Asus P5E3 Premium Wi-fi-AP

[HurinThalion]

Hi All,

Just abandoned the Striker II Extreme for this board. This ride hasn't been all that smooth either. I guess I'm just not used to motherboards having stability issues at stock settings.

Specs:
Intel Q9450 w/ Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme (no OC yet - Stability Testing)
GTX 280 SLi (eVGA)
4GB Mushkin 1600 DDR3 7-7-6-18-2T (WinXP 64-bit) - 2 x 2GB
Asus P5E3 Premium - BIOS 0505
300GB Velociraptor
Creative X-fi Titanium PCI-E
Thermaltake Toughpower 1200W

All newest drivers available for all devices.


Symptom:
Computer seems fine when I get into Windows. But every 5-10 reboots, I get a random BSOD while booting into Windows. It's not the end of the world, but makes me suspect something is wrong.

BSODs have so far cited:

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (and lists atapi.sys)

and (separately)

BAD_POOL_CALLER

System passed Memtest for six hours, ten passes. And that was with the timings suggested here @ DDR3-1333 (they're rated at 1600) and vDIMM at 1.84v. But I have since set it all back to Auto

Current BIOS Settings:
CPU Ratio Setting - 8
FSB Strap - 333
FSB Freq - 333
PCIE Freq - 100
DRAM Freq - DDR3-1066Mhz
DRAM Comman Rate - 2N
Dram Timing - Auto
. . . all auto until. . .
DRAM Voltage - 1.86v
LLC - Normal
CPU Spread Spectrum - Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum - Disabled

Summary:
Getting BSODs at stock settings with nothing fancy going on makes me nervous that I got a dud board. Is this the norm? Should I be considering nudging a couple voltages up? Memtest passed at more aggressive timings and frequency than current. So I'm suspecting the NB or something might just need a bit more juice. But if BSODs at stock are an indication of a lemon, I'd rather save my time and RMA quickly.

Thanks!

H

[Razmatazz]

Hey there HurinThalion, with 4GB ram and where you are running, you may need more NB voltage. I would give that a try first. I am at default with my CPU at FSB 400MHz multiplier 8. I have NB set at 1.43 currently and suspect that I may even need a bit more at current settings. Let us know how things go. I am by no means a guru so let's see what others have to say as well.

[HurinThalion]

Just tried bumping my northbridge up to 1.39, and then 1.43. Didn't have any effect. But it was a good suggestion. It's what I was suspecting too.

It may however, be an issue with the newest drivers for either the Realtek or the Marvell network controller. Testing that now. I've disabled them both and am just restarting over and over. Hard to prove a negative, but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to restart 15-20 times without the BSOD. Haven't been able to do more than ten at a time without one.

[HurinThalion]

Just tried bumping my northbridge up to 1.39, and then 1.43. Didn't have any effect. But it was a good suggestion. It's what I was suspecting too.

It may however, be an issue with the newest drivers for either the Realtek or the Marvell network controller. Testing that now. I've disabled them both and am just restarting over and over. Hard to prove a negative, but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to restart 15-20 times without the BSOD. Haven't been able to do more than ten at a time without one.

Well, with both NICs disabled, I had no BSODs after twenty reboots.

With the Marvell NIC (only) enabled, I got no BSODs after 10-15 reboots.

With the Realtek NIC (only) enabled, got one BSOD after five reboots. Another one after three or four more reboots.

So that's still within the range of it just being bad luck or a fluke. But I've uninstalled the Realtek network driver that I downloaded directly from Realtek last night (v687 installation package). I just installed the ancient driver from the Asus page. Hopefully that will fix it. If not, I may have a bad network controller. Or I suppose the trend could lead me to something different altogether. But at this point, I'm thinking it is indeed a bad (new) driver from Realtek.

Edit: Well, older driver is still BSODing. Disabled the controller and will see if that fixes the BSODs. Though I don't generally like to have a failed component on my motherboard. Everything is connected. So if that's fried. . . what else might be fried? Booooo!

How many here are running with the Realtek NIC enabled on BIOS 0505? It's hard to believe that nobody else would have noticed this if my Realtek NIC is not actually faulty. Perhaps it's just a conflict with my sound card or something since the PCI-E X-fi Platinum is still somewhat obscure. Perhaps it's only the XP 64-bit Realtek driver? Bah, so many variables. I'll just disable the NIC and hope for the best I guess. I just don't like what this might mean for the rest of the board's components.

