Live MB OC Report :: ASUS Rampage Extreme

[Zeus]

Only the bios you're using, i guess.

Never needed it, the board has a nice oc-fail-recovery.

Just turn it off, on again and it will beep and ask you to press F1 to run setup.

EZPZ.

[Mezzro]

Is this with a PCI-E raid card? The problem I had with bios 403 was that if Intel Raid (onboard) was enabled it will not work with my PCI-E card.
I had to use either but not both (If I wanted to use PCI-E raid card intel onboard had to be set as IDE otherwise there were major issues).
I havent tried the raid card with 501 but I will do so tonight and see what the result is.

I am running a QX9770 with no isues at all on this board. Currently running 10x400 with 1.325v in bios. This is wiht 8GB of DDR3. It seems I can not increase the FSB past 400 or the memory past 1600MHz (most probably I could if I were to run 2Gb or 4Gb isntead of 8GB - but I am happy with the overall speed and the amount of memory).

PCIe RAID hardware solutions are possible on this motherboard. I've successfully run both the Areca 1220 and 1200 cards with no issue. In fact, I'm now running the Areca 1200 (PCIe 1x card, allowing me to run 4-Way 4870 X2 Crossfire) and both integrated controllers -- Silicon Image and Intel ICH9R software RAID solutions. This takes some patience and trial and error, but it is possible to get the three controllers to coexist peacefully.

There is definitely an FSB wall with the RE and quad core processors -- any quad core. I'm experiencing this on my personal rig, as well as seeing it from members on my Asus tech forum running the QX9770 with LN2 (www.asusindependent.com), so it's not a matter of temperature.

Frankly, I think the board is so over automated that even when the auto settings are (supposedly) overridden by manual settings, some are reverting resulting in instability. I can not think of any other explanation why manually setting NB/SB/vcore voltages and FSB consistent with voltages & FSB employed by the board in 'auto' OC mode do not yield stable overclocks above 4.20 GHz.

I've been able to boot into the OS at 4.30GHz using the CellShock Blue RAM, but only using auto settings -- with the exception of manually setting vcore to 1.475v. That voltage is high compared to overclocks on this same processor -- QX9650 -- obtained with the Maximus Extreme up to and beyond 460MHz FSB on water.

Until Asus gets its act together and comes out with a decent BIOS (that ain't 501 and it's not 403 or 401), the Maximus Extreme is hands down the superior motherboard for running quad core processors in competitive benchmarks (hwbot, etc). The RE is great for overclocking dual core processors, but that's where the party ends for now.

[Mezzro]

Does somone use Speeding HDD function ? Does that function speed up the drive even if i only use one disk or do i have to use raid ?

You will only notice a performance difference over the Intel controller if you use the pseudo RAID 0 mode, "Speeding HDD."

[MikeMK]

I've been able to boot into the OS at 4.30GHz using the CellShock Blue RAM, but only using auto settings -- with the exception of manually setting vcore to 1.475v. That voltage is high compared to overclocks on this same processor -- QX9650 -- obtained with the Maximus Extreme up to and beyond 460MHz FSB on water.

Thats strange, cos ive found completely the oposite regarding voltage with my QX9650. It uses less voltage vs. my previous boards. e.g. @ 4ghz:

DFI P35 T2R - 1.32v
Asus Rampage Formula - 1.31v
Asus Striker II Extreme - 1.35v (shocking! lol!)
Asus Rampage Extreme - 1.30v

All voltages and about half of my timings are manually set. Still working on some of the sub timings. This is on 0403.

[Mezzro]

Mike, no disagreement at 4.00GHz and less. The problem with voltages arises at overclocks in excess of 4.20GHz.

[REVHEAD]

You will only notice a performance difference over the Intel controller if you use the pseudo RAID 0 mode, "Speeding HDD."

From what I have found in these forums is the speeding Hardisk performs poorly compared to the Intel, the problem is the silicone image Controller uses the pci bus, that is a problem right there, huge bottleneck.

[Holmer]

There is definitely an FSB wall with the RE and quad core processors -- any quad core. I'm experiencing this on my personal rig, as well as seeing it from members on my Asus tech forum running the QX9770 with LN2 (www.asusindependent.com), so it's not a matter of temperature.

