** OFFICIAL ** Intel DX38BT & DX48BT2 BoneTrail Thread

[petr0id]

Same reason as why one puts a supercharger on their car...because you can...because there is more power to be had...and nothing makes you feel better than getting a lot more for very little.
sean

Yes. Now im feel. Currently running smooth on 400 MHz FSB.
But i have a problem. Every time PC restarts, it is shutting down. After that starts. I dont think it is good.
And i dont know is it better to run memory at higher freqs. Because when i run it at defaults, PC is hanging up. When i am rising CPU multi. to it's defaults - 9, PC won't boot at all (fan alarm, no beeps, monitor off).
CPU still lowering it's multi. (can see in CPU-Z) when idle. C1E, EISST and WATCHDOG are disabled.
Is it OK that FSB : DRAM is 1 : 1?
Any advices would be good.

Here is some CPU-Z screenshots:

[Manel]

petr0id
Running your mem at 400?! Why? That's not even a DDR3 standard. It's gotta be slow. If it hits DDR1600 at 1:2 would be optimal but at least leave it at it's nominal 667 speed.

[petr0id]

petr0id
Running your mem at 400?! Why? That's not even a DDR3 standard. It's gotta be slow. If it hits DDR1600 at 1:2 would be optimal but at least leave it at it's nominal 667 speed.

Read in my post:

"Because when i run it at defaults, PC is hanging up."

I know, my English is bad. But that forum, on xtremesystems.org, is only one place, where are alot info about DX38 is available.

EDIT:
Also, i tried to run memory at 1066 MHz. Looks like it works fine.
Anyway i am at default's again. One of HDD's start to do something strange. And those "cold reboots". On defaults everything OK...

[Manel]

petr0id, sorry for not understanding. Do you have the chance to try another pair of mem sticks with your board? Maybe they're bad. I see they're 2GB modules, maybe it's loading too much your (particular sample) MCH, although the configuration is not unusual. Maybe you need to RMA your board. Did you try your sticks with another board?
Or maybe it's that issue again with the 4870 and mem, that was fixed sometime back but who knows.
Did you have the same problem with older BIOS versions?

[Sean-E-Boy]

Manel

Understanding that petr0id is newish at this, i am going to guess and suggest a few things:
0) make sure watchdog is disabled in the BIOS
1) the 2 memory dimms are in the BLUE slots...although Intel tells us that this is how it MUST be, we know that blue slots will hinder your OC. petr0id, move the memory dimms from the blue slots to the black ones and see if you have the same issues (while you are moving the RAM, look on the dimm itself and see if there is a voltage value indicated and take note of it).
2) petr0id, do not use the default setting for the memory...while this works fine at stock, it causes problems with moderate overclocking. Choose manual, and apply these values: 333/1333, leave the timing values as they are, but make sure that the selected voltage matches what is marked on the memory itself (from #1) if the exact voltage is not in the list select the next one higher, set the command rate to 1T.
3) that there havent been any voltage changes...the default voltage of the MCH/ICH is very low (what is it...1.2, 1.25?) petr0id, if #1 and #2 do not make things better, raise the voltage of the MCH/ICH a little, add .1 or .15 to it.

let us know if this helped

sean

[petr0id]

Manel[/B];3617322]petr0id, sorry for not understanding. Do you have the chance to try another pair of mem sticks with your board? Maybe they're bad. I see they're 2GB modules, maybe it's loading too much your (particular sample) MCH, although the configuration is not unusual. Maybe you need to RMA your board. Did you try your sticks with another board?
Or maybe it's that issue again with the 4870 and mem, that was fixed sometime back but who knows.
Did you have the same problem with older BIOS versions?

Manel! Thanks for reply!

I don't have a chanse to try another pair of memory (for now). And RMA for me is imposiible. May be it's 4870+DDR3, but iam not sure. With old BIOS versions there was the same problems.

[petr0id]

Sean! Thank you!

Watchdog is disabled. Looks like my memory likes black slots more, than blue one's. It is work at 333/1333 with FSB 400. I can't find any info about memory voltage on modules. Only CPU-Z info is available - 1.5v. I did not change any voltages for CPU, MCH/ICH or something (now i will try ). Only Enhanced power slope is enabled (i don't know for what is it, but looks like it did not do nothing wrong). Must i disable C1E, C2 and SpeedStep?

