Asus Striker II Extreme: Corruption/Freezes Troubleshooting Thread

[Warboy]

Just a notice:
I'm having some extra high priority things to do, and also try to bench this Sunday a bit with LN2 since it's been a while.
From Monday/Tuesday I'll be back to help you guys as much as I can

Asus is currently looking up at some stuff that I sent them.
We shall have a new BIOS in a matter of days ( most of them are not related to the freezing issues & corruption [ I haven't had any corruption starting from 0704 and on ], but they might solve other issues and maybe some of the freezing/stuttering ).

Stay tuned

Zowner, I also see in the Asus forums a lot of other people are getting the lockup issue. Maybe you can fiddle with those threads and dig up what's causing it.

[tekjunkie]

I am also having lockups/system freezes in a fresh install of xp with 15.17 nforce drivers and the 175.16 gfx drivers. This is @ stock speeds(1333 FSB 1:2). The only thing that I changed was vDIMM and manual timings. No matter what BIOS version I try my system gets locked up during priming or SPI 32M.Will try to post the settings in the correct format shortly. This is after hours and hours of running memtest without any errors.I am gonna try to change my RAM to the other two slots and try again.

[hexez]

Use 1 DIMM only, and install it in DIMM_B2 and try these settings:

[code]Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) =750 Watt Corsair TX750W
CPU =Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.667GHz 12MB FSB1333
RAM =Corsair XMS3 2x2GB DDR3-1333
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) =ST3500320AS
VGA1 =AS-EN9800GX2
VGA2 ( if you have ) =
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) =SupremeFX II Audio Card
NorthBridge Cooling =
SouthBridge Cooling =
CPU Cooling =Cooler Master Hyper TX2
RAM Cooling =
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version =9.64
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version =175.16
Sound Card Drivers Version =5.10.01.6310
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8x
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 4x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200.5MHz
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 9
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 28
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = 9
tRC = 41
tWR = 12
tWTR = 27
tFAW = 41
tRD = 12
tRTP = 9
tRFC = Set it to 80 ( and after saving and exiting the BIOS, get back into the BIOS and check if under the "Current" line it's showing tRFC at 80, if not set the setting to Auto )
tREF = Auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.25V
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.6V
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.2V
Memory Voltage = 1.70V
NB Core Voltage = 1.5V
SB Core Voltage = 1.55V
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Once saved, try memtest86+ v2.01 test #5 for 40 loops ( if you get a error, stop the test ) [ press C -> 1 -> 3 -> 5 -> Enter -> 0 to set MemTest86+ to run loops of test #5 ]

If the stick passes memtest 40 loops test #5 error-free, shutdown and try the same with only the other stick.
If both sticks pass memtest fine, try using both sticks with the same settings in DIMM Slots A2 and B2.

running with Memory Voltage = 1.76V now and finaly it can complite the memtest but i am still having problems with the pc freezing in windows.

[RasCas]

Hi there, i am new to this forum, and i noticed this thread while searching for help with my S2E. I think its a great thing that you are doing BenchZowner and i would gratly appreciate if you could help me with my problewm also.

[RasCas]

Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Thermaltake toughpower 1200W
CPU = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
RAM = OCZ DDR 3 1800 2 X 1GB Kit Micron Z9
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = Seagate Barracuda 500 GB ST350032
VGA1 = Evga 9800GX2
VGA2 ( if you have ) =
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Supreme FX II
NorthBridge Cooling = N/A
SouthBridge Cooling = N/A
CPU Cooling = Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
RAM Cooling = OCZ XTC
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 9.46
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 6.14.11.7516
Sound Card Drivers Version = 5.10.2.6310
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1750
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1750
LDT Frequency = 5X
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 8
tRCD = 8
tRP = 8
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Auto 6
tRC = Auto 38
tWR = Auto 12
tWTR = Auto 19
tFAW = Auto 23
tRD = Auto 10
tRTP = Auto 7 
tRFC = Auto 8.2
tREF = Auto 7.8uS

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.35V
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = 1.86 V
NB Core Voltage = 1.44 V
SB Core Voltage = 1.55 V
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled
CPU Core 4 ( Ignore this setting, unless you have a Quad-Core CPU ) = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description
  I can get the system to post and run windows stable, it ran prime 95 and memtest86 with no errors and i can run 3d marks with no problem. 
However once i try to play any type of game the system will freeze within a minute. I have to back off my Ram timings to Auto and bring the 
FSB right back to 1600 before i can play games properly. I would really like to have the system running stable at 1800 or beyond linked and 
sync, could you please help me with some settings.

