**Official ASUS Striker II Formula Discussion/Review/Overclock/Guide/BIOS Thread**

[johnniewalker80]

Hey Wiinter - this is great info - can I ask which Bios version you're using?

Cheers, JW

[Vladmax]

Hope this one helps someone who really wants this 780i board. I went through a bit of pain but it worked out at the end.

Recently I've got Asus Striker II Formula and everything was looking well when I was assembling my new PC (well some old parts were used as well). Turned it on and it goes fine untill I started playing Crisys... 5 minutes into the game and computer just shut down on me, I could understand what went wrong, so started fiddling around with the bios and came across my North Bridge temps which were idling at about 80-82C while shoutdown trigger was set to 90C.

Scratched my head and googled the problem, seemed like lots of people had it and most advised to put a fan on top of NorthBridge to keep it "cooler", after putting fan on top of NB (first fan I used was a fan of the AMD cooler CM Freezer 64, I set it up the way it wasn't blowing directly onto the NB but rather sitting on top of the videocard and blowing upwards, airflow was parralel to the NB, I tried smaller fan blowing directly on to the NB but temps were the same but fan was a bit louder) and it helped, temperatures dropped but not considerably, they dropped to about 76-78 idle and were popping to 86-89 when playing Crysis or loading PC with some resorce hungry tasks. Not enough to trigger the shutdown but come on.... 86-89 is still hot.

Scratching my head again I went a step further as ASUS tech support said you can do anything with the heatpipes without voiding the warranty as long as you don't modify the board itself. Huge step it was (for me at least) to decide and go ahead with heatpipe polishing. But somehow I managed it and I also polished my CPU (Q6600) just as well while everything were out of the case anyway. So I used 600, 1000 and 1200 sandpaper first on both, Heatpipes and CPU and then used Autosol metal polishing paste to polish it to mirror finish, I aslo removed sticky grey stuff from MOSFET coolers to make a better contact and polished them a bit as well (not as good as chip coolers and cpu though).

Once evrything was polished I applied Arctic Alumina (ceramic) thermal compound to NB, SB, all MOSFETs and PCI-E2 chip, I then put heatpipes back and I also used small plastic washers on the back of the board to make heatpipes sit a bit tighter on the chips. I also decide to get rid of a big ugly Freezer 64 Fan from my NB and installed smaller fan from another AMD CPU cooler (3000rpm 9 balde) and with minor modifications screwed it on top of the NB, now it blows air directly onto the Northbridge. Put back my freshly polished CPU with its huge Gemini II cooler (factory polishing on this one is great), used some Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound and put it all back together.

Here are the photos of my work - http://www.vesta.co.nz/striker/ACDSe...ums/index.html

The problem was solved, it took a lot of work, but I am happy with the result at the end of the day. And even though it takes some time it is not as hard to do as it seems, you just have to be carefull with all the little things, use methylated spirits to clean things off and to wipe any residue from chips and wipe everything after polishing to make sure no metal bits left on any electronic components. Now my temperature on NB is 64C on Idle and never goes higher then 76C under full load. Note: I was doing a bit of overclocking and applied voltage to NB was 1.6V and it idled at 68C at this voltage and maxed out 71C (updated figures after some testing)

So here my temperatures running everything at stock:
Ambient room temperature - 24C
CPU Idle - 27C
CPU Load - 46C
NB Idle - 64C
NB Load - 68C

And here my temperatures on overclocked:
Ambient room temperature - 24C
CPU Idle (3.2Ghz, 1.45V) - 36C
CPU Load - 57C
NB Idle (1.6V applied)- 68C
NB Load - 71C

P.S. I then found MIPS waterblocks to cool this one HOT MoBo and ordered them from Aquatuning.de and now can't wait when they arrive to put a waterloop on my mobo. You can find all waterblocks for Asus Striker 2 here - http://www.aquatuning.de/, this you can find MOSFET block, NB & SB blocks.

I also noticed that NB runs much cooler with just one card, the difference was about 8-10C for my board without mods. I also had ThermalTake Toughpower 750W power supply but it wasn't handling it for my specs very well and was giving me lots of BSODs (USB BSOD, NV4_DISP BSOD, GENRAL HARDWARE FAILURE BSOD etc). I couldn't figure why I had all this problems for a while before I used Power Supply calculator from NewEgg, but thats a completely differeng saga alltogether. Now I've upgraded to Ultra X3 1000W and it does fine job.


A bit about OCing this beast: I can do fine up to 3Ghz, however I'm experiencing troble getting anywhere above 3 and being stable...

Anyway, it works fine at 3.0 as I said @ CPU - 1.425V. rest auto.

