*** Official ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe (nForce4) Thread ***

[squonk]

Originally posted by: JacksColdSweat
With my soon to be purchased "ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe". I need some ideas on the best vcard, 1G memory, and PSU to use with this mobo. Does anyone have any ideas for me? I'm going to have the AMD 64 3500+ Winchester. Also, when I say 'best', best for me is probably 6800 or 6800GT, memory I haven't got a clue, but I know I want something fast and stable and a gig of it!! As far as the PSU, the only criteria for it is it needs to be quiet with lost of POWER!

Thank you all very much for your time in responding to this newbie's questions.

I really am just wanting a bad @$$ gaming rig!!

Thanks again!!!

Asus v999Ultra, OCS Platnum Rev 2, and PC Power and Cooling Turbo 510 Deluxe SLI PS

 

[Robbidoo]

Apologies in advance if I've missed this in the thread; I've read maybe half of it, and done some searches, but _man_ can you guys post.

I've upgraded to the A8N-SLI from a A7N8X-deluxe, which had 3 DIMM slots. These were filled with 2x256mb and 1x512mb Corsair 3200LL (2-3-2-6 i think).

Anyway, there doesn't seem to be any way I can get the board to post with these three dimms in it. The manual doesn't mention any possibility of using 3 dimms, but I just thought I'd be sure that there wasn't a combination I'd missed.

I expect it won't work, which is bloody annoying as that stuff isn't cheap.


ALSO is turning on command queuing still a problem for those with Diamondmax Plus 10's? I don't want to risk it if there's still an issue.

Thanks in advance,

Robbo

 

[iscsidude]

Originally posted by: Robbidoo
Apologies in advance if I've missed this in the thread; I've read maybe half of it, and done some searches, but _man_ can you guys post.

I've upgraded to the A8N-SLI from a A7N8X-deluxe, which had 3 DIMM slots. These were filled with 2x256mb and 1x512mb Corsair 3200LL (2-3-2-6 i think).

Anyway, there doesn't seem to be any way I can get the board to post with these three dimms in it. The manual doesn't mention any possibility of using 3 dimms, but I just thought I'd be sure that there wasn't a combination I'd missed.

I expect it won't work, which is bloody annoying as that stuff isn't cheap.


ALSO is turning on command queuing still a problem for those with Diamondmax Plus 10's? I don't want to risk it if there's still an issue.

Thanks in advance,

Robbo

According to the Manual, 1, 2 or 4 DIMM's are supported.

Also, turning on command queueing was a problem for me so I turned it off. Not that I'm missing anything since I don't know of any apps supporting NCQ today.

 

[MrVeedo]

hows everyone doing with the 1004.001 bios? any significant boost in performance/options/overclocking?

 

[mwarner]

Further to my previous post about PC Mark 2004 crashing during the Raw Data Write memory tests, I have done some additional tests since then.

My specs:

Asus A8N SLI Deluxe
Crucial Ballistix PC4000 (2x512MB DIMMS)
Gigabyte GeForce 6600GT

With 1xDIMM there are no problems - all tests pass
With 2X DIMMs in B1 and B2 (i.e. single channel) - all tests pass
With 2X DIMMS in A1 and B1 (i.e. Dual Channel) - PC Mark 2004 locks the machine in either the 4Mb or 8Mb Raw memory writes.

I have also tried:

Crucial DDR333 - works fine in Dual Channel mode
Crucial DDR400 - fails in Dual Channel mode in the same tests.

It is irrelevant what drivers I use - I have a base WinXP Pro install (no drivers except SATA) and a full XP Pro install (all drivers - chipset, graphics, SATA etc).

I have also tested with BIOS revisons 1003 and 1004.001.

If anyone has done the same tests with the same memory, I would be interested to hear from them!

 

[ShoNuff]

Originally posted by: Fent
Just wanted to put a datapoint in here.

For the last week or so my ASUS SLI rig has been running perfect.

Now, I had an issue at 1st, but it was fixed by spending to much $$ on a PCP&C 510 SLI power supply.

I wonder how many of the RMA's for this board are #1 PSU issue #2 agressive OC fails.

Right now I am running stock speed and timing, but I don't feel a huge need to OC the 55-FX right now.. maybe down the road.

I use a WD raptor as a single drive boot drive on the Nvidea sata, and use twin 300gig maxors on the SI raid 0 sata.

System has SLI 6800GT XFX PCIE cards... oddly enough they screwed big plates over the top of the SLI conectors I had to take apart.. so who knows if they are "certified" or not but they seem to be working.

