ASUS Maximus II Formula - new P45 king?

[Lloyd]

With DDR2 prices such as they are being cheap makes very liittle sense. Many 2x2 kits that OC quite well at low volts can be had for around $100 or less. These are primium ICs and lifetime warranty.

Cheaping out on ram for a $300 board is a big mistake IMHO

Totally agree

[vaderat-at]

Asus definitely need to revise the software and fix the bugs, the poor quality of asus software is legendary.

Asus really need to bring out a new bios too, that corrects the inability of D9 GMH/GKX ram to overclock past 1210 MHz, I have sticks that do 1333+ MHz but I can't get them over 1210 on this board no matter what. Also the low FSB should be addressed, as at the moment, the P5Q-Deluxe is better than this board in every way doing 590 FSB on 1.26 vNB (whereas the M2F maximum FSB is around 560 using 1.30 vNB) and being able to clock ram above 1350 MHz.
Asus better fix these issues with the next bios release or the M2F will become a legendary failure, as it is being outclassed by boards 30% cheaper than it (P5Q-D, DFI P45 Dark Plus etc).

Is that possible with a Bios update?

[CryptiK]

Yes, you can markedly improve a board's ability to overclock ram, increase its compatibility with ram (AFAIK D9JKH is officially supported but not D9 GMH/GKX) and better optimize other areas. Look at how much the new Gigabyte boards have improved with bios updates - one bios wont allow ram to clock over a certain speed no matter what is done, the next bios and the ram boots straight up at that speed and will go much higher.

Also, Ket's modified bioses are allowing much better ram overclocking compared to the standard asus bioses for the P5Q series boards. The bios makes a massive difference.

I just think Asus have been slack with the Maximus II Formula, and as a result it is clearly being beaten by the P5Q-Deluxe, a workstation board by comparison, which according to the M2F's 'ROG' label and higher price tag, should not be happening.

BTW, what vFSB/vNB are you running for 555 FSB stable?

[SiGfever]

Yes, you can markedly improve a board's ability to overclock ram, increase its compatibility with ram (AFAIK D9JKH is officially supported but not D9 GMH/GKX) and better optimize other areas. Look at how much the new Gigabyte boards have improved with bios updates - one bios wont allow ram to clock over a certain speed no matter what is done, the next bios and the ram boots straight up at that speed and will go much higher.

Also, Ket's modified bioses are allowing much better ram overclocking compared to the standard asus bioses for the P5Q series boards. The bios makes a massive difference.

I just think Asus have been slack with the Maximus II Formula, and as a result it is clearly being beaten by the P5Q-Deluxe, a workstation board by comparison, which according to the M2F's 'ROG' label and higher price tag, should not be happening.

BTW, what vFSB/vNB are you running for 555 FSB stable?

If ASUS wants to continue to market these ROG boards they had better step up to the plate and address these issues. You would think for the cost of these boards they would have their top bios engineers keeping these boards on top.

[GeorgeVasil]

Also, Ket's modified bioses are allowing much better ram overclocking compared to the standard asus bioses for the P5Q series boards. The bios makes a massive difference.

Have you tried the modded 1307 for Μ2F?

[Nunzi]

Wher can u get the modded bios1307?
Thanks

[SiGfever]

Hey guys I need your help. I was Prime95 "Blend" stable 2 hours with bios 701 and I flashed up to 1307 and it craps out in a matter of minutes now. Here are my settings, please look them over and make some suggestions. I am not trying to hit real high numbers just 3.7 for my daily machine. This chip is a "C0" revision and not the best clocker by any means. This is the machine in my sig.
Thanks.

Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
FSB Frequency: 436
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: Auto
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1047MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Auto
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Auto
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Auto
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Auto
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information: 

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay:  Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: 55 DRAM Clocks
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
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







3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
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
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Auto
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 10
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.4250
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.61925
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.37825
DRAM Voltage: 2.14450
North Bridge Voltage: 1.35175
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.12650

CPU GTL Reference (0): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (1): -45mv
CPU GTL Reference (2): Auto
CPU GTL Reference (3): -45mv
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto









CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled 

[Grnfinger]

Have you tried the modded 1307 for Μ2F?

It was my understanding Ket was doing P5Q bios only atm.
can you provide a link?

[Grnfinger]

Hey guys I need your help. I was Prime95 "Blend" stable 2 hours with bios 701 and I flashed up to 1307 and it craps out in a matter of minutes now. Here are my settings, please look them over and make some suggestions. I am not trying to hit real high numbers just 3.7 for my daily machine. This chip is a "C0" revision and not the best clocker by any means. This is the machine in my sig.
Thanks.

going back to 701 is your rig stable again with same settings.

Why are you running PLL so high? I doubt it need to be set so high, I'm running 1.5 ( bios ) for 3.9GHz 459x8.5

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 : 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

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


CPU Voltage : 1.35
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.50
FSBT : 1.33850
DRAM Voltage : 2.12
North Bridge Voltage : 1.39150
South Bridge Voltage 1.5 : 1.5
South Bridge Voltage 1.1 : 1.1

my

[CryptiK]

Have you tried the modded 1307 for Μ2F?

