ASUS Striker II Extreme

[slim142]

That sounds exactly like what I wrote yesterday night

Hope you guys enjoy it

[patgarr]

well...bios 1203 ! good news..

How are the feedback about this bios ? any people tried it ?
Just want to know before flashing.

[ioamnesia]

Hate to sound like a teeny-bopper but OH MY GOD! I almost had a heart attack today when I saw a new BIOS for SIIE. I thought they'd given up on us. So here's my experience. I installed the bios, rebooted and....

BLACK SCREEN, NO POST. First time for everything. I called up ASUS and got through right away. That never happens, anywho, the guy had me remove power, pull the battery, and flip the bios reset switch to the right. I was told to leave it there for 15-20 seconds... A wierd thing happened, the system was zero power for about 15 seconds when all the lights on the motherboard flashed for a second and then dropped.... must have been the stored charge... put back in the battery, flipped the switch to the left, applied power and.... YAY!!!!!!

Now as far as performance... This is a godsend! I'm running SIIE with QX9770 and OCZ3RPR16004GK ram, I've alway had trouble keeping the system stable and lately even more so. I bought another 4 gigs and tried going to 8... no beans, so I went back to 4 and my system would stay stable for about an hour before black screen and looped audio crashing. I am happy to report that I have been gaming for 5 hours straight since the BIOS update and have experienced NO issues!

BRAVO Asus!

well...bios 1203 ! good news..

How are the feedback about this bios ? any people tried it ?
Just want to know before flashing.

[patgarr]

Hi ioamnesia

Here is the official 1203 S2E bios topic from Asus website :

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?...age=1&count=31

Before i decide to flash my board to this new bios (need to mount it into the case), can you give us some data ? first, how is the +3.3v value w/ 1203 ?
Many people report bad values (+3.21 <-> +3.28) signal with older bios, even 1202.

About vcore... what values are in bios/cpuz ? with or without loadline calibration ?

this bios seems to be better than other about stability and voltage...i hope ! but we need more feedback to be sure.. i always got issue with this board, even with good and different settings, different ram modules...

[edit] i never use the dangerous windows asus flash utility: i killed my bios and like you, i used the manufacturer recover steps. Now i use the specific awdflash with a boot cd in dos mode... i never had prb. NEVER flash a bios with an OC cpu because you re not sure about stability. use setup default to do it safe.

[Trigger5521]

Hi ioamnesia

Here is the official 1203 S2E bios topic from Asus website :

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx?...age=1&count=31

Before i decide to flash my board to this new bios (need to mount it into the case), can you give us some data ? first, how is the +3.3v value w/ 1203 ?
Many people report bad values (+3.21 <-> +3.28) signal with older bios, even 1202.

About vcore... what values are in bios/cpuz ? with or without loadline calibration ?

this bios seems to be better than other about stability and voltage...i hope ! but we need more feedback to be sure.. i always got issue with this board, even with good and different settings, different ram modules...

[edit] i never use the dangerous windows asus flash utility: i killed my bios and like you, i used the manufacturer recover steps. Now i use the specific awdflash with a boot cd in dos mode... i never had prb. NEVER flash a bios with an OC cpu because you re not sure about stability. use setup default to do it safe.

Just flashed 1203...Everest reports +3.3v: 3.23-3.25.
1202 would stay put at 3.25v

CPU vcore no difference for me. 1.36 bios = 1.42-1.44 actual.

Can't speak to stability yet need time to test. Hoping I can bring down my mem volts and remain stable running at 2.08 currently

[slim142]

Glad to hear no bad reviews so far. More comments would be excellent!

[Sangrak]

Just flashed 1203...Everest reports +3.3v: 3.23-3.25.
1202 would stay put at 3.25v

CPU vcore no difference for me. 1.36 bios = 1.42-1.44 actual.

Can't speak to stability yet need time to test. Hoping I can bring down my mem volts and remain stable running at 2.08 currently

Now that you've brought that to my attention, I have the same outcome with the +3.3v value: Everest is reporting 3.23v, where 1202 would place it at 3.25v.

Vcore is the same in bios and Everest: 1.36. Vcore still seems to fluctuate from boot to boot sometimes, ranging +/- 0.02v. Doesn't seem to affect stability.