Frankly, I think the board is so over automated that even when the auto settings are (supposedly) overridden by manual settings, some are reverting resulting in instability. I can not think of any other explanation why manually setting NB/SB/vcore voltages and FSB consistent with voltages & FSB employed by the board in 'auto' OC mode do not yield stable overclocks above 4.20 GHz.

I've been able to boot into the OS at 4.30GHz using the CellShock Blue RAM, but only using auto settings -- with the exception of manually setting vcore to 1.475v. That voltage is high compared to overclocks on this same processor -- QX9650 -- obtained with the Maximus Extreme up to and beyond 460MHz FSB on water.

Until Asus gets its act together and comes out with a decent BIOS (that ain't 501 and it's not 403 or 401), the Maximus Extreme is hands down the superior motherboard for running quad core processors in competitive benchmarks (hwbot, etc). The RE is great for overclocking dual core processors, but that's where the party ends for now.

This is very disappointing. Is this really the consensus with this board? As far as I recall Eternal Fantasy was able to run FSB 470 stable with a QX9650. Is it a FSB problem or will e.g. 11x400 be fine with a QX9650 (if the CPU can handle it)? I have replaced my QX9650 with one I know can run 4.5 on good water (on a Evolution) and am planing to buy high end water cooling and the Rampage Extreme to be able to run 10x450. My current Evolution maxes in the FSB area around 425 when running memory 1:1. Should I forget about that ambition?

Have anybody tried the Corsair XMS Dominator TW3X4G1800C8DF (2x2GB with Samsung chips) on the RE?

[rob2k]

There is definitely an FSB wall with the RE and quad core processors -- any quad core. I'm experiencing this on my personal rig, as well as seeing it from members on my Asus tech forum running the QX9770 with LN2 (www.asusindependent.com), so it's not a matter of temperature.


Until Asus gets its act together and comes out with a decent BIOS (that ain't 501 and it's not 403 or 401), the Maximus Extreme is hands down the superior motherboard for running quad core processors in competitive benchmarks (hwbot, etc). The RE is great for overclocking dual core processors, but that's where the party ends for now.

At the moment i'm worse off than with my last board the SIIE. Maybe I should have gone P5E3 or Black Ops route but I really love the features on this board. I hope Asus can correct this in a future bios release. Thinking of cashing in my QX9770 for an E8600 and watercooling kit if not. Don't think M/S Windows activation would be too happy if I changed my board again

Also playing with Corsair 2GB (2x1Gb) DDR3 Dominator XMP 1800C7DF G (XMP) modules not yet on my sig that I got for a good price after trying 2x2Gb OCZ & G.Skill modules.

[Zeus]

I wouldn't care too much about windows activation, you payed for it, let them work for their money!

A friend of mine called weekly, the woman on the other end of the line got to know him well haha.

[eternal_fantasy]

Please elaborate on this FSB wall issue when using quad on the Rampage Extreme. The RE is the only motherboard that I could clock my QX9650 to 490Mhz FSB, and 100% stable at 470Mhz, all voltages manual input. My other boards are in my sig, and are limited to under 460Mhz. The BlackOps was a no-go above 430Mhz on quads, so you arn't missing out rob2k

Mezzro, you mention FSB wall, then you say it happens only after clocking 4.2Ghz. What sort of figures were you expecting from this motherboard? Curious as I can't seem to find where this FSB wall happened for you and what settings you've tried from your previous posts. Please link some numbers on what you've tried or your posts seems pointless... as we have no idea what the problem is and cannot duplicate it and come back with suggestions... no offence :/

[JaVa_Az]

I find the rampage extreme to be better then my old board( maximus extreme ) are far as quad cores. I have a Q6600 and 4Ghz was a no go. With the rampage extreme i can at least boot at 4ghz ( not stable as of yet ) . Right now i have it stable at 3.825 Ghz 425 FSB. I would say with a radiator upgrade im planning, so i can add more volts and not worry about the added heat load, I am 99% positive i can get it stable @450FSB. Personaly i believe boards are like CPU`s Some are just better then others it is just luck of the draw when buying one.

