Official DO's and DON'T for ASUS A8N-SLI (PREMIUM)

[imported_maelstrom]

Just throwing in my .02. I can confirm that the 1gb OCZ PC4800 Platinum Elite Edition runs at 2.5 4 4 10 1T on my SLI premium. Right now I have it @275 mhz prime stable for 7 hours with an X2 3800 OC'd to 2.5.

 

[bgc99]

What should the bios cpu settings be for an X2 4200+ cpu? I plan on running at stock speed for now. I had assumed that leaving the cpu settings on auto would work but after reading this thread I'm not so sure.

Thanks,
BGC

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: maelstrom
Just throwing in my .02. I can confirm that the 1gb OCZ PC4800 Platinum Elite Edition runs at 2.5 4 4 10 1T on my SLI premium. Right now I have it @275 mhz prime stable for 7 hours with an X2 3800 OC'd to 2.5.

Actually, you can tighten up those timings all the way up to 300mhz @ 2.5-4-3-5, I could when I had a set of OCZ PC4800 Platinums.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: bgc99
What should the bios cpu settings be for an X2 4200+ cpu? I plan on running at stock speed for now. I had assumed that leaving the cpu settings on auto would work but after reading this thread I'm not so sure.

Thanks,
BGC

CPU settings left in Auto will be fine. However, if you want to make full use of your memory, you'll want to manually set them based on their specs.

 

[AndyAds]

Thanks for the response on this! I am at work at the moment but will give my BIOS the once over later. I had checked the auto memory settings previously and these were nothing like the 2 3 3 6 that my RAM is capable of (thought this would be set correctly via SPD) - I adjusted to 2 3 3 6 but this made no difference to stability. As an extra question - what should all the other memory setting be (other than the 4 figures I have mentioned - the Corsair website says it should be system default - but I have no faith the system has defaulted correctly).

I have plugged in all power cords (including the EZ plug - the red LED by it doesn't light up however). The other items attached to the motherboard are:

CL SBLive (the first SBLive that was released)
Yamaha SW1000XG sound card
Serial Port via the header
Two extra USB ports (front mounted on the PC case) via the header
Two DVD-R drives attached the secondary IDE channel (I have two Hitachi IDE disks but disconnected these from the primary IDE channel until I have something resembling a working system).

I will try out your advice later and tell you how I get on!

Thanks again

 

[bgc99]

CPU settings left in Auto will be fine. However, if you want to make full use of your memory, you'll want to manually set them based on their specs.

Yes, I've got OCZ EL Platinum Rev. 2 (2x512) and I got a list of the proper settings from the OCZ gurus in the OCZ support thread.

I guess the first thing to do after setting the bios is to run Memtest for several hours before trying to install windows.

Is this the preferred order for installing the OS and drivers? I currently don't have any additional add-in cards besides the video card (Evga 7800GT).

1.) XP
2.) Mobo. Drivers
3.) Video Drivers

Thanks,
BGC

 

[imported_maelstrom]

I've tested them lower and saw no real memory bandwith help. I can run them at 2.5 3 3 8 but it only sends me from 6.5 GB to like 6.55 and I prefer the heightend stability. I only saw tangible memory bandwith effects from lowering the CAS and upping the FSB.

 

[wanderer27]

Originally posted by: AndyAds
Thanks for the response on this! I am at work at the moment but will give my BIOS the once over later. I had checked the auto memory settings previously and these were nothing like the 2 3 3 6 that my RAM is capable of (thought this would be set correctly via SPD) - I adjusted to 2 3 3 6 but this made no difference to stability. As an extra question - what should all the other memory setting be (other than the 4 figures I have mentioned - the Corsair website says it should be system default - but I have no faith the system has defaulted correctly).

I have plugged in all power cords (including the EZ plug - the red LED by it doesn't light up however). The other items attached to the motherboard are:

CL SBLive (the first SBLive that was released)
Yamaha SW1000XG sound card
Serial Port via the header
Two extra USB ports (front mounted on the PC case) via the header
Two DVD-R drives attached the secondary IDE channel (I have two Hitachi IDE disks but disconnected these from the primary IDE channel until I have something resembling a working system).

I will try out your advice later and tell you how I get on!

Thanks again

Two Sound Cards ?