Edit again: It occurs to me that I probably shouldn't be saying "NIC" considering these aren't technically "cards." =)

[Monstru]

Please keep in mind that 0505 is a beta bios which enables some overclocking options (like dos skews for ram) but is not certified to run perfectly in daily use. After an official version is available I have the feeling that you will not have that problem anymore.

[dood001]

No probs with Realtek here, this is the driver I am using:
.

[dood001]

Please keep in mind that 0505 is a beta bios which enables some overclocking options (like dos skews for ram) but is not certified to run perfectly in daily use. After an official version is available I have the feeling that you will not have that problem anymore.

0505 has been official for a few days now - you can d/l it from the P5E3 Premium non-wifi ASUS download page or the ftp.asus.com.tw site...

[HurinThalion]

No probs with Realtek here, this is the driver I am using:
.

I was about to ask what OS you're running. Then I looked more closely at the border of your screenshot.

I've tried a driver both older and newer than that version. With no change. But it could be an issue with the XP 64-bit driver (and possibly some other factor like my sound card, video card, etc.).

So, it's time to install Vista a bit earlier than I anticipated. I usually like to get things all validated at stock on XP. But I want to make sure that there isn't a hardware fault here.

Thanks for the feedback.

H

[zoolio]

I am looking at buying this Motherboard. I already have the OCZ platinum 1600Mhz 2x2Gb modules, and a Q9450. Want to get it up to 3.6Ghz or more. Good idea?

[Donster]

Guys please help! I really dont know what to do ... ive rma'd board/psu/soundcard and still have cracking and popping issues on both onboard and prelude soundcards ... guys at ocuk think it could be an earthing issue! what do you think?

Regards

[sauria]

Guys please help! I really dont know what to do ... ive rma'd board/psu/soundcard and still have cracking and popping issues on both onboard and prelude soundcards ... guys at ocuk think it could be an earthing issue! what do you think?

Regards

Do you have a good ground and steady voltage?

[Sectorz]

I need help for put this setting stable

That is what I have for the moment

My System:
CPU: Intel 3350- batch L806A744
MOBO: ASUS P5E3 Premium Wi-Fi / Bios 0505
RAM: OCZ Reaper HPC (1800Mhz) 2x2GB
GPU: Sapphire 4850 Crossfire
PSU: OCZ silencer 750W Copper

My settings:
CPU Ratio = Auto
FSB Strap = 333
FSB Freq = 435
PCIE Freq = 100
DRAM Freq = 1741
Command Rate = 2N
Timings = 8,8,8,27
DRAM Static Read Control = Disabled
DRAM Dynamic Write Control = Disabled
CPU Voltage = 1.3 (Bios)
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.56
FSB voltage 1.3
DRAM Voltage = 1.90
NB Voltage = 1.55
Load Line Calibration = Auto
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
Memory Remap Feature = Enabled

[Donster]

Do you have a good ground and steady voltage?

Hmm I have a steady voltage but not sure what u mean by a "good ground" ?

[sauria]

Hmm I have a steady voltage but not sure what u mean by a "good ground" ?

http://amasci.com/amateur/whygnd.html


Maybe you'd call it Earthed? Ahh, English in all it's forms.

[Donster]

OH MY F****** GOD! it turns out my pc is perfectly fine and always has been, I turnt my pc speakers of to use headphones and there was still popping and cracking, it turns out it was coming from my samsung 40 lcd which I use as monitor, mute the TV's internal speaker and EVERYTHING is fine, im so pissed off but at the same time releaved :E

[sauria]

Good Donster!

[soapman72]

I need help for put this setting stable

That is what I have for the moment

My System:
CPU: Intel 3350- batch L744B175
MOBO: ASUS P5E3 Premium Wi-Fi / Bios 0505
RAM: OCZ Reaper HPC (1800Mhz) 2x2GB
GPU: Sapphire 4850 Crossfire
PSU: OCZ silencer 750W Copper

My settings:
CPU Ratio = Auto
FSB Strap = 333
FSB Freq = 435
PCIE Freq = 100
DRAM Freq = 1741
Command Rate = 2N
Timings = 8,8,8,27
DRAM Static Read Control = Disabled
DRAM Dynamic Write Control = Disabled
CPU Voltage = 1.3 (Bios)
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.56
FSB voltage 1.3
DRAM Voltage = 1.90
NB Voltage = 1.55
Load Line Calibration = Auto
CPU Spread Spectrum = Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum = Disabled
Memory Remap Feature = Enabled

