Questions on Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe

[GZFant]

I was just curious, so I could extend the life of my computer by adding RAM and updating drivers. I do have a couple questions though.

1. I have 2x1gb PC3200 RAM in Dual Channel Mode. If I buy another pair of 1gb sticks and put them in the remaining slots, will my particular MB have problems with that and will the 4gb run in dual channel? Is the 4gb worth it since ram is so cheap right now? Do the have to be the same brand of RAM? Will XP even utilize 4gigs of RAM?

2. How can I flash my bios to the latest drivers without a zip drive? I think my floppy drive is broken since it refuses to read any disks. Is this safe? or would you recommend me just buying a new floppy drive?

 

[mlc]

you can run with the additional 2gb.. but there are limitations....

1) nforce 4 chipset is very finicky with memory and dual channel... if the 2 sticks aren't exactly identical to the original 2 sticks of memory, right down to the revision level, then it may not run in dual channel mode...

2) unless you're running a 64bit OS, the OS would only effectively use 3gb of the memory, and the memory speed would be downgraded to 333mhz

for WinXP.. it's probably not worth it.. as 2gb is usually sufficient for most users/applications... Perhaps you can focus the money on other components .. depending on how you're using the computer, and what its weakest link is.. (e.g. video card or Processor ?)

3) regarding the bios.. you can try using the ASUS UPDATE utility , which allows you to upgrade while running in windows... Go to ASUS site and download the latest version for your board.. and give that a shot.. (remember to download/backup your current BIOS.. just in case)

Good luck

 

[n7]

Whatever you do, do NOT use Asus Update!

I bricked my mobo using that, as have many many others.
The fact they still allow people to use this tool to wreck their motherboards angers me greatly.

Use a floppy, bootable USB key, anything else...

 

[GZFant]

I figured that about the ASUS utility. When I first got my mobo I tried using it and it never worked anyway.

About the USB Key, would that work the same as a floppy would? I mean, going into the boot menu and telling my computer to boot from the USB? The same way you would tell it to boot to CD-ROM etc.?

I knew there was something about WinXP only using a certain amount AND about the NForce 4 mobos not using Dual Channel well. Thanks for the info again!

I am just looking out for the final Processor upgrade to the X2 4800+ since I do not overclock.

 

[mlc]

the update utility is not as bad as some make it out to be... and given your situation, it is an option....

the key to using it successfully is as follows:
1) make sure you're using the latest version of the utility
2) NEVER choose the option to ==> "update the bios from the internet"...
a) only use the utility to download the BIOS file (or download it yourself from the ASUS site)...
b) then make a backup of the bios you're running...
c) then use the utility to ==> "update the bios from a file"

.. one other negative is that the utlity does not work if you have certain soundcard drivers installed.. specifically some from CREATIVE present compatability problems, from what I remember...

... in any case.. you can probably get your hands on a used floppy for about 5 bucks if you're really worried.. and go that route...

good luck !

 

[seemingly random]

asus update is crap. Luckily, I haven't bricked a mb with it but have never gotten it to work successfully. It actually crashes - a bios updater that crashes... I keep trying it when new versions come out thinking they'll finally get it fixed. I can't believe they test this crap before releasing it. Really raises doubts about asus' commitment to quality.

I always download from the website to a usb key and flash in the bios - never had a problem with this method.

 

[jaggerwild]

I have this mother board and have bricked my board through the ASUS updater, would recommend spending 5 bucks rather than having a head ache. Or jump drive, also I have a creative sound card witch might have fubared the install.
Again this board is very picky with ram, as I have learned from reading many postings.