ASUS Maximus Formula SE

[zlojack]

Man...lately I've been getting the urge to put this board in the "family" rig and grab a P5E3 Premium...

It doesn't seem to be able to hold the higher FSB that it used to back on bios 0907.

If they came out with a ROG X48 DDR3, I'd be all over that like a cheap suit....

[Nuckin_Futs]

If you have not made the jump to bos 1004 do so. It allows for a higher trfc ( row refresh cycle time) setting wich 4GB users need for stability. Set it to 55-60
4x1GB will tax the North bridge harder so you need more NB volts than 2x1gb users. If your getting te det dram hang alot your not the only one alot of ppl get it, its all part of the Maximus Experience

How is the USB and X2 GPU support on this v1004 and is it 65nm C2D E6c50 friendly?

Also I had no major det_ram issues under normal use with even my Crucial Ballistix Tracers PC2-8500's. if stressing OC, often on my recent rig, but nothing like I did when corrupted w/ BETA BIOS v0907 for my isolated situation. Others have been lucky to get out of v0907 if disired, but I was not. It left me w/ nothing but trouble. But I guess that is the risk we take w/ BETA. Speaking of wich, I keep reading in these forums that v1004 is a final, yet ASUS list it as latest BETA. Who confirmed it is becoming a official FINAL?

[Talonman]

Sorry Guys, but I want to post this in the pure Maximus SE thread:

Thanks Anuaja for posting your settings too!... I even took my system up to your voltages to try and get my FSB to 390!

Final Report on my FSB limit for now...

This is what I know. Under Bios 907, this were my finding for OC'ing my Q6600.

Ref link: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...=160606&page=6

"Recap of my findings:
So far With the Maximus and my Q6600 GO:
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.46250v (BIOS), will allow error free Priming with a FSB Frequency 414 giving me 3.7GHz with my 400 NB Strap.
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.506v (BIOS), will allow error free Priming with a FSB Frequency 424 giving me 3.81GHz with my 400 NB Strap.
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.51875v (BIOS), will allow error free Priming with a FSB Frequency 428 giving me 3.85GHz with my 400 NB Strap.
My CPU Voltage setting of 1.51875v (BIOS) starting taking errors 4 minutes into prime with a FSB Frequency 432 giving me 3.8888GHz with my 400 NB Strap.

I did successfully prime 3.9GHz with a FSB Frequency 435 for 45 minutes, but stopped the test.
For my system it requires me to set in the BIOS a CPU core voltage of 1.55000v's, and Everest reads 1.53v.
You also must bump your CPU PLL to 1.60v's.
1.55 Core and only 1.56 PLL would not Prime 3.9GHz error free.

** I added in a TV tuner card 2 days befor my GPU swap, and the system was fine. No problems booting, still 3.8GHz under 907.

I took out an 8600 GT, put in a GX2, and could not boot withought getting a CPU init hang on the LCD poster, right on the initial boot after the install.

I had to back down my FSB speed to give me 3.3GHz to boot for the first time with the GX2 installed. I did fight my way back to 3.4GHz, but no more. (Still on 907)

Now I flashed to BIOS 1004, GX2 still installed, and I am back at a 3.465GHz limit. Any more FSB than 387-388'ish will result in core dumps, Vista lockups, and sometimes not posting. I threw more volts at about everything I could... Took all the posted settings, and combos I could, Enabled, Disabled, and Autoed settings for 2 days...

Made no differeance... Thanks for everybody's help BTW!!

I am keeping 3.465GHz for now until some new info comes into light. Until I hear from another Q6600 Maximus SE dude, who was running at 3.8GHz or faster, and plugged in a GX2, and still heald his speed... I think it's a limit of some sort right now...

I have no explanation, but there it is...

If I have to run my water cooled rig at 3.4, I turned some bells and whistles back on in the BIOS that I like...

I also backed down the voltages to show how easy I can run with a FSB Frequency of 385...

