The Maximus Formula Thread - Help/OCing/Guide/Rampage conversion

[Zucker2k]

i am thinking of replacing my e6850 with a e8400, e8500 or e8600 as my e6850 will not do what i want it to do on air.. the most i can get out of it is about 3.79 and it has been running at 3.6 24/7 for almost a year. i am hoping to get 4.0. i see the e8400 does that for many people with fairly low volts but don't see to much info on the other two i listed.. which one do you think i should get? the e8400 is 160-170 and the e8500 is about 10 more the e8600 is way more. is it that much better? if the 8400 will do what i want is there any reason to spend any more for one of the others? i am not looking to break any records or anything just get a little higher oc with maybe less volts and close to the same temps.. once i start upping my volts to get this one to work any higher funky things start happening due to heat being on air?? thanks.

For $10 more I'll definitely go for the .5 more on the multi of the E8500. Just be sure you get a E0 and 4.2Ghz should be a breeze.

[loften]

thanks

[Allubz]

There's no good reason for getting a E0 over a C0 though.

I don't recall the proof atm. since it's 4.20am but the E0 has higher timings on its L2 cache and comparing 4.0 C0 vs a 4.4 E0 delivers about the same performance results, just due to that timing.

[Zucker2k]

There's no good reason for getting a E0 over a C0 though.

I don't recall the proof atm. since it's 4.20am but the E0 has higher timings on its L2 cache and comparing 4.0 C0 vs a 4.4 E0 delivers about the same performance results, just due to that timing.

Well, go and sleep and then come back and see if you still feel the same way.

[loften]

i have been looking at the e8000's for a few weeks. it is hard to find out from many sites which stepping code they are selling even looking at the specs.. i almost got a e8500 today but the people at the place i was at didn't have a clue when i asked about the stepping. i asked for a print up of the specs and they were clueless or to buisy to help so i walked away.. i was thinking i should ask about it here first... the info is good to know and if the stepping is not to big of a deal then maybe i'll just go back and not worry to much about it because it is only a few more dollars there then i could get it online anywhere, it's even less if adding my gas and not paying shipping.

[loften]

SLB9K is eo right? is eo newer then co?

[loften]

another thing is my sig shows i am on the rampage bios but i was having issues with that bios so i switched back to the maximus bios. which was version number 1004 when i did it. is that maximus bios compatable with the newer cpu's with 45nm and or the .5 multi cpu's? thanks again.. edit

[Allubz]

SLB9K is eo right? is eo newer then co?

E0 is newer. Read my previous post about the difference(s) between the steppings though. Performance-wise it doesn't matter which one you get.

another thing is my sig shows i am on the rampage bios but i was having issues with that bios so i switched back to the maximus bios. which was version number 1004 when i did it. is that maximus bios compatable with the newer cpu's with 45nm and or the .5 multi cpu's? thanks again..

Maximus did support 45nm CPU's but not the Quads I think same for the .5 multi's at the first BIOS. I'm not totally sure though.

Please try to EDIT your posts instead of posting three times after each other.

[Grnfinger]

another thing is my sig shows i am on the rampage bios but i was having issues with that bios so i switched back to the maximus bios. which was version number 1004 when i did it. is that maximus bios compatable with the newer cpu's with 45nm and or the .5 multi cpu's? thanks again.. edit

iirc 1004 will support 45nm

[orbiter]

Dominators are great ram, if you get the right IC's you'll be very happy with them.
8GB's is a tad overkill imo unless you do alot of heavy encoding or auto cad, 8GBs will be harder on the MCH wont clock as high and will be harder to get high FSB overclocks stable
If you do not have a legit reason for 8GBs then I would not make the investment but thats my

Thanks Grnfinger I actually do quite a lot of batch processing of large files in CS4 so the 8GB may assist here. Would this extra loading on the NB come into effect at say 3.8GHz?

PS not getting rid of the Maximus Formula now. I just didn't like the UD3P at all.. Had issues with sound (even with separate card) and glitching in games at only moderate OC 4.1-4.2GHz. And boot time to windows was twice the time of my Max Formula. The MF is solid without any issues even though the OC is limited to around 3.9Ghz Max. I may just invest in a Rampage or MFII further down the road.