Yes, I'm the one who asked him to do it for me by special request. It did help, I gained an extra 40MHz of stable ram speed. It didn't allow me to do what I was hoping for (650 MHz +) but there was definitely an improvement.

His modded bios also supports more cpu's than the latest M2F bios.

Gimme a minute I'll find the link for you Grnfinger.

EDIT - here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=358

Hey guys I need your help. I was Prime95 "Blend" stable 2 hours with bios 701 and I flashed up to 1307 and it craps out in a matter of minutes now. Here are my settings, please look them over and make some suggestions. I am not trying to hit real high numbers just 3.7 for my daily machine. This chip is a "C0" revision and not the best clocker by any means. This is the machine in my sig.
Thanks.

So just to clarify, every setting is the same, but it is no longer stable using bios 1307? I'd also like to know if going back to 701 gets you stable again at the same settings.

[Grnfinger]

Thanks for teh link, maybe 4.0GHz is going to happen after all.

[SiGfever]

going back to 701 is your rig stable again with same settings.

Why are you running PLL so high? I doubt it need to be set so high, I'm running 1.5 ( bios ) for 3.9GHz 459x8.5

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 : 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

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


CPU Voltage : 1.35
CPU PLL Voltage : 1.50
FSBT : 1.33850
DRAM Voltage : 2.12
North Bridge Voltage : 1.39150
South Bridge Voltage 1.5 : 1.5
South Bridge Voltage 1.1 : 1.1

my

Yes it was stable with 701 bios. I raised the PLL voltage and that helped me get to 3.72. I will try lowering it and try your settings.

Yes, I'm the one who asked him to do it for me by special request. It did help, I gained an extra 40MHz of stable ram speed. It didn't allow me to do what I was hoping for (650 MHz +) but there was definitely an improvement.

His modded bios also supports more cpu's than the latest M2F bios.

Gimme a minute I'll find the link for you Grnfinger.

EDIT - here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=358


So just to clarify, every setting is the same, but it is no longer stable using bios 1307? I'd also like to know if going back to 701 gets you stable again at the same settings.

All settings the same. I went back to 701 and ran large FFT's but have not run "blend" yet. I felt that my settings were too high for the OC reached.

[Grnfinger]

Yes it was stable with 701 bios. I raised the PLL voltage and that helped me get to 3.72. I will try lowering it and try your settings.

All settings the same. I went back to 701 and ran large FFT's but have not run "blend" yet. I felt that my settings were too high for the OC reached.

Something you might want to try is a positive value for GTL's.
I ran the correct values for my setup -50 or something like that and coudnt get 2 cores stable.
Adjusting to a positive value
ie +30 +20 +20 +30 got my chip stable fast and allowed me to lower PLL to its min, and vcore was also lowerd 2 notches.
Not saying its going to work but its worth a shot?

[GeorgeVasil]

Yes, I'm the one who asked him to do it for me by special request. It did help, I gained an extra 40MHz of stable ram speed. It didn't allow me to do what I was hoping for (650 MHz +) but there was definitely an improvement.

His modded bios also supports more cpu's than the latest M2F bios.

Gimme a minute I'll find the link for you Grnfinger.

EDIT - here: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=358

Thanks for the info!

Have you mentioned any Memory Read/Write/Copy Improvement compared with the original BIOS (1037)??(like the P5Q BIOS-es)

[CryptiK]

TBH not really that i noticed however I wasn't looking for that, just attempting to raise the max mem speed achievable.

[FuryPT]

So people, Maximus II Formula or P5Q Deluxe? I am going to buy tomorrow one of them! The mems will be the OCZ Platinium 8000 2x2gb

[vaderat-at]

BTW, what vFSB/vNB are you running for 555 FSB stable?

vFSB=1.24575
vNB=1.28550

[xzulu]

So people, Maximus II Formula or P5Q Deluxe? I am going to buy tomorrow one of them! The mems will be the OCZ Platinium 8000 2x2gb

The P5Q Deluxe is also a good board. But if you've got the extra cash to spend, then get the Maximus II Formula.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lately I've got a couple of BSODs! Then everytime it reboots my HDD isn't detected. Noticed the problem was with the SATA cable. I was using the L-type that came with the board...it's nice and soft for bending alright...but dang was to soft i guess.

Replaced them and used my trusty black Foxconn SATA cables....

[SiGfever]

Something you might want to try is a positive value for GTL's.
I ran the correct values for my setup -50 or something like that and coudnt get 2 cores stable.
Adjusting to a positive value
ie +30 +20 +20 +30 got my chip stable fast and allowed me to lower PLL to its min, and vcore was also lowerd 2 notches.
Not saying its going to work but its worth a shot?

I tried some settings from one of your posted OC's. It failed core 1 after 52min runtime. Here are the settings.

Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
FSB Frequency: 436
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: 333
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1047MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Advance 300ps
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information: 

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay:  Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: 55 DRAM Clocks
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
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







3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
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: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Stronger
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 10
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.4250
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.33850
DRAM Voltage: 2.12
North Bridge Voltage: 1.39150
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): +20mv
CPU GTL Reference (1): +10mv
CPU GTL Reference (2): +10mv
CPU GTL Reference (3): +20mv
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto









CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled 

[Grnfinger]

I tried some settings from one of your posted OC's. It failed core 1 after 52min runtime. Here are the settings.

Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
FSB Frequency: 436
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: 333
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1047MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Advance 300ps
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information:

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay: Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: 55 DRAM Clocks
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
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







3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
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: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Stronger
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 10
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.4250
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.53975
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.33850
DRAM Voltage: 2.12
North Bridge Voltage: 1.39150
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): +30mv
CPU GTL Reference (1): +20mv
CPU GTL Reference (2): +20mv
CPU GTL Reference (3): +30mv
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto









CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled

suggestions are in bold

[SiGfever]

suggestions are in bold

Thanks, I will try them now.
John

[Cable_Tie_Guy]

Hello, I'm new here on XS.
I just got my M2F and I am loving it!

I have a QX6700 B3 65nm HEAT MONSTER, but this board is so good, that I can run it air cooler at:

3.5GHz 500FSB x7
3.8GHz 475FSB x8
3.6GHz 450FSB x8
3.6GHz 400FSB x9

This board can run 45nm quad's with 500FSB and 4GHz+ on good air and with water it can do more.

I am all air cooled, but I did the washer mod and AS5 on NB / SB.
When I first powered the board I had no windows, so I left it on the BIOS for 20 minutes to check temps, and this is what I got:



This is my system, I use it with the case closed.
I will soon post some pics of my overclocks with this great board!

[SiGfever]

Well I modified my GTL's and so far (1.5hrs) I am Prime95 "Blend" stable @3.7. I will try to lower some voltage settings later to see if I can reduce them since the GTL's seemed to be better dialed in. Thanks Grnfinger for your help.

Also thanks to "Nemesis", I used his GTL settings from an OC that he had posted.

Ai Overclock Tuner: Manual
OC From CPU Level Up: Auto
Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
FSB Frequency: 436
CPU Clock Skew: Normal
NB Clock Skew: Normal
FSB Strap to North Bridge: 333
DRAM Frequency: DDR2-1047MHz

DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1: Advance 300ps
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2: Advance 300ps
DRAM Timing Control: Manual

1st Information: 

CAS# Latency: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Precharge: 5 DRAM Clocks
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge: 15 DRAM Clocks
RAS# to RAS# Delay:  Auto
Row Refresh Recycle Time: 55 DRAM Clocks
Write Recovery Time: Auto
Read to Precharge Time: Auto

2nd Information:

Read to Write Delay (S/D): Auto
Write to Read Delay (S): Auto
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







3rd Information:

Write to PRE Delay: Auto
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: Enabled
DRAM Read Training: Auto
MEM. OC Charger: Auto
Ai Clock Twister: Stronger
Ai Transaction Booster: Manual

Common Performance Level: 10
Pull-in of CHA PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHA PH3: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH1: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH2: Disabled
Pull-in of CHB PH3: Disabled

PCIE Frequency: 101

CPU Voltage: 1.4250
CPU PLL Voltage: 1.50
FSB Termination Voltage: 1.33850
DRAM Voltage: 2.13125
North Bridge Voltage: 1.39150
South Bridge 1.5 Voltage: 1.50
South Bridge 1.1 Voltage: 1.10

CPU GTL Reference (0): +20mv
CPU GTL Reference (1):-15mv
CPU GTL Reference (2): +20mv
CPU GTL Reference (3): -15mv
NB GTL Reference: Auto
DDR2 ChA Reference Voltage: Auto
DDR2 ChB Reference Voltage: Auto
North Bridge DDR Reference: Auto









CPU Configuration:

Ratio CMOS Setting: 8.5
C1E Support: Disabled
Max CPUID Value Limit: Disabled
Intel Virtualization Tech: Disabled
CPU TM Function: Disabled
Execute Disable Bit: Disabled

Load-Line Calibration: Enabled
CPU Spread Spectrum: Disabled
PCIE Spread Spectrum: Disabled 

[Cable_Tie_Guy]

First test with the aircooled QX6700 B3 65nm HEAT MONSTER!

3.2GHz 400FSB x8
2h prime95 blend

The NB is aircooled at 1.3v and it only goes to 34c under load!
Room temp is arround 22 - 23c I believe.

[Cable_Tie_Guy]

QX6700 B3 65nm HEAT MONSTER!

3.6GHz 450FSB x8
All on air, 1h prime95 blend so far...

BIOS 1307, not tweaked with everything on AUTO, except:

vcore = 1.47v
NB = 1.4v
VTT = 1.32v

DDR2-1080 5-5-5-18




.
.
.
.


Prime95 blend 2h stable now, and it is running with OCCT max load (infinite) CPU + 3D...
That OCCT gpu test is really crazy!
My 8800ultra core is now 80c+ with that thing running on full screen. I am running with the case closed, so the heat from the GPU is killing my CPU temps now...
As I am air cooling the QX6700 B3 65nm HEAT MONSTER, I think it is close to its limit now. Temps are high.