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

[steamnputer]

Originally posted by: Wild1

Fortunately, I had created an image disk and had to use this to recover as everything else I did was unsuccessful.

Any ideas on what could be causing this and possible solution?

Also worried that I have a bad build or bad MB. Any suggestions on best way to test it out?

Do you have one or 2 of the 6800's
What consists of everything else?
Did you reset the CMOS?
I agree with MLC sounds video realted, I just installed a really old radeon (actually brand new) in a really really old puter for my mother-in-law I set the resoulution the wrong way(before I installed the drivers) and the system went into a permanet reboot cycle, kept saying the drive was inconsistent(oh no), did a safe boot and that hung, did a known good start(last) and it took 2 tries and it restarted At that point I was a llittle scared as I knew this thing was old but I was not in the mood to replace it either, at anyrate on the 20th(or about)reboot it was stable enough to get the drivers on board then she started working flawlessly. I would unplug the card(reset cmos) and see if it posts ok. Then maybe revert to the 6.93

steamnputer

MLC have you had problems with 71.84 with the MSI? I have not been home this week to really try them out......

 

[blustori]

i got my rma board yesterday and something didnt work(probably the psu). i ordered a new psu and if that doesnt work, im giving up on asus forevar.

 

[Wild1]

Originally posted by: mlc
you sure you weren't messing around with settings that weren't necessarily valid for your monitor/graphics combo ? If your games and stress tests run fine, then it may not be

usually a problem of this type is most likely to be related to your video card and driver.. so you may want to check to make sure you have the latest bios for your graphics card, and maybe check their forums for issues... Also it may make sense to fall back to the 66.93 drivers as they seem to be the most stable for users thus far...

No, not sure the settings apply to my card.
The settings I was adjusting were on a popup menu from an icon in the sys tray. The icon is called "NVidia Settings". Not familiar with NVidia cards, not sure if this was loaded with the new 71.84 drivers or the with something else. My guess is that it came with the 71.84 update. Wouldn't these settings apply to the eVGA 6800GT??

I have not loaded the resolution changing software that is on the eVGA disk yet. Do I need to use this software instead? Will it replace the "Nvidia Settings"?

 

[Wild1]

Originally posted by: steamnputer

Do you have one or 2 of the 6800's
What consists of everything else?
Did you reset the CMOS?
I agree with MLC sounds video realted, I just installed a really old radeon (actually brand new) in a really really old puter for my mother-in-law I set the resoulution the wrong way(before I installed the drivers) and the system went into a permanet reboot cycle, kept saying the drive was inconsistent(oh no), did a safe boot and that hung, did a known good start(last) and it took 2 tries and it restarted At that point I was a llittle scared as I knew this thing was old but I was not in the mood to replace it either, at anyrate on the 20th(or about)reboot it was stable enough to get the drivers on board then she started working flawlessly. I would unplug the card(reset cmos) and see if it posts ok. Then maybe revert to the 6.93

steamnputer

Steamnputer
Only 1 6800GT at this point.
My system was acting like your MIL's computer. I tried safe mode and VGA mode - These brought the screen into normal rotation but I didnt have access to change the rotation setting. when I changed resolution, screen rerotated and went back into crash mode. Known good start booted into the inverted / crash mode setup. With Start win normally, every 5th reboot or so, the screen would be stable for a min or less. I would try to move the mouse to the "Nvidia settings" icon to get the screen rotated. About the time I managed to get the mouse on the icon (think inverted), the screen would either freeze or the sys would reboot. Finally gave up and reimaged the system.
Seems to be running stable after reimage... 9hrs prime95 and intermittentent background running of SuperPi. (I know this is mosly microprocessor testing - need to find and download a good graphics stress test program)

Whats up with clearing the CMOS? I've seen that mentioned in a few other posts. I thought that was only necessary when you have a locked system? In general, when is a CMOS clear recommended? Do you think I need to do this on this system?
Thanks

 

[mlc]

MLC have you had problems with 71.84 with the MSI? I have not been home this week to really try them out......

actually no problems... I installed them maybe a couple of weeks back.. and they seem to be running just fine.. (I'm only running with a singel MSI 6600GT)

I did see a few comments on another forum relating to the fact that these were maybe somewhat less stable than the 66.93 version... However, on the upside, all seem to think that the quality of the graphics is better with the newer versions...