For 3.2 I tried following

FSB Quad frequencies with 9x multi (currently 1425) tried 1440, 1450, 1500, 1520, 1550, 1600 at no avail, interestig thing it doesn't want to boot at 15xx
Tried 8x multi @ 1800 (doesn't boot), 1600 with no luck getting to windows loading screen.
RAM unlinked and was anywhere from 760 to 818 at 5-5-5-15

CPU 1.42 - 1.55V (.025 steps), also auto
CPU PLL 1.50 - 1.60V, also auto
CPU VTT 1.30 - 1.60V, also auto
RAM 2.10 - 2.30V
NB 1.50 - 1.60, also auto
SB 1.50 - 1.65, also auto
1.2H - 1.20 - 1.30, also auto
Bridge Core 1.20 - 1.30, also auto
LLC enabled/disabled
All spectrums disabled
Virtualization enabled/disabled
LDT 3x, 4x, 5x
I didn't touch "System Clocks" section

Well it is pretty much what I played with.

I can load at 3.2 and work in windows for so long (run some 3DMark 06 and use all my other soft), but it BSODs now and then. At 3.2 the longest Prime was about 2 mins , few sessions of 3D Mark 06 I can do, Everest stress test didn't affect the PC at 3.2Ghz - 2.5 hours before I stopped it, I can work for a few hours without BSOD at 3.2 but its not good enough anyway.

3.2 workable but not stable

CPU 1.475
NB 1.6
Rest - auto


================================================== ======================
Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats.
- Woody Allen

[Wiinter]

Vladmax, that is AWESOME info. And, super-validating; I'm in the exact same boat. I can't seem to get over the 3.2GHz hump. When I step it up from 1425 (356) to 1450 (350) strange things happen. Most of the time it just wouldn't boot past the CPU detecton (just prior to RAM check) - but as I edged the NB and CPU volts higher, it started letting me boot into Windows.. but, of course, promptly crash or freeze well before the desktop.

Here's a question for ya - how do you see the NB temps when at load? Are you using the extra sensors?

Here's what I've got for a seemingly stable 3.2GHz:

FSB = 1425 (356)
MEM = 800 (400)
@ 9 mult = 3,206.25 MHz

Voltages:
CPU Voltage = 1.5 (but 1.4875 works too)
CPU PLL = 1.6
CPU VTT = 1.4
Mem Voltage = 2.2
NB Core = 1.56 (but I feel 1.54 would work)
SB Core = 1.60
1.2v HT = 1.2
Bridge = 1.2

CPU GTL_REF Ratio = +30mV
NB GTL_REF Ratio = +30mV
DDRII Contr. Ref = DDR2_REF+10mV
DDRII Chan. A Ref = DDR2_REF+10mV
DDRII Chan. B Ref = DDR2_REF+10mV

CPU @ 61c after 1 hour load (four-core Prime95)

I've got PC-8500 RAM, so I'm going to try playing with its DDRFSB at 800, 867 and 1062 with various timings to see if I can get those writes above 10,000mb/s and latency below 50ns. Suggestions welcome!

[_MD_]

I've got PC-8500 RAM, so I'm going to try playing with its DDRFSB at 800, 867 and 1062 with various timings to see if I can get those writes above 10,000mb/s and latency below 50ns. Suggestions welcome!

You can try my timings for 900mhz and 1266mhz

[DHP]

Does the QX9650 work properly on this ASUS 780i board? I'm thinking of getting one. Edit; or would it be smarter to get a 790i SLI Ultra mobo with 4 x 1GB DDR3 and a Q9550?

[_MD_]

Yeah, it works great... except my particular board doesn't like high FSB, so I played with the multiplier to achieve high OC

[DHP]

What V-Core do you need for say 3,875GHz? Or 4GHz?

My E8400 can run stable @ 455FSB 1,4V (4095MHz) on my Striker 2, but I doubt I can overclock a Q9450 or 9550 very well on it, so that's why I'm considering a QX9650.

Do your Temp sensors work normally on this ASUS board in combination with your QX? My E8400 gives me weird readings, so I have to stick to 3875MHz 1,325V because I don't know what the REAL temps are and I don't trust it.

[_MD_]

I'm measuring my temps with 3 programs: asus probe, everest and real temp. All are within the same range ±2°C.

I'm very stable at 4.2GHz with only 1.375 vCore

[NysoO]

Guys, need some help here.

Got a Q6600 running on this board right now with a pair of OCZ flexXLC9200.
I've read about your settings for the Q6600 but this seems to be a difficult area.
What bios is the best for this cpu? I've been trying a lot of different voltages and settings, but I keep getting "MP init"

Anyone in the mood to give me a hand? It's quite sad as I previously had a maximus formula where I easily reached 3,6ghz. So not being able to even reach 3,2 is really annoying.