I'm almost willing to bet your SBLive! is the culprit if it's one of the original models.

 

[imported_glowball]

OK here goes, my first post here...

I have been watching this thread lately and have a few questions.

Can someone explain why people here are installing the very latest beta BIOS's on their motherboards, what do these new BIOS's fix and why do it?.
I'm still on BIOS 1007 and not flashed yet.

As for my system, I want to run it at 2.4 to 2.5GHz (possibly further) once I have a better HSF (XP-120) and not use a memory devider, what would people recommend, I was looking at Corsair 1GB DDR XMS4400C25PT TwinX (2x512MB) CAS2.5 but these reports of 'Intel' memory keep popping up, is this a concern? Should I not be going above 4000?

 

[openwheelformula1]

cause some people are never satisfied with their overclocks regardless, and BIOS is crucial to overclocking. Sometimes beta BIOS allow much better stability and overclockability. For A8N SLI Premium, I haven't seen much difference since 1005, but for my Abit NF7-S 2.0, modded/beta BIOS make a world of difference.

For your memory, I'd personally go with those corasir 4800 w/ tccd rev. f ICs. Go to Corsair's forums and check which model/revision contains tccd ICs. That would be your best bet. Or you can always find Winbond UTT ICs. Informations about these ICs are abundant in numerous forums' stickies. Reading them will give you better indications of what suits your overclocking needs.

 

[arcas]

I realize that every motherboard is going to have its quirks. The A8N SLI Premium was on my short list with the final choice to be made in the next couple days. But damn...after reading some of the horror stories on here, I'm not sure if I want to risk buying one. :-/

 

[simonk83]

Hi guys,

Ok, this is going to be really nooby, so apologies for that in advance, I just want to make sure I get everything right

I'm soon to upgrade to an AMD system:

X2 4400+
A8N SLI Premium
X1800XT
Plus I have an Audigy 2 Platinum and
2gb (2x1024) OCZ PC3200 EL Plats (2.3.2.5), not Rev. 2

I just want to check the order in which I should do things with you gurus, if thats ok

Ok, here goes:

1. Before I format, go and download the nVidia 6.65 drivers, the X2 drivers from AMD and the latest stable BIOS for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to floppy and but the others on a different HDD.
2. Completely format C: drive
3. Remove old components
4. Install motherboard, sound card, video card all other bits and bobs in case
5. Boot, press ALT+F4 (or is it F2) and flash to latest stable BIOS
6. Reboot and install Windows (I'm going to be using Windows Nemesis 4)
7. After that's complete, firstly install nVidia 6.65 drivers (but DON'T install the IDE drivers, the Firewall or the Active Armor)
8. Install the X2 drivers
9. Install the ATI drivers
10. Install the Creative drivers
11. Run some tests.

Does that sound right? Or should I not flash the BIOS first off. Should I install everything else first, then flash to the latest BIOS after everything is done? (I read that you should install the 6.65 drivers first is all). What BIOS version comes with the board?

Should I install anything from the included ASUS driver CD?

Thanks a lot for you help

Simon

 

[wanderer27]

Originally posted by: arcas
I realize that every motherboard is going to have its quirks. The A8N SLI Premium was on my short list with the final choice to be made in the next couple days. But damn...after reading some of the horror stories on here, I'm not sure if I want to risk buying one. :-/

My short list was DFI, MSI, and ASUS (this MB).

DFI can be pretty particular in regards to what Memory works well with it. There are Chipset Fan noise/failure issues, and the BIOS can be daunting.

The MSI boards look good, but they also suffer from the Chipset Fan noise/failure issue. Memory compatability is better, but I believe there are still a couple finicky brands.

ASUS, while it also seems to give some people problems with some Memory, doesn't have the Chipset Fan issues. This board has more features than I'll probably ever use, but some of them I wanted, and could only get with the NForce Ultra or SLI versions. This is also one of the coolest (temps) boards I've had :thumbsup:

I momentarily looked an ABIT with Fanless Chipset cooling, but the board layout wasn't that good. I seem to recall there were some Caps right under where the end of the PCIex Graphics card would go. I don't know what Video Card you're looking at, but I believe mine would have issues with that.

Yeah, it took a little to get everything set up, but it's done now and I'll probably never need to mess with BIOS again unless I get into some Overclocking.