[JaVa_Az]

I noticed awhile back in this thread some people were complaining about the power temp going to high. I had the same problem with my quad core in. Runs alot cooler with the dual core. Quad under full load was going well into the 50c range. I still havent found any good info on this but my guess is it is for the 16phaze power design. I added a 120 fan blowing around the CPU area and i can now keep that temp to depending on room temp 41c to 44c under full load with my quad. I still am wondering where exaclty that sensor is and if maybe adding some ram heat sinks might help the issue ...anyone have any thoughts on this ..Thanks

EDIT:was thinking about this after my post Some people have complained about not being stable with the power temp over 45c, Mezzro When going over 420 FSB on your overclock is your power temp below 45c? Maybe this is the cause for the FSB wall

[rob2k]

Please elaborate on this FSB wall issue when using quad on the Rampage Extreme. The RE is the only motherboard that I could clock my QX9650 to 490Mhz FSB, and 100% stable at 470Mhz, all voltages manual input. My other boards are in my sig, and are limited to under 460Mhz. The BlackOps was a no-go above 430Mhz on quads, so you arn't missing out rob2k

Hi EF, good to hear that I'm not getting myself into a whole lot of other issues with the Black Ops . Been building with Asus boards ever since my Abit VP6 dual processor board - wow! that was some time ago!

I can run 405 all day giving 4050Hz on my CPU which i've also benched at 4080 and 4100 but I like to back it off a little due to temps. It just seems that whenever I get near 420 it fails to Prime and freezes with HyperPi but still runs the 3DMark06 and Vantage benches and games without any issues. The memory I now have eliminates any issues with 2x2Gb sticks and is good for 450 with very tight latencies. Ideally aiming for 450x9 but it's just not having any of it - tried a whole range of voltages in around 100 or so combinations.

Not sure if this is just down to my 9770 as suggested in an earlier post

[ChaosAD]

There is definitely an FSB wall with the RE and quad core processors -- any quad core.

At what Mhz is that Quad FSB wall if i m gonna use water?

Frankly, I think the board is so over automated that even when the auto settings are (supposedly) overridden by manual settings, some are reverting resulting in instability.

Do auto settings overvolt everything like my Maximus Formula do? I mean is there a real problem running at auto?

I've been able to boot into the OS at 4.30GHz using the CellShock Blue RAM, but only using auto settings.

Do you have any issues at all using Cellshock (PC3-1500)?

Until Asus gets its act together and comes out with a decent BIOS (that ain't 501 and it's not 403 or 401), the Maximus Extreme is hands down the superior motherboard for running quad core processors in competitive benchmarks (hwbot, etc).

What exactly do u mean? If its superior for benchmarks does it mean that its not superior for running a 24/7 pc?

[xo4ox]

guys anyone tested OCZ DDR3 PC3-16000 Flex II Edition on the RE ?

[Mezzro]

Mezzro, you mention FSB wall, then you say it happens only after clocking 4.2Ghz. What sort of figures were you expecting from this motherboard? Curious as I can't seem to find where this FSB wall happened for you and what settings you've tried from your previous posts. Please link some numbers on what you've tried or your posts seems pointless... as we have no idea what the problem is and cannot duplicate it and come back with suggestions... no offence :/

Eternal, no offense taken. I held the reasonable expectation that a $400 motherboard would outperform a $300 motherboard. So far, it has not begun to come close to the performance of the Maximus Extreme -- again, with a quad processor. I'm not speaking to results obtained using dual core CPU's. 26805 3DMarks on 3DMark06 using Maximus Extreme on H20, QX9650, 3870X2's in XFire.:



The FSB wall varied depending on the multi used: for 9x the FSB wall was 465MHz; for 10x, the wall was 420MHz. I couldn't get an 8x to even approach 4.GHz clockspeeds. I used multipliers from 8x - 11x. Vcore in .10 increments from 1.40 - 1.70 (LLC disabled, auto, and enabled). CPU vtt: 1.20-1.50v. CPU PLL: 1.60v-1.70v. NB: 1.40-1.70v. SB: 1.50-1.60v. Typically left CellShock Blue on auto settings (clock speed and timings) to eliminate that variable, but was able to boot at 4.10GHz with vdimm of 1.92 and timings set to 8-8-8-16, 1T.

