*** Official ASUS P5B / P5B Deluxe Thread ***

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Rob9874
Thanks again. So for about the same price, why would I want the P5B Deluxe, vs. the P5W DH Deluxe? I've read rave reviews about that board on AnandTech, and various industry magazines. (Other than the fact that the P5W isn't in stock anywhere!)

The new BIOS for P5B deluxe unlocks C2D chips multiplyer. You can adjust the multiplyer down to any setting and have more flexibility on the FSB choices. According to Asus some C2D chips unlock up as well, but as of yet nobody knows which ones work. So in theory you can have basically a 6800 extreme with the right chip.

From all I know so far the P5B Deluxe is the best board for overclocking a C2D available. You said it yourself, the P5W is MIA atm.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: ScottFern
Personally I am removing the entire heatpipe NB cooler when I receive my P5B Deluxe. I am just putting an aftermarket NB cooler on and leaving the mosfets bare. Why wouldn't that be ok since ASUS left the set of mosfets above the CPU open and bare?

Nobody said it wouldn't be ok...

 

[imported_BigTwin]

"To use the DTS link I enable 5.1 mode and turn on DTS-link in controlpanel.
Now I get 5.1 surround from my games (that support it) and I get ac3 audio from DVD's. All in 1 optical fibre link. No more messing with analog cables!
I love this mainboard! ".


Thanks for the link to the 4570 drivers....I have a Klipsch 4.1 system...4 speakers and a subwoofer...with 2 audio input plugs. I can't seem to configure my speakers so that all four have sound. I can get 3 speakers going but 1 speaker always seems to have very low to no volume...(speakers are in good shape). What is the DTS link you wrote about and the fiber link?

 

[jwalker46]

Originally posted by: KreAture
Deluxe has 2 PCIe 16x slots (only ATI Crossfire compatible not NVIDIA SLI) and 1 PCIe 1x slot, normal P5B has 1 PCIe 16x and 3 PCIe 1x slots.

Newegg's & Asus' description are a bit misleading; the specs on Asus website here
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1179&l1=3&l2=11&l3=307
list "2 x PCI-E x16 (blue @ x16 mode, black @ x2 or x4 mode)"

So, you don't have two slots that are x16, or even x8, at all.

Also, Intel's website is clear that the P965 (and Q965) chipset only supports only one PCI3 x16 slot:
http://indigo.intel.com/compare_cpu/sho...x?mmID=22754&familyID=10&culture=en-US

 

[KreAture]

cmdrdredd, I know about the heatsink thing. The problem is, the sink is located ON the voltage regs for the CPU and they get very hot. I am not sure there is better cooling there even with airflow due to the extra heat.

 

[KreAture]

Originally posted by: BigTwin


"To use the DTS link I enable 5.1 mode and turn on DTS-link in controlpanel.
Now I get 5.1 surround from my games (that support it) and I get ac3 audio from DVD's. All in 1 optical fibre link. No more messing with analog cables!
I love this mainboard! ".


Thanks for the link to the 4570 drivers....I have a Klipsch 4.1 system...4 speakers and a subwoofer...with 2 audio input plugs. I can't seem to configure my speakers so that all four have sound. I can get 3 speakers going but 1 speaker always seems to have very low to no volume...(speakers are in good shape). What is the DTS link you wrote about and the fiber link?

Basically, you need to do a few things to get multichannel.
1. Set your speakers to desired channel setup. (Or something close)
2. Open the soundmax mixer panel and click on the hammer/axe thing.
3. Select the "DTS Connect" tab
4. Activate "DTS Interactive" and deactivate "DTS NeoC"
Subwoofer selection is up to you...

When this is done the system will start to generate a multichannel DTS stream and it is available on both the coaxial and optical port on back of board. Hook up to your digital receiver and enjoy a crystal clear decoding without any odd pc noise

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: KreAture
cmdrdredd, I know about the heatsink thing. The problem is, the sink is located ON the voltage regs for the CPU and they get very hot. I am not sure there is better cooling there even with airflow due to the extra heat.