[/QUOTE]

[SimonD]

Required System Specifications
PSU = Enermax Galaxy 1000w
CPU = QX9650 @ 3ghz
RAM = OCZ PC3-10666 Reaper HPC
HDD = WD Raptor 150gb
VGA1 = BFG 9800 GTX OC 512mb
VGA2 = BFG 9800 GTX OC 512mb
SPU ( Sound Card ) = SupremeFX II Audio Card
NorthBridge Cooling = Passive
SouthBridge Cooling = Passive
CPU Cooling = Tuniq Tower 120
RAM Cooling = OCZ HPC (Passive)
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 9.64
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 175.16
Sound Card Drivers Version = 6.0.6000.16386
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED

TJ09 Case with plenty of cooling

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Unsynched
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1333
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 6
tRP = 6
tRAS = 18
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = 5 (Auto)
tRC = 34 (Auto)
tWR = 12 (Auto)
tWTR = 15 (Auto)
tFAW = 26 (Auto)
tRD = 9 (Auto)
tRTP = 1 (Auto)
tRFC = 60
tREF = 7.8uS (Auto)

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.1v
Loadline Calibration = Enabled Currently disabled, according to Anandtech having this enabled on 45nm cpu's is not a good idea. Also causes my machine to freeze even with a single card installed
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = 1.86v
NB Core Voltage = 1.46v
SB Core Voltage = 1.50v
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled

Problem Description
After a lot of testing I have a stable system when running single card mode, I can run Memtest86+ for over 11 hours without issue. I can successfully run 3DMark03 all the way thru a number of times and I can use the computer without issue for hours at a time.
However when I enable SLI and start to play games the machine freezes at random times, originally I could cause this to happen at the same point in one game (WoW) but further testing of that was found to be caused by sound drivers.
The reason for the freeze on those occasions was down to my having copied WoW over (saves reinstalling, patching etc) and having changed my sound card from the X-Fi to the onboard one, the old Alchemy drivers that were in the installation caused the issues when certain sounds were played.
Once I deleted the dsound.* files in the root directory of WoW I didn't have any further issues with the game freezing at those particular places.
Further testing of that game however did highlight completely random freezes, I couldn't replicate them and they would not be at any particular time interval, I may play for 3 hours or 5 minutes, I could never tell when it would occur next.
The freezing wasn't restricted to WoW either, I had installations of Mass Effect and RaceDriver GRID freshly installed on my OS (I have tested both flavours of Vista Ultimate as well as XPSP3, all the resulting in random freezing.

I have since removed one of my SLI cards due to the fact that it was pointless it being in the case generating more heat but would dearly love to have them both installed and working.

FYI my NV panel was changed to allow for 4xAA, 4xAF, SuperSampling, High Quality settings as well as having Vsync enabled. I have made more changes and can let you know later on what they were if you're interested.

[Warboy]

Now I get random lockups and BSOD at 1800QDR/1600MEM I don't understand it, It shouldn't be acting like this.

[hexez]

how good are the asus "PC Probe II V1.04.49" ? if i have it running while looking on pages on the internet it sometimes the memory V sometimes drop down on 0 and sometimes up on 3V. bug in the program or is there something really worng with my MB?

[Guacamole]

Is it getting better?? My buddy says the corruption is cmpletely fixed is that true???

[SimonD]

how good are the asus "PC Probe II V1.04.49" ? if i have it running while looking on pages on the internet it sometimes the memory V sometimes drop down on 0 and sometimes up on 3V. bug in the program or is there something really worng with my MB?

In all honesty I would use something like Everest, I am not a great fan of the Asus software myself.

[zeist]

Required System Specifications
PSU = Tagan TG1100-BZ "PipeRock Series" - 1100 Watt
CPU = Intel Q6600
RAM = OCZ DDR3 PC3-14400 Platinum Edition OCZ3P18002GK (4Gb)
HDD = WD Raptor 10k rpm 75Gb (sata, two in raid0)
VGA1 = Point of View Geforce 9800 gx2
VGA2 = Point of View Geforce 9800 gx2
SPU = SB audigy (or FX that comes in bundle with MB)
NorthBridge Cooling = Passive (stock)
SouthBridge Cooling = Passive (stock)
CPU Cooling = ZEROtherm BTF90
RAM Cooling = stock platinum plates
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.17
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 175.16
Sound Card Drivers Version = 6.0.1.1242 (SB audigy)
BIOS version 0801 REQUIRED

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9.0 (also tried with 8.0 == 2600Mhz)
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = 5x
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = Auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 8
tRCD = 8
tRP = 8
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T (auto)
tRRD = 5 (auto)
tRC = 33 (auto)
tWR = 12 (auto)
tWTR = 18 (auto)
tFAW = 21 (auto)
tRD = 10 (auto)
tRTP = 6 (auto)
tRFC = 50
tREF = 7.8uS (auto)

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Auto
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = 1.96V
NB Core Voltage = 1.44V
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enable
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

Spread Spectrum Control
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled


Premise: With bios 0801 thing went really better, with 0704 i had stability problems even with default setting and ram running at 1333 Mhz. Now i run my Q6600 at 3Ghz and memory at 1600Mhz. I still have some lockups, screen freezing with sound looping. I just would like to know if my settings are decent or i can try to modify something. I would also be quite happy to have ram running at 1800Mhz (atm if i set it to 1800 i simply got a reboot at the end of post).

