Asus Striker II Extreme: Corruption/Freezes Troubleshooting Thread

[Cibic]

Thanks Cibic. I got memory unlinked and I got them at stock freq. and voltage, can´t fit a fan over the ram anyway due to cpu cooler taking up space.

You should be able to fit corsair's dominator fan or something equivalent.

I have previously tried higher NB voltage, but found that "less is more", going down in the 1.50´s made it all stable.

You got that from Anandtech's guide haven't u. With a quad core, 4 gigs of ram+ and this board on or above 1800 FSB you need 1.65vNB with loosened up timings. What temperatures do u get on full stress on the NB (everest)?

1.35 vcore is not going to suffice either, that´ll barely take me to 4.05 GHz. I think I have one of those lazy Q9650´s. At FSB 1867 I can´t get a complete boot @ 1.46875 vcore.

Pretty sure its the ram holding you back. You can try running vCore the same as VTT; the settings I've given you should be ok for everything but vCore, VTT and (possibly) ram(do not go over 1.8v actual without direct cooling)

[Deathspine]

Resetting my bios and forget the key settings to make 8G Ram stable. Anyone remember those key settings, I recall getting them from this forum. It was with fFAW and tRFC. Thanks in advance.

[theKramer]

Just an update to anyone still with this motherboard. I bought this board second hand and was having all the issues mentioned in this thread, even at default settings. Bought Corsair XMS3 RAM and I have not looked back since. I have my motherboard running at 1600FSB for a clock of 3.8GHz and with the settings in page 1 of this thread and board has been rock solid.

I had this RAM for ages, running at 1333FSB and it used to lock/freeze all the time: Crucial Ballistix. Since I changed to the Corsair XMS3 I have been problem free. I know this is an old thread and sorry for bumping it, but I thought this post might help people that are still having issues with this board. It really is picky on the type of memory it likes...

[slim142]

Thanks for the tip Kramer

If you could let us know the type of IC in that memory, it would be great.

Also, is that ram kit designed for lynnfield? or is one of the old xms3 series?

[theKramer]

Hi Slim.
These are the RAM modules I bought, but I got the 8GB kit.

How do I check what IC was used? I still have the original box and packaging, so I can try and find out. This RAM is less than 6 months old, so I would say its defo rated for Lynnfield. It uses only 1.65v so I think that makes it ok for Lynnfield, but Im no expert.

Since my last post, I have only had one random system freeze, whereas it was freezing at least 5+ times a day when I was on the old RAM (Crucial Ballistix).

I have been playing Bioshock and Half-Life 2 with the processor clocked at 3.8GHz with no issues at all. Very happy with the board now. And thats all with stock voltages. I have also updated my BIOS to the 1402 version.

[Chasingpink]

I was just wondering if this is still open and if people are still willing to help????

[slim142]

Forum is open and thread still open so that means you can post your questions and hopefully get the answers you are looking for.

Link does not work Kramer, but from the link I can see its the Corsair XMS3 kit. Thats a solid kit for this motherboard (well, at least Corsair always worked fine for me)

The IC can be checked by opening the RAMs heatsink OR looking around the internet with your model and revision numbers.

Its been such a long time since I stopped reading about the motherboard and computers in general. Im so into car audio now that I barely have time to read whats going on with CPUs, Motherboards, Graphics cards etc

I never found out if Lynnfield/Bloomfields RAM kits were fine with dual-channel motherboards like the Striker and the before-westmere era.

All I can say is, play around with the BIOS. Flash it with AWDFlash, reset to defaults and read the pages here to give you a quick idea of what you need to be looking at and what to change etc.

Good luck

[Chasingpink]

Well I have spent the whole day reading this post!!! All I can say is wow I have made some adjustments to my bios and now I am able to run prime for the last 1 hour and a half which is better than before my reading this post. All I am wanting to do is have a stable system so I can start learning how to overclock. As I watch prime, volts and tempts oh yes can't forget the core speed. I sit and wounder what I can change next. I am getting some quick drops in volts but they go right back up and the Core speed seems to be low for the Q9450 cpu. I am going to let prime run for a little bit longer and I will post the bios setting and volt drops hope this will help anybody to help me???