It's not a bad chip! It's a Maximus, Q6600, GX2 combo thing....

Only about 45 minutes, but my stability is there. I have had no problems so far, and don't expect to... (Still on the good side of my 390 FSB limit)
For trivia, a Q6600@3.465GHz and a stock GX2 SSC = 17,775 3DMark06 points at default settings. (Only for the 3DMark fans.. don't yell at me!)


Here is my current 1004 Bios settings for 3.465GHz, (With a GX2 installed!):

Under Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : Auto
CPU Ratio Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : 385
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 110
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-770MHz
DRAM Command Rate : 2T
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 18
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 35
Write Recovery Time : 5
Read to Precharge Time : 3

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: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Strong
Transaction Booster : Enabled
Boost Level: 0

CPU Voltage : 1.40625v (BIOS)
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.54v (BIOS)
North Bridge Voltage : 1.43v (BIOS)
DRAM Voltage : 1.80v (BIOS)
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.40v (BIOS)
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050v (BIOS)
Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63x
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67x
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_REF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.50v (BIOS)

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

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Under Advanced
And CPU Configuration:
CPU Ratio Setting : 9
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Enabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled

Under Advanced
And USB Configuration :
USB Functions: Enabled
USB 2.0 Controller : Enabled
USB 2.0 Controller Mode: HiSpeed
BIOS EHCI Hand-off : Enabled
Port 64/60 Emulation : Disabled
Legacy USB Support : Enabled

I still love my GX2, but i'm not sure the Maximus SE does?

Just for the record, using my low volt settings exactly as listed above, can run my FSB at 385 like it's a walk in the park...

She did Prime a full 7 hours error free! That is more respectable and also reinforces my case that some other thing is involved when a GX2 meets a Maximus SE...
I shouldn't have to juce it that much more, or use Black Magic to eak out 390, moving from a very stable 385FSB?


I can't overlook the facts that:

My 390 FSB limit started the second the GX2 was installed...
I had been running at 3.8GHz for months with no issues.
Both BIOS 907 and 1004 produce the exact same results for me.
I have tried so many BIOS adjustments, that it borders on obsessive-compulsive disorder!
No setting wen't unchanged, or searously overvolted.
My system has just primed the above settings error free for 7 hours, with thoes low volts. No sign of system issues at all.
Me moving my FSB from 385 to 390 should not take a huge voltage increase to pull off. I have already given it as much as I dare. It didn't help.

If you have an SE, and a GX2, please let me know how your install went. (Hopefully a Q6600 too. I think it might be in on the deal?)

[Talonman]

I wonder if slow memory, could be the direct cause of my 390FSB stability issue?

I was updating my Vista's Performance Information Tool, and my memory looks to be my bottleneck? I am only running on (1) 2GB stick, so can single channel operation hurt my speed too?

Vista's Performance Information Tool:
Processor - 5.9
Memory - 5.7
Graphics - 5.9
Gaming graphics - 5.9
Primary hard disk - 5.9

Is 5.7 normal?


I have never played with benchmarking my memory, but decided to give Everest a go.

Everest Memory benchmark:
Memory Read - 5985 MB/s
Memory Write - 6039 MB/s
Memory Copy - 5045 MB/s
Memory Latency - 72.1ns

These are the exact setting the BIOS displayed about my ram. I just put them in with no modifications:

CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 18
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 35
Write Recovery Time : 5
Read to Precharge Time : 3

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

Can I lower the 18 to get better performance out of my ram?

If I could raise my RAM's speed, I might be inclined to re-visit my FSB issue...
I do have an active Corsair CMXAF1 ram cooler installed too!

[zlojack]

Yeah dude...get yourself some proper memory in there!

You've got a 64-bit OS too!

[WFO]

Yeah dude...get yourself some proper memory in there!

You've got a 64-bit OS too!