 

[SpeedAGonzalez]

Hi I'm new to these forums and was wondering if anyone has suggestions for my new A8N SLI sytem memory problem.

My system specs are
AMD64 3800+,
Asus A8N SLI-Deluxe (with Zalman NB-47J Chipset cooler fitted)
1GB(2x512) OCZ PC3200EL Platinum Edition Revision 2 (CAS 2-2-2-5)
Creative Audigy 2 ZS + Altec Lansing 5100 Speakers
2x Asus TOP 6600GT's
PCP&C 510W SLI PSU,
Thermalright XP120 + Panaflo 120mm fan (68CFM @ 30db),
74gb WD Raptor, 160GB WD Caviar SATA, 120GB Maxtor IDE,
Pioneer 109 16x DVD-R/+R burner,
Asus 16x CD/DVD Rom
T/Take Harcano 12 Fan/Temp Controller
Iiyama 20" TFT Monitor
Lian-Li PC6070A case

My PC will not boot up with both RAM sticks installed (regardless of what slots are used) - Asus Voice Reporter gives 'Bad Memory Timing' message.
It will accept either stick in B1 Slot but not 2 sticks.
My pal also has an A8N SLI-Deluxe and my OCZ 2 sticks will not run on his board either.
Both boards work fine with his 1GB Crucial Ballistix PC3200.

I did quite a lot of research on AnandTech + Tom's Hardware Guide and some forums before choosing the OCZ memory - which was always given good reviews as being one of the best EL Ram modules available.

Has anyone else had this problem with OCZ memory ? It sounds like memory modules are not matched if pc will boot up with 1 stick only.

But lots of people here seem to be running OCZ with no problem ?

 

[steamnputer]

[[/quote]

Originally posted by: Wild1

No, not sure the settings apply to my card.
The settings I was adjusting were on a popup menu from an icon in the sys tray. The icon is called "NVidia Settings". Not familiar with NVidia cards, not sure if this was loaded with the new 71.84 drivers or the with something else. My guess is that it came with the 71.84 update. Wouldn't these settings apply to the eVGA 6800GT??

I have not loaded the resolution changing software that is on the eVGA disk yet. Do I need to use this software instead? Will it replace the "Nvidia Settings"?

Ya that contains the drivers for your card more then likely possibly newer bios's for the card also. So you must(or should install that) also if your card has a power connector on it make sure its plugged in. So install the drivers and check for newer bios's and drivers from the manufacture and also from nivida(drivers) you need to check both.
Nivida is a superstructure program, there(evga) card is based on there proccesor(nivida), but they make there own(evga)driver. Sorta like the Intel/AMD vs motherboard relationship.
So to answer that question you need both they work hand in hand.
[/quote]
----------------
Seems to be running stable after reimage... 9hrs prime95 and intermittentent background running of SuperPi. (I know this is mosly microprocessor testing - need to find and download a good graphics stress test program)

Whats up with clearing the CMOS? I've seen that mentioned in a few other posts. I thought that was only necessary when you have a locked system? In general, when is a CMOS clear recommended? Do you think I need to do this on this system?
Thanks

-------------------------
[/quote]
ya p95 strickly is for the cpu, if you need to run a game and its not incredibly taxing for the cpu i have found while running in cool & quiet it makes the frame rate stable(the cpu does not clock back). I have never used superpi myself so my assumuption is it also does not do anything with the GPU(s). The 3dmarkxx series seems the best to check the gpu although i am sure others could reccomend something else. I use 3dmark03 but i have the freeware version so it only tests somethings, and I really don't care what somesoftware says my computer can do, the proof is in the pudding for me so it only counts when I acutual run a game. Not even OC I can stomp any puter around or any one I have used so its all happy for me, yes I could go faster but I find no need to as the cpu is rarely taxed more so still then the gpu(s) in my case.