[Sean-E-Boy]

Good, glad to hear its going better.

and no, you dont have to disable c1e, c2 and speedstep...the reason people do is that by turning these off it reduces the the number of variables that can be introducing instability into the equation.

as for the voltage options, enhanced power slope is good, but do not increase the vCore/cpu or FSB voltage very much since you are using the stock cooler. the MCH/ICH can take a bit more, but only increase it if doing so increases stability.

sean

[Manel]

Enhanced power slope seems to be not very clear. Usually it's left disabled, but if Sean says it's ok I'll take his word for it. As far as I can tell it controls the current provided to the CPU, also some say it somehow controls the Vdroop. Acording to Intel, when enabled provides higher current to the CPU though.
Good to see your problem is gone petr0id...

Anyone installed the recently updated INF 9.1.0.1012? Finally the X38 was added to the version 9. Hope this are really good for the X38. I remember the issues a while back with the INF for it. Intel was confused as well!!

[Sean-E-Boy]

Think of voltage and current to the CPU as a pipeline, where voltage is the pressure (psi or whathaveyou) and the current as the volume. In the case of Enhanced power slope, you are increasing the current or, in the pipeline analogy, the volume of water delivered to the CPU, but not affecting the pressure. With a pipeline you can only do this with a bigger pipe connected to the CPU, but when you crack open the faucet (the CPU) it takes much more flow from the faucet to reduce the incoming pressure than it would with a smaller pipe connected to the faucet thereby reducing the vdroop seen by the CPU under load (faucet wide open).

Hope this helps.

and yes, I am using 9.1.0.1012, dont have any issues nor any lack of problems to attribute to it either. But be advised, the intel installer does not install all of the drivers to the correct components on its own. the best way to update the system is to use a program such as 7-ziip to extract the files from the installer to a place like your desktop, then go to the device manager (right-click my computer and choose manage, then device manager) then click "view" then "devices by connection." now expand ACPI based system, then Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System, then PCI Bus. inside PCI Bus there are many entries, some of which can be expanded, others not. Several of these can be updated with the files in the extracted folder from the INF updater, just right-click each, choose update driver then choose browse my computer...browse to and select the folder extracted from the INF installer. Windows will seach through this folder and subfolders (if selected) for matching drivers and if they exist it will update them.

Following this method in addition to using the installer as intended will update everything it is designed to update AND THIS DID INCREASE my system stability while overclocking...helps if everything is working off of the same set of drivers, i guess.

Sean

[Manel]

Sean, man, you are good with analogies. That made it clear.
Regarding INFs, thanks for the tip for a complete installation. How come Intel can't make things install correctly and completelly from the start? I guess nothing really amazes me anymore when it comes to Intel these days.

[soccergeek24]

Hello all,

I have been reading (and enjoying ) the post since November. It's taken me a while, but I have read through pretty much all of this thread. Most of the posts and replies have been instrumental in helping me with some of my errors. But I haven't seen anything that answers the following (appologies if I missed it):

I am running an E8500 3.16 GHz...but on CPUz it gives me TWO different core speeds:

1.) 1999.7 with multiplier of x 6.0 (see Dump file below)
and then after a few seconds it lists a different core speed
2.) 3166.6 with multiplier of x 9.2 (bolded line)


The bus speed and FSB are holding steady (333.3 MHz and 1333.2 MHz respectively). I have had dual core processors before, and regularly work on multicore systems at work (mostly servers). I have never seen it change core speeds like that.

I have 4x 1GB of DDR3 memory (1600, I know, I know...it will only run at 1333). So i am not looking to overclock at the moment. When i get some more funds I am going to get 2x 2GB DDR3 1600 and then possibly start messing with OCing. But my ram is stable.

Does anyone have any thoughts ?


Processor(s)

Number of processors 1
Number of cores 2 per processor
Number of threads 2 per processor
Name Intel Core 2 Duo E8500
Code Name Wolfdale
Specification Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8500 @ 3.16GHz
Package Socket 775 LGA
Family/Model/Stepping 6.7.A
Extended Family/Model 6.17
Core Stepping
Technology 45 nm
Core Speed 1999.8 MHz
Multiplier x Bus speed 6.0 x 333.3 MHz
Rated Bus speed 1333.2 MHz
Stock frequency 3166 MHz
Instruction sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, EM64T
L1 Data cache (per processor) 2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache (per processor) 2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache (per processor) 6144 KBytes, 24-way set associative, 64-byte line size