[patgarr]

ok guys... well i note some difference with your vcore values...
that s strange :
Trigger5521 write "1.36 bios = 1.42-1.44 actual." and Sangrak write "Vcore is the same in bios and Everest: 1.36. Vcore still seems to fluctuate from boot to boot sometimes, ranging +/- 0.02v."

do you have loadline calibration enabled ?

i always report vcore difference with 1202 and older... but Sangrak, i m very interested by your 1203 settings because you got nice vcore stability bios/everest...Trigger5521 not ;(

[Sangrak]

ok guys... well i note some difference with your vcore values...
that s strange :
Trigger5521 write "1.36 bios = 1.42-1.44 actual." and Sangrak write "Vcore is the same in bios and Everest: 1.36. Vcore still seems to fluctuate from boot to boot sometimes, ranging +/- 0.02v."

do you have loadline calibration enabled ?

i always report vcore difference with 1202 and older... but Sangrak, i m very interested by your 1203 settings because you got nice vcore stability bios/everest...Trigger5521 not ;(

I've got my vcore set in the bios at 1.3000v with Loadline calibration enabled.

Edit: Whoops, my sig is old. Currently, I'm running at 1780 and not 1800. Here are my settings at any rate:

CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 9.0
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1780
MEM (DDR) MHz = 1780
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 ) = 8
tRCD = 8
tRP = 8
tRAS = 22
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2t
tRRD = 1
tRC = 46
tWR = 10
tWTR = Auto (19)
tFAW = Auto (35)
tRD = Auto (10)
tRTP = Auto (7)
tRFC = Auto (98)
tREF = Auto (7.8uS)

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.3000v
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = Auto (1.57)
CPU VTT voltage =1.28 (1.34)
Memory Voltage = 1.92 (2.00)
NB Core Voltage = 1.44 (1.50)
SB Core Voltage = 1.55v (1.58)

CPU GTL REF0 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF1 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF2 Ratio = Auto
CPU GTL REF3 Ratio = Auto
NB GTL REF Ratio = -06mv
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 = Enabled
Limit CPUID MaxVal = Disabled
Enhanced C1 (C1E) = Disabled
Execute Disable Bit = Enabled
Virtualization Technology = Disabled
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) 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

[slim142]

Wow sangrak u using a CRT screen? Pretty impresing

[Sangrak]

Wow sangrak u using a CRT screen? Pretty impresing

Y'know, I still haven't found an lcd that can match the color accuracy of my trusty old Sony 24" crt. I'll use this thing until it implodes.

[Sangrak]

I just re-read my post about my vcore and it may be confusing.

When I stated that the bios reports my vcore the same as it does in Everest, I'm referring to the Hardware Monitor/Voltage section in the bios and not the actual value I input in the settings.

[slim142]

Y'know, I still haven't found an lcd that can match the color accuracy of my trusty old Sony 24" crt. I'll use this thing until it implodes.

All I remember is going from a 1999 17" IBM CRT to a 19" ViewSonic LCD and been really happy, specially since the CRT was the size of a 1987 Impala.

Are you planning on replacing that screen? Maybe with a 120hz one?

[Sangrak]

All I remember is going from a 1999 17" IBM CRT to a 19" ViewSonic LCD and been really happy, specially since the CRT was the size of a 1987 Impala.

Are you planning on replacing that screen? Maybe with a 120hz one?

Yeah, the size is the biggest downfall of having a crt still. This monitor is MASSIVE. It weighs about 150 lbs, literally. Luckily, my desk is equally as massive, so I don't really notice the size.

I had bought a Samsung 245T earlier this year to replace it, but the color saturation was way too extreme. calibrating it to my Cintiq was next to impossible, so i returned it.

If I can find a 120hz lcd that can match the picture quality of this monitor, I'm sure I'd finally lay this thing to rest. So far I haven't seen one I like yet. Have any suggestions?

[slim142]

Have you tried the Samsung 120Hz 3D LCD screen?

There is also the viewsonic, but I dont recommend it.

[Sangrak]

Have you tried the Samsung 120Hz 3D LCD screen?

There is also the viewsonic, but I dont recommend it.

Looks cool, but I need something that has a native resolution of 1920x1200 or above.

[slim142]

Looks cool, but I need something that has a native resolution of 1920x1200 or above.

Yeah, I wish it was at least 24" too
But then again, u would need a lot of power for 3d in higher than 1650. They might end up limiting 3D to 1650 res unless duo tri or quad SLI is detected in 1920x1280

[SimonD]

Well some feedback from me on the 1203 bios.