The other boards don't have anything in that spot.

 

[Matmi]

Hi,

I'm a novice but I'm also tired of Dell or HP who use, at least for my PCs, apparently bad motherboards or bad memory sticks. So, I'm going to go to Directron here in Houston to ask them to build one for me.

I've done my homework and have narrowed things down to only a few options. I'll put an Intel E6400 or E6600 and for the motherboard, it's going to be either the P5B or the P5B Deluxe.

My question is the following : even having read the specs several times, I'm not sure I understand the differences. Knowing that I have no intention of trying to overclock my PC and that I'll only use 1 video card (probably nVidia Geforce 7600 GS, even I never play), do I need the Deluxe ? I saw that the Deluxe had a firewire port, which I definitely need but I guess I could also add a firewire card to the P5B ?

What do you think ?

Thanks !

 

[j00k]

if you dont have any plans to o/c, definitely go w/the much cheaper P5B non-deluxe. The deluxe version adds wifi-g , fireware (as you pointed out), SATA RAID, dual gigabit ethernet and probably the most important feature for overclockers for max stability: 8-phase power.

 

[Rob9874]

Originally posted by: j00k
if you dont have any plans to o/c, definitely go w/the much cheaper P5B non-deluxe. The deluxe version adds wifi-g , fireware (as you pointed out), SATA RAID, dual gigabit ethernet and probably the most important feature for overclockers for max stability: 8-phase power.

Well, I think Deluxe it is then. Especially after reading this quote from the new P5B BIOS review on AnandTech (which is what I think I'll do): "The E6700, which runs at 2.67GHz, is very interesting because of the large headroom we consistently find at stock voltage. Once again, on the P5B Deluxe at stock voltage, the combo could run day and night at 3.4GHz (340x10) with no issues at all."

Sounds like a nice and easy foray for a noob OC'er.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Rob9874

Originally posted by: j00k
if you dont have any plans to o/c, definitely go w/the much cheaper P5B non-deluxe. The deluxe version adds wifi-g , fireware (as you pointed out), SATA RAID, dual gigabit ethernet and probably the most important feature for overclockers for max stability: 8-phase power.

Well, I think Deluxe it is then. Especially after reading this quote from the new P5B BIOS review on AnandTech (which is what I think I'll do): "The E6700, which runs at 2.67GHz, is very interesting because of the large headroom we consistently find at stock voltage. Once again, on the P5B Deluxe at stock voltage, the combo could run day and night at 3.4GHz (340x10) with no issues at all."

Sounds like a nice and easy foray for a noob OC'er.

Yes I rather like the higher multiplyers because you don't have to worry about "will my board run at 420Mhz FSB?" and you can simply go with like 350Mhz FSB and don't have to run your memory so far up either.

 

[Soul Colossus]

I've read on HardForum that the P5B non-Deluxe supports the mutliplier change as well

 

[daneel3001]

I'm having issues overclocking a E6600 and it's my demise that I went for a P5B and not a P5B Deluxe.
But I can't be arsed to send it back so I guess my overclocking will be short lived unless Asus miraculously transforms a P5B into a Deluxe one through a Bios upgrade

My setup is :
E6600 (2.4ghz) Core 2 Duo
Asus P5B (non deluxe)
2x 1gb Crucial Ballistix PC6400
HIS Radeon X1900XT IceQ3

Thus far spending hours on getting a stable setup which is tested by using Prime95 + playing a HD video on the side I've managed to get the E6600 up to about 2.9ghz.

In BIOS speak :
AI tuning : Manual
CPU frequency : 325
DRAM freq : 650
PCI Express : 100mhz
PCI Clock : 33.3mhz
Spread Spectrum : Auto
Ram Vcore : 2.0v
CPU Vcore : 1.375v
FSB Termination Voltage : Auto

Everything else is set at default apart that I don't use SPD because my Ballistix settings were not detected correctly and so I put manually 4-4-4-12.

