Asus Striker II Extreme: Corruption/Freezes Troubleshooting Thread

[Deathspine]

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

I am no expert but having read thru this thread it is clear you can not expect to run this board on auto, especially with 8G of ram. Check out the thread, see what voltages are used. Your NB voltage must surely be upped to at least 1.5 with that much memory. It took me a week to get my board stable, it is surpising how much you need to up the voltages on this board. Once you do up the voltages it is possible to get this board running well. To get it running real well you need good cooling i.e. watercooling with the voltages needed.

[Oginger1]

Thnks for the responce deathspine. My entire system is waercooled. (CPU, Motherboard and graphics.) In the last 3 months I've tried just about every variation of the BIOS settings, I've been slowly upping the voltages on CPU, NB, SB, VVT and PLL till well byond recommend levels and still it wont run stable. Suprisingly the settings I posted above are the most stable I've found, and the one I revert back to when all others fail. With these setting it will pass Intel Burn test but fail Prime95 blend or large (it will run small)
To be honest I've had about as much hassle as I will take from this board. On friday it's back to the shop and as long as there's no problems I'll be giving this back to them and going either XFX or EVGA. They seem to be much better boards running stable with no problems. Unless I can sort this board before then, well it's bye bye Asus.

[kingy138]

PSU = Toughpower 1000w
CPU = QX9770
RAM = 8GB Corsair XMS 1600 C9
HDD = 2 x VelociRaptor 150GB RAID 0 (64K Stripe), 1 x Seagate barracuda 1TB
VGA1 = BFG GTX280 H2OC
VGA2 = As above BUT currently RMA
SPU = Asus Soundmax
NorthBridge Cooling = Water with stock block
SouthBridge Cooling = as stock
CPU Cooling = Apogee GTZ block
RAM Cooling = None
BIOS version 1104

BIOS Settings
Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = UnLinked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Manual
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1800
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1600
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 = Enabled
P2 = Enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 9
tRCD = 9
tRP = 9
tRAS = 24
Command Per Clock (CMD) = AUTO
tRRD = Auto
tRC = Auto
tWR = Auto
tWTR = Auto
tFAW = Auto
tRD = Auto
tRTP = Auto
tRFC = Auto
tREF = Auto

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.4V
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto
CPU VTT Voltage = Auto
Memory Voltage = 1.82V
NB Core Voltage = 1.54V
SB Core Voltage = 1.60V
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 = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB1 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHA2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF
DDR3 CHB2 Ref Volt = DDR3_REF

CPU Configuration
CPU Internal Thermal Control = Disabled
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

Problem Description
I'm having some generally strange things happening with flickering/flashing, it only happens on boot and at moments of inactivity. Whilst i'm using it, it's fine! Stability seems ok but something just doesn't feel right, with glitchy looks of some bits in vista which i know shouldn't being doing that.
Could it be something to do with the cheap C9 ram i've brought, starting to wish i'd spent almost the same amount and got 4GB of 2000mhz dominator instead.

Thanks in advance!

[Deathspine]

Thnks for the responce deathspine. My entire system is waercooled. (CPU, Motherboard and graphics.) In the last 3 months I've tried just about every variation of the BIOS settings, I've been slowly upping the voltages on CPU, NB, SB, VVT and PLL till well byond recommend levels and still it wont run stable. Suprisingly the settings I posted above are the most stable I've found, and the one I revert back to when all others fail. With these setting it will pass Intel Burn test but fail Prime95 blend or large (it will run small)
To be honest I've had about as much hassle as I will take from this board. On friday it's back to the shop and as long as there's no problems I'll be giving this back to them and going either XFX or EVGA. They seem to be much better boards running stable with no problems. Unless I can sort this board before then, well it's bye bye Asus.

I understand your pain. Today mine has stopped for 30 seconds to a minute twice this evening and then all is well. I am on BIOS 1103, the final 1104 did the same thing. After I post this thread I am back to 901. But I too am thinking of another 790i motherboard.

[kingy138]

Hello, is this the best place for some help with my MB? Only ask because it seems nobody is replying to my previous msg asking for help...
Many thanks

[BenchZowner]

This is THE place to... be
You only need to be a bit patient, some people have limited time nowadays ( that includes myself )

[markost]

Anyone have a success story with the new bios 1104?

Albeit with a QX9650

[Deathspine]

Albeit with a QX9650

My QX9650 arrived today, will be installed this next weekend. I am currently using 901. 1104 locked up more frequently for no clear reason. 901 locks up occasionally. Will remember your success with the QX9650 and my try the 1104 again this weekend. Thanks again for your help.

[AtlRich]

I am running a S2E no problems ever from the box. 1002 bios, Q9450 OC, 4GB OCZ SLI, TT ToughPower 1200w, Raptor 300gb, 500gb storage, 2 DVDs, cooled with a Swiftech water cooling system. If anyone has a simular setup get with me for my voltage settings.

