"Official" DFI nF4 Ultra-D / SLI-DR Thread

[deadseasquirrel]

Originally posted by: hondAS2ooo170
is there any other issues i need know about?

Yes, naturally, as there are with any build.

I personally would do it this way:

Set up the mobo, VC, PSU, mem, HSF altogether OUTSIDE the case. Just to see if you can get into the BIOS. First thing in the BIOS, turn off the Lanparty splash screen so you can see the version of the BIOS you're using when POSTing. If it's 1/25, you can go ahead and proceed, just know many have had issues and flashing to the 2/1, 2/9, or even one of the more recent ones might help. I'm personally using 2/9 on the SLI-D. Didn't *need* to though. The Ultra-D is still using the 1/25 (don't trust my old man to flash his).

If all works with it outside the case, THEN begin installing into the case. Make sure mem is in slots 2 & 4 (orange). If you have problems installing windows with both sticks (as this is a known issue and is being investigated.... my dad had it, but I did not and we have exact same components except for SLI-D vs Ultra-D), use 1 stick in slot #2 only.

The best bet, with any issues, is to use the Safe Boot jumper, Clear CMOS jumper, and Load Optimized Configs in the BIOS. If it doesn't boot when using these tools, post a message and someone can help you through it.

Visit DFI-street.com and xtremesystems.org, both of which have many users with these boards and are very knowledgeable.

And, before you start building, please read the manual and ask any questions beforehand.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Originally posted by: Kiltz
I'm thinking about purcheasing the DFI Lanparty Nf 4 Ultra one but, I saw this,http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NzE3LDc=, read Kyle's thoughts. So I was wondering, is the DFI Nf 4 Ultra stable since the review was about the SLI one. THANKS.

Hmm, perhaps they're getting some not so good boards, as the DFI boards I've had are rock solid stable for days on end for me. Granted I'm not running them under heavy load the whole time, but honestly, who would do such a thing? If you want that kind of stability buy a server motherboard.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Originally posted by: mooncancook

Originally posted by: Snowice

Originally posted by: mooncancook

mooncancook: Goodluck finding a 24pin PSU with removable lines. Oh and:

"Overclocking the DFI with a 20pin on anything less than 500 (600 if your running SLI), regardless of adaptor is highly dangerous. We do not recommend overclocking of any kind on a 20pin or 20pin adapted to 24 PSU." - DFI Support Email.

dang! that defeats the purpose of getting the DFI board. i guess i'll have to live without OC for awhile which is fine for now, and wait for a 24pin psu with removeable lines. hmm... sell my A8N-SLI and get a decent psu...

24pin psu with removeable lines....

Antec NeoPower 480w

OCZ ModStream 520w

TTGI Plug-N 550w


you choose

Nice selections there! I guess i'll be selling my 20 pin PSU. The 550W one looks nice, highest power rating amoung the 3, and the cheapest, does it mean it's crap? i know antec and OCZ are reputable.

Superflower seems to make reliable power supplies, they don't have the reputation of Antec or OCZ, but I believe they make some pretty good quality stuff (usually they have a ton of LED fans or see through covers or whatever, so this one looks pretty clean).

Personally, if I was getting a new power supply it'd be an OCZ. I wish their Modstream had the power capabilities of their Powerstream line though.

I have the Neopower and am using it with this board right now. I had some issues with voltages not being stable before, however they've become a lot better here lately. I actually left the little SmartGuardian tool up on my 2nd monitor while playing a game for several hours and I didn't really notice the voltages changing at all. Some of them seem a little low, but I've been running stable at 2.475Ghz with my memory 1:1 and its been fine so, I guess the extra isn't needed. I think that I could probably push to 2.7 if I had numbers that are closer to what they're supposed to be, but I'll see. I have a 3200+ coming soon, so I'll see how well it does.

 

[imported_Kiltz]

Originally posted by: darkswordsman17

Originally posted by: Kiltz
I'm thinking about purcheasing the DFI Lanparty Nf 4 Ultra one but, I saw this,http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NzE3LDc=, read Kyle's thoughts. So I was wondering, is the DFI Nf 4 Ultra stable since the review was about the SLI one. THANKS.

Hmm, perhaps they're getting some not so good boards, as the DFI boards I've had are rock solid stable for days on end for me. Granted I'm not running them under heavy load the whole time, but honestly, who would do such a thing? If you want that kind of stability buy a server motherboard.

So your DFI board never quit on you? Cuz after reading that thing, it get kind of scary of the board will quit on you because I game a lot, like a whole day sometimes with my firends on CS, BF1942, UT 2004 and DOOM 3 when I buy the new PC, so I don't want it to quit on me after like 5 hrs. I think gaming is a pretty heavy load

 

[Snowice]

Originally posted by: mooncancook

Nice selections there! I guess i'll be selling my 20 pin PSU. The 550W one looks nice, highest power rating amoung the 3, and the cheapest, does it mean it's crap? i know antec and OCZ are reputable.

ttgi is NOT crap, but of course, ocz and antec are better.