Just for the sake of it I tried setting the CPU freq to 327 and it crashed after 10 minutes.
So I've now increased CPU Vcore to 1.3875v

As far as I can tell I'd say the P5B is limited by the poor voltage it supplies to the CPU.
I have components that should all be perfect for overclocking such as the Ballistix which can go up to DDR2-1000 or a Zalman 460W power supply.

I can't be certain but from my own very little experience I would advise people to stay clear of the P5B...

Cheers
Dan

 

[andytaro]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118223
I bought this Zalman HSF to cool my E6400. I have a p5b (vanilla) for my conroe. Does this cooling fit my MB?

 

[Soul Colossus]

Originally posted by: daneel3001
I'm having issues overclocking a E6600 and it's my demise that I went for a P5B and not a P5B Deluxe.
But I can't be arsed to send it back so I guess my overclocking will be short lived unless Asus miraculously transforms a P5B into a Deluxe one through a Bios upgrade

My setup is :
E6600 (2.4ghz) Core 2 Duo
Asus P5B (non deluxe)
2x 1gb Crucial Ballistix PC6400
HIS Radeon X1900XT IceQ3

Thus far spending hours on getting a stable setup which is tested by using Prime95 + playing a HD video on the side I've managed to get the E6600 up to about 2.9ghz.

In BIOS speak :
AI tuning : Manual
CPU frequency : 325
DRAM freq : 650
PCI Express : 100mhz
PCI Clock : 33.3mhz
Spread Spectrum : Auto
Ram Vcore : 2.0v
CPU Vcore : 1.375v
FSB Termination Voltage : Auto

Everything else is set at default apart that I don't use SPD because my Ballistix settings were not detected correctly and so I put manually 4-4-4-12.

Just for the sake of it I tried setting the CPU freq to 327 and it crashed after 10 minutes.
So I've now increased CPU Vcore to 1.3875v

As far as I can tell I'd say the P5B is limited by the poor voltage it supplies to the CPU.
I have components that should all be perfect for overclocking such as the Ballistix which can go up to DDR2-1000 or a Zalman 460W power supply.

I can't be certain but from my own very little experience I would advise people to stay clear of the P5B...

Cheers
Dan

Turn Spread Spectrum off, it inhibits overclocking. I also believe that the Core2s are safe up to 1.4v.. but I'm not sure.

 

[Some1ne]

I also believe that the Core2s are safe up to 1.4v.. but I'm not sure.

The conroe chips are specced with a max recommended voltage of 1.35V. If you apply the general rule of "most everything is designed to operate within a tolerance of about 10%", then in theory with decent air cooling the chip should be fine up to about 1.485V. If you further apply the second general rule of "with thoughtful planning, quality parts, and a bit of luck, most things are also capable of operating as much as 15% in excess of specced settings", then you work out that a conroe should be fine up to about 1.55V with high-end air or water cooling and good airflow through the case.

 

[Soul Colossus]

For cooling I'm sitting fine on a Scythe Infinity I intend to use when I get my E6600. I'm more worried about electromigration than the heat I'm using a 3.0C right now whose overclocking ability pretty much diminished due to it.

 

[daneel3001]

For cooling I have got a AeroCool GT-1000.
I don't think they are sold these days but I used to have it on a 478 socket and it would support 775 so I reused it.
Hopefully this is not what's not letting me overclock more..

 

[daneel3001]

What about that FSB Termination Voltage, anyone would know how this can affect ability to overclock ?

 

[andytaro]

Ok I am totatly a noob about overclocking Intel CPU. Is there a step by step instructions for overclocking intel C2D with p5b?
I've read several forums talking about overlocking, but I have no idea what they are talking about raising fbs over 400hmz, raise vcore, change memory steppings, and etc. I know they can be manipulated from BIOS, but I don't know what these numbers will do to my system.
I bought P5B vanilla, E6400, Zalman 9500 LED, and this memory (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590).
I don't know where to start.