[Wiinter]

Woops, ya, that's bios 1101. Also, the NB is now only about 57c when I check temps in Bios (can't find NB temps in Everest, and Probe crapped out on me).

[Vladmax]

Vladmax, that is AWESOME info. And, super-validating; I'm in the exact same boat. I can't seem to get over the 3.2GHz hump. When I step it up from 1425 (356) to 1450 (350) strange things happen. Most of the time it just wouldn't boot past the CPU detecton (just prior to RAM check) - but as I edged the NB and CPU volts higher, it started letting me boot into Windows.. but, of course, promptly crash or freeze well before the desktop.

Here's a question for ya - how do you see the NB temps when at load? Are you using the extra sensors?

Here's what I've got for a seemingly stable 3.2GHz:

FSB = 1425 (356)
MEM = 800 (400)
@ 9 mult = 3,206.25 MHz

Voltages:
CPU Voltage = 1.5 (but 1.4875 works too)
CPU PLL = 1.6
CPU VTT = 1.4
Mem Voltage = 2.2
NB Core = 1.56 (but I feel 1.54 would work)
SB Core = 1.60
1.2v HT = 1.2
Bridge = 1.2

CPU GTL_REF Ratio = +30mV
NB GTL_REF Ratio = +30mV
DDRII Contr. Ref = DDR2_REF+10mV
DDRII Chan. A Ref = DDR2_REF+10mV
DDRII Chan. B Ref = DDR2_REF+10mV

CPU @ 61c after 1 hour load (four-core Prime95)

I've got PC-8500 RAM, so I'm going to try playing with its DDRFSB at 800, 867 and 1062 with various timings to see if I can get those writes above 10,000mb/s and latency below 50ns. Suggestions welcome!

Welcome to the "ELITE" CLUB

try Everest for your temps it is quite accurate. Everest has got an MCP temp sensor which I believe is your NB temp, though it is a bit higher then true temp maybe around 4 degrees. I was relying on it for my NB temps, but then I just rebooted (reset button ) a couple of times and went straight into BIOS to check the temps after loading the system for a while.

I don't have any sensors but might get some as the mobo has got sensor pins anyway, why not use it (well asus didn't bother including the sensors )

I've tried 3 different brands of RAM and it didn't work well with either Kingston 9600 (even when running it at 800) nor Winchip 1066 nor Winchip 1200, the only stable ram I have for this board is Corsair 6400C4D and it works flawlessly. I wonder if its got problems with micron D9G chips which they used on Kingston and both Winchips.... cause Corsair is Promo chips.

Guys, need some help here.

Got a Q6600 running on this board right now with a pair of OCZ flexXLC9200.
I've read about your settings for the Q6600 but this seems to be a difficult area.
What bios is the best for this cpu? I've been trying a lot of different voltages and settings, but I keep getting "MP init"

Anyone in the mood to give me a hand? It's quite sad as I previously had a maximus formula where I easily reached 3,6ghz. So not being able to even reach 3,2 is really annoying.

When are you getting MP Init, on stock speed or on 3Ghz or when?
Put a bit more voltage on CPU, NB and RAM

CPU - 1.5
NB - 1.56 - 1.60 (watch your temps)
RAM - 2.3 - 2.4

at 3Ghz 100% prime stable, at 3.2 Prime stable - less then a minute. 780i doesn't like to OC Q6600 too much that is my 5 NZ cents worth....

------------------------------
Coolermaster Cosmos
Intel C2Q Q6600 @ 3.0Ghz
Corsair 6400C4D - 2x1Gb 800( at )4-4-4-12 @ 2.1V
Asus Striker II Formula (BIOS 1101)
2x WD 500Gb 32Mb Cache HDD non raid
2x WD 500Gb 32Mb Cache HDD raid stripe
2x XFX 8800 GTS 512 (G92) SLI @ 720/1100
LG DVD-RW (H42L or whatever it is)
ULTRA X3 1000W Power Supply
ASUS USB Wireless Adaptor WL-167G
Keyboard, Mouse, External HDD

Cooling
Gemini II CPU Radiator cooled by 2x Noctua NF-P12 Fans 1300RPM
4x Noctua NF-P12 CAse Fans 1300 RPM
1x AMD CPU 3000rpm FAN on top of the NB to keep it warm
1x 80mm FAN to help maintain proper airflow around the case

================================================== =====================
Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats.
- Woody Allen

[NysoO]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna try bump the voltages a bit. I checked out the video on youtube and saw this in the comment:

"set the fsb to 1440mhz, set ram in async to 1066mhz, (800 if you have 800mhz).
you can try the maximum speed to fsb 1600Mhz, ram async 1066, Vcore 1,56250 - PLL 1,60 - HT VOLTAGE 1,55 - CPU_GTL REF : + 150mv - NB_REF : +130mv - DDR REF: +30Mv - DDR1 CHANNEL REF: +10mv - DDR" CHANNEL REF: +10mv

I RECCOMMEND YOU TO COOL YOUR PC."

