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

[sesdave]

I think I'm just going to go with a fresh install. I have a bit of reading to do now though so thanks ses for the info and the direction

Give the trial copy of Acronis a go first for backing up and restoring. You have nothing to lose if you are going to reinstall anyway. I have posted the question re any Acronis configuration things to consider on the matrix thread so Fritzman will answer - he has all the answers Once you have spent the effort (and the money for more disks-lol!) and you have setup raid0/5 or 10 with Matrix the premium MB disk performance should fly

[Kilyin]

On another note - I'm wondering if I should be concerned that I can rock my top stock mosfet cooler back and forth with very little effort. Seems they did a crap job tightening it down or the pushpins are just too big/loose.

Been too lazy to replace it so far.

[Natalia]

Very impressive.

[sesdave]

On another note - I'm wondering if I should be concerned that I can rock my top stock mosfet cooler back and forth with very little effort. Seems they did a crap job tightening it down or the pushpins are just too big/loose.

Been too lazy to replace it so far.

They arent the tightest and will rock quite easily if you push them but work okay. Just to be sure push the pins to check they are all the way in . I am sure Jonny FTM will be on the case recommending you throw the whole lot away

[Kilyin]

They arent the tightest and will rock quite easily if you push them but work okay. Just to be sure push the pins to check they are all the way in . I am sure Jonny FTM will be on the case recommending you throw the whole lot away

I've tried pushing them down, but they just 'pop' back up into their original position. Kinda like wack-a-moles.

[sesdave]

I've tried pushing them down, but they just 'pop' back up into their original position. Kinda like wack-a-moles.

well they are sprung pins as long as they dont pull out you are okay.

[w2richwood]

mine rocks also but its not giving me any problems yet i did put 40mm fan on the nb but besides that nothing and it seems cool to the touch at load
Rich

[ReverendMaynard]

mine rocks also but its not giving me any problems yet i did put 40mm fan on the nb but besides that nothing and it seems cool to the touch at load
Rich

cool to the touch would be something to worry about no? my nb will mess me up if I touch it.

as for the mosfet cooler rocking, both of my pearls do it and it's probably because the springs a weak. as longs as they are woarm-hot to the touch, they are doing their job

[sesdave]

cool to the touch would be something to worry about no? my nb will mess me up if I touch it.

as for the mosfet cooler rocking, both of my pearls do it and it's probably because the springs a weak. as longs as they are woarm-hot to the touch, they are doing their job

Stick a 40mm fan on it and it wont

[ReverendMaynard]

Stick a 40mm fan on it and it wont

bahh, not needed lol. I have the 250cm side fan blowing right in an around the mobo and the cross flow I have going on is tornado like lol. Maybe if I was running an 8400 at insanely high 475+ fsb. Not with a lowly 425 1.5v

plus if I ever have to get emo and hurt myself I have a venue for pain lol

[Erratic]

for the life of me, I cannot get this board to take any bios other than the original (0104) and the current (0504). I have an e8400 in there right now, and the original bios (0104) posted, but said unknown CPU. It allowed me to flash to 0504.

Now, I want to downgrade the bios to 0404, because I think 0504 is causing problems with my ballistix. It will not take the bios. It will not downgrade to anything other than 0104. I was able to get 0104 back on using the Bios Crash recovery thing, and even from 0104, it will not let me put on 0204 or 0404, saying that the current ROM version is newer than what I am trying to upgrade to.

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
system:
E8400
P5K Premium Rev 2.00G
2GB Ballistix ddr800

[jonny_ftm]

for the life of me, I cannot get this board to take any bios other than the original (0104) and the current (0504). I have an e8400 in there right now, and the original bios (0104) posted, but said unknown CPU. It allowed me to flash to 0504.

Now, I want to downgrade the bios to 0404, because I think 0504 is causing problems with my ballistix. It will not take the bios. It will not downgrade to anything other than 0104. I was able to get 0104 back on using the Bios Crash recovery thing, and even from 0104, it will not let me put on 0204 or 0404, saying that the current ROM version is newer than what I am trying to upgrade to.

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
system:
E8400
P5K Premium Rev 2.00G
2GB Ballistix ddr800

AFUDOS v2.17 and previous would downgrade securely in dos mode. You need a boot CD though with floppy emulation as the boot file exceeds 1.44Mb
But, in your case, wolfdales are supported only since 0504. So, any older bios will give you a CPU init error

They arent the tightest and will rock quite easily if you push them but work okay. Just to be sure push the pins to check they are all the way in . I am sure Jonny FTM will be on the case recommending you throw the whole lot away

Exacltly, but really only for high vcore on a quadcore. High FSB won't load the mosfets too much, it is really the vcore with those quadcores.
Anything above 1.45v usually will make your mosfets burning to the touch on full load. An alternative is a really very good horizontal case air flow near the mosfets area
And, look here, on the maximus what could happen if you care
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...45&postcount=1

So, I will at least reseat the stock cooler and believe me, used compound is usually real crap

[sesdave]

Now, I want to downgrade the bios to 0404, because I think 0504 is causing problems with my ballistix.
system:
E8400
P5K Premium Rev 2.00G
2GB Ballistix ddr800

As you have to use 0504 what problems are you getting.? I take it you have tested memory with memtest86 . Post your BIOS settings and a more detailed signature and maybe we can help resolve your issues.