[Deathspine]

I may be back for help this weekend. I plan to upgrade to an QX9650 this weekend. I will start draining the watercooling this evening and hope to be back up tomorrow evening. I got new watercooling blocks to install and possible add another loop. I sure hope all goes as planned as some of these computer upgrade turn to to major challenges when you run into problems.

[lazareth1]

Hi Guys,

I'm another one with these random freezing issues. There is another thing that I would like to ask though. When installing, lets say XP. You boot from CD and then it loads the files st the blue screen. You then press enter at next screen and then at the bottom you get the 'please wait' message that quickly pops up and then the EULA.

The thing is, with my system it sits on this 'please wait' message for like 10 mins before proceeding. Now in my experience on other systems this does not happen and the 'please wait' message only flashes up. I have tried a different HDD and CD drive and I still get this strange thing. I suspect it might have something to do with the mobo and it's stability issue. Is any1 else getting the same thing?

[BenchZowner]

As of today I will be Striker II Extreme-less and I plan to remain like that for the rest of my time

The fact that I won't have a board here doesn't mean that I won't be helping you out and giving you guys advice and settings to try, I just won't be able to try any newer BIOS or verify a bug, etc.
[ and I do believe that Asus will release a new BIOS only to support any new Core 2 revisions ( if any ) ]

[lazareth1]

Did you have the same issue with windows install as i do Zowner?

[BenchZowner]

Nope.
Could be anything.
From a Optical drive issue, to a component being on the borderline of stability.

Could you please list your configuration info using the template from the first page ?

[lazareth1]

Right now i have everything on auto which i know is bad, but i did have an OC 1800FSB in sync. ill get the info when i get home frm work. Thing is it was stable for like 24 hrs on prime95 and memtest+ for 15 hours, yet sometimes when its been on for say 4-5 hrs it'll just freeze. I then reboot and I can run it longer (12hrs?) and then i shut down for the night, and in the morning same cycle begins again.

[Deathspine]

Just update from e8400 to QX9650, also updated NB/SB waterblock and air cooled mosfets. Computer stops the boot process at INIT8042. What is INIT8042 referring to? How does one solve this problem?

Thanks to all that respond.

[BenchZowner]

I remember I had that message displayed once or twice when I was overclocking the QX9650 with LN2 back in the days.
A full clear CMOS ( remove the power plug and the CMOS battery from the board for 5 minutes ) should get the job done.

I don't remember what the INIT8042 message is pointing at.

[Deathspine]

I will try that next, thanks BenchZowner

[Deathspine]

Removing the battery and clearing CMOS did not work.

[BenchZowner]

Hmm... do you have any spare hardware ?
Hardware swapping to see if something's dead time is approaching I'm afraid

[Deathspine]

Yes I have extra CPUs, memory and video. I guess it is time to take it apart and start over again.

Thanks for the help guys. Here we go draining the water.

[Deathspine]

Thanks for the help today guys. You have been of much assistance. Although I have not solved the problem I have learned from your information. It is time for a break - a mental break - nothing stresses me more then hardware problems of unknown origin. Right now I have drained the water, pulled video cards, sound cards etc and memory. I have pulled the battery and reset the CMOS. I left the CPU in as it did boot past CPU INIT. I will let it sit a while and rebuild when I get some more energy.

What was wrong with an e8400 at 3.8? Why did I need to upgrade? Dam hardware junkie!

[BenchZowner]

The Striker II Extreme is just like a chick ( girl, not the animal ) [ hmm... on another note some girls are... animals ] { hopefully in bed only }
Sometimes she's brilliant, good looking ( and performing ) and easy to "hook" up with, and satisfy all your needs & requests...
And some days... she will refuse to "connect" with you at all. Give her some space... it's the lonely time "I need to be alone for a while"... Rachael, we were on a break ( )

And eventually you'll break up with her one day... you might be sad for a while ( a minute ? ) and then suddenly you realize that you're better off alone.
Get rid of her

[Deathspine]

The Striker II Extreme is just like a chick ( girl, not the animal ) [ hmm... on another note some girls are... animals ] { hopefully in bed only }
Sometimes she's brilliant, good looking ( and performing ) and easy to "hook" up with, and satisfy all your needs & requests...
And some days... she will refuse to "connect" with you at all. Give her some space... it's the lonely time "I need to be alone for a while"... Rachael, we were on a break ( )

And eventually you'll break up with her one day... you might be sad for a while ( a minute ? ) and then suddenly you realize that you're better off alone.
Get rid of her

Ok, I tried again tonight to revive my girl but to no avail . I will say goodbye to the girl tomorrow . I ordered another Striker II Extreme , I had too much invested in it with new Bitpower NB/SB & mofset waterblocks and two 8800 GTX video cards to say good by to Nvidia. I sure would like to try the Rampage Extreme, Intel chipset, rock solid, overclocking champ but I need that SLI with my two video cards.

Thank BenchZower, slim142 and others for you assistance and advise

[Deathspine]

Got a second Striker II Extreme motherboard yesterday, back up and running . Currently running a default setting until I get all the hardware configured. I hope to attempt to overclock this board later.