Chipset & Memory

Northbridge Intel X48 rev. 01
Southbridge Intel 82801IR (ICH9R) rev. 02
Graphic Interface PCI-Express
PCI-E Link Width x16
PCI-E Max Link Width x16
Memory Type DDR3
Memory Size 4096 MBytes
Memory Frequency 666.6 MHz (1:2)
CAS# Latency (tCL) 9.0 clocks
RAS# to CAS# (tRCD) 9 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 9 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 24 clocks
Command Rate (CR) 2T

Memory SPD

Module 1 DDR3, PC3-8500F (533 MHz), 1024 MBytes, Corsair
Module 2 DDR3, PC3-8500F (533 MHz), 1024 MBytes, Corsair
Module 3 DDR3, PC3-8500F (533 MHz), 1024 MBytes, Corsair
Module 4 DDR3, PC3-8500F (533 MHz), 1024 MBytes, Corsair

[Sean-E-Boy]

Soccergeek, first of all welcome, second, the ranks trolling around here have become really thin since just before christmas...so if we dont get back to you right away, be patient.

ok,
1. what CPUz version are you using?
2. what BIOS revision are you on for the x48?
3. if both of these are current, the jumping from lower to higher freq and the mulitplier changing are normal actions of how these boards are designed to help you reduce power consumption (known as speed step, etc). however, the multi being 9.2 is rather confusing since the minimum step for these processors/this board to my knowledge is 0.5 and i have no idea as to the bolded line thing. could you paste a screen shot of CPUz showing this line and 9.2 (or is this supposed to be a 9.5?).
4. memory only run at 1333? dont believe that for a second...now you may only be able to set it to 1333 in the bios, but that wont stop it from going faster as the FSB increases.

also, try to gie us a breakdown of your hardware (like below), maybe you dont need to buy faster memory.

[Manel]

Hi soccergeek, welcome. It's a lotta fun reading through all the thread, right? It used to be a lot of us here, I guess things are pretty much settled now, only a few resist now.
Anyway, I guess the 9.2 multi was a typo, it should be 9.5, and Sean is correct for sure, it must be the power saving features kicking in. It throttles down to the lowest multi to save power when idle.
Intel boards (BIOSs) do not allow for higher mem clocks than FSB, others do though. Still, if you oc you can get higher mem freq. But going for 2x2GB instead of 4x1GB, both 1600, will serve you nothing, specially if you don't oc. If you do it might give you some headroom when it comes to loading the NB mem controller however. Also, maybe you want to get mem with tighter timings, those Corsairs always have higher latencies than others but still they prove good performers.

[Manel]

Guys, just out of the oven the new 1900 BIOS. So long after 1893 and so many fixes and the number didn't get higher than this? I guess they don't want it to go past 2000, it's where the DX58SO starts.
For a moment I thought there would be no more BIOS releases. It's dated 28.01.2009 already, internal testing for sure from then on.
Still, no new things that matter. Only bulls**t fixes.
Tony, where are you man, where are those mem tweaks you'd been working on with the guys at Intel? tRD anyone?
Also, how about the AC power loss issue, will it ever be fixed? 1893 was supposed to fix it.

[petr0id]

• Fixed an issue where Express BIOS update allowed a custom BIOS
to be loaded over the standard BIOS

Heh! Where can i find one?

I'am worried 'bout that guys, at Intel. They see only dollar$ in their eyes? Where is the Linux support? WTF!
Is my mobo is only chipset itself? No! DX38BT is EXTREME series MoBo. Why Intel is so greedy to features? It's 21-th century!!!

[Manel]

Just realized, someone screwed up bigtime at Intel, either this 1900 BIOS is not final yet or someone forgot to update the description. The header says Build 1900 RC BIOS, RC as in Release Candidate?
Those guys at Intel are becoming more and more sloppy, instead of being more professional with time. Next upgrade it's time to reconsider again.
Can't understand it took so long for this release and were the main issues solved? Anything new really interesting? Performance improvements? Think not.
But hey, lots of VPD issues fixed and Express BIOS. What the hell is VPD anyway?
Petr0id, guess we can't rely on Intel to be worried with their customers, instead they need to focus on profit alone, specially at times like these I guess. Too bad, when they will need us we are so gone, away from them at least most of us.
Are you listening Intel? I know you are. ake care of the known power issue, mem performance tweaks, final working IDCC.