Regards

Orb

[viccan]

Has anyone experianced any crashing /or should i say freezing issues after flashing the maximus to the rampage??? Just got this Board and only had it a day before I flashed it but I keep getting freezing up on me not even at full load it will just randomly freeze?? I cant put my finger on it Ram tested out 100% fine with memtest86 and cpu is brand new Q9650, had to download newer bios from asus site as the bios that were offered on here werent capable of running 2 4870's in xfire... Help me help me any suggestions or thaughts grteatly appreciated..

vic

[screwtech02]

I'm still havin issues with the lateset Rampage bios too. Have to use it due to 2 4850x2's.... Flashed the latest P5E/Formula bios's too, they exibit the same issues.... All other componants test good...

[cyrixMII300]

hey guys.. i have a small problem now. my system is exhibiting strange usb problems lately. my mouse is clicking way too fast, probably at the speed of light. i click once and it opens things multiple times. I am not sure whats the problem. Also some of my front panel USB ports which are connected to the MB have stopped working. I hope that I didnt fry the USB controller or anything. Have already tried reinstalling XP but to no avail. The problem persists. My Quad is overclocked to 3.8GHz at the moment and I have also tried dropping the voltage and yet cant resolve it. Anyone could guess whats the cause? It seems very difficult to identify the problem here and I would appreciate any help. Btw, I have already tried configuring the speed of the mouse click to the lowest and still the problem remains. I have also tried replacing the mouse and I still have the same problem. Help me out guys.

[pphx459]

FYI, the latest 1302 bios supports 45nm quads.

[pphx459]

Has anyone experianced any crashing /or should i say freezing issues after flashing the maximus to the rampage??? Just got this Board and only had it a day before I flashed it but I keep getting freezing up on me not even at full load it will just randomly freeze?? I cant put my finger on it Ram tested out 100% fine with memtest86 and cpu is brand new Q9650, had to download newer bios from asus site as the bios that were offered on here werent capable of running 2 4870's in xfire... Help me help me any suggestions or thaughts grteatly appreciated..

vic

I never flashed to the rampage bios, but I did have random freeze issues with the same setup even though the system was able to prime and memtest for over 8 hours at 4ghz. I backed off on the OC to 3.9 and the system is now stable. I've also found that upping the nb volts on this board helps stability tremendiously, you can give that a try.

[viccan]

I'm still havin issues with the lateset Rampage bios too. Have to use it due to 2 4850x2's.... Flashed the latest P5E/Formula bios's too, they exibit the same issues.... All other componants test good...

Thats why I had to update Im running 2 4870's 1 4870x2 and 1 single both cards have 1 gig memory per gpu ?? But that is exactly why I upgraded the bios..

hey guys.. i have a small problem now. my system is exhibiting strange usb problems lately. my mouse is clicking way too fast, probably at the speed of light. i click once and it opens things multiple times. I am not sure whats the problem. Also some of my front panel USB ports which are connected to the MB have stopped working. I hope that I didnt fry the USB controller or anything. Have already tried reinstalling XP but to no avail. The problem persists. My Quad is overclocked to 3.8GHz at the moment and I have also tried dropping the voltage and yet cant resolve it. Anyone could guess whats the cause? It seems very difficult to identify the problem here and I would appreciate any help. Btw, I have already tried configuring the speed of the mouse click to the lowest and still the problem remains. I have also tried replacing the mouse and I still have the same problem. Help me out guys.

Its funny you bring up the USB, I had forgot about that element of my problem not so much with the click speed as just hearing my usb chime like something got unplugged or plugged in?? A few times my USB keyboard stopped working and it would re establish once unplugged and then pluged back in? I think its best I just go back to the latest formula maximus bios to see if that solves the issue?

I never flashed to the rampage bios, but I did have random freeze issues with the same setup even though the system was able to prime and memtest for over 8 hours at 4ghz. I backed off on the OC to 3.9 and the system is now stable. I've also found that upping the nb volts on this board helps stability tremendously, you can give that a try.