I have been running it for a few days now (I think I made the change last Friday\Saturday) and the great thing is that I am now running 8gb of ram without apparent issue. Admittedly I needed to reduce the memory down to 1066 rather than 1333 but it's been stable ever since. I did have one issue where the memory timings didn't stay on reboot (it went back down to 1times rather than 2times in the bios) but since that initial error I haven't had a problem.

Temperature wise, the cpu is running a tad warm atm (42 - 44 at idle) but that's more to do with warm ambiant temps (muggy nights) and the fact that I hadn't run Precision to increase the 295's fan speed up from default to 65%.

Gaming has been smooth (no BSOD's) and over all usage of the pc hasn't resulted in anything unusual. I did this on a fresh install of Vista64 SP2 (for some reason Win7 was really syrupy.. very sluggish and unresponsive).

With regards to monitors, I use a BenQ FP241WS which is really very good, I purchased the Samsung 2233 120hz monitor and the Nvidia glasses, both of which lasted a week before I sold them on, I really missed 1920x1200 too much (and was actually getting a headache playing with 3d enabled).

[Trigger5521]

Well some feedback from me on the 1203 bios.

I have been running it for a few days now (I think I made the change last Friday\Saturday) and the great thing is that I am now running 8gb of ram without apparent issue. Admittedly I needed to reduce the memory down to 1066 rather than 1333 but it's been stable ever since. I did have one issue where the memory timings didn't stay on reboot (it went back down to 1times rather than 2times in the bios) but since that initial error I haven't had a problem.

Temperature wise, the cpu is running a tad warm atm (42 - 44 at idle) but that's more to do with warm ambiant temps (muggy nights) and the fact that I hadn't run Precision to increase the 295's fan speed up from default to 65%.

Gaming has been smooth (no BSOD's) and over all usage of the pc hasn't resulted in anything unusual. I did this on a fresh install of Vista64 SP2 (for some reason Win7 was really syrupy.. very sluggish and unresponsive).

With regards to monitors, I use a BenQ FP241WS which is really very good, I purchased the Samsung 2233 120hz monitor and the Nvidia glasses, both of which lasted a week before I sold them on, I really missed 1920x1200 too much (and was actually getting a headache playing with 3d enabled).

Interesting feedback...you should be able to get your 8GB up past 1333, trick is you need plently on NB volts and mem volts. That was my experience with 8GB anyways.

Try starting NB at 1.4 and work upto 1.6 if nessessary. For mem I'd start at 2.0v and go as high as 2.08 but make sure you have a mem fan to keep them cool. All 4 slots filled causes the ram to get pretty hot hot

[slim142]

Interesting feedback...you should be able to get your 8GB up past 1333, trick is you need plently on NB volts and mem volts. That was my experience with 8GB anyways.

Try starting NB at 1.4 and work upto 1.6 if nessessary. For mem I'd start at 2.0v and go as high as 2.08 but make sure you have a mem fan to keep them cool. All 4 slots filled causes the ram to get pretty hot hot

Yeah NB voltage is the key
You dont want to run your memory at 1066, I would say 1333 is the sweet spot if anything higher becomes a problem.

Like trigger said, try with 1.4 NB voltage, but on the memory I think it would be good if you start from 1.9

[SimonD]

Yeah NB voltage is the key
You dont want to run your memory at 1066, I would say 1333 is the sweet spot if anything higher becomes a problem.

Like trigger said, try with 1.4 NB voltage, but on the memory I think it would be good if you start from 1.9

I am currently using :-

Memory Voltage = 1.86v
NB Core Voltage = 1.46v
SB Core Voltage = 1.50v


I will look at changing the settings tonight.

[Trigger5521]

I am currently using :-

Memory Voltage = 1.86v
NB Core Voltage = 1.46v
SB Core Voltage = 1.50v


I will look at changing the settings tonight.

I think your Mem voltage is way to low for 8GB, I ran 4GB of OCZ before I switched to Patriot and I had to have the OCZ at 1.96v to get 1702mhz 7-7-7-20 2T

[slim142]

If you get inestability, try 1.90 (In BIOS).
If not, 1.92.

For 1333mhz, I think 1.92 should be more then enough. Since that would equal 1.98 (1.96 with drops).

[Sangrak]

I ran 4 x 1 GB sticks of OCZ Gold 1333 when this board first came out. Never could get it stable past FSB 1500.

[slim142]

When it first came out? If it was before 0901, then it must have been a true nightmare