[bigblue]

I found this thread, then took me a month to get registered here. I have everything running stock, no problems. I used to delve in the dark arts, but retired from overclocking years ago (too expensive). I'm more interested in stability, not being the fastest on the block (again, too expensive). I like to use it, not abuse it.

One thing though, I could NEVER get that onboard sound to work. I was hoping to use my SB Audigy for another system, and use onboard for my 5.1s. I don't need mega-watt power, just old-eared quality. I was just trying to keep it simple and unclutter on the mobo. The least amount of add-in cards the better. And no, I will NEVER do onboard video! I'll read through this thread and gain some insight. Specs in the sig.

[w.m]

make sure you got the IDT* 92XX Driver (IDT High Definition Audio CODEC) and config your speakers from IDT Control Panel app.that should be enough

[soccergeek24]

Sorry about the delay...it's been a crazy week. Wife's birthday and Valentines day...BACK TO BACK!!!!!!!!!!! Sean, thanks for the responses. It was actually a quicker turn around than I expected. My answers are in bold

Soccergeek, first of all welcome Thank you!, second, the ranks trolling around here have become really thin since just before christmas...so if we dont get back to you right away, be patient No worries, I understand.

ok,
1. what CPUz version are you using? Version 1.45
2. what BIOS revision are you on for the x48? 1893
3. if both of these are current, the jumping from lower to higher freq and the mulitplier changing are normal actions of how these boards are designed to help you reduce power consumption (known as speed step, etc). however, the multi being 9.2 is rather confusing since the minimum step for these processors/this board to my knowledge is 0.5 and i have no idea as to the bolded line thing. could you paste a screen shot of CPUz showing this line and 9.2 (or is this supposed to be a 9.5?). Makes sense. Yes, 9.5. I fat-fingered the 2...sorry
4. memory only run at 1333? dont believe that for a second...now you may only be able to set it to 1333 in the bios, but that wont stop it from going faster as the FSB increases. I had to manually set it at 1333 to keep it from doing an endless reboot. But my proc is only 1333, so I figured it didn't matter. Like I said, eventually I was planning on upgrading to do ocing (i.e. Extreme proc and 2x2GB 1600 mem), but things are tight right now...as I am sure everyone is aware of.

also, try to gie us a breakdown of your hardware (like below), maybe you dont need to buy faster memory.

Appologies, I actually meant to do that!

Intel DX48 Bonetrail
Intel E8500 3.16
4 GB DDR3 Corsair XMS 1600
2x500GB (RAID 1) Seagate 7200.11
ATI Radeon 4870 512 MB
Vista 64 Premium

[Zardoc]

Well, well, it seems that we are going backwards with bios updates.

Just installed the 1900 S3 mode in XP keeps fans running. Didn't do that with 1893.

Man , I must say that I am disappointed with Intel. Sometimes I can't even use my keyboard in Bios and if it isn't that, then it's CPU fan that goes weird because CPU temps are gone in bios, or mem settings that won't boot properly or create a double reboot.

What a mess. I'm going back to Asus next board.

[Manel]

bigblue, the onboard sound is weird, should be good but I can't set it properly either. I have it working, though. Thing is, it won't show Dolby settings and now it's stuck at headphones output, can't get it back to 5.1 anymore.
w.m, you say it right, it should be enough. If it worked properly. Those drivers/setup applet are not only horrible looking but outdated too.
Zardoc, like you I'm kinda fed up with these Intel slipups, never going better, only making things worse. If only they worked on the open issues and make proper BIOS and drivers. Why can't they learn from others?
1900 seems to be a no good update after so many months in the works... still, it's rated RC!!!

[Zardoc]

It's like the saying goes, Don't buy a dishwasher just because it says Porsche on it.

Just because they make great processors, doesn't mean they make great boards.

[Miwo]

wow thats really too bad about the latest bioses :thumbsdown: . I was really looking forward to being able to adjust some ram timings like tRD.
Still trucking along on the x38bt on my 24/7 setup

[Manel]

Miwo, long time no see (or read). Still hanging on to dear old BoneTrail I see.
Yes, tRD is in my favourites list as well for long, but still a no go. Tony from OCZ was working on it with Intel, I remember. I guess it just didn't materialize.
The AC power loss and no boot issue is also something to be solved yet.
The DX58SO SmackOver has had quite a few develoments, latest 3435 BIOS is SLI ready as Intel finally licensed (or did they?!) it from nVidia. Too bad those bast**ds at nVidia didn't open it to all chipsets.