Another question: obliviously stock passive dissipation is not enough for north bridge, and even my cpu cooler is quite stressed. Can someone point me to a GOOD watercooling solution? something that maybe can handle even the two 9800GX2?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Zeist

P.S.
Btw, greetings to all

[extremis]

I cannot for the life of me get vista 64 to boot with 2 2gb G.Skill sticks installed.

I can run just fine with 1 stick. The RAM is G.Skill 1600 1.90v 7-7-7-18. I have a Striker II Extreme running 0704 (and I tried 0801). The CPU is a Q9450, and I have 2 Raptor-X drives in Raid 0.

My settings are:

Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = x8
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = N/A
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
LDT Frequency = x5
PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200Mhz
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

P1 = Auto
P2 = Auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Auto
tRC = Auto
tWR = Auto
tWTR = Auto
tFAW = Auto
tRD = Auto
tRTP = Auto
tRFC = Auto
tREF = Auto

CPU Voltage = 1.25000
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.30
Memory Voltage = 1.86
NB Core Voltage = 1.44
SB Core Voltage = Auto
CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = Auto
DDR3 CHA1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = Auto
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = Auto

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Disabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. = Disabled
CPU Core 2 = Enabled
CPU Core 3 = Enabled
CPU Core 4 = Enabled

CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum = Disabled
LDT Spread Spectrum = Disabled


If anyone can help me get this thing to boot, you will seriously make my weekend. I am so tired of messing with these settings. No matter what I do, I cannot get it to boot. I get my BSoD upon startup after the first reboot, after installation.

If I install with 1 stick, and get it all setup, once I put 2 sticks in, it BSoD's on boot again.

I believe it is saying: "Windows has shut down to prevent damage." or something like that.

[OBR]

For what is this thread? Many problems, many posts .... but NO SOLUTION for anything ...

[BenchZowner]

OBR, this thread is to help people and find what is the source of their problems and solve them.
If you don't have something "good" or valuable to say here, refrain from posting here.

[extremis]

I am desperate to find the source of my problem.

I don't know if I should swap my board again, or swap the RAM.

Maybe this RAM won't work at all, ever, with this board.

[slim142]

Hey Benchz, I thought you were gone forever. You finally made it back

So hows the talk with ASUS so far? Did you find out if they are planning to do something for this board or they just want to leave it to users luck?

[BenchZowner]

I'm not gone, just had some very busy days and several stuff to deal with.
Don't know if I can work with you guys this week, as I have lots of outdoor work to do and very limited computer time.
But everything will be back to normal in a week or so, so I'll be here to assist you guys.

Asus is working on newer Striker II Extreme BIOSes and will more than likely add some of my suggestions as well

[slim142]

I'm not gone, just had some very busy days and several stuff to deal with.
Don't know if I can work with you guys this week, as I have lots of outdoor work to do and very limited computer time.
But everything will be back to normal in a week or so, so I'll be here to assist you guys.

Asus is working on newer Striker II Extreme BIOSes and will more than likely add some of my suggestions as well

I see why your absence
Oh well, so I guess we can just wait, but I hope asus makes the wait worth it

[Warboy]

I'm not gone, just had some very busy days and several stuff to deal with.
Don't know if I can work with you guys this week, as I have lots of outdoor work to do and very limited computer time.
But everything will be back to normal in a week or so, so I'll be here to assist you guys.

Asus is working on newer Striker II Extreme BIOSes and will more than likely add some of my suggestions as well

Any new Alpha or Beta bios coming out soon?

[BenchZowner]

New beta BIOS should be ready in a week or a bit more.

[slim142]

Benchz
Any explanation on why can your system be stable one day and after 2 weeks, it fails prime with the same settings? This is crazy

[BenchZowner]

If it was stable, then became unstable... and never gets stable at the same settings, can easily be any of the components degrading ( CPU, RAM, NB/SB ) or even temperatures, or a failing component/motherboard.

[slim142]

If it was stable, then became unstable... and never gets stable at the same settings, can easily be any of the components degrading ( CPU, RAM, NB/SB ) or even temperatures, or a failing component/motherboard.

Well, Idk how out of nowhere temps started going higher for the NB and SB. SB is on 70c and is worrying me but oh well.

[BenchZowner]

Usually at 65C and higher the nFORCE chipsets are... going to give you pain, real pain.
I haven't tested nF790i yet as thorough as I do with every hardware to say yet, but it'll probably be a temperatures issue.
Try lowering both the NB & SB temps ( under 60C would be nice ) and check again ( yes, you are allowed to use some Delta fans )

[slim142]

Usually at 65C and higher the nFORCE chipsets are... going to give you pain, real pain.
I haven't tested nF790i yet as thorough as I do with every hardware to say yet, but it'll probably be a temperatures issue.
Try lowering both the NB & SB temps ( under 60C would be nice ) and check again ( yes, you are allowed to use some Delta fans )

Idk what to do, my G7 just started acting crazy, Im starting to go nutz.

I seriously dont know how out of the sudden my temps went crazy, they were on the 40s when I applied the MX2 like a month ago.