*** Official ASUS A7N8X/Deluxe (nForce2) Thread ***

[Cr1tic]

Lol what drivers do i need to install think i dled most of them like nforce 2 and everything ill pop in the asus cd and see if theres any i missed... thx

 

[JSSheridan]

Uninstall the current drivers and install the latest drivers found on nVidia's site, which are the ones I am using. In bios, audio is under advanced / integrated peripherals, so check that. Then check the Device Manager under Control Panel / System to see if Windows detects an audio device. Also run Windows update afterward and see if there are any updates for your drivers. And finally, check that your speakers are plugged into the right outlet. Let us know if you still have any problems. Peace.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Anyone have this happen to their board yet?

I clicked on a Java link to download the Mars Rover Video and my machine froze. When I re-booted all my CMOS settings were gone and had to tweak all the settings all over again.

Not sure if you figured this out yet, but I was searching for the list of acceptable memory, and happened to see this on the Asus support site:

"CPU Parameter Recall
When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, you can simply restart the system and the BIOS will automatically restore the CPU default setting for each parameter. "

 

[Williama1018]

What r the biggest differences between the A7N8X-x and the Deluxe models? Thanks much guys. New here, but hopefully around for a LONG time.


Will

 

[JSSheridan]

In terms of performance, the difference is small. As far as features go though, there are some notable differences. The -Deluxe has dual channel memory, 2 lan ports, has the nVidia APU, and 5.1 sound. Were the -X has single channel memory, 1 LAN port, lacks the APU (so the work is done by the CPU), and has 2.1 sound. The Deluxe is probably a better buy if you don't own a sound card you are planning to use, but the final decision is yours. HTH. Peace.

 

[Williama1018]

Hey Sheridan, I just wanted to thank u for ur input. The main reason I had asked was because I had just purchased the A7N8X-X board and was curious which was better since so many on here had the deluxe. I got the original board on Saturday and have since exchanged it for the Deluxe board. I do have one more question about this board tho, how in the world r u guys that have this board scoring the numbers u r? My set up is as follows:

ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe
AMD 2500 333
1 gig Crucial PC2100
WD 160 HD 8meg cache
ATI AIW 9800 Pro
TDK Velo CD Burner
Creative DVD

Should I format my hard drive since I installed the first mobo and didnt do it when i installed this one? Is my memory the culprit since it only runs at 266 instead of 333? I want the maximum perf outta this thing and want to have spent my money wisely. I did get a pretty good deal (180 usd) after trading in my old GA 7vtxh+ and 1900+ cpu. Thanks alot guys, I'm really glad I stumbled across this forum. I hope everyone has an awesome day.

Will

 

[pelikan]

I'd get some pc3200 and run it at 200 FSB at least. That's how to maximize your performance.

 

[JSSheridan]

Originally posted by: pelikan
I'd get some pc3200 and run it at 200 FSB at least. That's how to maximize your performance.

Word.

 

[Williama1018]

Ok, so even tho i'm running a gig of 2100, i'd still be better off with the 3200 memory? Would I need to go with that much or would less do about the same since i'm running this much? Anybody wanna buy some 2100 memory? If I do this, i'm going to have (1) 512 crucial DDR stick and (2) 256 crucial DDR sticks. I also have a few other things if anyone is interested, just drop me an email or reply on here and I'll list them. Also, should I reformat my hard drive since I installed the new one?

Will

 

[Rexeverything]

Bizarre problem here..I've searched all over these and countless other forums looking for anyone else that has had this same problem..

Problem is this: I'll install a game from cd (full retail) such as
UNREAL II, FREEDOM FORCE, NEVERWINTER NIGHTS..Once installed, they load up fine, and I can play..

BUT...after loading the game 1 or 2 more times, the game will refuse to load. You would click the UNREAL II icon on the desktop, and it sits there for a second, then nothing..IT'S DRIVING ME MMMAAADDD !!!!
And it's been happening on EVERY GAME I install now..

I thought maybe I had a problem a virus or something, so I just did a full CLEAN format and re-install of XP..and it started doing it AGAIN!!

