ASUS Maximus Formula SE

[TouGe]

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.

I flashed 1006 via Asus update since I couldn't do it through easy flash. I haven't noticed anything different with 1006 vs 1004.

[Nuckin_Futs]

I flashed 1006 via Asus update since I couldn't do it through easy flash. I haven't noticed anything different with 1006 vs 1004.

But does S3 Stand By work? Did it work for you in v1004. It didnt for me at all even in rock solid 1:1 at only 480FSB.

[eSp!s0]

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

Think about a Thermalright HR-1 or 120 Ultra Extreme. You can choose the fans by your own if you wish to. And by choosing the fan or fans, you can choose between silent and loud but very gut cooling and make your own compromise.

I used Scythe Mugen and now TR 120UE and I like the TR a bit more because it has to be bolt and for Mugen you need a bolt-threw-kit for that.

For myself, I like such coolers much more than the ones from Zalman!

Sorry for my english

[Robin77]

I've the problem that my network connection sometimes doesn't get ready after boot. I've already tried to use the other onboardnic, but it's the same with it.
I use Vista SP1 with all updates. It's a new installation. I also use the latest drivers. I tested more than 7 older driver releases for the NIC too (including the one from Windows Update), but it's always the same.

Is there already a solution out there (except buying a pci card)?

[MoogyMonster]

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?

Still haven't gotten a response to this.

I have the cooling to run @ 4GHz with my 6600, I just need to get a better idea of the settings that work...

[Nuckin_Futs]

Still haven't gotten a response to this.

I have the cooling to run @ 4GHz with my 6600, I just need to get a better idea of the settings that work...

On the right BIOS BETA, yes, you can just manually set trfc to at least 50 or 55 for 4x 4g. Sma efor the Crucial's (PC2-8500) Despicte the statement, I adjusted to make up and thay are fine for 6+ months so far on this mobo. I even ran them to 2.72 for the longest time w/ trfc of 42 till I got BETA v1004 nice and steady now.

Any word on BETA v1006 and if S3 works now. It is crap out not working in 1004 for me. Everything else is fine.

[MoogyMonster]

On the right BIOS BETA, yes, you can just manually set trfc to at least 50 or 55 for 4x 4g. Sma efor the Crucial's (PC2-8500) Despicte the statement, I adjusted to make up and thay are fine for 6+ months so far on this mobo. I even ran them to 2.72 for the longest time w/ trfc of 42 till I got BETA v1004 nice and steady now.

Any word on BETA v1006 and if S3 works now. It is crap out not working in 1004 for me. Everything else is fine.

Nuckin - can you post all of your CMOS settings for the 4GHz machine?

I've currently got "standard" PC2-8500 in my machine (I removed the Ballistix due to incompatibility issues). Will I have any problem configuring the RAM to work with 4GHz?

Also, can you quickly explain why the RAM settings need to be adjusted to work with the 4GHz settings?

Thanks!

[Nuckin_Futs]

Nuckin - can you post all of your CMOS settings for the 4GHz machine?

I've currently got "standard" PC2-8500 in my machine (I removed the Ballistix due to incompatibility issues). Will I have any problem configuring the RAM to work with 4GHz?

Also, can you quickly explain why the RAM settings need to be adjusted to work with the 4GHz settings?

Thanks!

MAXIMUX FORMULA SE BIOS v1004 w/ E6750 and OCZ PC2-6400 Platinum 2x 2Gb kit

[set as] = reported
------------------------
Extreme Tweaker Settings

Ai Overclock: [Manual]
OC From CPU Level Up: [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control: [Manial]
  Ratio CMOS Setting: [8]
FSB Frequency: [500]
FSB Strap to North Bridge: [Auto]
PCI-E Frequency: [110]

DRAM Frequency: [DDR2-1000]
DRAM Command Rate: [2T]
DRAM Timing Control: [Manual]
  Primary Info : 5-5-5-15-3-50-6-3
  CAS# Latancy: [5]
  RAS# to CAS# Delay: [5]
  RAS# Precharge: [5]
  RAS# Active Time: [15]
  RAS# to RAS# Delay: [Auto] = 3
  Row Refresh Cycle Time: [50] = 50
  Write Recovery time: [Auto] = 6
  Read to Precharge Time: [Auto] = 3