Forgive me, but is that the Xeon Equivalent to the E8400? IF you are running the 9x multiplyer on the cpu (3.9ghz) there is a good chance you need more Vcore. I would set it to around 1.4v in the BIOS (don't worry, you will probably be able to back it off some later), also, you are pretty close to 1800mhz on your ram, and if you are at PL7 and have the clock twister set to AUTO, you will most likely need more NB voltage as well. I personally would set it to 1.6v for testing. If this stablilzes your system, you will be able to slowly drop your CPU Vcore untill you see instablity again. When I say slowly, I mean, first be sure that your system passes Memtest86, prime95, and maybe even OCCT for several hours. IF it does, then you can begin to drop those voltages, one at a time untill you see errors. Then go back uo 2 clicks for Vcore, and perhapse one on NB voltage. You will also need to test NB stability with some stressful 3D games,as a heavily loaded Video card adds to the stress on the NB. I personally like to use Crysis, since it stresses the CPU and Ram more than most games do.


Just make sure that once you believe you found stable settings, go back and start dropping those voltages, one at a time, so you know which one is reponsible for any changes in stability. You may end up need =ing alot more voltage than you are using right now, or maybe just a little, but it is easier to start high and work down. The voltages that I mentioned should be very safe for testing, and depending on your luck with your particular CPU and Board you may need even more. Just watch your temps while testing.

[Sectorz]

Soapman72 my NB is a crap, this do 1 month I try many setting and the board would nothing understand. I cannot put high memory frequency with a high cpu frequency. When I tell high it not very high...

Example

If I put my cpu at 3.48GHz fsb425 and 8x with memory at ~1160 this is prime stable
If I put cpu at 2.66GHz and memory at 1800MHz prime stable again
But if I put cpu 3.48GHz and ram at 1741 or ~1398 boot and crash after 3 minute

If I put in the bios more than 1.55 this not help ( I have try to 1.65 with 119CFM fan on NB) and this change nothing and with some setting is stable with 1.55 and not with 1.57 or 1.59.

If this can help someone for help me,


The x3350 is 24H OCCT stable 1.23V but only if I do CPU test.If I do mixte test or Ram test with ram at 900MHz 1 or 2 minute stable only.
My ram can take 5-5-5-18 1350MHz (not tested more) at 333FSB and is factory default 8-8-8-27 1800MHz

Thx for help again and if someone think it the time for do a RMA I will do it.

Edit:The x3350 it the 8X coef version and the bacth L806A744

[soapman72]

Try 1.65v on the NB if you can put a fan on the NB. I use a fan myself, and it might sound kinda funny, but it used to be a Corsair Dominator ram cooler. It has (3) 40mmfans spinning about 6000rpms, and is nearly silent. The 3 fans neatly cover the entire NB heatsink and seem to do a great job controlling temps for me. I wish this board reported NB temos like the ROG boards do.....oh well.


I run 1.61v on the NB currently with my CPU running at 450x9 (4.05ghz) and my ram at 1800mhz 8-8-8-27-1N I run PL7 and the clock twister set to STRONG. On the 333 strap using STRONGER does absolutely nothing, where using the 400 strap there is a performance difference, but still no better than the 333 strap and STRONG. Any less is not stable.

I spoke to Corsair about their 1800mhz 2x2gb kit and they recommend on their website 1.71v NB voltage for that kit and the P5E3 Premium. They say that during testing, some boards will run stable with as little as 1.61v but some require 1.71v they also said that active cooling is a very good idea with these voltages. They also said, that ASUS should be the final word when asking if these voltages are safe for 24/7 use. When I laughed at their recommendation to ask Asus ANYTHING, they said that the boards they test on have been running for a LONG time at those voltages.

Just run a fan on the NB, and like me, hope that if the board does go out, it does so while still under warranty. If that makes you too uncomfortable, run the ram @1600mhz or run 2gig's since it will lighten the load considerably. It sucks that no one telle us it will be this hard to run 4gb and 1800mhz. I can't even imagine these boards doing 2000mhz 24/7 (safely) with 4gb even though there are 2000mhz 4gb kits for sale now.

[Sectorz]

Soapman72 Thx but Answer at all this question please , I am french and not sure if I understang 100% correcly.

1)You tell Corsair recommend 1.71V this is right, but Do you tell Asus tell is safe for 24/7 use ?

2)when you put 1.71 the board is under is warrantly or not ?

3)Can do you put the link of the place you have see a personnal from Corsair tell what you have write ?

4)And Soapman72 , if you have read my message, you have understang that , if I put more then 1.55V I am more unstable then 1.55.I have try 1.57 1.59 1.61 1.63 and 1.65 all with a Fan on NB a 119CFM fan.It not normale to have more instabillity when I put more voltage.

