Asus Striker II Extreme: Corruption/Freezes Troubleshooting Thread

[doc3d]

So is 1103 more stable than 0901? Should i flash to it?

I flashed my 0901 BIOS to 1103 yesterday, but it did not make a difference for me. I guess it helps some, but not all.

[Ambiguous411]

Just updated nvidia chipset drivers to 15.23 and GeForce drivers to 177.83 and still running 0901. We'll see how it goes the next few days.

[doc3d]

My system was, knock on wood, stable all evening yesterday. I didnt do anything but run laps in iRacing, but still better than normal. The strange thing is that I havent done any changes since monday, and it was NOT stabile then, so I dont know whats going on.. *sigh*

[Ambiguous411]

My system was, knock on wood, stable all evening yesterday. I didnt do anything but run laps in iRacing, but still better than normal. The strange thing is that I havent done any changes since monday, and it was NOT stabile then, so I dont know whats going on.. *sigh*

I get that as well. But, i will change something and it will run smoothly for days, then one day it'll freeze, just like yours. The only thing i have in common with you is the processor and nForce chipset drivers.

[doc3d]

I get that as well. But, i will change something and it will run smoothly for days, then one day it'll freeze, just like yours. The only thing i have in common with you is the processor and nForce chipset drivers. Could it be the processor?

That doesnt make any sense. There are way too many people with the same problem that everybody has a problem with their cpus. I am confident that its about finding the right combination of settings, and since I have absolutely no experience, Im hoping one of the gurus in here can help. In the meantime I'll just have to grind my teeth every time it crashes and hope nothing really getsdamaged with all these frequent reboots. I found an article here: http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3283&p=1 that has a lot of detail descriptions on bios- settings.. maybe something in there.. so far I havent tried the settings recommended in the article, as my system is ok for now. When it crashes again, and Im sure it will, I'll try setting the ranges supplied in the article

[Deathspine]

This thread has not been very active of late. I am sure many of us are still using this motherboard. Now that mine is very stable rock solid as they say at a mild overclock I am still waiting for new tips from our collective experience to get a better overclock with this board. With another weekend here I will have to strive for the 4GHz. If I get lucky I will post my success. Let's keep this thread going.

[Ambiguous411]

Yeah, i'd like to keep this going. Zowner gave me a setup that has been working really well, but it's still not rock solid. He must still be swamped with stuff to do, hopefully he can find some time to give us some advice.

[Deathspine]

Unfortunately BenchZower is the most knowledgeable individual participating in this thread. He however is busy and part of his efforts are put into his own website and his own forums. His website has a review of the motherboard with tweaking tips and a thread in his forum on this motherboard. To help BenchZower help us maybe we should visit him at his website. Below is the thread in his forum about this motherboard.

http://www.benchzone.com/forum/viewt...t=183&start=15

[Deathspine]

New BIOS on ASUS website!

[Argonous]

Hello Everyone!

I was hoping BenchZowner could help me out as well. I tried to sign up over on his forums, but it seems his registration is hosed up, so hopefully he (or someone else here) can help me out. Here are my specs and my problem(s) in the requested format:

Required System Specifications

PSU  = Ultra 1000 Watt ATX
CPU  = Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz
RAM  = 8GB (4x2GB) DDR3 PC310600 1333MHz 256x64 240pin CL9 Kingston KVR1333D3N9K24G
HDD  = Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3500320NS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA x2 (RAID 0)
VGA1 = BFG GeForce GTX 280 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI-E
VGA2 = BFG GeForce GTX 280 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI-E
VGA3 = none
SPU  = SupremeFX II (Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty had to be RMAed)
NorthBridge Cooling = Case Fan
SouthBridge Cooling = Case Fan
CPU Cooling = ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
RAM Cooling = Case Fan
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 178.13
Sound Card Drivers Version = SoundMAX AD1988B Audio Driver V6.10.02.6320
BIOS version = 1104
OS = Windows Vista x64