Clearing the CMOS on this mobo seems to be needed after any hardware change from the intial. So if you decided to add or remove something from the pci slots, or the ide buss for that matter memory too. Otherwise you get some behaviour like you had or no post at all(after a quick search of the forums I found that its not consistant).

Since you are not familiar with nivida I recommend you do a little research before you do any "futzing" with the controls on the panel. I found out the hard way you can make things dissappear, and its hard to make them come back(don't change the output settings if you don't have that particular device attached.)as on my last puter with dual outputs. The video forums should be able to help with any further questions

steamnputer

 

[steamnputer]

Originally posted by: mlc

MLC have you had problems with 71.84 with the MSI? I have not been home this week to really try them out......

actually no problems... I installed them maybe a couple of weeks back.. and they seem to be running just fine.. (I'm only running with a singel MSI 6600GT)

I did see a few comments on another forum relating to the fact that these were maybe somewhat less stable than the 66.93 version... However, on the upside, all seem to think that the quality of the graphics is better with the newer versions...

good to hear

HEY 100 pages woot!!!

as that good or bad?
:Q

 

[steamnputer]

Originally posted by: SpeedAGonzalez


Hi I'm new to these forums and was wondering if anyone has suggestions for my new A8N SLI sytem memory problem.

My system specs are
AMD64 3800+,
Asus A8N SLI-Deluxe (with Zalman NB-47J Chipset cooler fitted)
1GB(2x512) OCZ PC3200EL Platinum Edition Revision 2 (CAS 2-2-2-5)
Creative Audigy 2 ZS + Altec Lansing 5100 Speakers
2x Asus TOP 6600GT's
PCP&C 510W SLI PSU,
Thermalright XP120 + Panaflo 120mm fan (68CFM @ 30db),
74gb WD Raptor, 160GB WD Caviar SATA, 120GB Maxtor IDE,
Pioneer 109 16x DVD-R/+R burner,
Asus 16x CD/DVD Rom
T/Take Harcano 12 Fan/Temp Controller
Iiyama 20" TFT Monitor
Lian-Li PC6070A case

My PC will not boot up with both RAM sticks installed (regardless of what slots are used) - Asus Voice Reporter gives 'Bad Memory Timing' message.
It will accept either stick in B1 Slot but not 2 sticks.
My pal also has an A8N SLI-Deluxe and my OCZ 2 sticks will not run on his board either.
Both boards work fine with his 1GB Crucial Ballistix PC3200.

I did quite a lot of research on AnandTech + Tom's Hardware Guide and some forums before choosing the OCZ memory - which was always given good reviews as being one of the best EL Ram modules available.

Has anyone else had this problem with OCZ memory ? It sounds like memory modules are not matched if pc will boot up with 1 stick only.

But lots of people here seem to be running OCZ with no problem ?

Your specs look really good, the only thing I can think of is clear CMOS,(see post on last page reagarding video problem) with the mem settings to auto and try again, I searched the forums have not seen that particular post and/nor do I reacall anything like that and I have been watching for awhile now. As a word of caution don't set it upto OC out of the gate just set it to stock or fairly stock settings(auto). I assume you are trying A1 and B1 for the memory slots as you can only get b1 to work. Also shut off the audio post thing and the posting picture they are know to cause problems. Then try and get all your drivers/bios's uptodate.


BTW I know for a fact that ASUS video card is not SLI ceritfied(isnt that ironic).
http://www.asus.com/products/mb/socket939/a8nsli-d/overview.htm#


steamnputer

 

[SpeedAGonzalez]

Thanks SteamnPuter for your reply.

Have already tried to clear CMOS but still don't work.
I don't OC - prefer to run everything at stock as only use air cooling
It seems strange that so may peeps are running this memory but both mine + my friends MOBO won't accept both sticks OCZ ?

