D975XBX2 crashes Windows XP after updating BIOS

[mfas]

After having updated my motherboard BIOS to any of the two latest versions (2395 or 2431 at the time of writing) I am no longer able to boot into windows. The motherboard is not able to boot into Windows XP x64 or Windows Vista Ultimate x64 if installing any of the two mentioned BIOS versions. Windows crashes just after the very first text-based loading sequence is done, and you just see the graphics showing a black screen with the windows logo fading in, and then it crashes into blue screen (BSOD). The reason is quite random, but any STOP CODE, a IRQL_LESS_THAN_OR_EQUAL, or a failure of STPD.SYS. The same blue screen issues occur if I try to reinstall any of the two Windows versions. The blue screen will show it's ugly face before any of the text based screens shows up before the installation procedure starts. I have tried resetting the BIOS settings to optimal defaults, and any combinations of the settings I would want, but nothing seems to work.

I am at a loss of what to do, because version 2333 works for me at the moment, but it is apparently full of errors as simple as the HD led being lit all the time. This is a bug I know is fixed in the later versions. I have searched this forum, but only to see others also having problems with the board.

I think maybe my RAM modules are giving me problems, but I am not sure. They can do 5-5-5-18 as specified by the JEDEC standard, but the built in EPP profile of 4-4-4-12 will only work if I up the voltage from 2.1 to 2.2 volts. I have tried Memtest86+ 1.65 for almost 10 passes in 5 hours, with no errors. I really don't know what to do.

My equipment is as follows:
Intel D975XBX2 motherboard
Intel QX6700 CPU
Corsair HX620 power supply
Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C4 RAM
ASUS EN8800GTX graphics adapter
Hitachi 7K500 500GB sata harddisk
NEC 7173A pata DVD drive

I hope maybe any of you can shed light on any issues you might think I could possibly try out to solve my instability issues with the latest two versions of the motherboard BIOS.

 

[seanriddle]

mfas-

I have exactly the same problem. Same MB, CPU and RAM, but with an ATI 1950XTX graphics adapter. I'm also using the MB Intel SATAs as RAID 5. Unfortunately, there is no place on Intel's site for end users of this MB to report issues like this. I did fill out a web site survey and included this info, but who knows who reads those. I also emailed the company I bought the PC from with all the info I could provide. Hopefully they will pass the info along.

This does seem to indicate it is not a specific HW problem with either of our machines, probably just a problem introduced with BIOS 2395. It looks like Intel is releasing an update every 2-3 weeks, so maybe we'll get lucky with the next one.

Sean

 

[mfas]

I've actually just posted a mail using the D975XBX form as that motherboard has an email support site. This has resultet in the following answer, having given Intel more or less the same details as provided in my first posting:

After an extensive review of the integration and troubleshooting you have performed, we have only found one specific conflict, that might be the cause for the erratic behavior you are having.

Even though the memory tests you have performed have all passed, we are still led to believe that the erratic behavior on your system is related to the voltage of your RAM. The Intel(R) Desktop Board D975XBX2 supports system memory sticks with 1.8V and 1.9V only; and even if the system works with the 2.2V RAM that you are using, problems may appear when applications try to run with instructions stored in the upper areas of the RAM modules.

At this point, our best suggestion would be to test using different RAM, that matches all the compatibility requirements for the board:
1.8 V and 1.9 V DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs
Unbuffered, single-sided or double-sided DIMMs with the following restriction:
Double-sided DIMMs with x16 organization are not supported.
8 GB maximum total system memory
Minimum total system memory: 128 MB
ECC DIMMs and Non-ECC DIMMs
Serial Presence Detect
DDR2 800, DDR2 667, and DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM DIMMs

We provide a list of tested system memory modules and brands, that you can find at the following website:
http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bx2/bx2_internalmem.htm
http://www.cmtlabs.com/mbSearchResults....sMN=D975XBX2%2FS975XBX2&oSubmit=Search

I guess we just have to run our RAM in default 5-5-5-18 @ 1.x volts, but I think I already tried that, so know I think that I'll have to write Intel back with that information, but as they have already suggested I buy other RAM sticks, I guess the answer will be the same non the less.

 

[seanriddle]

mfas-

Sounds like finger-pointing to me, but I guess I should be grateful they replied at all. It seems like your 5 hours of successful RAM tests would mean something.

I double-checked my RAM, and I actually have Corsair CM2X1024-6400. I'm running at the stock 5-5-5-12, 1.92 V. Corsair's web site says this RAM has been tested at DDR2 800MHz at 1.9V: http://corsairmemory.com/corsair/products/specs/CM2X1024-6400.pdf

I'll email Corsair and tell them that Intel says their RAM isn't working correctly in the Bad Axe 2 and see what they say.