Bottom line. This is a good board regardless of what you've read here. Look at some threads on other makes, they've definitely got their share of problems. If you go through Newegg or one of the better Vendors, you can always get a refund if it doesn't work and try something else.

 

[wanderer27]

Originally posted by: simonk83
Hi guys,

Ok, this is going to be really nooby, so apologies for that in advance, I just want to make sure I get everything right

I'm soon to upgrade to an AMD system:

X2 4400+
A8N SLI Premium
X1800XT
Plus I have an Audigy 2 Platinum and
2gb (2x1024) OCZ PC3200 EL Plats (2.3.2.5), not Rev. 2

I just want to check the order in which I should do things with you gurus, if thats ok

Ok, here goes:

1. Before I format, go and download the nVidia 6.65 drivers, the X2 drivers from AMD and the latest stable BIOS for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to floppy and but the others on a different HDD.
2. Completely format C: drive
3. Remove old components
4. Install motherboard, sound card, video card all other bits and bobs in case
5. Boot, press ALT+F4 (or is it F2) and flash to latest stable BIOS
6. Reboot and install Windows (I'm going to be using Windows Nemesis 4)
7. After that's complete, firstly install nVidia 6.65 drivers (but DON'T install the IDE drivers, the Firewall or the Active Armor)
8. Install the X2 drivers
9. Install the ATI drivers
10. Install the Creative drivers
11. Run some tests.

Does that sound right? Or should I not flash the BIOS first off. Should I install everything else first, then flash to the latest BIOS after everything is done? (I read that you should install the 6.65 drivers first is all). What BIOS version comes with the board?

Should I install anything from the included ASUS driver CD?

Thanks a lot for you help

Simon

I wouldn't Flash the BIOS right off. Maybe not at if you're not having problems. The newer boards are coming with 1006 at the least, maybe even a later version by now.

I'd install the Soundcard in the second or third PCI slot, otherwise I think there is a possibility of an IRQ conflict with the Video Card - you'd experience momentary freezeups and possible sound issues.

Hard Drives. SATA, PATA, or mix and match ?

Easiest way to do this is if you have at least one SATA is to just hook up the SATA you're going to have the OS on and install Windows and the Chipset Drivers. Once this is done you can hook up the rest of your Drives and shouldn't have any issues.

First thing you want to do on first power up is to go through BIOS and set up just about everything you're aware of.
Turn off all the Auto-Overclocking stuff, you can probably leave Memory on Auto, but change it if looks too aggressive (doubtful).
Set your Video card to PCIex not PCI, which it will do. I didn't do this the first time and when I rebooted it output the Video to PCI - I don't have a PCI Video Card (PCIex) so I had no Video. Luckily I was able to fool around and get Video back and change things.
Set your PCI bus (not PCIex) to 33.33 MHz. Otherwise it will track either the CPU or HTT frequency - probably not an issue unless you start Overclocking.
Personnally, I'd also disable any Devices I don't plan or using - Serial Port, 1394, Marvel/Yukon LAN, LAN Boots, NVRAID, etc.

I'd go with the 6.65 Drivers, the 6.66 just have added support for 2003/Server stuff you don't really need.

 

[simonk83]

Originally posted by: wanderer27


I wouldn't Flash the BIOS right off. Maybe not at if you're not having problems. The newer boards are coming with 1006 at the least, maybe even a later version by now.

I'd install the Soundcard in the second or third PCI slot, otherwise I think there is a possibility of an IRQ conflict with the Video Card - you'd experience momentary freezeups and possible sound issues.

Hard Drives. SATA, PATA, or mix and match ?

Easiest way to do this is if you have at least one SATA is to just hook up the SATA you're going to have the OS on and install Windows and the Chipset Drivers. Once this is done you can hook up the rest of your Drives and shouldn't have any issues.

First thing you want to do on first power up is to go through BIOS and set up just about everything you're aware of.
Turn off all the Auto-Overclocking stuff, you can probably leave Memory on Auto, but change it if looks too aggressive (doubtful).
Set your Video card to PCIex not PCI, which it will do. I didn't do this the first time and when I rebooted it output the Video to PCI - I don't have a PCI Video Card (PCIex) so I had no Video. Luckily I was able to fool around and get Video back and change things.
Set your PCI bus (not PCIex) to 33.33 MHz. Otherwise it will track either the CPU or HTT frequency - probably not an issue unless you start Overclocking.
Personnally, I'd also disable any Devices I don't plan or using - Serial Port, 1394, Marvel/Yukon LAN, LAN Boots, NVRAID, etc.