[Erratic]

As you have to use 0504 what problems are you getting.? I take it you have tested memory with memtest86 . Post your BIOS settings and a more detailed signature and maybe we can help resolve your issues.

OK. So I put this PC together about 3 weeks ago:
E8400
Asus P5K Premium
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400
Seagate 500GB 7200.11
Samsung DVDR
Antec Sonata 3 case, 500w Earthwatts Power Supply

When I first booted the mobo, it detected the e8400 but said I needed to upgrade the bios to unleash its full power. So, I immediately upgraded to 0504. I was trying to get the system stable, so I did not change any bios settings, other than running my ram at 5-5-5-15 @ 500mhz @ 2.2v. Last week, I started getting the BSODs in Windows Vista. So I rebooted, and ran memtest, and got tons of errors. I put my ram back to default 4-4-4-12 and ran memtest again, and I got tons of errors again. I figured I would exchange the ram and see if that was the issue.

I came home, popped the ram in, ran memtest at default 4-4-4-12 settings, and I am still getting errors. Very few errors (maybe 1 or 2), but there shouldn't be any at all. I ran orthos for 8 hours, and no issues. I figured there was an issue with memtest, and I was reading that there were problems with bios 0504. Thats when I tried to downgrade, and no go.

So far, my system has been stable. I have not made any bios adjustments because honestly, I still have some reading to do on what the optimal settings are for this motherboard. So, any settings you recommend for this cpu/mobo combo, would be great.

Thanks,

[jonny_ftm]

OK. So I put this PC together about 3 weeks ago:
E8400
Asus P5K Premium
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400
Seagate 500GB 7200.11
Samsung DVDR
Antec Sonata 3 case, 500w Earthwatts Power Supply

When I first booted the mobo, it detected the e8400 but said I needed to upgrade the bios to unleash its full power. So, I immediately upgraded to 0504. I was trying to get the system stable, so I did not change any bios settings, other than running my ram at 5-5-5-15 @ 500mhz @ 2.2v. Last week, I started getting the BSODs in Windows Vista. So I rebooted, and ran memtest, and got tons of errors. I put my ram back to default 4-4-4-12 and ran memtest again, and I got tons of errors again. I figured I would exchange the ram and see if that was the issue.

I came home, popped the ram in, ran memtest at default 4-4-4-12 settings, and I am still getting errors. Very few errors (maybe 1 or 2), but there shouldn't be any at all. I ran orthos for 8 hours, and no issues. I figured there was an issue with memtest, and I was reading that there were problems with bios 0504. Thats when I tried to downgrade, and no go.

So far, my system has been stable. I have not made any bios adjustments because honestly, I still have some reading to do on what the optimal settings are for this motherboard. So, any settings you recommend for this cpu/mobo combo, would be great.

Thanks,

We need much more info to help you
1- list all your bios settings

2- Try your RAM and CPU at motherboard default settings first (set bios defaults on exit page in bios), Your RAM will be launched at DDR2-800 and 1.8v and CPU at default speed.
Now Run memtest, if it errors on stock settings, you're maybe unlucky guy getting bad RAM or toasting it
Also, keep in mind, your RAM is rated PC2-6400 (800MHz). Running it at 1000MHz can be achieved, but not granted. Usually, 1000MHz on RAM needs 2.25-2.35v too and active cooling of the RAM
Also, list bios settings as you could have to loosen the subtimings and disable Static Read Control and Booster to start overclocking

[sesdave]

OK. So I put this PC together about 3 weeks ago:
E8400
Asus P5K Premium
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC6400
Seagate 500GB 7200.11
Samsung DVDR
Antec Sonata 3 case, 500w Earthwatts Power Supply

When I first booted the mobo, it detected the e8400 but said I needed to upgrade the bios to unleash its full power. So, I immediately upgraded to 0504. I was trying to get the system stable, so I did not change any bios settings, other than running my ram at 5-5-5-15 @ 500mhz @ 2.2v. Last week, I started getting the BSODs in Windows Vista. So I rebooted, and ran memtest, and got tons of errors. I put my ram back to default 4-4-4-12 and ran memtest again, and I got tons of errors again. I figured I would exchange the ram and see if that was the issue.

I came home, popped the ram in, ran memtest at default 4-4-4-12 settings, and I am still getting errors. Very few errors (maybe 1 or 2), but there shouldn't be any at all. I ran orthos for 8 hours, and no issues. I figured there was an issue with memtest, and I was reading that there were problems with bios 0504. Thats when I tried to downgrade, and no go.