But will work with other memory (eg Crucial Ballistix)

 

[dmfcomputing]

well then its probably bad memory. RMA it.

 

[SpeedAGonzalez]

thats what I thought

If I cant get OCZ to work - might go with either of these

Corsair 1GB DDR XMS3200XL Platinum TwinX (2x512MB) CAS2 (MY-049-CS)
GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC3200 Ultra-X CAS2 (GLX1GB3200DC) (MY-042-GL)
Crucial 1GB (2x512MB) DDR PC3200 Ballistix Dual Channel Kit (MY-033-CR)

 

[steamnputer]

:thumbsup:

yeah contact OCZ see what they say, if it does not work in 2 mobo's that pretty much says thats it.

steamnputer
I know my cosair works although it was not cheap... best if you don't want to OC

 

[Wild1]

Originally posted by: steamnputer

Ya that contains the drivers for your card more then likely possibly newer bios's for the card also. So you must(or should install that) also if your card has a power connector on it make sure its plugged in. So install the drivers and check for newer bios's and drivers from the manufacture and also from nivida(drivers) you need to check both.
Nivida is a superstructure program, there(evga) card is based on there proccesor(nivida), but they make there own(evga)driver. Sorta like the Intel/AMD vs motherboard relationship.
So to answer that question you need both they work hand in hand.

Clearing the CMOS on this mobo seems to be needed after any hardware change from the intial. So if you decided to add or remove something from the pci slots, or the ide buss for that matter memory too. Otherwise you get some behaviour like you had or no post at all(after a quick search of the forums I found that its not consistant).

Yes the extra power to the video card is pluged in.

Tried the CMOS clear. Still acting the same way when rotate screen is clicked.

Called eVGA. The drivers on their web site are the latest and only ones needed. These are the ones I installed. So at this point, is the only option left to try down reving to older drivers?? ANy other ideas?
Before I mess with this anymore, I'm going to stress test the card. Don't believe this is the problem though, tend to agree with above post that it may be the drivers. Since the newer drivers are reported to have better graphics quality, if I do not have any other problems, i may just leave them in and stay away from the rotate settings.

 

[steamnputer]

what kind of monitor are you using?

 

[Wild1]

The monitor is a old piece of crap I am only using while building the new system. I have the new build on my "bench" with the old monitor (IBM 6547), still using good monitor (Sony 20seII) for current working system. I thought about this briefly, so I pulled out the monitor from the Vid card when it was in a crash / reboot cycle. Continued to crash reboot (could hear faint reboot sound when it rebooted). I only let it go one cycle...Did this rule out the monitor or should I use the newer Sony monitor and try the whole test again. Easy enough to do, but may cause me to reimage again which takes several hours.

 

[Wild1]

When the Nvidia nForce4 driver update is installed (version ver 6.53), it places a bunch of files/folders in a /Nvidia/nForceWin2KXP folder. I am creating a new backup image of my system and want to strip out all the unnecessary files. Can these folder/files be removed without leading to a future problem?

 

[steamnputer]

Originally posted by: Wild1


When the Nvidia nForce4 driver update is installed (version ver 6.53), it places a bunch of files/folders in a /Nvidia/nForceWin2KXP folder. I am creating a new backup image of my system and want to strip out all the unnecessary files. Can these folder/files be removed without leading to a future problem?

I would not delete those unless you don't wnat your puter to work right, nforce is the backbone of the mobo, its what makes it tick. Yes there are somethings that you more then likely don't need, but I doubt many people would be able to tell you.

If you are really concerned about backup set your raptors to RAID 1, I know its another install but your HD are doubled as far as securtiy then. If you need more space you have more sata slots.

 

[imported_CW]

Originally posted by: Wild1
When the Nvidia nForce4 driver update is installed (version ver 6.53), it places a bunch of files/folders in a /Nvidia/nForceWin2KXP folder. I am creating a new backup image of my system and want to strip out all the unnecessary files. Can these folder/files be removed without leading to a future problem?