I'd go with the 6.65 Drivers, the 6.66 just have added support for 2003/Server stuff you don't really need.

Thanks mate I have a mixture of IDE and SATA drives (1 SATA and 2 IDE). The OS will go on one of the IDE drives as its only a 40gig so I just use it for OS and apps.

The only thing I was thinking with the BIOS is that I thought X2 CPU's were 'recognized' officially in the 1007 BIOS, so I wasn't sure if I would have problems if I didn't have a newer version installed.

What exactly are the X2 drivers for? They just interface with Windows to provide proper functionality right?

One other thing. I remember reading somewhere about which SATA 'ports' to use. There are 4 RAID and 4 'normal' ports right? I'm pretty sure someone suggested you should use ports 3 and 4 for some reason (something to do with them being locked?) but I can't remember which set (raid or normal). I only have 1 SATA drive and wouldn't be using RAID even if I had 2, so I assume it's the normal set. Any ideas or does that sound totally wrong?

Also, what about the Driver CD? Should I just ignore it, or is there stuff on there I should install (Asus Update etc)?

Thanks again

Simon

 

[bgc99]

Also, what about the Driver CD? Should I just ignore it, or is there stuff on there I should install (Asus Update etc)?

I've had my board for a few weeks and am just now in the middle of the build. From what I can tell from the file list on the driver CD, all of the drivers are the latest ones listed on the Asus website so you might want to check what version you have before junking the driver CD.

BGC

 

[wanderer27]

Your call, but I'd install the OS on the SATA - it's faster. This will not only affect your Boot time, but your Pagefile and alot of other programs are going to be referencing your OS Drive unless you do some fancy Partitioning or something similar.

I've got my SATA on Port 3, as I've always heard 3 & 4 are the Locked ports. I've since heard that on this MB all four of the general ports may be locked (possibly even the four RAIDS). I haven't chased this down as things are working fine for me as is right now.

Can't help on the X2 Drivers - may need to check with Guitar Daddy or Capt Caveman on that. They'll be better on X2 and BIOS versions too.

As for the CD, there's a few items of interest on it nothing critical. I think I pulled Adobe Acrobat, ASUS Probe, Ntune, and possibly something else off it. Take a look, there's quit a bit of stuff on it - oh, I think DirectX 9.0c is on there too.

I'd download the newest version of ASUS Flash or update, whatever it's called, from the ASUS Site. You'll get the latest version that way.

 

[simonk83]

Originally posted by: wanderer27
Your call, but I'd install the OS on the SATA - it's faster. This will not only affect your Boot time, but your Pagefile and alot of other programs are going to be referencing your OS Drive unless you do some fancy Partitioning or something similar.

Mmm. I tend to just have the pagefile on the SATA drive anyway, but leave the OS on the IDE. Like I said, the only reason I do that is cause the IDE is only 40gigs, so it's good just for the OS and Applications. Having it as a seperate drive just seems like a waste of space as its so small

Thanks heaps for everyone's help, I think I should be OK now Although I'm sure I'll think of something else

Simon

 

[AndyAds]

Thanks Wanderer!

Yanking out the the SBLive has fixed my problem entirely. Am now running prime 95 to make sure it is fully working.

My preference is to have a standalone soundcard as I use my PC for music production (the Yamaha card is basically just a synth) - any ideas of other cards that may conflict that I should be avoiding???

Thanks again

Andy

 

[lopri]

Well let me tell you about the whole thing about this board. OK, may not be the whole thing but what I can remember from various forums so far.

1. This board is rock solid at stock.
2. Probably the best board if you *actually* use SLI.
3. Need a good PSU - But this seems to apply to any A64 system in general.
4. Need to be careful with the picky NForce drivers - Again, a general consensus.
5. Pay attention to RAM choice.
6. Pay extra care with regard to SATA.
7. I woudn't recommend a BTX-style case wiht this board
- Some people argue that the higher chipset temp is still within its limit,
but from what I've seen the temp was ridiculous. The cooler the better, isn't it?
8. If you want higher/stable overclock(specifically with X2), go with DFI.