Here's my stats:

ASUS-A7N8X-DX (BIOS 1006)
no overclocking currently, all BIOS settings DEFAULT
AMD 2500+

Let me know if ANYONE else is having this problem, or has even heard of an issue like this..I'd really appreciate it..

Thanks,

Boz6420

 

[Williama1018]

hhmm, I have to admit that I have never heard of/had that problem before. Do u have an anti-virus program running? Will they work if u reboot ur computer?

 

[Gamingphreek]

I have never had that problem before. Neverwinter nights has known issues with Anti Virus Software so disable it while you play. If you dont have it get it and run a scan. Also what type of memory are you running. Sounds like it could be a memory problem. Does it work after a reboot? If not try reinstalling?
_______________________________
A7N8X-E Deluxe
Athlon XP 2500+ @ 2700+ (2.0Ghz)
512mb KVRam
Geforce 2 Ti (soon to be FX 5900)
Cheiftec Dragon Case
Nvidia Soundstorm w/ Z-640
Foxconn/Allied 400Watt Dual Fan Power Supply

 

[pelikan]

Originally posted by: Rexeverything
Bizarre problem here..I've searched all over these and countless other forums looking for anyone else that has had this same problem..

Problem is this: I'll install a game from cd (full retail) such as
UNREAL II, FREEDOM FORCE, NEVERWINTER NIGHTS..Once installed, they load up fine, and I can play..

BUT...after loading the game 1 or 2 more times, the game will refuse to load. You would click the UNREAL II icon on the desktop, and it sits there for a second, then nothing..IT'S DRIVING ME MMMAAADDD !!!!
And it's been happening on EVERY GAME I install now..

I thought maybe I had a problem a virus or something, so I just did a full CLEAN format and re-install of XP..and it started doing it AGAIN!!

Here's my stats:

ASUS-A7N8X-DX (BIOS 1006)
no overclocking currently, all BIOS settings DEFAULT
AMD 2500+

Let me know if ANYONE else is having this problem, or has even heard of an issue like this..I'd really appreciate it..

Thanks,

Boz6420

Can you run memtest86 through five passes? Can you run prime95 overnight?

 

[nippyjun]

Hello,

I've had my a7n8x delux for almost a year (version 2) and am now interested in putting in a single raptor sata drive as my main drive. I have the 1004 bios installed and i have had the sata ports disabled. In order for me to use a sata drive i will enable the sata ports and then:

1. do I need to update the bios to the newer 1007?

2. do i need to update the bios for the sata controller? And if i need to how do i do that? is that done as part of the bios update to 1007?

3. do I need to install any other sata drivers or will the drive be automatically recognized when i install win xp? If i do need special sata drivers which ones do i need (where do i find them) and when and how do i install them?

4. Is there a way in the bios to specify that i want to boot from the sata drive instead of one of my ide drives?

If this has been answered already i apologize but i didn't want to read through 11 screens.

 

[pmoa]

what is a stable OC setting for an AMD 2400+ and A7N8X Deluxe?

I have 512 MB PC2700 PNY ( i know I know)

 

[pelikan]

Originally posted by: pmoa
what is a stable OC setting for an AMD 2400+ and A7N8X Deluxe?

I have 512 MB PC2700 PNY ( i know I know)

It's different with every cpu and stick of memory, and it depends on your cooling.
A safe way to find your max FSB is to make a boot disc with memtest86. Boot into memtest86 instead of windows while you increase the FSB. You only have to run test #5 at first. Set your memory voltage as high as it goes. I think that your PNY memory will need to be set at Cas 2.5-3-3-6. Start at 166 MHz FSB and work your way up in 5 MHz increments. If it passes test five then you can go into windows without corrupting it. When you reach the limit run prime 95 overnight. If it doesn't show any errors then you are all set.
You will have to increase vcore at some point. Your processor may or may not have a locked multiplier. Just make sure that however you have it set will pass both memtest86 and prime95 and you'll be fine.
In bios disable spread spectrum and everything that you don't use (parallel port, etc.).

 

[pmoa]

Originally posted by: pelikan

Originally posted by: pmoa
what is a stable OC setting for an AMD 2400+ and A7N8X Deluxe?