One odd thing on SLI, some games if you "ALT-TAB" will have the gfx get mesed up (alt tabing again often fix's it) it's rather odd to see the top half of the screen diffrent than the bottom when this happens

Remember the "bleeding edge" was not named that by mistake... there is a price to have the new toy on the block.

Also I don't buy into somthing being bad just because it gets posted about.. most people that have it working fine will have no need to come here and post.

Data like "50% returns" is also no proof as i would bet AT LEAST 50% of buyer didn't think to replace the PSU as well.

Also if you can return it, they were selling for $280 and are now $170 so...

Anyway when your in your own "hell" dealing with issues, rather than cuss out fellow posters, be glad that there are others here willing to take there time to help you.

P.S. If you think this board is "bad" talk to me sometime about a supermicro Pentium Pro Dual CPU board I built a system on. (It still runs....)

Well said!

For the record my problems (rebooting without cause) was PSU related. My first PCP&C was returned for another and now running perfectly stable.

 

[byMaX]

Thanx, squonk, I'll try that one out! Cheers!

 

[anox3]

Just wanted to let everyone know I upgraded my bios tonight to 1004-001 Beta. I am restarting fine and am not hanging. It goes right back into Windows without any issues so far. I was not able to use the 1003 release at all as the computer would not even restart. Did not even need a cmos clear after upgrade I posted this because I know some of you had some of the same issues I did regarding no restarting. So far it looks good.

 

[Dream Operator]

Had my system running for almost 2 weeks now and I would like to send out HUGE THANKS to all those on this forum. I read all the pages in this topic and found so much crucial information that helped assure a smooth process for putting my new PC together (sli selector, power supply thoughts, what bios NOT to use, the list goes on).

I'm very pleased with all components so far. Quite stable now after some work. Started with 1002 and didn't update until now.

Now using the 1004-001 flashed using awdflash yesterday. So far so good. Can now use nTune with out warnings. Using ClockGen for OC. So far got upto 2439.28CPU and 221.75HTT/Memory without failing PCMark03/05. All stock cooling. Nothing huge, just getting started.

I am hoping someone can provide on information about temps here.

Using nVMonitor - Idle CPU 44c, System 40c, and GPU 49c.

OC with above settings and the 6600gt from it's stock setting of 500/1000 to 570/1140 gave me these max temps - CPU 59c, System 42c, and GPU 88c.

I used the dual view setting while running 3DMark05 so I could see the nVMonitor temps during the benchmark.

Are these safe? Do they seem inline with my setup?

Any advice would be very appreciated!

 

[cronic]

that link has great info. i had actually read the reveiw for intel based systems before i purchased the pc3200balistix memory. as it states in the amd based review the memorys prefroms very well. the problem is its only stable at 230 fsb x 11 and 5x ht in my system. i have tried numerous other settings and different bios , but nothing seems to get me higher than 230 STABLE. i have a vapochill system on the way to cool the cpu to sub zero temps, and a water cooling system for the chipset, and video card(s). I will also be adding a pcpower and cooling 510 sli or the new 850 watt monster they offer.I realize that the bios revisions will make the board better and better, but i would love to know if i need to switch memory from the ballistix. also i have still not been able to load 1004-001 beta bios either from asus update or awdflash. any suggestions on that? thanks for the input and help.

 

[JackSparrow]

One long post (sry), I cant get this rig to post, need any suggestions, i think i have tried everything....

Anyones guess as to why my SLI board won't even post...
I get no video, but power goes to all my accesories, fans, etc.

Here are the specs:
ASUS A8N-SLI Mobo
AMD 64 3400+
1GB generic (VDATA) DDR400 (on 2 512mb sticks)
580W Powmax Demon - PSDE580 - power supply with a 24A +12v rail (should be plenty of power.....no?)
PNY 6600GT
2 80gb IDE drives
1 160gb SATA
4 80mm fans
2 DVD-RW
1 CD-RW
8-10 USB devices

btw the cpu fan is a Zalman cpns7000-alcu, and is connected. CPU is in place correctly, and sli selector card is snug.

My main concern is that somehow my cheap PSU isnt pulling its huge 580W weight.
If this is the case any recommendation for a 400W+ PSU that i can replace it with for under 60 bucks and still allow me to expand to dual 6600GT's later?

I have tried removing all devices, hd connectors, usb connectors, 3pin fan connectors, lan, and tried to get it to post with just a 6600gt, cpu, and ram. No pc beep, nor video still.

Removed all unnecessary USB, HD, fans, etc, so its stripped down to CPU, ram, cpu fan, geforce 6600gt. Still no results still on getting this bitch to even post. I also tried all this with a PCI fx 5200. Then i removed the CPU, tried different ram slots, tried it out of the case. Nothing.