As I recall Talonman had serious issues trying to run more than 1 stick initially so I would concur. He may have had at least one bad stick from the get go. I've had no issues will 8GB GSkill DDR2 1000 and a slightly lower clock.

Still this problem did not start till the new graphics card was added. I'd add more memory regardless. Vista 64 with less than 4 GB? Hope it is a memory issue and easily resolved TM!

[Talonman]

Thanks!

Can I make my current stick faster?

How slow is it compared to the norm...

Does single channel operation hurt my speed?

When I baught my RAM, I wanted 2GB sticks, with the intent of getting another pair down the line and running 8GB with Vista Ultimate.
There weren't allot of 4GB kits on the market when I was looking.

One turned out DOA I think... I never got my system to boot with it...

My second and last stick appears to be a dog, unless I can overclock it some?

Might be a $300.00 doller lesson for me.

[me3850]

i have realy strange issues i have remove my cpu and i see liquid on the pin what's it??????? and on the transistor at center of socket???????????

[Xilikon]

i have realy strange issues i have remove my cpu and i see liquid on the pin what's it??????? and on the transistor at center of socket???????????

What cooling did you use ?

[me3850]

What cooling did you use ?

ifx 14 +nocta ht 1
i think is a back heatpipe cooler on the heatpipe i see
Glue on the plastic for protection, but everything possible has pierced

[WFO]

Thanks!

Can I make my current stick faster?

How slow is it compared to the norm...

Does single channel operation hurt my speed?

Possibly, you would have to run individual OC tests on the ram to see how far you can push it. And whether that works into the desired cpu clock.

Everest Memory benchmark:
Memory Read - 5985 MB/s
Memory Write - 6039 MB/s
Memory Copy - 5045 MB/s
Memory Latency - 72.1ns

From what I've seen those tweaking there ram to the nth degree are getting 10,500MB throughput. Running my ram at stock speeds produces about 9000MB.

3. Yes.

[Talonman]

Thanks WFO..

So I don't make the same mistake again, is it the SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) speed rating on the RAM that is hurting me, or more the single channel operation...

I am trying to decide if I should order more of the same, or write it off as slow ram, a bad choice, and start from scratch.

[Xilikon]

No, it's just single-channel hurting your score. Get a good set

[WFO]

Thanks WFO..

So I don't make the same mistake again, is it the SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) speed rating on the RAM that is hurting me, or more the single channel operation...

I am trying to decide if I should order more of the same, or write it off as slow ram, a bad choice, and start from scratch.

Actually I surprised you didn't RMA the original set. I guess you waited so long for parts you didn't want the additional delays.

Ram prices have dropped. It depends on what the single stick of your current would cost. My ram has gotten very cheap. Considering you were running 425FSB it wouldn't hurt to have ram that can run @1000mhz without ocing.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231145

Edit: Other thoughts... Could the new FSB issue have to do with the Nvidia driver for the dual card? Have you looked at their forum? If you put the single card back in do you get your 3.8 clock back?

[Grnfinger]

Thanks WFO..

So I don't make the same mistake again, is it the SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) speed rating on the RAM that is hurting me, or more the single channel operation...

I am trying to decide if I should order more of the same, or write it off as slow ram, a bad choice, and start from scratch.

With the right timing that Corsair ram should do 1000MHz if not a tad higher. Once you get the cpu stable again post your bios setup. Right now I would say single channel is choking your rig to death.

[MoogyMonster]

If you have not made the jump to bos 1004 do so. It allows for a higher trfc ( row refresh cycle time) setting wich 4GB users need for stability. Set it to 55-60
4x1GB will tax the North bridge harder so you need more NB volts than 2x1gb users. If your getting te det dram hang alot your not the only one alot of ppl get it, its all part of the Maximus Experience

Grim, do I need to manually go in and set all of my RAM settings by hand, or can I just set the trfc?