  Secondary Info : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
  Read to Write Delay(S/D): [Auto] = 8
  Write to Read Delay(S): [Auto] = 3
  Write to Read Delay(D): [Auto] = 5
  REad to Read Delay(S): [Auto] = 4
  Read to Read Delay(D): [Auto] = 6
  Write to write Delay(S): [Auto] = 4
  Write to Write delay(D): [Auto] = 6
DRAM Static Read Control: [Enabled]
Ai Clock Twister: [Moderate]
Transaction Booster: [Disable]
  Relax Level [0]

CPU Voltage ----------------- [1.58xxv] = 1.564v
CPU PLL Voltage ------------- [1.52v] ==== 1.632v
North Bridge Voltage -------- [1.47v] ==== 1.504v
DRAM Voltage ---------------- [2.10v] === 2.202v
FSB Termination Voltage ----- [1.42v] ==== 1.488v
South Bridge Voltage -------- [1.075v] === 1.104v
Loadline Calibration -------- [Enabled]
CPU GTL Refference ---------- [0.63%] --
North Bridge GTL Reference -- [0.67%] --
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage -- [Auto] ---
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage -- [Auto] --- 
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage - [Auto] ===== 1.152v
SB 1.5v Voltage ------------- [1.55v] ==== 1.600v

As for the RAM, it didnt matter so much for CPU @ 4GHz, but more of the RAM amount of 4 Gb size. But the timings need to be adjusted slightly to keep stable, especially on an OC cause more RAM taxes the MCH, making it work harder to address all that extra RAM. But when OC'd, it now has to do all that much faster. Most overclockers will not insist on populating all 4 slots as this is not the most stable for high OC, but OK if you relax later after stable for real world work. 2 slots is best, but 2x 2gb kts are OK if you relax them just enough to keep up. It is still an addressing issue but not as much a vdimm tax on mobo and chipset as 4x 1gb kits.

[MoogyMonster]

As for the RAM, it didnt matter so much for CPU @ 4GHz, but more of the RAM amount of 4 Gb size. But the timings need to be adjusted slightly to keep stable, especially on an OC cause more RAM taxes the MCH, making it work harder to address all that extra RAM. But when OC'd, it now has to do all that much faster. Most overclockers will not insist on populating all 4 slots as this is not the most stable for high OC, but OK if you relax later after stable for real world work. 2 slots is best, but 2x 2gb kts are OK if you relax them just enough to keep up. It is still an addressing issue but not as much a vdimm tax on mobo and chipset as 4x 1gb kits.

I have 4x1GB PC2-8500.

I take it this will be a big problem?

[GiLL_ClinTon]

Hey!

I bought recently the signature rig, but I'm having some stranges issues.

I could boot normally, but the system sometimes locked, so I set vDimm to 2v and this problem was solved.

My system is now in default (except vDimm), but the strange part is that sometimes when I remove an usb adapter, ou even the audio jack, the systems freeze, and crucial leds also freeze.

I changed the memory for a simple 1GB DDR2 667, default, and this problem didn't happened yet.

Could it be some other settins I didn't changed on the BIOS? I'm new with X38, still learning.

Another weird problem happens when I open Everest. If there is a pendrive, immediately opens that window from Auto Reproduction, like if a had inserted the pendrive.

EDIT: I'm using bios 907.

[Nuckin_Futs]

Hey!

I bought recently the signature rig, but I'm having some stranges issues.

I could boot normally, but the system sometimes locked, so I set vDimm to 2v and this problem was solved.

My system is now in default (except vDimm), but the strange part is that sometimes when I remove an usb adapter, ou even the audio jack, the systems freeze, and crucial leds also freeze.

I changed the memory for a simple 1GB DDR2 667, default, and this problem didn't happened yet.

Could it be some other settins I didn't changed on the BIOS? I'm new with X38, still learning.

Another weird problem happens when I open Everest. If there is a pendrive, immediately opens that window from Auto Reproduction, like if a had inserted the pendrive.

EDIT: I'm using bios 907.