Make sure I got this right your using a true Maximus (not rampage) Bios and having similar issues? I had all clocks and voltages set to auto and Im still getting it also my cpu pll never goes below 1.6v even if I manually set it at its lowest setting (1.5v) in the bios Man Im getting aggravated by this board!
At first I thought it was memory I used prime 95 and memtest both for 8-9 hours no crash then Im like the problems gone hurray 2 seconds later I hit send on my email and KABOOM! she down for the count?? Im running @ 3.825 MHZ and still happening my vid reported by core temp is 1.1625v and Im currently running 1.216v I've been slowly bumping it up to find stability or should I say a stop freezing as everything was stable performance and bench wise @ 1.2v My max temps are running 59 59 56 56 with full load Prime95 as well as OCCT..

EXTREME Clockers ACTIVATE!!!

[Grnfinger]

For those having USB issues up your damn SB volts and update to the latest chipset drivers.

For other anomalies it would be helpfull if you stated what bios your running, as Asus has coded some major lately. Clocks speed for chip and ram would also be benificial. static read control and PL level are all relevant information that no one chooses to post, how about STOP posting about your problem untill you include the information required to help you.
Hard locks are usually vNB or tref values incorrect. The harder you tax the MCH the more volts you'll need to pump in to it. Cause your ram is rated for 2.1 - 2.2 volts dosent mean thats all you need, it's rated at that voltage for the rated speed, if you increase speed beyond its rating you might need to up the ram volts.
No offence to anyone that owns it but OCZ is crappy ram and is most likely what your problem is.

[loften]

ok i had to upgrade the bios to the newer one.. first post on the e8500 eo at 420x9.5 @ 4.0, 1.21 volts.. 36-38 degrees ram @ 11something right into windows.. going to start messing with it to see what volts things require.. thanks for the info guys.. i will keep you posted..

[viccan]

For those having USB issues up your damn SB volts and update to the latest chipset drivers.

For other anomalies it would be helpfull if you stated what bios your running, as Asus has coded some major lately. Clocks speed for chip and ram would also be benificial. static read control and PL level are all relevant information that no one chooses to post, how about STOP posting about your problem untill you include the information required to help you.
Hard locks are usually vNB or tref values incorrect. The harder you tax the MCH the more volts you'll need to pump in to it. Cause your ram is rated for 2.1 - 2.2 volts dosent mean thats all you need, it's rated at that voltage for the rated speed, if you increase speed beyond its rating you might need to up the ram volts.
No offence to anyone that owns it but OCZ is crappy ram and is most likely what your problem is.

Ok here we go :

cpu= 1.216
cpu pll = 1.616
fsb term= 1.392
dram = 2.16
nb = 1.632 (just upped to 1.68)
sb = 1.088 (just upped to 1.136)
sb 1.5v = 1.552
dram controller v = 1.088
3.3 = 3.232
5v =4.992
12v = 12.152

cpu multiplier = 9
fsb = 425
fsb strap = auto
pcie freq = 100
ddr freq = 1066
dra,m command rate = auto
dram commmand skew (ch. A+B)= auto
dram clock skew (ch A+B) = auto
dram timming 5-5-5-15-3-54-6-3
2nd info = 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
3rd info = 14-5-1-6-6

dram static read = auto
a.i. clock twister = auto
a.i. transaction booster = auto
everything else set to auto except loadline calibration is enabled

again cpu pll is set at lowest setting available 1.5 yet it registers 1.616
and cpu voltage is set to 1.23125v but is registering 1.216v

Bios is asus formula rampage 0701 (latest bios avail. for multiple ati 4870 cards)

hope this helps you help me thanks

[Grnfinger]

I'll post up some suggstions shortly, off to eat

Some things that will help....

whats the voltage rating for your ram?
in your sig I assume the 2 drives are raid?

[chew*]

Guess what I found today grn?

Black pearl.

How did you make out with the ram, seems to not do as well as 2x1gig variants could be the bios on that board i'm working with however.

Using the maxi to do a comparison review in the next week or so

[viccan]

I'll post up some suggstions shortly, off to eat

Some things that will help....

whats the voltage rating for your ram?
in your sig I assume the 2 drives are raid?