All that i ever get to happen is the monitor powers on as if to display something, then it turns off as if the signal is gone. Same thing happens with PCI and PCI-X gfx cards.

I'm outa options, any clues? Is it the ram? the PSU? the mobo?

 

[iscsidude]

JackSparrow,
I'm assuming you are plugging your memory into the blue slots. Right?
Have to ask, since you can't POST.
Since you have disconnected everything, Drives, USB, etc. your power supply shouldn't be an issue.
Your PSDE580 should have ample power to supply a MOBO, Memory and CPU.

I'm suspecting your Zalman or Memory setup.

Have you tried to plug a simple fan into the CPU FAN connector?


What BIOS are you using?
Oh yeah, If you can't POST, you can't tell me. Duh!

If it were me, I'd first change the RAM to something others have had luck with.
Personally, I use OCZ. Kingston Hyper-X and Crucial Sticks seem to be working as well.
Keep in mind, everyone here will have an opinion on memory, Video Cards and Power Supplies.
Kind of like Brother in Laws, politics and religion.

I think if you plug in some quality memory, the world will be fine.

Again, Just an opinion!!!

 

[JackSparrow]

Yeah, i was almost positive my PW was enough, and it def could be the ram.

Yeah the ram is in the blue slots, but i tried em in all the slots and all permutations of combinations.

As for the Zalman, the fan works fine in the cpufan slot as would any fan. I even took a thermometer and tested the cpu temp directly. It got up to 100 Farenheit (~30C), nothing to worry about. Besides the Zalman is a quality heatsink, its also rated much higher than 3400+. Its also got 50% sliver (best buy brand) thermal paste on it, spread razor thin, so i think the cpu setup should be solid.

I'ma check the memory as soon as i get a pair of sticks to work with. Thx.

 

[iscsidude]

If you have tried the RAM in all the slots, then I'd agree it is probably the RAM.
All permutations tells us it is not slot driven.
If you can't POST, it must be Memory related. Just a guess !!!

 

[iscsidude]

On another note, has anyone been successful with the Arctic Cooling NV 5 on a 6800 Ultra?
I know I need to disconnect the "double wide" PCI slot connector and use the ones provided by Arctic cooling.
I'd just like to lower the noise since I can't hear what I'm typing !!!

 

[cronic]

hey iscsidude,
i used a nv silencer rev 5 for a short time on my asus 6800 ultra. the extra bracket will not work unless you cut the factory in half. instead of doing that i made a complete new bracket out of 18 gauge stainless steel. it took about 2 hours from start to finish. a much easier method would be to cut holes in the factory double plate, however i spent a small fortune on my card and did not want to hack up my original bracket. if you will notice i said i used the nv silencer for a short while. the reason for that is after all that work the idle temp shot up from 42-43 to 46-48. since i am tring to acheive as much overclock as possible this was not acceptable. i hope this helps and if you need any pics i can send them. thanks

 

[cronic]

whats the deal with bios 1004-001 cpu voltage only going as high as 1.55? well i can change it from ai booster but not from the bios. also has anyone had a problem with the chipset fan going out? mine died after flash to 1004-001 not sure if that is related. it just sits there and spins very slowly.

 

[AnimalAsteroid]

Cronic,
You mentioned that you are going to watercool the chipset. I don't think it can be done, not enough room. I have my system watercooled, looked at doing the chipset and didn't think it was possible!! If you do it let me know how you did it!!

I have all my systems (3 of them) pelted & watercooled. Really works great!! Only the SLI system isn't pelted. My pelts cost me at least $25 - $50 extra per month on my electric bill!!!!! It is worth it though. Not to mention the 9 Meanwell's, 1 dedicated 20 amp breaker and enough heat in my basement to not need to run my furnace!! LOL Guess I'm saving on heating oil costs!!:laugh:

 

[cronic]

i might have to make a custom block or modify one. not sure yet still waiting on the vapochill system to arrive and then i will start worring about the watercooling. i'll keep you informed. what water blocks are you using on the 6800s. what are your idle temps on the cards? thanks

 

[iscsidude]

Cronic,
Thanks for the reply. I also have a bud in the "Machine Shop" business.
Now, if only I can get him to help me out with the PCI bracket "Double Wide" problem.
Since I rely on him for all my Silencers, I'm sure I can get his attention.
Just Kidding.