In my personal and many others (from ASUS Forums) experiences, V907 was a problem in itself. It corrupted my Eprom and cause all the issues you mentiond. I even lost cntrol of my USB mouse at random times. USB exteranl became corrupted because it wbuggy experiences. Since it corrupted mine, wes dropping in and out during work. I had lots of buggy issues with mine. I had to RMA to get out since my boot block was corrupted no matter what BIOS I moved to then on. For the CPU you mentioned, I would have stayed on official v0602 for all around stability, but concider BETA v1004 (flashed w/ Afudos) for more RAM timing control , but looses S3/STR support.

[sullysnet]

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.

thanks guys ASUS says to not use included fan cause it could interrupt airflow on the CPU but I am up for trying it. I will have to look into rigging up something for the 80mm fans. Are you guys creating something to hold the fan in place? I have read about the ThermalRight Ultra 120 eXtreme on this very board and YES I will be overclocking I was overclocking before I had a memory stick die on me and now I am worried again about heat. eSp!s0 thank you too I will look into the other fan TR 120UE.

Does anyone own one of the Zalman cases and how do you like it? I find it very expensive but I love the design and it seems like it would stay cooler then my current case

[Nuckin_Futs]

My own expermental venting for SE version was to duct the full length of the NB cooling block w/ copper tubing to barbs. One extending to coolest lower part of case and on short toward the rear internal w/ a 60 degree cut to act as draft vent (like in a carburator). As fo rth ealuminum sink, I shrouded the block so I can fit 60x20mm fan in front forcing cool air toward rear with a output to outside the case (but at least to rear fan is good enough). This can be done for the non SE as I only did the cold air pup method before I did the duct so I just left it in place. If you actualy have a longer run (ice maker kit) to extend to A/C supply or cold outside window, natural air pupm action will take place as heated air from inside case draws cold air in.

[Talonman]

I just wanted to post a follow up, on my successfully getting 3.8GHz back and more!

My key, was getting new RAM. I baught one if these kits:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231145
I plan on getting a second!

Fixed me right up...

System was stuck at:
Q6600 is at 3.47GHz, and GX2 SSC is running at stock speed.
(That would be Core=675, Shader=1674, and Memory=1050.)
Corsair XMS2 2GB(1 x 2GB) SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) operating in Single Channel mode. (One Stick)
Memory was rated at 5-5-5-18, and was running at stock settings.

System was testing at:

3DMarkVantage Score = P 10,317 3DMarks.
CPU Score = 11,938
Graphics Score = 9,870

3Dmark06 Score was 17,730.

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

Everest Memory benchmark:
Memory Read - 5,985 MB/s
Memory Write - 6,039 MB/s
Memory Copy - 5,045 MB/s
Memory Latency - 72.1ns

Both new sticks tested good, and my Vista Ultimate is now enjoying 4GB of RAM -vs- the 2GB's I was running on. I did also verify that I am now officially operating in Dual Channel Mode, using CPU-Z.

I wanted to try a test:
With my Q6600 set in the BIOS to 3.47GHz, to match the exact same speed I was stuck at, I reran some tests with my new RAM installed...
My old ram was 5-5-5-18, and this new G.SKILL's is rated at 5-5-5-15.

3DMarkVantage Score = P 10,427 3DMarks. (+ 110)
CPU Score = 12,212 (+ 274)
I couldn’t get the rest due to the Vantage web page not displaying my info correctly at the time.

3Dmark06 Score 18,091. (+ 361)
SM2.0 = 7,066
SM3.0 = 8,745
CPU = 4,890

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

Everest Memory benchmark:
Memory Read - 8,547 MB/s (+ 2,562 MB/s)
Memory Write - 7,776 MB/s (+ 1,737 MB/s)
Memory Copy - 7,831 MB/s (+ 2,786 MB/s)
Memory Latency - 58.6ns (13.5ns lower latency)

I am using the following BIOS settings, and only changing FSB Frequency, and the lowest possible voltage I can to Prime error free two hours. My system has a nasty habit of getting an error 1Hr 10min into prime, if the CPU is a wee bit low on voltage for stability. That is why I only record data after 2 hours of error free run time.

My GX2 being the issue turned out to be false. Funky memory was, and am getting a refund.