Is it really safe with the CPU_GTL referenses and the NB ref? 130mv is a bit high or?

[TheHardCase]

anything between 1730 and 1803-ish and either i get no post or windows kernal start-up error.

I have the same problem 100%
Not sure what to do...
Maybe a problem with the memory control?

[DHP]

Try 1820 FSB... I bet it works... I'm having FSB problems at some frequencies too. 1720 works fine, an then everything till 1818 doesnt work. 1820 works fine again...

LOL.

[Wiinter]

Here's all I get in Everest Ultimate (attached).

No MCP temp. That's all right, I think the temps are probably fine. I guess my only option would be to increase the multiplier at this point - but I don't think the Q6600 goes beyond 9x.

Those CPU temps are already OC to 3.2 - and still only 35c!

[TheHardCase]

Try 1820 FSB... I bet it works... I'm having FSB problems at some frequencies too. 1720 works fine, an then everything till 1818 doesnt work. 1820 works fine again...

LOL.

Anything over 1800 FSB real bad, I loss huge on memory 11,300MB/s down to 9,300MB/s & 47 ns up to 69 ns.

1810 FSB I can run 24/7 on 1.34vcore but perfomance sucks.

1820 FSB Fails
1751 FSB - 1803 FSB BSOD

Ran all kinds of dividers & nothing...

Also tried 3 different sets of ram all showing same results, 2GB & 4GB no difference.

Ok this is the start, 3.96GHz Max Runs OCCT, PI 32M Noproblems at all.



This is the begining of Memory loss, starting at 3.98GHz. 4.0GHz Comes BSOD...

[polar bear]

Here's all I get in Everest Ultimate (attached).

No MCP temp. That's all right, I think the temps are probably fine. I guess my only option would be to increase the multiplier at this point - but I don't think the Q6600 goes beyond 9x.

Those CPU temps are already OC to 3.2 - and still only 35c!

There's an Everest update on their website - it will include settings for the striker ii - among others.

[Ced-G60]

Since 1101 BIOS, I can not remove the ROG logo in the boot up, anyone seen this too ? does not matter if I activate it or not.

[cstkl1]

hmm question
is cpuz voltage right or wrong..
cause..
the cpuz voltage is correct for the same proc speed i get stable for maximus..

so which is which ??
anybody did a voltmeter test on the mobo??

[Buld@zer]

Hi!
I cannot overclocking CPU E8400, at any changes FSB or RAM - writes System Boot Fail and dumps adjustments on default... Used Clear CMOS without a battery - nothing varies. Bios 1001, 1101, 2x1024 crucial PC-2 6400, striker II formula, 8800gts 512... It at me the second such MoBo, on the first anything similar was not.
Help!

[_MD_]

Hi!
I cannot overclocking CPU E8400, at any changes FSB or RAM - writes System Boot Fail and dumps adjustments on default... Used Clear CMOS without a battery - nothing varies. Bios 1001, 1101, 2x1024 crucial PC-2 6400, striker II formula, 8800gts 512... It at me the second such MoBo, on the first anything similar was not.
Help!

what???

[cstkl1]

so the question about cpuz voltage??
is it correct??
anybody??

[DHP]

I'm very stable at 4.2GHz with only 1.375 vCore

Can you post your settings for 4GHz and 4,2GHz plz? I just sold my E8400 and a QX9650 is on its way.

Tnx.

[Ced-G60]

There's an Everest update on their website - it will include settings for the striker ii - among others.

I have the latest Everest version and it does have MCP reading, but it doesn't sound right to me... running 98°c... BIOS SB report 75°c max (which is way hot ! even with fan on top of it...)

Ordering my Striker 2 extreme when i get back from holidays next week

[Vladmax]

I have the latest Everest version and it does have MCP reading, but it doesn't sound right to me... running 98°c... BIOS SB report 75°c max (which is way hot ! even with fan on top of it...)

Ordering my Striker 2 extreme when i get back from holidays next week

If you SB in BIOS is 75 then NB will be around 85 and then it could easily reach 95 when you're in OS. Check that you have NB Overheat enabled and set to 90C in BIOS. Then if your PC shuts down while in OS you'll know that your NB temp is more then 90.