ASUS P5B-Deluxe; Problems & Fixes

[unclewebb]

It's end of the line for socket 775. Intel has some new CPUs coming out next month but you will need a new motherboard and some new DDR3 to run them. The way an E8500 can run on this two year old motherboard, there's no reason to even think about upgrading. Maybe Christmas 2009.

When I was playing this week I sometimes had the problem with it freezing up in the bios while making adjustments and I don't think I'm the only one that's had this problem. The bar at the top of the screen will keep going back and forth from left to right but it won't let you make any adjustments.

I'm still testing but I think bumping these two items in the bios up to 12 has got rid of that problem:
Rank Write to Read Delay
Write to Precharge Delay

It seems more compatible when using a high FSB speed. I used to have these set at 10 and 11 but now both are at 12. I'll see if I can isolate this problem further. Right now this board is running incredible for me. Very easy to set up and get decent results from.

Anyone not sure if they should stick with this board with an E8500 needs to read this thread:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=182051

Setting the NB to 1.65 volts is necessary for me when using P965StrapTweaker to maintain excellent memory bandwidth and stability at a FSB of 533. Highly recommended.

Edit: I thought running on the fast strap when the FSB was over 500 MHz might cause some instability but after a few hours of Prime95 blend, it looks good enough for 24/7 use.



Look for Intel sSpec Number SLB9K on the box or CPU when looking for an E8500 E0.