[Cibic]

I have some free time to help

[slim142]

Yes, I can help but please post BIOS settings to see where you standing at.

[Chasingpink]

Okay here is my settings for my bios

PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = OCZ Elite Stream 1000 watt
CPU = Q9450 Quad Core
RAM = OCZ3P13334GK 2x2gig
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = JBOD
VGA1 = EVGA 8800 gts 512
VGA2 ( if you have ) = EVG 8800 gts 512
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Supreme FXII
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = Cooler Master
RAM Cooling = None
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.51 from Nvidia
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 266.58 from Evga
Sound Card Drivers Version = not sure
BIOS version = 1402

BIOS Settings

Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 7.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = Linked at 1333.3
LDT Frequency = 5x
[color=red]PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200.0
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = enabled
P2 = enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Auto 4
tRC = 40
tWR = Auto 12
tWTR = Auto 16
tFAW = Auto 17
tRD = Auto 9
tRTP = Auto 5
tRFC = 80
tREF =7.8

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.3
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.5
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.12
Memory Voltage = 1.8
NB Core Voltage = 1.3
SB Core Voltage = 1.5
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 = 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


I was able to run Prime95 for 2 and half hours last night without any freezing But I did notice the voltages doing weird things Here is the log from PC Probe II (look at attachment) the really funny thing is the opt temp there is nothing hooked up yet!!!!
All so I am only getting 2500 MHz for my CPU according to CPU-Z. I would like to get it up to 2660 MHz. Looking forward to any suggestions.

[slim142]

Set your CPU multiplier to the highest you can.

Also, your NB voltage will be pretty low if you decide to overclock. Try to set it to 1.38 (should be 1.42 on the readings) and see if that helps when you get problems.

And VTT set it to 1.26 if you run into problems too.

But check temps and make sure you dont get into hot temps.

Your TRC seems high, try to lower it, but nothing below 30. This will improve ram reading speed a lot. Might need vram bump.

[Chasingpink]

Thanks!!! I will apply the changes right now and let you know how it goes

[Chasingpink]

was run prime for about 45min with new settings then the computer shut down HMMM

[slim142]

Ok so forget about the TRC for now. Set it back to 40

Put VTT to 1.26 and NB to 1.36

You should play around with NB voltage (between 1.34-1.40)

[Chasingpink]

What is the max temp for Northbridge and Southbridge and Does SPP and MCP represent them I am now using AIDA64 for temp monitoring

[slim142]

SPP is NB
MCP is SB
Max temps for both is 60c

But honestly, mines are much higher and nothing has happened in the past 2 years.

[Chasingpink]

okay thanks for clearing that up.
what am I looking for when changing the NB voltage. Am I trying to go has high as possible with out problems and not over heating???
And what does VTT do?? OR maybe I should be asking what is it?

[slim142]

NB voltage is key when it comes to stability even without overclocking.

VTT if I remember correctly is the front side bus voltage.

[Chasingpink]

Changed settings
VTT TO 1.26 which reads 1.29 NB to 1.36 which reads 1.36 put the multiplier to 8 which is has high as it can go
First reboot failed then tried to reboot into safe mode which worked
rebooted normal started Stability test and 5 min into it froze
Returned VTT and NB back to what they where and left the multiplier
Ran prime for 6 hrs noprob

[slim142]

I guess newer BIOS or your motherboard really dislikes high voltages

[Chasingpink]

i wonder if the memory has something to do with it. looking at the qualified vendors list which most of the memory is not made any more bummer. any suggestion on what i should get????

[theKramer]

Hi Chasingpink.
I would recommend that you get Corsair XMS3 modules. Preferable 1600MHz DDR3, as then it will be easier to match your FSB speed to RAM speed.
With this memory, I just bumped my FSB to 400, with a Core2 8500, and it worked perfectly. Im happy enough with the 700Mhz increase in clock speed, so havent bothered trying to up it.
You defo cant go wrong with with XMS3 for this board.