I'd like to point out that a first-time builder should NOT be hesitant to pick this board because of this thread. This thread is a sort of "trouble-shooting" thread for people who already own this board, not a "what's the best for...?" type of thread. However, in the same sense, I don't think it's a good idea pretending the problems do not exist, either. A problem like X2 and VCore fluctuation is very real. But I guess we should admit that not everything is perfect.

Again, I'd like to encourage people who want to experience a solid A64/SLI experience to try out this board. Just make sure you pick a decent PSU and quality RAM. Overclockers, however, look elsewhere. There are better choices.

lop

 

[wanderer27]

Originally posted by: AndyAds
Thanks Wanderer!

Yanking out the the SBLive has fixed my problem entirely. Am now running prime 95 to make sure it is fully working.

My preference is to have a standalone soundcard as I use my PC for music production (the Yamaha card is basically just a synth) - any ideas of other cards that may conflict that I should be avoiding???

Thanks again

Andy

I have an older SBLive! Value card and had the same issue I think I may have almost had solved when my wife got home with a new Sound Card - SoundBlaster Live! 24-bit.
I quite messing with it at this point and just installed the new card.
I'm actually pleased with this new card, it seems to have a little more Volume and sounds just as good or even better than the older SoundBlaster. Plus I got it for about $29 from Walmart :thumbsup:

As for conflicts, it depends on the card and type. You probably don't want to put a Sound Card in the first PCI slot, as that IRQ can conflict with the PCIex Graphics (at least the first one) Card/Slot.

 

[wanderer27]

Originally posted by: lopri
Well let me tell you about the whole thing about this board. OK, may not be the whole thing but what I can remember from various forums so far.

1. This board is rock solid at stock.
2. Probably the best board if you *actually* use SLI.
3. Need a good PSU - But this seems to apply to any A64 system in general.
4. Need to be careful with the picky NForce drivers - Again, a general consensus.
5. Pay attention to RAM choice.
6. Pay extra care with regard to SATA.
7. I woudn't recommend a BTX-style case wiht this board
- Some people argue that the higher chipset temp is still within its limit,
but from what I've seen the temp was ridiculous. The cooler the better, isn't it?
8. If you want higher/stable overclock, go with DFI.

I'd like to point out that a first-time builder should NOT be hesitant to pick this board because of this thread. This thread is a sort of "trouble-shooting" thread for people who already own this board, not a "what's the best for...?" type of thread. However, in the same sense, I don't think it's a good idea pretending the problems do not exist, either. A problem like X2 and VCore fluctuation is very real. But I guess we should admit that not everything is perfect.

Again, I'd like to encourage people who want to experience a solid A64/SLI experience to try out this board. Just make sure you pick a decent PSU and quality RAM. Overclockers, however, look elsewhere. There are better choices.

lop

Actually, some people have some pretty decent Overclocks with this Board. I haven't tried yet, but have no doubt I could do well just from the fact that my MB runs great at below normal voltages.

I will agree though, that if you want high/extreme Overclocks, then the added options of the DFI are probably what you're looking for. Of course, you're most likely not a Noob either if you're looking for those kind of OC's.

 

[lopri]

Originally posted by: wanderer27
Actually, some people have some pretty decent Overclocks with this Board. I haven't tried yet, but have no doubt I could do well just from the fact that my MB runs great at below normal voltages.

I will agree though, that if you want high/extreme Overclocks, then the added options of the DFI are probably what you're looking for. Of course, you're most likely not a Noob either if you're looking for those kind of OC's.

Maybe I should have made myself clearer. I'm talking about X2 overclocking here, so my opinion could be misleading. I edited my post above accordingly.

With X2, however, it all depends how you define *decent* overclock.

lop

 

[wanderer27]

Originally posted by: lopri

Maybe I should have made myself clearer. I'm talking about X2 overclocking here, so my opinion could be misleading. I edited my post above accordingly.

With X2, however, it all depends how you define *decent* overclock.

lop

You're OC (350MHz) on an X2 doesn't look too bad to me

:thumbsup:

 

[lopri]

Thanks but when people with 3800+ hits 2600MHz++, you have a good reason to get pissed off!