Thanks-

Sean

 

[seanriddle]

mfas-

I posted on the Corsair forum and their tech says that they haven't tested their RAM on a D975XBX2 under Vista 64. He says they only do OS independent testing, but they have tested their RAM in a D975XBX2 successfully. He suggested I try slower RAM speed settings. I tried many different settings this evening but BIOS 2431 would never boot. So I reset my RAM speed to 800MHz, 5-5-5-12, 1.84V and ran MEMTEST-86 for 1 hour 15 minutes with no errors.

Then I disabled Core Multi and I was able to boot Vista 64 under BIOS 2431! CPU-Z (in no-driver mode) says 2 cores 2 threads instead of 4 cores 4 threads. I tried to OC the CPU at 11x266, 10x300, 11x273 and 11x283. I got the message "System BIOS detected unsuccessful POST attempts" at 10x300 and 11x283, although I've been running BIOS 2333 at 10x300 with no problems. I'm currently running 11x273 just fine.

Could you try disabling Core Multi and see if that lets you boot Vista 64 under 2431? If so, could you inform Intel? That might help point them in the right direction.

Thanks-

Sean

 

[Elfear]

Sounds like a ram issue to me. Maybe try pulling one stick of ram and seeing if it will boot. I'd also switch back to bios 2333 as it is super stable for me and the only minor annoyance with it is the hdd led problem mentioned earlier. If overclocking, make sure you bump the MCH voltage up a bit. I had to set mine to 1.6V to get stable at 400x9. You might want to disable C1E and EIST as well. People have been reporting BSODs when those are enabled and overclocking is attempted. It appears as though the OP is not overclocking so these solutions may or may not work in his case.

 

[Yreka]

Similar problem over here.


I am still at 2333 and XP Pro, so I can't help you there.

Have you tried XP yet ? Maybe its a conflict between Vista and the new BIOS(es).

What other "bugs" are you running into in 2333 ? Like Elfear, I have found it to be the most stable BIOS released.

 

[seanriddle]

Elfear-

Tonight I tried each of my DIMMs singly in each of the sockets (8 test cases). Under 2431, they all blue-screened.

Yreka-

I hadn't been able to run the later BIOSes, so I didn't know 2333 was more stable. The first things I noticed when I got the system were the negative CPU temperature and the blank floppy config, but those are pretty much cosmetic problems. I just want Intel to be aware of the problem so that it is fixed sooner rather than later.

Thanks-

Sean

 

[Yreka]

Completely understandable. Seems like its limited to Vista ?
I havent heard of any problems with XP yet.

 

[seanriddle]

Yreka-

mfas in the original post says he can't boot XP x64 either. I haven't tried.

I noticed here that 2395 added support for the Q6600, another Quad core CPU. Maybe that support broke something with the QX6700.

I also sent Intel feedback using the support email for the D975XBX.

Sean

 

[PeterDk]

I had the same board (BX2) with similar memory: Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C4, and had plenty of problems. I ultimately RMA'd the board and memory but am still trying to figure out what the problem was. All I can figure is its the MB and not the RAM.

Intel is marketing the board as overclockable but with those RAM requirements, no way! As noted I think you need to stick with 5-5-5 timing on 1.8v to 1.9v - but with those settings I don't believe you can OC. I also emailed Corsair who simply said the ram should work. I've seen quite a few posts out there with this exact problem. In addition I had alot of bios problems.

So, from what I've seen and read its the MB. Hope it works out for you.

 

[mfas]

PeterDk - Well, I've come to the same conclusion and I have changed my motherboard to an ASUS P5N32-E SLI, which sports an nVidia 680i chipset. I have so far had no problems what so ever with this motherboard, and it fully supports my RAM at 4-4-4-12-1T. I've had this setup for just under a week now, and it runs smooth.

 

[seanriddle]

I got this reply from Intel tonight:

Hello again, Sean,

Thank you once more for contacting Intel(R) Technical Support.

In regards to this issue with your Intel(R) Desktop Board DG965WH, we have, indeed, been able to duplicate the problem in some revisions and configurations of this motherboard.

Our engineering department has been notified of the situation, and a new BIOS version will be released shortly to fix the problem. In the meanwhile, please perform a BIOS downgrade to the version that was able to support Windows Vista* 64-bit Edition.

Also, please be aware that the Intel(R) Desktop Board DG965WH supports 1.8 V (only) DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs with gold-plated contacts, so please have this in mind in regards to your system.