I think these files are not important, they are only need for the installation. You should keep the original installer and that's all, so yes, you can remove these files.

 

[Couchy]

Hey I was wondering if anyone has had any success installing a Thermaltake a1899 to replace the crappy fan for the nforce4 chipset? http://www.thermaltake.com/coolers/chipset/a1899.htm

Asus must have had a bad run of parts because I have seen many people complain about this fan on the a8n-sli. The fan on mine is loud and noisy, changes rpms and causes noise abberations. Yesterday it stopped completely but I adjusted the screws and spun it a few times manually and it started working again, but I'm pretty sure it wants to up and die.

I saw a guy install a passive heatsink on the chipset http://www.zalman.co.kr/usa/product/view.asp?idx=71&code=014 but I'm not sure how successful this would be since the area can get quite hot.

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/ubb...50009562&f=77909774&m=327005148631&p=2

Any suggestions?

 

[steamnputer]

Originally posted by: Couchy
Hey I was wondering if anyone has had any success installing a Thermaltake a1899 to replace the crappy fan for the nforce4 chipset? http://www.thermaltake.com/coolers/chipset/a1899.htm

Asus must have had a bad run of parts because I have seen many people complain about this fan on the a8n-sli. The fan on mine is loud and noisy, changes rpms and causes noise abberations. Yesterday it stopped completely but I adjusted the screws and spun it a few times manually and it started working again, but I'm pretty sure it wants to up and die.

I saw a guy install a passive heatsink on the chipset http://www.zalman.co.kr/usa/product/view.asp?idx=71&code=014 but I'm not sure how successful this would be since the area can get quite hot.

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/ubb...50009562&f=77909774&m=327005148631&p=2

Any suggestions?

Several people have used that Zalman, considering the heat it(nforce4) puts out I personally am not going to do that, at least not with out a fan, my chipset reaches upwards of 60C(I have a TC on it). The fan started make noises before I left on vacation and is the first thing to be replaced on my return. I have thought about both but I think It maybe a tight fit down the road should I decided to go to 6800's or what ever version.

Its not just ASUS I have seen comments about crappy Nforce fans on the MSI and DFI forums as well
found this link in cooling forum
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=37&threadid=1514903&enterthread=y

 

[imported_slippy]

I personally don't see the point of buying a passive heatsink. Once you take the fan off of the asus heatsink, then you already have a passive heatsink, and it doesn't take up any extra room from your graphics cards and it looks good. On top of that you don't have to remove the motherboard, since you aren't removing the heat sink.

I believe the heatsink itself is of good quaity, and that it was just the fan that was making it a problem. My system has been running for 12 hours, and I've played a few games. Throughout the time I was using it at the most intense times it has never gone above 29C.

I'm playing scorchedearth3d right now and the CPU is at 40C and the mobo is at 29C. When not gaming my a64 3000 cpu runs from 33-35C, and the mobo 27-28C.

 

[Couchy]

Ok thanks guys, I think I might try something like this:

http://www.bigfootcomputers.com/Merchan...Product_Code=1023&Category_Code=700.41

simple 4cm fan, should do a better job than the stock one.

 

[imported_CW]

Check out this other topic on anandtech about the A8N-SLI Deluxe chipset fan:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...&STARTPAGE=1&FTVAR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear

Some people (including myself) are taking the Papst route...

 

[SAngeli]

Hi vlad4,

I was told by Thermalright that the XP-120 can only be mounted the opposite way you did.
You did, instead, installed in my openion the right way so that also memory will benefit from the 120mm fan.
Question: Did you have any trouble installing the XP-120 with regards to the left side (the one where the heatpipes are located? There seems to be mobo components that might be in their way.

Please let me know how did you install it and if you had trouble with it.
BTY: Thank you so much for your comprehensive coverage of XP-120. I believe you have done a superb job even thermalright did not do!

Spiro