I'm a bit new to this. BTW I got rid of my Ballistix (Asus confirmed it's NOT COMPATIBLE with the Maximus Formula), and replaced it with 4x 1GB HyperX PC2 8500 1066MHz. So to follow-up (with my goal being 4GHz) is my problem in trying to duplicate Anuaja's settings now just issues with my RAM and NB speed?

[Talonman]

With my above posted 1004 settings, I went in and changed my CPU Ratio Setting to 8.

With a FSB Frequency of 385, and a NB strap of 400 gives me 3.079GHz, and requires my RAM to run at 770 MHz. (System is rock solid)

With a FSB Frequency of 387, and a NB strap of 400 gives me 3.079GHz, and requires my RAM to run at 774 MHz. (System did run OCCT error free for 20 minutes)

With a FSB Frequency of 388, and a NB strap of 400 gives me 3.12GHz, and requires my RAM to run at 776 MHz. (OCCT errored out with code 4 in 30 seconds)

This info was valuable to me, and indicates is not a FSB limit that is holding me back, but rather my RAM's operating frequency.

So to state my problem correctly, it would be before the GX2 was installed, my RAM would run at 848MHz or even higher. After the GX2 was installed, I now have a RAM frequency limitation of about 770MHz. This is still true, even when I overvolt my 1.8v ram to 2.1v's.
Whether I run at a CPU Ratio of 8 or 9, now asking my RAM to run at 776MHz will result in Sysyem Stability issues, Core Dumps, and DET DRAM errors on the LCD Poster.

We don't have a CPU Ratio Setting of 10 do we? I think my RAM would like that!

UPDATE: I did just install nVidia's 174.93 drivers. There was no change in my RAM's ability to run faster.

[TinyRK]

Somebody tried BIOS 1006 yet?
http://rapidshare.com/files/10925415...RMULA_1006.ROM

I got it from here:
http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?...Language=en-us

I guy bought it from the Egg and uploaded the BIOS.
Nobody can install it, though.

[Talonman]

Why is my ram still operating in single channel mode. It is dual channel ram, in the blue slot?

Is it because it is only 1 stick?

My RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145176

[TinyRK]

Why is my ram still operating in single channel mode. It is dual channel ram, in the blue slot?

Is it because it is only 1 stick?

My RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145176

Only one stick?
How should it work in DualChannel then?

Single stick = SingleChannel.

[ChaosMinionX]

Somebody tried BIOS 1006 yet?
http://rapidshare.com/files/10925415...RMULA_1006.ROM

I got it from here:
http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?...Language=en-us

I guy bought it from the Egg and uploaded the BIOS.
Nobody can install it, though.

When I go to flash it... I get a "BOOT BLOCK IN FILE IS NOT VALID" error.

Anyone else try? Or know what this is?

[TouGe]

^I was unable to get it to flash as well.

[ChaosMinionX]

I wonder if its because its on the 1.03G revision?

[sullysnet]

anyone have suggestions to keep the N and S bridge cooler on these boards? There is an included fan but they say to keep it off when using CPU cooler. Also I was thinking of getting the Zalman 9500 CPU cooler do any of you suggest something better?

thanks anyone

[Nuckin_Futs]

anyone have suggestions to keep the N and S bridge cooler on these boards? There is an included fan but they say to keep it off when using CPU cooler. Also I was thinking of getting the Zalman 9500 CPU cooler do any of you suggest something better?

thanks anyone

Most are adding 80mm fans to over the largest part of the heatsink. The included fan can be used just fine if it fit behind your cooler. It is intended for watercooling set ups as the NB/SB no longer get any draft from CPU cooler. And they say it can cause air noise in combo with big CPU cooler fans if thats an issue for you.

The CNPS9500 is a nice peice for average spd and mild overclock. It runs out of cooling after a certain point. As for better, in terms of cooling for overclocking, I like the ThermalRight Ultra 120 eXtreme. This cooler is truely the performance quality of water, on air.