If I were to list all combinations of voltages, timings and FSB speeds employed, it would occupy an entire webpage of posts with data that also could be dismissed as "pointless."

I think far more helpful would be to post your settings that allow you to run 4.90GHz stable. My apologies if you have done so already, but in reviewing the 25 pages of posts in this thread, I don't find those numbers. For that matter, I find no such figures from anyone claiming a stable clockspeed exceeding 4.20GHz.

Sadly, it would appear far more forum members are struggling in achieving stable overclocks with the Rampage Extreme and quad core processors beyond 4.20GHz than are successful. If you have found a combination of settings that surmount this obstacle, I'm certain the community would welcome specifics. You now have my settings. I look forward to reviewing yours.

[Mezzro]

At what Mhz is that Quad FSB wall if i m gonna use water?

Varies with your multi, Chaos, but I found 465MHz for 9x, 420MHz @10x, and 385MHz FSB @ 11x. 8x? Useless.

Do auto settings overvolt everything like my Maximus Formula do? I mean is there a real problem running at auto?

No, my experience has been that default settings in auto mode tend to undervolt if anything. That may be contributing to instability at higher OC's.

Do you have any issues at all using Cellshock (PC3-1500)?

Zero issues. Just picked up two more kits.

What exactly do u mean? If its superior for benchmarks does it mean that its not superior for running a 24/7 pc?

No. Sorry if I was not clear: I am stating that the board sucks for use with a quad core if you seek to competitively benchmark (where the benchmarks exceed 4.20GHz). I think the board is adequate for daily overclocks, although grossly overpriced given its junk heatpipe assembly. If all you're after is high FSB's with a dual core processor, the RE may well be your board, otherwise, I would look elsewhere until more mature BIOS releases hit the street.

[Mezzro]

This is very disappointing. Is this really the consensus with this board?

I speak only for myself. I do see more and more posts here and elsewhere with experienced users struggling with the RE paired with quad cores.

As far as I recall Eternal Fantasy was able to run FSB 470 stable with a QX9650.

That's terrific. Perhaps he will share with the class.

Is it a FSB problem or will e.g. 11x400 be fine with a QX9650 (if the CPU can handle it)? I have replaced my QX9650 with one I know can run 4.5 on good water (on a Evolution) and am planing to buy high end water cooling and the Rampage Extreme to be able to run 10x450. My current Evolution maxes in the FSB area around 425 when running memory 1:1. Should I forget about that ambition?

IMHO, forget about it until more mature BIOS releases surface. By then, we all my be using Nehalems. but I digress. I think the board has potential. I also think its shortcomings were eclipsed by the hype. And there's no shortage of the latter. LOL

[Mezzro]

EDIT:was thinking about this after my post Some people have complained about not being stable with the power temp over 45c, Mezzro When going over 420 FSB on your overclock is your power temp below 45c? Maybe this is the cause for the FSB wall

Excellent thought, JaVa. My FETS, CPU, NB and NB VR are all watercooled, so my temps stay pretty low. NB is averaging 44C under full load with 4.0GHz OC's. 32C at idle. The power temp, though, I'm not certain. I do know that a few times I've received high temp CPU warnings at modest overclocks, so that may be an artifact of the power temp issue, as Everest UE shows CPU temps relatively low. Those warning, by the way, have been the exception and not the rule, so doubt they are alone responsible for the wall.

[Mezzro]

Thats strange, cos ive found completely the oposite regarding voltage with my QX9650. It uses less voltage vs. my previous boards. e.g. @ 4ghz:

DFI P35 T2R - 1.32v
Asus Rampage Formula - 1.31v
Asus Striker II Extreme - 1.35v (shocking! lol!)
Asus Rampage Extreme - 1.30v

All voltages and about half of my timings are manually set. Still working on some of the sub timings. This is on 0403.

Mike, I was referring to the voltages/vcore required in manual settings to achieve higher OC's -- not the automatic, default settings.