Here is my 1004 Bios settings, and were used for generating all chart data below.

Under Extreme Tweaker
Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : Auto
CPU Ratio Setting : 9
FSB Frequency : XXX (Select from listing below)
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 100
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-XXXMHz (Changes based on FSB selected)
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 : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 50
Write Recovery Time : 6
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 : Auto

CPU Voltage : X.XXXXv (See listing)
CPU PLL Voltage : Auto
North Bridge Voltage : 1.61v (BIOS) (Everest is reporting 1.65v's.)
DRAM Voltage : 1.96v (BIOS) (Everest is reporting 2.10v's.)
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.48v (BIOS) (Everest is reporting 1.55v's.)
South Bridge Voltage : 1.050v (BIOS) (Everest is reporting 1.09v's.)
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) (Everest is reporting 1.57v's.)


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

Note: The only thing OC'ed on my GX2 SSC is the fan!
FSB -- DDR2 ----- BIOs ----- CPU-Z ------ BIOS ---- Everest - CPU-Z -- 3DMark06 - SM2.0 -- SM3.0 --- CPU ---- Vantage --- CPU -- Graphics
420 -- 840MHz -- 3.79GHz -- 3.7801GHz -- x.xxxxxv -- x.xxv --- x.xxxv --- 19,296 -- 7,661 --- 9,062 --- 5,375 --- P10,553 -- 13,167 -- 9,898

421 -- 842MHz -- 3.80GHz -- 3.7895GHz -- 1.51875v -- 1.50v -- 1.496v -- 19,305 -- 7,647 --- 9,078 --- 5,385 --- P10,553 -- 13,164 -- 9,899

422 -- 844MHz -- 3.81GHz -- 3.7979GHz -- 1.51875v -- 1.50v -- 1.496v -- 19,364 -- 7,690 --- 9,113 --- 5,369 --- P10,583 -- 13,281 -- 9,912

423 -- 846MHz -- 3.82GHz -- 3.8074GHz -- 1.53125v -- 1.51v -- 1.512v -- 19,164 -- 7,550 --- 9,042 --- 5,358 --- P10,595 -- 13,441 -- 9,896

424 -- 848MHz -- 3.83GHz -- 3.8164GHz -- 1.53125v -- 1.51v -- 1.512v -- 19,226 -- 7,570 --- 9,047 --- 5,419 --- P10,574 -- 13,254 -- 9,906

425 -- 850MHz -- 3.84GHz -- 3.8252GHz -- 1.53125v -- 1.51v -- 1.512v -- 19,503 -- 7,766 --- 9,141 --- 5,428 --- P10,574 -- 13,262 -- 9,905

426 -- 852MHz -- 3.85GHz -- 3.8346GHz -- 1.53750v -- 1.53v -- 1.528v -- 19,499 -- 7,762 --- 9,123 --- 5,447 --- P10,564 -- 13,232 -- 9,899

427 -- 854MHz -- 3.86GHz -- 3.8430GHz -- 1.xxxxxv --- 1.5xv -- 1.5xxv --- xx,xxx -- xx,xx ---- x,xxx --- x,xxx ---- P10,xxx --- xx,xxx -- x,xxx

Still working on it...
For each FSB test, I rebooted and waited for all disk activity to stop. I ran Vantage first, then 3DMark06 second. Each program only received 1 run, and data was recorded.

Chart data recorded:
FSB selected - What DDR2 Frequency will be required - How fast the BIOS reports when booting - How fast CPU-Z reports from Vista - Lowest voltage required to Prime 2hrs (BIOS setting) - Everest reported Core voltage - CPU-Z reported core voltage - 3DMark06 score using default settings - 3DMark Vantage using default settings.

Between the memory being faster, and me being able to OC from 3.4GHz, to 3.8GHz on my CPU, I added 1,800 to 1,900 points onto my 3DMark06 score.
Not too bad for some cheep ram!

FYI - I am just starting to get a grip on a lower core voltage at stock settings, can be an indication of a good chip. The lower the better.
Over in the 'Official Q6600 Overclocking' thread, it was posted that the L7 series Q6600's were the last of the 'real good' over-clockers.
My chip is L726B397, and the first time I ever powered my Maximus on at stock settings, CPU-Z reported my core voltage at only a skinny 1.224v's.
Ref link with picture: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...=160606&page=5 (Near the bottom)
This chip might actually have been a pretty good catch?
Now that I am paying attention to it, not too many guy's have been reporting theirs that low by default.