BIOS Settings

Extreme Tweaker

CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Auto
FSB - Memory Ratio = Auto
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = Auto (1333)
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 ) = Auto / 9
tRCD = Auto / 9
tRP = Auto / 9
tRAS = Auto / 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = Auto / 1T
tRRD = Auto / 4
tRC = Auto / 33
tWR = Auto / 12
tWTR = Auto / 16
tFAW =  Auto / 21
tRD =  Auto / 11
tRTP = Auto / 5
tRFC =  Auto / 74
tREF =  Auto / 7.8uS


Over Voltage

CPU Voltage =
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Disabled
Memory Voltage = Auto
NB Core Voltage = Auto
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 = Enabled
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

I have been trying to my new rig stable for about a month now, but the system consistently locks up.  Most of the time, I am getting a blank screen after Vista loads and I have to power off.  When I power back up, the motherboard has a tendency to "hang" at various points, but mostly with LCD poster on "CODEINIT".  Resetting power (sometimes multiple times) does eventually allow the system to boot again.

I have even RMA'ed the motherboard back to Asus at 2 weeks ago because due to the "CODEINIT" error, but it was returned to me without any documentation as to what was tested/fixed.

Using the latest nVidia Drivers (178.13) and only one of the video cards installed, Vista can boot fully to the desktop, but I still crash/lock up when I try to run almost any program, including IE, and nVidia Control Panel.  Installing the second video card causes Vista to crash as soon as or right before the desktop loads.

Problem Description is posted in the above format, but duplicating the text here...

I have been trying to my new rig stable for about a month now, but the system consistently locks up. Most of the time, I am getting a blank screen after Vista loads and I have to power off. When I power back up, the motherboard has a tendency to "hang" at various points, but mostly with LCD poster on "CODEINIT". Resetting power (sometimes multiple times) does eventually allow the system to boot again.

I have even RMA'ed the motherboard back to Asus at 2 weeks ago because due to the "CODEINIT" error, but it was returned to me without any documentation as to what was tested/fixed.

Using the latest nVidia Drivers (178.13) and only one of the video cards installed, Vista can boot fully to the desktop, but I still crash/lock up when I try to run almost any program, including IE, and nVidia Control Panel. Installing the second video card causes Vista to crash as soon as or right before the desktop loads.

Thanks in advance for ANY help that is provided!

[Chomer]

Ehh I spent 200 pounds on this and Im fighting with this motherboard for 2 months now. Checked all settings and none are working for me. Its even worst now -PC is freezing constantly in every game. I think I will get another motherboard and Im thinking on DFI or Foxcon on Intel chipset. Asus started to make crap for me - again.

[Deathspine]

Anyone have a success story with the new bios 1104?

[BenchZowner]

Don't know.
I'm using 1103 here for the CSX Diablo DDR3 testing and it's working fine.
Gotta finish the CSX review this weekend, and then I'll take on the P5Q3 Deluxe and try to contribute here in troubleshooting the S2E.

[Oginger1]

Required System Specifications
PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = Coolermaster 1250W
CPU =Q9550
RAM =OCZ3P13334GK Platinum 8GB (4 x 2GB)
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = Western Digital 500GB (100GB partition for Vista, 400GB for software)
VGA1 = BFG 280GTX H2OC
VGA2 = BFG 280GTX H2OC
VGA3 = BFG 280GTX H2OC
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Creative Fatality PCIe
NorthBridge Cooling = Water
SouthBridge Cooling = Water
CPU Cooling = Water (Zalman block)
RAM Cooling =
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.23
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 178.13
Sound Card Drivers Version =
BIOS version 1103

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tune = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = unlinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = auto
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 = auto
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = auto
P2 = auto
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = auto 7
tRCD = auto 7
tRP = auto 7
tRAS = auto 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 1T
tRRD = auto 4
tRC = auto 28
tWR = auto 12
tWTR = auto 16
tFAW = auto 17
tRD = auto 9
tRTP = auto 5
tRFC = auto 60
tREF = 7.8