[Mezzro]

From what I have found in these forums is the speeding Hardisk performs poorly compared to the Intel, the problem is the silicone image Controller uses the pci bus, that is a problem right there, huge bottleneck.

I've not experienced this and believe the SIL Image controller is slightly faster. I use Speedy HDD on a data partition, not the OS. I would not advise using it for the OS, although I've tried that too.

[JaVa_Az]

Excellent thought, JaVa. My FETS, CPU, NB and NB VR are all watercooled, so my temps stay pretty low. NB is averaging 44C under full load with 4.0GHz OC's. 32C at idle. The power temp, though, I'm not certain. I do know that a few times I've received high temp CPU warnings at modest overclocks, so that may be an artifact of the power temp issue, as Everest UE shows CPU temps relatively low. Those warning, by the way, have been the exception and not the rule, so doubt they are alone responsible for the wall.

I noticed when i first started running this board that asus probe would give a warning on the power temp at 45c. Lovely sound that makes too, scares the hell out of my dog. But since then i have tried to dig up info on it i cant find anything on it. I wont have my lazer thermo back for two more weeks If i only had that i am pretty sure i could find out where that sensor is. Be nice if asus had something explaining it. anyways might be something to keep your eye on. The new everest 4.60.1500 picks up all my sensors as where i had a older 4.50 that couldnt read much off this board

[eternal_fantasy]

The FSB wall varied depending on the multi used: for 9x the FSB wall was 465MHz; for 10x, the wall was 420MHz. I couldn't get an 8x to even approach 4.GHz clockspeeds. I used multipliers from 8x - 11x. Vcore in .10 increments from 1.40 - 1.70 (LLC disabled, auto, and enabled). CPU vtt: 1.20-1.50v. CPU PLL: 1.60v-1.70v. NB: 1.40-1.70v. SB: 1.50-1.60v. Typically left CellShock Blue on auto settings (clock speed and timings) to eliminate that variable, but was able to boot at 4.10GHz with vdimm of 1.92 and timings set to 8-8-8-16, 1T.

If I were to list all combinations of voltages, timings and FSB speeds employed, it would occupy an entire webpage of posts with data that also could be dismissed as "pointless."

I think far more helpful would be to post your settings that allow you to run 4.90GHz stable. My apologies if you have done so already, but in reviewing the 25 pages of posts in this thread, I don't find those numbers. For that matter, I find no such figures from anyone claiming a stable clockspeed exceeding 4.20GHz.

Sadly, it would appear far more forum members are struggling in achieving stable overclocks with the Rampage Extreme and quad core processors beyond 4.20GHz than are successful. If you have found a combination of settings that surmount this obstacle, I'm certain the community would welcome specifics. You now have my settings. I look forward to reviewing yours.

4.9Ghz stable? where did I gave you that idea?... If I couldn't acheve that clock am I not credible? I guess all my board sucks as non of them clocked above 4.5Ghz benchable... seriously I think it's more to do with the CPU then the MB...

My settings are stable for 24/7 as I no longer bench, I game. Therefore around 4Ghz is where I stay. When you said FSB wall I had not experienced it as my settings once stable, adjusting the CPU multi is simply a matter of raising/lowering VCore.

Also note that just because you want to run your CPU at above 4.2Ghz, and according to you there are a FSB wall at that speed does not mean the board is FSB limited where the rest of us non competitive users are. Infact you may be the first one complaining about it here that are trying at those speeds.

The other issue when comparing the RE with ME is that the ME came out 9 months before the RE, and its BIOS matured accordingly. I also have the ME and it wasn't so smooth sailing at the beginning too.

Memory compatibility is a pretty big issue with the RE. I cannot get my CellShock blue DDR3-1866 PC3-15000 to start windows no matter what setting/voltage I tried, where it is absolutely fine in the ME. Obviously it works fine for your board.

Anyway here is my setting for 470FSB

FSB - 470
Strap - 266
DRAM - 1414
CR - 1T
6-5-5-15
Twister - Strong
Booster - PL7
VCore - depends on your CPU and its speed
LLC - Disable
PLL - 1.51
VFSB - 1.31
VMCH - 1.524
VDIMM - 1.90
SB1.5 - 1.51
SB1.05 - 1.06

Setting using kits in my sig, NB watercooled below 40C under load. 10 hour dual ORTHOS Blend stable, OCCT 2 Hour Stable, 3DMark06 2 Hour stable. All voltages lowered until unstable, then upped 3 steps as insurance. So what is 100% stable for my system may require raising voltages a little. The highest clock I've tried and primed at is 470x9, around 1.63V for my QX9650.

