The Maximus Formula Thread - Help/OCing/Guide/Rampage conversion

[Grnfinger]

vcore=1.425( 12hrs small fft stress)
nb=1.45 longest run stable for large fft, max i can set without reboot is 1.59(1.6v bios)
ram passes 12hrs memtest @ 1.98(2.0vbios but have it @ 2.1v) @ 5-5-5-15-3-52-6-3
fsbt=1.4 bios set is the most stable so far, anything else fails in minutes
cpu ppl is @ auto = 1.6 bios read

450x8 @ 3600 cpu stable ram the most i can get it is 512k large fft's ie 1hr 10 minutes almost. if the north bridge is set higher it reboots at this very point. lower juss gives a rounding error. ram is @ 1081mhz @ the timings above also 8hr memtest stable

400x9 @ 3600/1066 no go for ram either.

as to temps from the previous post. my cores never go above 63c, cpu is 50-54c, nb=41max, sb=38, watercooled cpu and nb loop. plus 120mm fans blowing over the ram and mosfets

if it helps am using xp64 and prime95 64bit
2x2gb g-skill 8500 ram
Maximus formula se mb(from rma)
600w xtreme psu

temps are quite good considering its summer rite now in toronto.
and to the guy before i dont think its my oc but i might be wrong coz the north bridge seem to have a mind of ts own. i hope am wrong coz i hate rma's takes to long to get junk back.

i tried 1:1 but i needs more volts at the nb juss to post which leads to a reboot when priming ram.

the gtl stuff didnt seem to help so i left it at auto as i have done on previous maximus boards. i love the ram but it doesnt scale too well though i dont mind as i wanna keep it +/-1100mhz as this system iam putting together is for my video editing for school so i want it stable for use over the next yr or less if i get more cash..

I would suggest this for starts

Flash to Rampage bios 308.

for 450x8 on the 333 strap running 1080MHz ram

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Setting : 8
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
FSB Frequency : 450
PCI-E Frequency: 110

DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1080mhz
DRAM Command Rate : 2N
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A: Advanced 250ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B: Advanced 250ps
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 : 55
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

3rd Information
WRITE to PRE Delay : 14
READ to PRE Delay : 5
PRE to PRE Delay : 1
ALL PRE to ACT Delay : 5
ALL PRE to REF Delay : 5

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Stronger
Transaction Booster : Manual

Performance Level 7

Set dram volts to 2.12 in bios this will give you 2.2 actual.

That should get the GSkills stable and also give you rather decent bandwidth.
If your still crapping out then your NB volts are 2 low for 4GBs 1.49/1.51 should be the sweet spot unless you have a crappy board.

post back your results

[nama]

I would suggest this for starts

Flash to Rampage bios 308.

for 450x8 on the 333 strap running 1080MHz ram

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Setting : 8
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
FSB Frequency : 450
PCI-E Frequency: 110

DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1080mhz
DRAM Command Rate : 2N
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A: Advanced 250ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B: Advanced 250ps
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 : 55
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

3rd Information
WRITE to PRE Delay : 14
READ to PRE Delay : 5
PRE to PRE Delay : 1
ALL PRE to ACT Delay : 5
ALL PRE to REF Delay : 5

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Stronger
Transaction Booster : Manual

Performance Level 7

Set dram volts to 2.12 in bios this will give you 2.2 actual.

That should get the GSkills stable and also give you rather decent bandwidth.
If your still crapping out then your NB volts are 2 low for 4GBs 1.49/1.51 should be the sweet spot unless you have a crappy board.

post back your results

thanks, flashed to 308 last night after going through the thread and stressing 333 for 3ghz @ 1066mhz for the next 12hrs or so. when am done will try your suggested settings and post back. thanks again

ps.. any tips on fsbt? when i go past 400fsb it defaults to 1.55 at auto

[By0T0xN]