[bubbakja]

Has anyone had a problem with their Striker II where it randomly won't fully post ?

Mine will boot, but it doesn't bring the USB or Video card online and I have to restart 1-3 times to get it to post correctly. It is random, but happens like 2/3 times when I turn the PC on.

[Cibic]

Okay here is my settings for my bios

PSU ( Power Supply Unit ) = OCZ Elite Stream 1000 watt
CPU = Q9450 Quad Core
RAM = OCZ3P13334GK 2x2gig
HDD ( the one where you have your windows installation on ) = JBOD
VGA1 = EVGA 8800 gts 512
VGA2 ( if you have ) = EVG 8800 gts 512
VGA3 ( if you have ) =
SPU ( Sound Card ) = Supreme FXII
NorthBridge Cooling = Stock
SouthBridge Cooling = Stock
CPU Cooling = Cooler Master
RAM Cooling = None
nFORCE Chipset Drivers Version = 15.51 from Nvidia
ForceWare/GeForce Drivers Version = 266.58 from Evga
Sound Card Drivers Version = not sure
BIOS version = 1402

BIOS Settings

Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 7.5
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = Linked at 1333.3
LDT Frequency = 5x
[color=red]PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200.0
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = enabled
P2 = enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Auto 4
tRC = 40
tWR = Auto 12
tWTR = Auto 16
tFAW = Auto 17
tRD = Auto 9
tRTP = Auto 5
tRFC = 80
tREF =7.8

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = 1.3
Loadline Calibration = Disabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.5
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.12
Memory Voltage = 1.8
NB Core Voltage = 1.3
SB Core Voltage = 1.5
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 = 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


I was able to run Prime95 for 2 and half hours last night without any freezing But I did notice the voltages doing weird things Here is the log from PC Probe II (look at attachment) the really funny thing is the opt temp there is nothing hooked up yet!!!!
All so I am only getting 2500 MHz for my CPU according to CPU-Z. I would like to get it up to 2660 MHz. Looking forward to any suggestions.

Try these:

Extreme Tweaker
CPU Level Up = Auto
Memory Level Up = Auto
AI Overclock Tuner = Manual
CPU Multiplier = 8
FSB - Memory Clock Mode = Linked
FSB - Memory Ratio = Sync Mode
FSB (QDR) MHz = 1333
MEM (DDR) MHz = Linked at 1333.3
LDT Frequency = 5x
[color=red]PCIE Bus Slot 1 & 2 MHz = 100
PCIE Bus Slot 3 MHz = 100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz = 200.0
SLI-Ready Memory = Disabled

Memory Timing Setting
P1 = enabled
P2 = enabled
tCL ( CAS Latency ) = 7
tRCD = 7
tRP = 7
tRAS = 20
Command Per Clock (CMD) = 2T
tRRD = Auto
tRC = Auto (for now)
tWR = Auto
tWTR = Auto
tFAW = Auto
tRD = Auto
tRTP = Auto
tRFC = Auto
tREF =7.8

Over Voltage
CPU Voltage = Find the appropriate value to reflect the VID field displayed in coretemp with the following option enabled
Loadline Calibration = Enabled
CPU PLL Voltage = 1.5
CPU VTT Voltage = 1.2 actual in hardware monitor
Memory Voltage = 1.8* make sure in hardware monitor (bios) this doesn't go below 1.8 and not above 1.85-1.86
NB Core Voltage = 1.4 actual
SB Core Voltage = 1.5
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 = 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

The above settings should definitely work. Keep monitoring temps with AIDA64 followed by hardware monitor after a restart. It sounds like one of you components overheats or you have ram incapability (OCZ). It could be fine one day and the next would just crash on you. Just something for you to keep in mind

EDIT: As slim142 suggested, do check your temps. You do not want NB or SB above 65 at any point otherwise corruption, crash or shutdown is imminent; also set the max temp for NB and SB to 90 in bios