Sean

 

[seanriddle]

BIOS 2507 is up: http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts...strOSs=All&strTypes=All&ProductID=2578

New Fixes/Features:
? Fixed issue where ECC Mode was not properly displayed when
Performance Memory Profiles set to Manual in BIOS Setup.
? Added workaround for HDD LED always being lit when Secondary SATA
Controller is disabled in BIOS Setup.
? Fixed boot order for add-in SCSI controller.
? Added support for certain SAS controller.
? IRQ Fix for USB Interrupts.
? Fixed failures seen with Vista* DTM BitLocker Drive Encryption
BIOS Interface Logo Test.
? Fixed issue where Microsoft* Vista BitLocker System Check would
not pass.
? Fixed issue where system would not recognize CTRL+ALT+DEL key
sequence from boot cycling machine.
? Fixed failures with the TCG ACPI Event Log when running the Vista
DTM TCG TPM BIOS Interface Test.
? Fixed issue where system hangs when trying to load FreeDOS*
bootable CD from a USB CD drive.
? Fixed ACPI failures when running the Vista DTM TCG TPM Integration
Test.

 

[seanriddle]

I tested this on Vista 64 for grins, and it does not fix my boot problem. I'm not surprised, since the description didn't mention that, and Intel only told me that they reproduced my problem a few hours before 2507 was put up. It does seem like it is better at OCing than 2395 and 2431 were.

Sean

 

[Gary Key]

I have asked Intel to look at these issues for us ASAP. I am still on 2333, did not like 2395 and 2431. I have not tested 2507 yet.

 

[Micro1]

Tested as well, NOT working. Intel really have to fix this before the 30th...

 

[PeterDk]

Thats too bad about the continuing problems. I was looking forward to using the board. Unfotunately the memory issue forced me to go with another board.

 

[lopri]

Originally posted by: PeterDk
Thats too bad about the continuing problems. I was looking forward to using the board. Unfotunately the memory issue forced me to go with another board.

Which board do you think would have less memory issues than Bad Axe 2?

 

[Tom33]

On LegitReviews in the Forum section, the Moderator is in contact with Intel working on BIOS fixes. Looks like a new one was released yesterday.

Might check that thread for some info.

Good Luck !

 

[seanriddle]

I'm not sure what memory problems the last few posts are about. Intel has confirmed there is a problem booting Vista 64 with a quad-core QX6700 with the latest BIOSes, and will provide a fix. As far as I know, it doesn't have anything to do with RAM; a change they made caused an incompatibility with Vista 64 (it looks more like a driver problem to me). If you don't run Vista 64 (and maybe XP 64, I haven't tried that), or if you don't have a quad core QX6700, you won't see this problem. Even if you do run Vista 64 on a QX6700, there is a work-around: disable Core Multiplexing in the BIOS. Not a great solution, but it's OK until the next BIOS is released.

Sean

 

[PeterDk]

To Lopri:

I ended up going with the Asus P5W DH Deluxe. I just got it and am putting it together but so far so good! (Dual boot with WinXP 32 & 64 is working) I know the board didn't start out well but its been around for a while now and many bugs and bios issues appear to have been worked out. Also, there's plenty of web sites that have the problems and solutions listed.

The BX2 is so new its quite buggy from my viewpoint - hopefully they'll get it working better quickly.

 

[herbiehancock]

Originally posted by: PeterDk
To Lopri:

I ended up going with the Asus P5W DH Deluxe. I just got it and am putting it together but so far so good! (Dual boot with WinXP 32 & 64 is working) I know the board didn't start out well but its been around for a while now and many bugs and bios issues appear to have been worked out. Also, there's plenty of web sites that have the problems and solutions listed.

The BX2 is so new its quite buggy from my viewpoint - hopefully they'll get it working better quickly.

Yeah, I guess the board being out for 4-5 months qualifies it as being so new. LOL!

 

[droseberry]

Hi All,

I have been frantically reading forum posts all over the internet trying to figure out if I should keep this mobo or try the ASUS Striker Extreme.

I am having the same issue that was described, the BSOD on installing Windows XP 64-bit or Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit. 32-bit XP and Vista installs just fine. I am using bios revision 2507.

My component descriptions are in my signature, just wanted to add my name to the list of those who are having problems. I have already sent this issue to Intel via a phone call last night (when they tried to tell me that they do not support 64-bit operating systems for this board) and via e-mail. I also spent 4 1/2 hours on the phone last night with Microsoft Vista technical support trying to troubleshoot this instal to no avail. I have never in my life been so desperate that I needed to sit on a phone call with tech support!! I hope Intel releases their bios update to resolve this issue SOON!

 

[Micro1]

http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts...ID=12685&strOSs=109&OSFullName=Windows*%20XP%20Professional%20x64%20Edition&lang=eng


enjoy...