I have 512 MB PC2700 PNY ( i know I know)

It's different with every cpu and stick of memory, and it depends on your cooling.
A safe way to find your max FSB is to make a boot disc with memtest86. Boot into memtest86 instead of windows while you increase the FSB. You only have to run test #5 at first. Set your memory voltage as high as it goes. I think that your PNY memory will need to be set at Cas 2.5-3-3-6. Start at 166 MHz FSB and work your way up in 5 MHz increments. If it passes test five then you can go into windows without corrupting it. When you reach the limit run prime 95 overnight. If it doesn't show any errors then you are all set.
You will have to increase vcore at some point. Your processor may or may not have a locked multiplier. Just make sure that however you have it set will pass both memtest86 and prime95 and you'll be fine.
In bios disable spread spectrum and everything that you don't use (parallel port, etc.).

sweet thanks. I have Thermaltake VOlcano 9+ on its way

 

[pelikan]

Originally posted by: pmoa
sweet thanks. I have Thermaltake VOlcano 9+ on its way

That'll help. If your case is well ventilated you should be able to use as much vcore as you want. Your mobo only goes up to 1.85V. You will know your temps are okay if you can run prime95 without errors - if your cpu gets too hot it will produce errors in prime95.

 

[JSSheridan]

Originally posted by: nippyjun
Hello,

I've had my a7n8x delux for almost a year (version 2) and am now interested in putting in a single raptor sata drive as my main drive. I have the 1004 bios installed and i have had the sata ports disabled. In order for me to use a sata drive i will enable the sata ports and then:

1. do I need to update the bios to the newer 1007?

2. do i need to update the bios for the sata controller? And if i need to how do i do that? is that done as part of the bios update to 1007?

3. do I need to install any other sata drivers or will the drive be automatically recognized when i install win xp? If i do need special sata drivers which ones do i need (where do i find them) and when and how do i install them?

4. Is there a way in the bios to specify that i want to boot from the sata drive instead of one of my ide drives?

If this has been answered already i apologize but i didn't want to read through 11 screens.

Updating you bios would take care of it. Alternatively, you could use one of the 3rd party bioses from nForcersHQ.com. Just go into the Asus forum and look for the bios sticky thread. Peace.

 

[nippyjun]

Is there any way of updating the SATA bios only and not the mobo bios?

 

[Edz]

Here's a challenge for you.....

OK basically me & a m8 have this motherboard, as we brought it from the same place at the same time and are both experiencing a problem we can't seem to solve. The problem is that all my games run fine on my system except teh Farcry SP demo. My m8 gets exactly the same problem except he also gets it with Starwars Galaxies. In Farcry I get between 2-4 fps.

My system specs are :

Asus A7N8X Deluxe
XP2600+
1 gig crucial pc2100 ddr ram
Windows Xp pro
GF4 Ti4200

My m8's specs:

Asus A7N8X Deluxe
XP3200+
1 gigKingston PC3200 ddr ram
Windows XP home
GF4 Ti4600

We have both tried everything imaginable, icluding updating the bios, nforce drivers, graphic drivers, direct X etc and have no completely given up hope of getting this board to run as it should

Edz

 

[pmoa]

I am having trouble with my Rev 2 board. I put in the bare essentials and I cant get it to post. All I get is this two tone sound. I reset the cmos and everything. Unseated the RAM, the vid card and everything. I am assuming its my PNY PC2700? HELP!

 

[MrGLR]

Hello

I am quite new in the business of overclocking and I need help understanding if my settings are ok and why some things are the way they are...

First, my setup:

Asus A7N8X Rev 2 Bios C1004
AMD 2600+ Barton (multiplier locked)
Out of the box heatsink fan
Corsair PC3200 XMS+ 256 x 2 (for 512 Mb) in dual mode
MSI GeForce 4 TI4600
Maxtor 6L060J3 (60 Gb)
Quantum FireballP AS60 (60 Gb)
DVD Writer LG GSA-4040B
CD Writer LG CRD-8522B

That's about all that is relevant I think.