Currently with just my CPU and NB in my loop, my max temp's don't cross 60C two hours into Prime! Usually around 55C most of the time on all 4 cores. It only spikes to about 59C for a few seconds, even when I'm hitting my chip with 1.5v's.

I will say that BIOS 1004 takes a wee bit more core voltage than 907 did, for me to be able to Prime 3.81GHz error free.
My CPU voltage was 1.51250v (BIOS) under 907, and Primed four hours error free, -vs- 1.53125v (BIOS) under 1004, Primed two hours error free.

Signature Updated!

[WFO]

Great post Talonman! Glad that ram worked for ya!!!

[Talonman]

Thanks... (Me too!)

[Talonman]

Did almost all of the Maximus boy's go Rampage?

Looks like the Rampage thread get's more action these days...

[Tsaroth]

I haven't :P

I'm still running my Formula, probably going to until I have to upgrade again in a year or so.

I'm running at 3.6ghz right now with 1.272vcore stable and I'm getting ready to put my watercooling in, oh baby.

I am running 2GB of Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 but I have ordered a set of 4GB 2x2GB sticks of Mushkin Redling DDR2 1000 .

I'm hoping with the watercooling put in that I can run my proc at 4.0ghz stable and leave the ddr2 1000 memory at 1:1 so it's running at 500mhz and not oc'ed. Might be able to get tighter timings than 5-5-5-12 with a bit more juice if I'm not oc'ing it.

I'll make sure to let you guys know how it's going once I get my project case done and everything in the damn thing lol.

[zlojack]

Hi Tsaroth. You'll have trouble getting a 500 FSB with a Q6600. Also most of us are running the Rampage bios on the Maximus, rather than actually buying the Rampage.

You might be able to get 4.0 GHz out of your quad with some luck, so I hope you do. You can also run the Redlines on the 266 strap with a 400 FSB and that will give you 1000 MHz. Then you should look to tighten the tRD (in the Rampage bios you can do it directly, while in the MF bios it's through the Transaction Booster. You should be able to get to tRD 7 or even 6 with those sticks (Enabled: 0 or 1).

I didn't have much luck with tightening them much more at their stock speed, but you might get better sticks than the ones I had.

[Nuker_]

I have a problem!

I recently installed 8 gigs of corsair dominator (PC8500, CL5) on my maximus. Now it wont even boot to the BIOS screen! I have tried pushing the "clr CMOS"-button but that doesn't have any effect. I have tried removing 2 of the sticks but that does not work either.
I have not updated my BIOS since november which may be a problem?
And I can't get the lcd-poster to work because the connector is placed in such a horrible location.
Any suggestions?

[Tsaroth]

If you are trying to do it in Vista I believe there is a problem with booting with more than 2GB atm. There is a hotfix but you have to apply it after you boot into the system with the 2GB.

Try booting with 1 stick of 2GB and see what happens.

I have a problem!

I recently installed 8 gigs of corsair dominator (PC8500, CL5) on my maximus. Now it wont even boot to the BIOS screen! I have tried pushing the "clr CMOS"-button but that doesn't have any effect. I have tried removing 2 of the sticks but that does not work either.
I have not updated my BIOS since november which may be a problem?
And I can't get the lcd-poster to work because the connector is placed in such a horrible location.
Any suggestions?

[zlojack]

Get that poster plugged in somehow! It's really helpful.

The other thing could be the default voltage in bios for the RAM. Try booting with just one stick installed and see what happens.

Have you tried powering down and removing the battery for a few minutes?

[Nuker_]

I'm using XP though. I'm probablygoing to dual boot now when I have ths much memory.

[Nuker_]

You mean removing the CMOS battery and placing it back again?

[Grnfinger]

put 1 stick in the last white slot and see if she boots, if it does set dram volts to 2.12 ( the board over volts .8) that will give you the required 2.20 volts.

I would also flash to 1004 bios it is very very good