Hey guys got a question about running 2X2GB of Corsair 8500. For the life of me I can't get it to run stable. Sometimes I get DET RAM sometimes I get to my desktop but it locks right when everything is loading. I've tried upping the voltage to 2.2 but no response. I tried adjusting DDR2 ref and someother things but no help either. I ran memtest on them and they passed no problem. I am running XP 32bit. I'm going to upgrade to a 64bit OS in a month. So what am I doing wrong? What am I missing? Need help guys.
Oh I did try a few different bios versions to with the same results. Tried RF308, 403, MF 1102 and 907

[HempHog]

Here are my latest stable settings, I can not get my board to post past 440FSB no matter what I do, maybe someone has some suggestions? I get DET RAM of course, but no matter the PL setting, or multiplier on the CPU it will not post. These current settings will pass the intel burn test no problem.

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
FSB Frequency : 425
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 400
PCI-E Frequency: 105
DRAM Frequency: 1133
DRAM Command Rate : 2N
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A : 150
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B : 150
DRAM Timing Control: Manual
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 5
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 70
Write Recovery Time : 10
Read to Precharge Time : 5

Read to Write Delay (S/D) : AUTO
Write to Read Delay (S) : 4
Write to Read Delay (D) : AUTO
Read to Read Delay (S) : AUTO
Read to Read Delay (D) : AUTO
Write to Write Delay (S) : AUTO
Write to Write Delay (D) : AUTO

Write to PRE Delay : 18
Read to PRE Delay : AUTO
PRE to PRE Delay : AUTO
ALL PRE to ACT Delay : AUTO
ALL PRE to REF Delay : AUTO

DRAM Static Read Control: DISABLED
Ai Clock Twister : Stronger
Transaction Booster : Manual
Common Performance Level 6
Pull-In of CHA PH1 Disabled
Pull-In of CHA PH2 Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH1 Disabled
Pull-In of CHB PH2 Disabled

CPU Voltage : 1.4875 - 1.440 CPU-z
CPU PLL Voltage : AUTO
North Bridge Voltage : 1.45
DRAM Voltage : 2.10
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.28
South Bridge Voltage : 1.05
South Bridge 1.5v Voltage: 1.50
Loadline Calibration : DISABLED
CPU GTL Reference : x.63
North Bridge GTL Reference : x.67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2 Ref
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2 Ref
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2 Ref
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

NB LED Selection : NB Volt
SB LED Selection : SB Volt
CPU LED Selection : CPU VOlt
Voltiminder LED :OFF

CPU Spread Spectrum : Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum : Disabled

Advanced CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 8
C1E Suppport : Disabled
CPU TM Function : Disabled
Vanderpool Technology : Disabled
Execute Disable Bit : DISABLED
Max CPUID Value Limit : Disabled



thanks for your input

[HempHog]

Hey guys got a question about running 2X2GB of Corsair 8500. For the life of me I can't get it to run stable. Sometimes I get DET RAM sometimes I get to my desktop but it locks right when everything is loading. I've tried upping the voltage to 2.2 but no response. I tried adjusting DDR2 ref and someother things but no help either. I ran memtest on them and they passed no problem. I am running XP 32bit. I'm going to upgrade to a 64bit OS in a month. So what am I doing wrong? What am I missing? Need help guys.
Oh I did try a few different bios versions to with the same results. Tried RF308, 403, MF 1102 and 907

try less voltage on your ram/nb, i was having the same issues until i lowered voltages. I only need 2.1 set in the bios to get to 566mhz with these sticks. i imagine I could do more, but not at my current pl setting. try my settings above for 425FSB.

[ZenEffect]

Asus has the board, just waiting for the Email of no stock.
Hopefully I can get a decent upgrade out of this.

good luck. i was hoping for the same email, however, i got a pretty good maximus back instead. hope it works out well for you too

[RCG_Bex]

Hey Grn - I spotted you got 4.8GHz stable - nice job! I had 4.8GHz kinda stable but it's went mental again

New cooling kit should be coming soon though so I should be getting the temps and stuff down

Made it to 5GHz yet?