 

[hondAS2ooo170]

Originally posted by: deadseasquirrel

Originally posted by: hondAS2ooo170
is there any other issues i need know about?

Yes, naturally, as there are with any build.

I personally would do it this way:

Set up the mobo, VC, PSU, mem, HSF altogether OUTSIDE the case. Just to see if you can get into the BIOS. First thing in the BIOS, turn off the Lanparty splash screen so you can see the version of the BIOS you're using when POSTing. If it's 1/25, you can go ahead and proceed, just know many have had issues and flashing to the 2/1, 2/9, or even one of the more recent ones might help. I'm personally using 2/9 on the SLI-D. Didn't *need* to though. The Ultra-D is still using the 1/25 (don't trust my old man to flash his).

If all works with it outside the case, THEN begin installing into the case. Make sure mem is in slots 2 & 4 (orange). If you have problems installing windows with both sticks (as this is a known issue and is being investigated.... my dad had it, but I did not and we have exact same components except for SLI-D vs Ultra-D), use 1 stick in slot #2 only.

The best bet, with any issues, is to use the Safe Boot jumper, Clear CMOS jumper, and Load Optimized Configs in the BIOS. If it doesn't boot when using these tools, post a message and someone can help you through it.

Visit DFI-street.com and xtremesystems.org, both of which have many users with these boards and are very knowledgeable.

And, before you start building, please read the manual and ask any questions beforehand.

thx

 

[vanvock]

Which Genie BIOS setting controls the command rate (1T, 2T)? I'm running double sidded RAM & need 2T to get DDR400 in slots 1 & 3 according to the DFI chart.

 

[juysocal]

Originally posted by: vanvock
Which Genie BIOS setting controls the command rate (1T, 2T)? I'm running double sidded RAM & need 2T to get DDR400 in slots 1 & 3 according to the DFI chart.

You go to DRAM Configuration in genie

Go to command per clock, selections: auto, enable (iT), Disable (2T)

 

[vanvock]

Originally posted by: juysocal

Originally posted by: vanvock
Which Genie BIOS setting controls the command rate (1T, 2T)? I'm running double sidded RAM & need 2T to get DDR400 in slots 1 & 3 according to the DFI chart.

You go to DRAM Configuration in genie

Go to command per clock, selections: auto, enable (iT), Disable (2T)

Thanks, post back when you fire it up, your ram's same as mine I'd like to know how it goes.

 

[Mr. Lennon]

Originally posted by: Zeppelin2282
I have Kingston Hyper X pc4000 ram that refuses to boot up. Is there a new bios I should try to fix this problem?

Anybody have an answer for this?

 

[CheesePoofs]

Originally posted by: Zeppelin2282

Originally posted by: Zeppelin2282
I have Kingston Hyper X pc4000 ram that refuses to boot up. Is there a new bios I should try to fix this problem?

Anybody have an answer for this?

I have some pc3200 HyperX and it will only boot if the memory is running at anything under 200mhz. I had to use some other ram to boot it up and then change the divider to 9/10, so its running at 180mhz now.



Also, does anyone know where to find the newest bios for these? I think a new bios might help my memory issues.

 

[vanvock]

Finally got XP loaded. Found out the F8 key on the new keyboard wasn't working,(Couldn't accept licence). Maybe they have to be configured? Hooked up an old board & it's up & flyin'. The Corsair's running on SPD, no prob.

CheckHerefor latest BETA BIOS

 

[Snowice]

this is the latest (2-18)

 

[toezar]

Vanvock, You have to manually enable a USB keyboard in the bios. Perhaps that was your problem.

Also, for those of you upgrading your bios, be sure to do it correctly:
http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1541

 

[CheesePoofs]

I just got my ultra-d yesterday, and I'm having mem issues. It won't run my HyperX at 200mhz, anything under that seems fine, except that i need 2.8v.

Also, the bios is misreading my CPU temps, saying they are about 26 idle. This makes it so my fan often shuts off; is there a way to completely disable this feature?

The motherboard also seems to occasionally decide not to recognize my keyboard. It will either let me enter the bios, but then not let me do anything; or it will not even let me enter the bios.

If anyone knows how to solve any of these, I could use the advice.

Thanks

 

[Snowice]

Originally posted by: CheesePoofs
I just got my ultra-d yesterday, and I'm having mem issues. It won't run my HyperX at 200mhz, anything under that seems fine, except that i need 2.8v.

Also, the bios is misreading my CPU temps, saying they are about 26 idle. This makes it so my fan often shuts off; is there a way to completely disable this feature?

The motherboard also seems to occasionally decide not to recognize my keyboard. It will either let me enter the bios, but then not let me do anything; or it will not even let me enter the bios.

If anyone knows how to solve any of these, I could use the advice.

Thanks

1) this board seems to like more voltage to run memory and is very picky. a lot of ppl need to up the voltage to just get it boot. i have mine @ 2.9v. i have had my board for 2 weeks now and still trying to find the best setting for the memory.