Voltage rating is 2.2v Another member suggested tuning it down a tad but obviously i did not fix it so??? No the 2 750's are not in raid Thanks for responding so quick I do appreciate it

It is OCZ But i did mem test is for 9 hours and not 1 error so Im hoping i got a good batch from them..

[Grnfinger]

Guess what I found today grn?

Black pearl.

How did you make out with the ram, seems to not do as well as 2x1gig variants could be the bios on that board i'm working with however.

Using the maxi to do a comparison review in the next week or so

OMG I am so jealous
pics please pics,
you know your not helping my wallet any

Have not grabbed the ram yet, I know I'm slacking...I'm in argument over my 4870XX2 block, still no stock and I'm getting frustrated.
I want to change my order but they wont say how long to refund my current order.
iirc the 2x2 GB kit should do 1150MHz-1175MHz, cherry kit will do 1200

Voltage rating is 2.2v Another member suggested tuning it down a tad but obviously i did not fix it so??? No the 2 750's are not in raid Thanks for responding so quick I do appreciate it

It is OCZ But i did mem test is for 9 hours and not 1 error so Im hoping i got a good batch from them..

try this out
CLOCK SKEW advanced 250ps both channels ( adjust down from here)
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 65 (this value is important for 8GBs)

CPU PLL Voltage : 1.60 ( try to work down)
North Bridge Voltage : 1.53 - 1.55 ( try running it here adjust higher if need)
DRAM Voltage : 2.12 ( board over volts .8 so you get 2.2 actual)
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.40

Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63X
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67X
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.55

Let me know how you make out, worse / better / no change

[chew*]

OMG I am so jealous
pics please pics,
you know your not helping my wallet any

Have not grabbed the ram yet, I know I'm slacking...I'm in argument over my 4870XX2 block, still no stock and I'm getting frustrated.
I want to change my order but they wont say how long to refund my current order.
iirc the 2x2 GB kit should do 1150MHz-1175MHz, cherry kit will do 1200

I took my set back, my board kept puking them up. Best timings I could do was 4-4-4-10 @ 420, 5-4-4-10 @ 500, 5-5-5-15 @ 1080 and wanted higher than 5 timings....for anything higher. This was on amd of course, I'm sure on the intel they would do considerably higher. That set that I know is good is at the location mentioned below.

That board is at a brick and mortar store, selling for 169.99. They take credit card. If you want info PM me...you can call them and talk to an actual person

[viccan]

OMG I am so jealous
pics please pics,
you know your not helping my wallet any

Have not grabbed the ram yet, I know I'm slacking...I'm in argument over my 4870XX2 block, still no stock and I'm getting frustrated.
I want to change my order but they wont say how long to refund my current order.
iirc the 2x2 GB kit should do 1150MHz-1175MHz, cherry kit will do 1200




try this out
CLOCK SKEW advanced 250ps both channels ( adjust down from here)
CAS# Latency : 5
RAS# to CAS# Delay : 5
RAS# Precharge : 5
RAS# ActivateTime : 15
RAS# to RAS# Delay : 3
Row Refresh Cycle Time : 65 (this value is important for 8GBs)

CPU PLL Voltage : 1.60 ( try to work down)
North Bridge Voltage : 1.53 - 1.55 ( try running it here adjust higher if need)
DRAM Voltage : 2.12 ( board over volts .8 so you get 2.2 actual)
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.40

Loadline Calibration : Enabled
CPU GTL Reference : 0.63X
North Bridge GTL Reference : 0.67X
DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
DDR2 Controller REF Voltage : DDR2-REFF
SB 1.5V Voltage : 1.55

Let me know how you make out, worse / better / no change

Well It seems better but it never freezes at the same times like I said sometimes Ill just go to send an email and freeze.. Im primming now @ 3.92GHz I managed to boot with all the settings you provided except the pll increased to 1.6v and it wouldnt post? I had it set at 1.5 but it jest goes up to the 1.616v so i decreased to the 1.5 I had origionally had it at and it booted right up but still readds 1.616 in bios ? Thankyou very much So from here I guess time will tell... Im running 9x 433

If I wanted to push it to 9x 450 would I have to adjust any of these settings ? or would they be good there too?? Thanks again really appreciate the help