 

[amr2d2]

i am in the same boat as andytaro, i have the E6600, P5B Deluxe. Corsair XMS2-6400 2 X 1GB. i have read endless stuff about raising this, setting multiplier at that, ratio level at this and i feel like i am going round in circles. if someone can explain and post pics or setup in the BIOS as to what values to put where that would be much appreciated.

 

[freudianguy]

Originally posted by: amr2d2
i am in the same boat as andytaro, i have the E6600, P5B Deluxe. Corsair XMS2-6400 2 X 1GB. i have read endless stuff about raising this, setting multiplier at that, ratio level at this and i feel like i am going round in circles. if someone can explain and post pics or setup in the BIOS as to what values to put where that would be much appreciated.

I second that...

I am having the same issues with this motherboard. I think that the source of all the problems are the memory dividers. I am able to run dual Prime95 stable for 12hrs( I have not try 24hrs yet) by keeping the memory at a 1:1 rate(310mhz *2=620mhz); however, as soon as I try to use a memory divider ( about 928mhz @2.05v) my rig is only dual Prime95 stable for 6 or 7hrs.

 

[stm69]

I've just spent about a day fooling with a new build, and this motherboard is really odd. I have an E6400 and 2 gigs of corsair xms 6400 ram. Everything went ok, until I started overclocking. At speeds of 310-350 I tried almost everything, vcore, vdimm, mch, etc etc. Problems ranged from locking up, random rebooting, not getting into windows, having to clear CMOS etc.

So... I got pissed finally, after reboot #200, and put in random values with FSB 425... and like... it booted, and so far is super pi 32m stable with a 3dmark of 8313! That's quite a bit up from 3500 (with BIOS 302 or 309 that didn't support my 7950GX2), and up from 7500ish at stock speeds.

I'm almost afraid to shutdown/reboot lest this is all a dream!

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: freudianguy

Originally posted by: amr2d2
i am in the same boat as andytaro, i have the E6600, P5B Deluxe. Corsair XMS2-6400 2 X 1GB. i have read endless stuff about raising this, setting multiplier at that, ratio level at this and i feel like i am going round in circles. if someone can explain and post pics or setup in the BIOS as to what values to put where that would be much appreciated.

I second that...

I am having the same issues with this motherboard. I think that the source of all the problems are the memory dividers. I am able to run dual Prime95 stable for 12hrs( I have not try 24hrs yet) by keeping the memory at a 1:1 rate(310mhz *2=620mhz); however, as soon as I try to use a memory divider ( about 928mhz @2.05v) my rig is only dual Prime95 stable for 6 or 7hrs.

You're not supposed to change from 1:1 ever when you're overclocking. Stay at 1:1 and move the FSB up more and add a bump to the voltage. (keep memory at manufacturer rated spec).

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: stm69

I've just spent about a day fooling with a new build, and this motherboard is really odd. I have an E6400 and 2 gigs of corsair xms 6400 ram. Everything went ok, until I started overclocking. At speeds of 310-350 I tried almost everything, vcore, vdimm, mch, etc etc. Problems ranged from locking up, random rebooting, not getting into windows, having to clear CMOS etc.

So... I got pissed finally, after reboot #200, and put in random values with FSB 425... and like... it booted, and so far is super pi 32m stable with a 3dmark of 8313! That's quite a bit up from 3500 (with BIOS 302 or 309 that didn't support my 7950GX2), and up from 7500ish at stock speeds.

I'm almost afraid to shutdown/reboot lest this is all a dream!

The 965 chipset usually doesn't like FSB values between 320 and 380, and many people skip this range all together and go right to 400Mhz FSB 1:1 memory(ddr2 800m speed).

Try 1.4vcore
400Mhz FSb
1.9v memory
1:1 ratio
add .5 to all the voltages you can adjust other than the 2 I mentioned above.
You will run 3.2Ghz on your CPU (assuming you didn't change the multiplyer). I'm hard pressed to find someone unable to run their 6400 at this speed.

You said you went to 425 stable so far, but if you lose stability go to 400Mhz and move up from there. Or you can add voltage to the CPU and see if it becomes stable.