I eagerly awaits your review.

[Mezzro]

4.9Ghz stable? where did I gave you that idea?...

My oversight, Eternal. 4.70GHz it is.

If I couldn't acheve that clock am I not credible? I guess all my board sucks as non of them clocked above 4.5Ghz benchable...

No one is challenging either your veracity or competence, Eternal. Just as I'm certain you're not bringing mine into question.

seriously I think it's more to do with the CPU then the MB...

Nope. Not in this instance, at least. This same CPU easily OC's above 4.40GHz on my Nvidia rig. I would respectfully submit that a "successful" OC is contingent upon a number of factors, mobo and CPU performance individually and in tandem are but two.

When you said FSB wall I had not experienced it as my settings once stable, adjusting the CPU multi is simply a matter of raising/lowering VCore.

Understood. I do the same.

Also note that just because you want to run your CPU at above 4.2Ghz, and according to you there are a FSB wall at that speed does not mean the board is FSB limited where the rest of us non competitive users are. Infact you may be the first one complaining about it here that are trying at those speeds.

If you carefully read the posts, you will find that I'm not alone in either my experience or expectations. That is not to say that there are not forum members content with their results in the pairing. We RE owners using quad core CPU's appear to be in the (vocal) minority, so it's difficult to poll overall user experience and satisfaction. That's not the point -- or not mine. The point is to share individual experience. I've stated in other posts that I do not speak for a given faction of users, only for myself. I'm assuming you aren't representing the forum in its entirety when you share your personal opinion and experience.

The other issue when comparing the RE with ME is that the ME came out 9 months before the RE, and its BIOS matured accordingly. I also have the ME and it wasn't so smooth sailing at the beginning too.

Again, that's your personal experience. Mileage may vary. As an early ME adopter, I can say that my personal experience with the board was more productive and less problem fraught than it has been with the RE. I'm happy to hear that you're experiencing greater success with the RE.

Memory compatibility is a pretty big issue with the RE. I cannot get my CellShock blue DDR3-1866 PC3-15000 to start windows no matter what setting/voltage I tried, where it is absolutely fine in the ME. Obviously it works fine for your board.

Yes, I've heard that others have had more than a few headaches with CellShock on this board. Guess that's one area I've been lucky. I've also used SuperTalent ProjectX RAM on the board, as well as G.Skill PC3-12800 with similar underwhelming results.

Thanks much for sharing your settings, Eternal. It's nice to hear that at least one quad core owner has been able to get the board to perform solidly at a competitive overclock. Excellent work on your part!

[ACE76]

Please elaborate on this FSB wall issue when using quad on the Rampage Extreme. The RE is the only motherboard that I could clock my QX9650 to 490Mhz FSB, and 100% stable at 470Mhz, all voltages manual input. My other boards are in my sig, and are limited to under 460Mhz. The BlackOps was a no-go above 430Mhz on quads, so you arn't missing out rob2k

Mezzro, you mention FSB wall, then you say it happens only after clocking 4.2Ghz. What sort of figures were you expecting from this motherboard? Curious as I can't seem to find where this FSB wall happened for you and what settings you've tried from your previous posts. Please link some numbers on what you've tried or your posts seems pointless... as we have no idea what the problem is and cannot duplicate it and come back with suggestions... no offence :/

I agree with you 100% on this...I had to RMA my RE due to some flaky things that happened out of the blue after I flashed it with 501 BIOS...but before that I was able to clock my 9770 to 490 and it was stable enough for me to run a bunch of benches...my QX9650 did 470 no problem either...my new board should arrive next week...I just got a new Q9650 and I am really hoping 500 fsb will not be out of question...a few more BIOS revisions and I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of quads doing 500 fsb...this is hands down the best motherboard on the market...regardless of whether your using a dual or quad core CPU.