2) turn off cpu throttling in the bios will fix the fan turn off probelm.

3) i'm assuming you have a usb keyboard... if so, read the menual on how to change jumper for the usb keyboard and mouse.

good luck

 

[CheesePoofs]

Originally posted by: Snowice

Originally posted by: CheesePoofs
I just got my ultra-d yesterday, and I'm having mem issues. It won't run my HyperX at 200mhz, anything under that seems fine, except that i need 2.8v.

Also, the bios is misreading my CPU temps, saying they are about 26 idle. This makes it so my fan often shuts off; is there a way to completely disable this feature?

The motherboard also seems to occasionally decide not to recognize my keyboard. It will either let me enter the bios, but then not let me do anything; or it will not even let me enter the bios.

If anyone knows how to solve any of these, I could use the advice.

Thanks

1) this board seems to like more voltage to run memory and is very picky. a lot of ppl need to up the voltage to just get it boot. i have mine @ 2.9v. i have had my board for 2 weeks now and still trying to find the best setting for the memory.

2) turn off cpu throttling in the bios will fix the fan turn off probelm.

3) i'm assuming you have a usb keyboard... if so, read the menual on how to change jumper for the usb keyboard and mouse.

good luck

1) I tried it at 2.9, same thing.

2) I'm just about positive i turned that off in the bios. The thing I'm referring to is the setting where it will turn the CPU fan off if the temp is less than 25, and its reading my temps really low so this often kicks in.

3) should i set the jumper for 5VSB?

 

[juysocal]

Originally posted by: vanvock
Finally got XP loaded. Found out the F8 key on the new keyboard wasn't working,(Couldn't accept licence). Maybe they have to be configured? Hooked up an old board & it's up & flyin'. The Corsair's running on SPD, no prob.

CheckHerefor latest BETA BIOS

Hey vanvock, what bios are you using now.
I'm planning to use corsair xl ram too. Any issues booting up with 1/25 bios
on default settings?

 

[vanvock]

Originally posted by: toezar
Vanvock, You have to manually enable a USB keyboard in the bios. Perhaps that was your problem.

Also, for those of you upgrading your bios, be sure to do it correctly:
http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1541

Thanx but no, I had the usb disabled & k/b in PS2 to fix hardware detection prob.

 

[Snowice]

Originally posted by: CheesePoofs

1) I tried it at 2.9, same thing.

2) I'm just about positive i turned that off in the bios. The thing I'm referring to is the setting where it will turn the CPU fan off if the temp is less than 25, and its reading my temps really low so this often kicks in.

3) should i set the jumper for 5VSB?

1) you can try higher than 2.9v, but i've read somewhere this board hates kingston hyperX.

2) truning that off, your cpu fan should run at full speed regardless the temp. anyway, you can alwyas use a 3pin to 4pin adapter to connect your cpu fan directly to you power supply instead of the motherboard.

3) yeah, set it for 5VSB... i use a logitech usb mx combo and had the same problem like you. after i changed the jump, i've not had any.

 

[vanvock]

Originally posted by: juysocal

Originally posted by: vanvock
Finally got XP loaded. Found out the F8 key on the new keyboard wasn't working,(Couldn't accept licence). Maybe they have to be configured? Hooked up an old board & it's up & flyin'. The Corsair's running on SPD, no prob.

CheckHerefor latest BETA BIOS

Hey vanvock, what bios are you using now.
I'm planning to use corsair xl ram too. Any issues booting up with 1/25 bios
on default settings?

1/25. None other than disabling the USB & anything else I wasn't using. I haven't had a lot of time to play with it yet. The F8 key thing had me thinking there was a RAM issue but I'ts loaded XP no prob with both sticks (in slot 2 & 4, all default voltages) at CL2 & 1T. I'll try to run memtest this weekend.

 

[vanvock]

Originally posted by: Snowice
this is the latest (2-18)

This is starting to look like the BIOS OF THE WEEK Club!

 

[spam38]

Originally posted by: The Pentium Guy
Thanks, but it looks like others are having problems with this RAM .... did you increase the voltage or anything?

Hmm... maybe I got lucky then. I didn't do anything special at all to get it to work. I just plugged the sticks into slots 2 and 4 and booted.

 

[TJmoney]

I'v posted this before, but it looks like its been lost in the first couple pages. For anyone experiencing memory problems try setting "Max Async Latency" to 6 nanoseconds if running defaults, 7 if overclocking. This fixed all problems I had with my corsair value select, and may help for those of you with the expensive stuff. To show how much it helped, I could run stable with that setting at auto 200mhz 2.5-3-3 and min 2.8V. With it set to 7 I can run 220mhz 2.5-3-3 at 2.6v, pretty darn good overclock for value ram. I don't think this value is in the mem's SPD, and the board must default to somthing way too aggressive.

 

[Demo24]

oh and theres a review here: http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NzE3

dunno if poster earlyer. not about to go read through all this