Actually, I can't even hear the 8K RPM FAN on the NF4.
Initially I was very concerned about this fan.
Not sure if ASUS did something or what?
But to be honest, the only fans I hear are on the case.
Speed controlled from a Nexus Controller and basically the noise is non existent from my previous machine.
I had used the PC Power and Cooling PSU in the previous machine and it now belongs to my daughter.
Great Power Supply, but very noisy. Seems like it was 500W and 400 Db.

She is just happy to get a computer and I'm sure the PCP&C PSU will work for years.
Just thankful it is in her room and not mine!!!!!!!

 

[InBloom]

A8N experiences.

I tried running memtest with all bios options on auto (default settings) and stock speeds and bios 1002. To my surprise memtest would not reach 100% without encountering 1-3 errors.

My reasons for running memtest was I did have one BSOD mentioning memory faliure followed by a reboot while playing joint operations. Although I have played other 3D games and joint operations for hours without any crashes.

I have Kingston HyperX 3200 UL 512x2 (KHX3200ULK2/1G) which has a auto SPD of 2-2-2-5 (T1) at 2.75V, I tried to bump the voltage up but memtest still displayed errors within 5-10 minutes. I then changed the memory timings to 2-3-2-6 (T1) with DDR voltage at auto (Ntune reads 2.75V (I only use Ntune for reading curtain values)), and now memtest have not encountered any errors while running for hours. (2-2-2-6 (T1) did also produce errors).

I also had the problem with IExplorer locking up and not responding and this seemed to be fixed after I plugged in the EZ_PLUG although I only have one graphics card (and manual states it is only necessory to plugin if you run two graphics cards).

 

[MuteyM]

Originally posted by: Tripp17
I want ANYONE who has a fsb overclock of OVER 240 with "1T" timmings to post and tell me he has over 245 fsb. I dont want people telling me they have 310 fsb but on a 2T, only 1T. Im betting all my money that no one has a stable 245+ fsb w/ 1T overclock.........nobody! Sucks too, itll be the reason why i go to MSI or more probable the Abit Fatil1ty nforce4 board......now thats gonna be a board!

Just saw your message, and as of the 1003 final BIOS I've been able to overclock to 265MHz fsb with 1T timings. Before 1003.008, I couldn't overclock past 206 with any settings. I tried underclocking the CPU, setting the HTT multiplier at 3x, setting memory to DDR266 to take it all out of the equation, but nothing past 206MHz HT would run stable. But as of BIOS 1003 I've been able to overclock properly...

Anyway just thought I'd let you know that at least one person has had success with 1T timings. I'm not running at a 1:1 divider though so my memory is only running at DDR434, so maybe that makes a difference.

 

[ryoanji]

iscsidude

You actually do not have to drill anything in Ultra back plates, please look here

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=343539

Good luck

 

[cronic]

yes i have read that forum. good reading, but i tried to get one of those brackets from 3 different dealers and from artic cooling and they said it would be atleast 3-5 weeks to get it. i wasn't willing to wait. oh well

 

[Snetty]

I'm sorry guys, but i'm not reading through 68 pages of thread incase this has already been covered...

I had a horrendous time with my system last night. I'd been experiencing some bizarre problems early in the evening, where by upon boot up I'd have a maxed out cpu and the system would be sluggish as hell. I'd get a couple of error messages, can't remember what the first one was, It shut down a program but I forget what. The second shut down drwatson debugger but upon checking task manager it still appeared to be running. Anyway, killing that would sort things out. It eventually occurred to me that I hadn't installed my AV yet, so might be something malicious. So installed Internet Security 2005 (came with the mobo, i'm not gonna grumble) which didn't find any virii or anything else untoward, but upon reboot problem was mysteriously sorted.

Anyway, so I fire up CSS which hangs halfway through loading and then gives me the BSOD with a "machine check exception" error after a few second of me saying "wtf" alot...

So that caused a fair few more wtf's on my part. Reboot, try again, same thing. Reboot, try again, except this time it wouldn't get as far as completely loading windows before doing the same thing. Every reboot from then on would just give me a black screen when it tried to load windows. Going into the bios (and changing nothing) would let the system start booting into windows, but either would never complete or would give me the same problem after a minute or 2 into windows.

So, left it for a bit and jumped onto my server to check the asus forums for any help. Asus forums are down for "essential maintenance"! Wtf, essential maintenance right when people are most likely to need help during a new chipset rollout?!?! Nubs!

Anyway, downloaded updated bios and updated bios update thingy and managed to boot into windows long enough to flash the bios. Which was damn hairy as I was half expecting to get BSOD halfway through the flash, which would've [insert expletive of choice here]ed me right off!

I've had the BSOD a couple of times this evening but it's no-where near as bad. Anyone got any suggestions for me?