~Bex

[nama]

I would suggest this for starts

Flash to Rampage bios 308.

for 450x8 on the 333 strap running 1080MHz ram

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Setting : 8
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333
FSB Frequency : 450
PCI-E Frequency: 110

DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1080mhz
DRAM Command Rate : 2N
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A: Advanced 250ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B: Advanced 250ps
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 : 55
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

3rd Information
WRITE to PRE Delay : 14
READ to PRE Delay : 5
PRE to PRE Delay : 1
ALL PRE to ACT Delay : 5
ALL PRE to REF Delay : 5

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Stronger
Transaction Booster : Manual

Performance Level 7

Set dram volts to 2.12 in bios this will give you 2.2 actual.

That should get the GSkills stable and also give you rather decent bandwidth.
If your still crapping out then your NB volts are 2 low for 4GBs 1.49/1.51 should be the sweet spot unless you have a crappy board.

post back your results

yea so its still a no go, i think my board is a bad apple. rma'd it after some further trial. thanks

[Grnfinger]

Hey Grn - I spotted you got 4.8GHz stable - nice job! I had 4.8GHz kinda stable but it's went mental again

New cooling kit should be coming soon though so I should be getting the temps and stuff down

Made it to 5GHz yet?

~Bex

going to try for a 5.0GHz bench tonight or tomorrow, just got back form 6 days at the lake so I'm kinda tired.
Still like the quad better so far, if I can hit 500x10 and run the ram at 1200MHz

Dont think its going to happen but I will certainly try. New motherboard bios options are alittle new and have yet to find the time to test each option fully.

[RCG_Bex]

Glad you'd a nice little trip. I'll have a go too!

Btw - Asus got back to me - I'm getting a 4870X2 as my replacement cause I told them to stick their non reference overclocked pile of pish right up their arse! Lol they were like "omg! No on turns that offer down! What do you want!?" - Well guys, it's my bday in 3 weeks and I've wasted 6 months of this pile of crap - how about a 4870X2? - "Ok, done. Will arrive with you in 2-3 weeks"

~Bex

[Grnfinger]

Glad you'd a nice little trip. I'll have a go too!

Btw - Asus got back to me - I'm getting a 4870X2 as my replacement cause I told them to stick their non reference overclocked pile of pish right up their arse! Lol they were like "omg! No on turns that offer down! What do you want!?" - Well guys, it's my bday in 3 weeks and I've wasted 6 months of this pile of crap - how about a 4870X2? - "Ok, done. Will arrive with you in 2-3 weeks"

~Bex

Figures they had to have 1 in stock at the California facility for me, a 4870X2 would be a sweet deal even if I had to buy another water block.
My 10 day RMA wait was over today for my Maximus SE, no email.
I hope to hell to get a nice upgrade but wont know till Monday now.
After all the hassle with my 3870X2 I will not be so damn nice

[RCG_Bex]

Rofl unlucky - I'll need new water blocks etc but I don't mind too much. Hope you get something nice out of them :P

Btw - any advice on my maximus OC? I've got issues with my 4.8GHz not even being 3DMark06 stable, but I tried 500GHz for lolz na dwith a 333 strap, I get "Check CPU". On a 266 strap I get BSOD after the windows logo and startup sound with a ".DLL" error - so I don't think it's cpu voltages there....

Ai Overclock Tuner : Manual
OC From CPU Level Up : AUTO
CPU Ratio Control : Manual
- Ratio CMOS Setting : 10.0
FSB Frequency : 480 - 500
FSB Strap to North Bridge : 333 / 266
PCI-E Frequency: 110

DRAM Frequency: DDR2-11**mhz / 1200 / 1250
DRAM Command Rate : 2N
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A: Auto
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B: Auto
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 : Auto (My ram likes 48?)
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

3rd Information
WRITE to PRE Delay : 14
READ to PRE Delay : 5
PRE to PRE Delay : 1
ALL PRE to ACT Delay : 5
ALL PRE to REF Delay : 5