Exemple

success run 435FSB CPU 3490MHz Ram 1741(under below spec)

If I put 1.51volt to NB 13 minute stable of Prime 95
If I put 1.53 volt to NB 54 minute stable of Prime 95
If I put 1.55 volt to NB 9 minute stable of prime 95
If I put 1.57 volt to NB 3 minute stable of Prime 95 ...

[soapman72]

Here is the link to the corsair page: http://www.houseofhelp.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=54052

Scroll all the way down to the bottom.

ASUS is a JOKE when it comes to tech support. I have spent more hours on the phone with them than I care to admit, and they have never once given me any help, only bad advice that has wasted more of my time. I even RMA'd a board that did not need to be.

I also have seen what you are describing regarding less stability with more voltage. I think that your problem just means that something else is not where it needs to be. Not enough Vcore to run at the speed that you are trying to run perhaps?

H have gone down that road, spending alot of time tweaking one bios setting only to find that another is really the answer. If you are using only 1.3v in the bios for your VCORE, it is quite possible that you need more to run at the speed you are trying to reach. for testing, set it to 1.4v in the bios. You will not hurt the CPU, as this only results in about 1.33v when loaded 100%. Watch your temps to be sure, and set the loadline calibration to NORMAL, since the 0505 BIOS sets this to performance automaticly when approaching 450mhz FSB.

Good luck.


Oh, and if this 119cfm fan is 92mm or 120mm keep in mind, that if you place it right up against the NB heatsink, there is a rather large "dead spot" in the middle of the fan where not much air is being moved, and you may not be cooling the Nb as much as you think.

[Sectorz]

Soapman72 Thx but Answer at all this question please , I am french and not sure if I understang 100% correcly.

1)You tell Corsair recommend 1.71V this is right, but Do you tell Asus tell is safe for 24/7 use ?

2)when you put 1.71 the board is under is warrantly or not ?

3)Can do you put the link of the place you have see a personnal from Corsair tell what you have write ?

4)And Soapman72 , if you have read my message, you have understang that , if I put more then 1.55V I am more unstable then 1.55.I have try 1.57 1.59 1.61 1.63 and 1.65 all with a Fan on NB a 119CFM fan.It not normale to have more instabillity when I put more voltage.

Exemple

success run 435FSB CPU 3490MHz Ram 1741(under below spec)

If I put 1.51volt to NB 13 minute stable of Prime 95
If I put 1.53 volt to NB 54 minute stable of Prime 95
If I put 1.55 volt to NB 9 minute stable of prime 95
If I put 1.57 volt to NB 3 minute stable of Prime 95 ...

I will try for more vcore but I think I have already do it.My x3350 is 24H OCCT stable CPU test 1.23V at 3.6GHz but failed after 2 minute mixe test and Ram test. I dont think I need more Vcore for 3490MHz.. but I will try.

For the question can you answer please at each by yes or no for be clear ?

For the fan it a 120mm but not close from the NB 30cm behind and a antec spot cool are on it.

[soapman72]

I cannot answer all of those questions to be sure. Asus will not answer them either. All I can say is, that I know how much Voltage I need to run my 1800mhz ram and I am giving my northbridge that much. I am cooling my NB with 3 fans and hoping for the best. Corsair will not take responsibility for any failed boards either. We are overclocking, and we take the risk unfortunately. I don't believe that as long as you are keeping everything cool ASUS should warranty the board. I am confident that I'll get my board covered if I have a problem, because after MANY MANY hours of testing, I am SURE that I am using the minimum required amount of voltage for my RAM, My CPU and my NB. I am even running the PLL and FSBT at their minimum voltages. The specs on the board say up to 2000mhz ram, if ASUS wants to start denying warranty claims for people running ram speeds that they claim their product will support, they better start putting some serious disclaimere in the manual.

[Sectorz]

I have try more Vcore and nothing more ...How many RMA you have do for this board model and can you explaine what Asus have tell to us during all your hours at phone ? this can help me is something is for know.

[Razmatazz]

Hey everyone. I spent a good part of the weekend getting my system to run stable at default fsb 400MHz with 2x2gb ram. I had thought that I was stable but finally bought and tried playing crysis. My system crashes after a bit during gameplay. I then tested and am not superpi stable. I have made some success at trying to "dial in" the clock skew. I am currently at channel A2 delay 50 and channel B2 delay 150. I was able to run two full passes thru memtest 86+ v2.01 at fsb 455MHz with multiplier 7.0 Now, I put it back to fsb 400MHz and put in those skew values and still no success. My system crashes with superpi still. Any suggestions?