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.193750
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = auto (1.55)
CPU VTT Voltage = auto (1.14)
Memory Voltage = 1.84 (1.90 actual)
NB Core Voltage = auto (1.34)
SB Core Voltage = auto (1.49)
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 = auto
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

Since building this rig I've had major problems. First set of 3 cards were flashed with the wrong BIOS with one of the cards cooking itself at 105 degrees. Second set of 3 cards refused to cold boot but were fine if you warmed them up first. 3rd set of cards are in now and seem fine but no games will run for long. It will either freeze up with sound loop or just BSOD. 3DMark Vantage runs fine (P26577 with 3.2ghz oc) but nothing else. I've tried all sorts of different settings in the bios to try and find a stable overclock but nothing is working. I have run DPC latency checker and noticed that when I run games (eg Crysis) I get a lot of latency peaks but when running 3dmark vantage the only time I get a peak is at the start and end of a test. During a test there's no latency peaks at all. Could this be part of the problem?? High latency causing vista to report the driver has stopped?? Any help in getting this stable would be great as I've all but given up with it. I dont have much spare time and the last 3 months I've done nothing but swear at this pc! lol

[Deathspine]

Following BenchZower's lead, I have updated to the new Bios 1104 and have noticed no change. That is it is stable with previous setting from 901. Will try to overclock later.

[erickwok]

who knows which bios run high FSB more stable ??
thanks a lot!

[Argonous]

I continue to beat my head against my keyboard with this Motherboard....

[Deathspine]

I continue to beat my head against my keyboard with this Motherboard....

This has been a very challenging motherboard for most of us. Not a every forgiving motherboard. I took me a week to find a stable mild overclock of 20% and I have been reluctant to try again.

[Deathspine]

Time has past and I forgot most of the pain of overclocking this motherboard, and I got a new Bios to try. With 1104 I was able to reach a stable 3.825 or 1700 FSB with my e8400. Could be this bios is an improvement since my memory may have been one that the new compatibility was for.

[Deathspine]

Update the solid 901 to 1104, good initially but the last two days the system seems to "freeze" every now and then, it could be in gaming or surfing the net. The light on the mouse goes out for 15-30 seconds and then everything comes back again. Just switch to the beta BIOS 1103 that BenchZower was using with success. Anyone heard of this problem?

[Lestat]

man and here i was really hoping osmeone would make a good 790i board... crap,, guess thats never gunna happen

[BenchZowner]

That's very weird Deathspine.
Apart from the mouse, is the same thing happening to the rest USB and maybe PS/2 devices ?
When the mouse powered off, did the keyboard work ?

[Deathspine]

That's very weird Deathspine.
Apart from the mouse, is the same thing happening to the rest USB and maybe PS/2 devices ?
When the mouse powered off, did the keyboard work ?

Everything shuts down, like one long pause. You initially think the system locked up but then it suddenly starts working again. I am trying 1103 with my more tested settings at 3.6 versus my new settings at 3.8. With 1104 at both 3.8 and 3.6 it does this pause. It could be a heat problem as with the greater overclock my northbridge is hitting 65 degrees. I will be removing the heatpipes in two weeks or so and improving my cooling.

[Deathspine]

New nForce (chipset) Drivers version 20.08 posted 10-15-08

[cluelessguy]

Just wanted to add my name to the list of unhappy S2E owners. I don't even overclock, even set my mem settings to lowest timings but system keeps freezing at random intervals (mostly when playing a game or watching video). Before I found this thread, I've replaced my graphics card, cooling, memory (both brand and amount), switched from Vista64 to Vista32, went back from RAID0 to single disk, tried every BIOS update they've released (currently 1104) and nothing... it's still the same unstable junk I paid premium for.

I've now purchased a Foxconn Blackops in hopes that it could make up for all those nights I almost burst a blood vessel when the system froze in the middle of a multiplayer game.

To all those still trying to stabilize theirs, best of good luck.