DRAM Static Read Control: Enabled
Ai Clock Twister : Stronger
Transaction Booster : Auto

CPU Voltage : 1.45-1.55v
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.56
North Bridge Voltage : 1.53
DRAM Voltage : 2.20v
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.4
South Bridge Voltage : 1.05
South Bridge 1.5v Voltage: 1.5
Loadline Calibration : Enable
CPU GTL Reference : 0.65
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2_Ref
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2_Ref
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2_Ref
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.5

~Bex

[Moto450]

I just got a Maximus Formula two days ago and it was a DOG, I could not get it past 400 FSB until I flashed tonight to Rampge 0308 BIOS now at 1:1 X9 I'm at 470 FSB at 4230 MHz man what a BIG Difference these BIOS made I will play with it more and see how far I can push my E 8400.

[Lestat]

anyone done a MAximus bios with something like a Q9650 and then flashed with the Rampage bios and saw any better overclocking or performance ?

i really dont have any reason to change other than curiosity, plus the 1207 bios loves my OCZ PC9200 reapers, well,, under 1200mhz i mean.

the main problem is no matter what i do i am pretty much maxed out at around 460mhz fSB... which sucks balls cuz i want to go higher lol.
i also for some reason can not hit 1200mhz dram. not with my gskill D9GMH or my PC9200 reapers. it jsut wont do it.
but my old P5N-E SLI can do 1200mhz easy, all day long.

[Grnfinger]

anyone done a MAximus bios with something like a Q9650 and then flashed with the Rampage bios and saw any better overclocking or performance ?

i really dont have any reason to change other than curiosity, plus the 1207 bios loves my OCZ PC9200 reapers, well,, under 1200mhz i mean.

the main problem is no matter what i do i am pretty much maxed out at around 460mhz fSB... which sucks balls cuz i want to go higher lol.
i also for some reason can not hit 1200mhz dram. not with my gskill D9GMH or my PC9200 reapers. it jsut wont do it.
but my old P5N-E SLI can do 1200mhz easy, all day long.

I had no difference in clocks running my Q9550 on either bios, 425FSB was my max on any multi. Changing platforms was my best decison.
Rampage bios will problably get the 1200MHz stable tho.
Advance clock skew to 250ps / 300ps and relax timing a tad , I cant get my Mushkin ram stable on a regular Maximus bios not matter what I try but on rampage they will run at 1200mhz.

Rofl unlucky - I'll need new water blocks etc but I don't mind too much. Hope you get something nice out of them :P

Btw - any advice on my maximus OC? I've got issues with my 4.8GHz not even being 3DMark06 stable, but I tried 500GHz for lolz na dwith a 333 strap, I get "Check CPU". On a 266 strap I get BSOD after the windows logo and startup sound with a ".DLL" error - so I don't think it's cpu voltages there....



~Bex

Try a tad more NB volts and see how it posts

[HousERaT]

Anyone try the 0410 RF bios yet? Supposed to be better for memory.

[CryptiK]

I have read through most of this thread, as I was interested in getting a M2F. I am however seeing a scarily large amount of you with major issues, and what seem to be a large number of flakey boards. Also, when staying with the M2F bios, there seems to be less options than in my current P5Q-Deluxe bios - really important settings like PL (tRD), clock skew, memory channel delay/advance etc. The only way it seems like you can get these options on the M2F is to flash to the rampage bios, is this correct?

The M2F's also seem to be struggling hitting high FSB &/or running tight PL, have major strap issues, and have more ram problems than the P5Q-Deluxe's have. I can bench on my board at 570 - 590 FSB with only 1.26v vNB, but it seems the M2F could never pull that off. Most of you seem to be running vNB around 1.4v. There are also a few guys who have done 500 FSB on quads on the P5Q-D, whereas it seems the M2F can't do that. The whole reason I want to change boards is my current P5Q-D won't clock ram at 1200+ yet I have seen a few of you struggling to do that also.

