0606???

Thanks, Rick

[Leeghoofd]

I'm working with 0907, it still has it's issues but pretty stable for me...

[Grnfinger]

602 and 802 are not very good choices for 45nm.
I have tested all the bios on an E8400 and so far I can say 907 is the best choice for 84/8500

[Nuckin_Futs]

Mine don't do too well above 1000 MHz...

But they are 2x2 rather than 4x1, so it's a known issue.

Odd, I always found best OC stability with 2 sticks v/s 4 if for the same RAM amount. Although if needing 4G total, then you'd be better with 3 only cause of the timing options for 2g single modules. But if 2 g total, then 2x1 is far more stable and less load on MCH and chipset then 4x512 even if timings were the same.

Nuckin Futs one thing you need to remember is even though you leave the STARP on AUTO, once you select a certain MHz for the mem it will automatically kick in the appropriate starp. So without knowing you might be trying to boot at the 266 starp while using a certain FSB and selecting a certain mem speed.

It work fine for you because you are running your mem at 1:1 so the 400MHz starp is the one being selected by the mobo. But if you select a mem speed that is diffrent than your FSB speed you might not boot because that divider you selected belongs to the 266 starp.

So dont be fooled by the fact that when you set the STARP to AUTO and you see all the mem dividers show up, some of them belong to the 266 starp, some belong to the 333 starp and some to the 400 starp.

I hope what I'm saying is comprehensible :p


Ok I went into BIOS and selected an FSB of 400MHz, set the STARP to AUTO, then to 200, 266, 333 and 400.
These are the results I got in the memory DDR2 MHz speed.


Jnick I put the formulas so you can see how to figure out what STARP and divider you need to get as close to your 350FSB and 1000DDR2 mem speed, relative speed is your mem DDR2 divided by 2, so it's 500.

so for a FSB of 350MHz and you want to reach 500MHz relative for your mem, the closet would be the 400 starp and the 3:4 divider 350x4/3=466 (DDR2-933MHz)
Or you can use the 333 STARP and use the 5:8 divider but then your mem will be overclocked, 350x8/5=560 (DDR2-1120MHz)

For oveclocking you use the 333 and 400 STARPS the 266 and 200 have low FSB limits.


FSB 400
Starp Auto
DDR2 MHz
800
961
1003
1066
1203
1280
1334
1603

FSB 400
Starp 200
DDR2 MHz
1334
1600

FSB 400
Starp 266
DDR2 MHz
1003
1203
1603

FSB 400
Starp 333
DDR2 MHz
801 <-----------------> DDR2 800MHz relative speed is 400MHz so this divider is 1:1 i.e. 400x1/1=400
961 <-----------------> DDR2 961MHz relative speed is 480MHz so this divider is 5:6 i.e. 400x6/5=480
1280 <---------------> DDR2 1280MHz relative speed is 640MHz so this divider is 5:8 i.e. 400x8/5=640

FSB 400
Starp 400
DDR 2MHz
800 <-----------------> DDR2 800MHz relative speed is 400MHz so this divider is 1:1 i.e. 400x1/1=400
1066 <---------------> DDR2 1066MHz relative speed is 533MHz so this divider is 3:4 i.e. 400x4/3=533

So here you can see that when you set the STRAP to AUTO some of the resulting DDR MHz speeds are also in the other STARP selections and if you chose one of those DDR MHz speeds your BIOS wil select the corresponding STRAP.

You might end up trying to boot with a FSB of 400MHZ on the 266 STARP, it probaly wont boot.

I totally understand the choices. However, for my CPU/mobo/RAM combo, I cannot boot with hardly any choices in manual strap and RAM frequency I pick, even the speed I know is works in AUTO. ie. 480x8 with DDR1152. If I so much as try to strap manual and select the only available 1152 option, it locks up. This has happen since v802 and got worse in the 9xx versions. v0602 let me fix as I keep saying, but it didn't really show any difference. Ie; I fixed 333 strap and frequency of 1000 for my 500x8 and it was cool either way, but not the case as soon as I moved to 802 up, and 907 was the worse yet as ACPI suspend function failed almost every time.

I moved back to my old Abit till I RMA it for the isolated BIOS failure and it favors the 266 strap to 400~450FSB, but likes 333 for 475FSB. When you speak of it may not boot if I select a certain RAM spd with strap in AUTO, well thats no big deal, cause it for sure wont boot in fix of 266 or 333 to get the same RAM spd. Are you saying your mobo will boot in certain selections when fixed that it wont in AUTO (given exact FSB and RAM spd)?

I still run E6750 with PC2-8500 in sig, and BIOS v0802 (last, when working EZ-Flashing to 903 again), so maybe it is the combo involved.

Worth upgrading the bios from 802?
Right now im running at 4.23 with 4 pc2-9200 modules 1.40v vcore, 1.53v nb with no problems using the anandtech template. Need a little better NB cooling as its running around 50 degrees with a tiny 40mm fan on it.

As you can see from my experience, v0602 would be best but as you have a 45nm, then best I would say is v0903 for the reasons I mentioned of why v0907 was bad for my use/needs. Cause if it did indeed do anything for RAM latanciys, it was so not worth it for what it took in ACPI suspand functions. It would not even enter S4 or S3 in mild or stock FSB and 1:1 settings.
not to mentioned the weird drop out of USB mouse detection, requiring me to occassionally unplug and plug in mouse to get it back. Or some SATA HDDs would not enter suspend (time out) mode even when set as they were previously. Oddly enough, for me, temps were the only thing normal but again, not worth it.

[Durkadurka]

Just curious to know; Why would you care about suspend modes on a stationary PC?
I always turn all that powersaving nonsense off.