Ok, I've tried a few settings but the most stable I've achieved up to now is this:

Running FSB at 189 Mhz (380 Mhz)
Resulting CPU speed of 2.19 Ghz
Memory is set to 11-3-3-2 (100% speed)
CPU vCore at 1.7
DDr at 2.8
AGP at 1.6

CPU temperature never got higher than 54 celcius and board to 27 while running Prime95. So I believe these settings are pretty conservative, aren't they? Well, Prime95 didn't run for more than 30 minutes when it crashed (reboot).

Also, I've played EA Sports F1 99-02 for about 30-45 minutes before it crashed too (reboot).

Before that, I had tried memory settings of 8-3-3-2, 7-3-3-2 and 6-3-3-2 along with lower voltage settings but the PC was crashing even faster in F1 99-02.

Sandra 2004 reports memory bandwidth efficiency as being around 92% (int) and 84% (float). The other numbers look quite good to me but it's just not stable enough for me. Seeing numbers on the 'net for similar setups, I believe I should be able to crank it up a little more.

Can you help??
Thanks

 

[pelikan]

Originally posted by: Edz
Here's a challenge for you.....

OK basically me & a m8 have this motherboard, as we brought it from the same place at the same time and are both experiencing a problem we can't seem to solve. The problem is that all my games run fine on my system except teh Farcry SP demo. My m8 gets exactly the same problem except he also gets it with Starwars Galaxies. In Farcry I get between 2-4 fps.

My system specs are :

Asus A7N8X Deluxe
XP2600+
1 gig crucial pc2100 ddr ram
Windows Xp pro
GF4 Ti4200

My m8's specs:

Asus A7N8X Deluxe
XP3200+
1 gigKingston PC3200 ddr ram
Windows XP home
GF4 Ti4600

We have both tried everything imaginable, icluding updating the bios, nforce drivers, graphic drivers, direct X etc and have no completely given up hope of getting this board to run as it should

Edz

That can happen with new demos. Its probably not the board's fault since other games run well. Sometimes its not possible to get a demo to work.
Have you tried the Cat 4.2 driver?

 

[pelikan]

Originally posted by: MrGLR
Hello

I am quite new in the business of overclocking and I need help understanding if my settings are ok and why some things are the way they are...

First, my setup:

Asus A7N8X Rev 2 Bios C1004
AMD 2600+ Barton (multiplier locked)
Out of the box heatsink fan
Corsair PC3200 XMS+ 256 x 2 (for 512 Mb) in dual mode
MSI GeForce 4 TI4600
Maxtor 6L060J3 (60 Gb)
Quantum FireballP AS60 (60 Gb)
DVD Writer LG GSA-4040B
CD Writer LG CRD-8522B

That's about all that is relevant I think.

Ok, I've tried a few settings but the most stable I've achieved up to now is this:

Running FSB at 189 Mhz (380 Mhz)
Resulting CPU speed of 2.19 Ghz
Memory is set to 11-3-3-2 (100% speed)
CPU vCore at 1.7
DDr at 2.8
AGP at 1.6

CPU temperature never got higher than 54 celcius and board to 27 while running Prime95. So I believe these settings are pretty conservative, aren't they? Well, Prime95 didn't run for more than 30 minutes when it crashed (reboot).

Also, I've played EA Sports F1 99-02 for about 30-45 minutes before it crashed too (reboot).

Before that, I had tried memory settings of 8-3-3-2, 7-3-3-2 and 6-3-3-2 along with lower voltage settings but the PC was crashing even faster in F1 99-02.

Sandra 2004 reports memory bandwidth efficiency as being around 92% (int) and 84% (float). The other numbers look quite good to me but it's just not stable enough for me. Seeing numbers on the 'net for similar setups, I believe I should be able to crank it up a little more.

Can you help??
Thanks

When you start raising vcore sometimes the cpu will not to be prime stable over 50C. Are you reading the temp in asus probe or MBM5? Although I don't have this mb anymore, I'm pretty sure that asus probe shows the socket temp. You can configure MBM5 to read from the diode. The diode is more accurate and tends to be 10-15C hotter than the socket reading.
You will need a better heatsink if you want to overclock more. Also case ventilation makes a big difference because the heatsink is trying to cool a hot cpu with hot air inside the case.
Can you run prime95 without errors at stock speeds?