What is the general consensus on this board? Are they worth the almost ludicrous price or are most of you regretting your purchase? I'd really like to know. Thanks in advance.

EDIT - Is it possible to set vPLL = 1.5 - 1.55v (real), and vFSB (Vtt) = 1.1 - 1.15v (real) on the M2F? I can do that on my current board and I don't want to run them above those voltage 24/7.

[Grnfinger]

I have read through most of this thread, as I was interested in getting a M2F. I am however seeing a scarily large amount of you with major issues, and what seem to be a large number of flakey boards. Also, when staying with the M2F bios, there seems to be less options than in my current P5Q-Deluxe bios - really important settings like PL (tRD), clock skew, memory channel delay/advance etc. The only way it seems like you can get these options on the M2F is to flash to the rampage bios, is this correct?

The M2F's also seem to be struggling hitting high FSB &/or running tight PL, have major strap issues, and have more ram problems than the P5Q-Deluxe's have. I can bench on my board at 570 - 590 FSB with only 1.26v vNB, but it seems the M2F could never pull that off. Most of you seem to be running vNB around 1.4v. There are also a few guys who have done 500 FSB on quads on the P5Q-D, whereas it seems the M2F can't do that. The whole reason I want to change boards is my current P5Q-D won't clock ram at 1200+ yet I have seen a few of you struggling to do that also.

What is the general consensus on this board? Are they worth the almost ludicrous price or are most of you regretting your purchase? I'd really like to know. Thanks in advance.

EDIT - Is it possible to set vPLL = 1.5 - 1.55v (real), and vFSB (Vtt) = 1.1 - 1.15v (real) on the M2F? I can do that on my current board and I don't want to run them above those voltage 24/7.

maybe reread the thread, there is no MIIF discussion here
this is Maximus Formula / Rampage conversion discussion

The MIIF is a superior bios to the Rampage or Maximus, better GTL's NB and CPU clock skew and PL 8 / 7 is possible if you have good ram, my gkills run 1133MHz PL8 and damn near break 10,000 read write and copy in Everest
MIIF wont over volt like the Maximus and Rampage. If I set 1.50 PLL it reads 1.50 in everest, dimm volts are the same as well as NB /SB volts. CPU will slightly droop but nothing insanely serious

Could you point me to the "scarily large amount of you with major issues, and what seem to be a large number of flakey boards" you saw cause I must have missed that

[CryptiK]

Holy crap, that'll teach me to do my research on new boards late at night! (it's 3am here) Sorry about that mate and thanks for politely informing me of my blatant idiocy lol.

Seeing as how you have one, do you like your M2F? Any major issues you're aware of?

[Grnfinger]

Holy crap, that'll teach me to do my research on new boards late at night! (it's 3am here) Sorry about that mate and thanks for politely informing me of my blatant idiocy lol.

Seeing as how you have one, do you like your M2F? Any major issues you're aware of?

Love the board much higher clocks with overall lower volts, board runs alot cooler than X38.
It is worth the premium imo, MCW30 fits the NB with no modding if your cooling with water,
No issues so far, bios 701 or higher eliminates the ram compatability.

Now go to bed and get some rest

[CryptiK]

Cheers mate and yeah, I'm off to bed right now

[The Nemesis]

If I set 1.50 PLL it reads 1.50 in everest,

What version of everest are you using that correctly reads PLL NB etc? Thanks.

[Grnfinger]

What version of everest are you using that correctly reads PLL NB etc? Thanks.

4.50.1480 Beta.
I also have the newest non beta 1488 I think and it also reports correct volts
I will confirm this shortly.

[kup]

4.50.1480 Beta.
I also have the newest non beta 1488 I think and it also reports correct volts
I will confirm this shortly.

EVEREST Ultimate Edition 4.60 Build 1500 Final.

[The Nemesis]

EVEREST Ultimate Edition 4.60 Build 1500 Final.

Thanks, Had to spring $19.99 as my upgrades expired in July. Reads everything fine.