So far, my system has been stable. I have not made any bios adjustments because honestly, I still have some reading to do on what the optimal settings are for this motherboard. So, any settings you recommend for this cpu/mobo combo, would be great.

Thanks,

Whilst they may run on lower volts 2.2v is the standard volts for Ballistix 6400 running stock 800 @ 4,4,4,12 . Check to see if you have the new ballistix sticks which are single sided chips which are now supposed to be D9HNL chips or the older double sided chips (D9GMH). The old ones are great overclockers - I had a pair and they would do 1100 + without increasing above 2.2v. If you have the newer single sided ones they are getting quite a lot of bad press re very high failure rate. Google and you will see. If you get any memtest86 errors on stock test - RMA and ask them to find you double sided ones from stock or offer to pay a little more for 8500s which will give you more headroom. This reminds me of the problems they had with the old DDR4000's which kept burning out - Just be thankful that Crucial dont shirk on their RMA service -lol! If no luck on either option take the RMA replacement sticks and sell them on ebay without opening and buy some 8500 sticks - they are so cheap now they are practically free -lol!. Get 4x1gb if you have Vista x64. Here a chip list so you can find some decent overclocking ones with D9GMH http://ramlist.ath.cx/ddr2/. That said my Ballistix 8500's run great.

[jonny_ftm]

My Kingston PC2-9600 are also D9GMH and clock great

[sesdave]

I think I'm just going to go with a fresh install. I have a bit of reading to do now though so thanks ses for the info and the direction

Being doing some more investigation after response from Fritzman re Acronis Tue Image Home 11 with the P5k and ICH9R. Current version 8053 works fine in Vista and Winxp creating backups and sees Raid so you can create full operating system image(raid0) and incremental backups on the RAid 1/5/10 patyition. Current issue is that their supplied recovery bootcd for when the RAID0 system fails and you want to restore the disk image cant see RAID when it boots on this MB -
Looking at this link http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=189038 it appears that if you buy the product then contact the tech support they give you another boot ISO image to try out. The latest vesion is 8053 this was 8040. When all else fails you build your own bootcd using Bartpe or Vista PE - This forum gives all the links to all the deatils required to build either .http://www.wilderssecurity.com/searc...archid=2142255 So a bit fiddly getting a working bootCD if the one Acronis tech supply doesnt work but you end up with a working backup/restore system that will save a lot of time in the event of a RAID0 crash.

[bito]

Have a look here......

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=203630

Best to raise ticket with support and point them to that thread.

[Kilyin]

Is it just me or does the Soundmax onboard slow down XP boot time significantly? If I disable it in the BIOS I can boot into XP about 3-4 times as fast. I don't know if it's a driver issue or if it's just the onboard sound chipset.

I don't boot into my Vista partition enough to notice, but I don't think it affects it as dramatically.

[sesdave]

Have a look here......

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=203630

Best to raise ticket with support and point them to that thread.

Thanks for this - I will check with their tech support as this could save building the BArtpe/VistaPE recovery CD. If they guarantee this bootcd will work with the P5k /ICH9R I will buy the product as its the best out there for incremental backup/recovery and backup image/restore of RAID0 partition - when it can see it that is -lol!

[wilson]

Ok guys any one here using the e8400 and if so what setting`s have you got in the bios. Im after volt setting more than anything else.
Im using as follows
CPU 1.36v
CPU PLL 1.6v
FSB 1.4v
NB 1.4v
SB 1.05v
Clock Over-charge 0.80v
Load-Line calibration [Enabled]
CPU GTL Auto
NB GTL Auto
I only ask as i get random bsod when doing random things and i know its becouse of the overclock but im trying to figure it out.
Thanks Paul

[wilson]

Ive just had an idea as it fails prime straight away and ive just updated to bios 0504 so could it be a compatability problem between the new bios and my ram ?

[ReverendMaynard]

Ok guys any one here using the e8400 and if so what setting`s have you got in the bios. Im after volt setting more than anything else.
Im using as follows
CPU 1.36v
CPU PLL 1.6v
FSB 1.4v
NB 1.55v
SB 1.05v
Clock Over-charge 0.80v
Load-Line calibration [Enabled]
CPU GTL 0.63x
NB GTL 0.67x
I only ask as i get random bsod when doing random things and i know its becouse of the overclock but im trying to figure it out.
Thanks Paul

Minor changes made in quote

[sesdave]

Ok guys any one here using the e8400 and if so what setting`s have you got in the bios. Im after volt setting more than anything else.
I only ask as i get random bsod when doing random things and i know its becouse of the overclock but im trying to figure it out.
Thanks Paul

Can you post the rest of your settings as well please just for thoroughness. Could be timmings,static,booster settings causing BSOD rather than NB volts.