The *Official* MSI K8NGM2-FID GeForce 6150 Motherboard Thread

[renethx]

MSI K8NGM2-FID: The Definitive Guide

Last Update on November 5, 2009

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Preface (February 15, 2006)
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Since MSI K8NGM2-FID was released, two months have passed. In this period, there have been active discussions of its specifications, performance, problems and fixes for them, mainly in the thread NV GeForce 6150 Board Shootout. The thread began as a shootout between 3 boards (Albatron KM51PV, ASUS A8N-VM CSM, MSI K8NGM2-FID), but the MSI board instantly became the winner of the shootout and the thread grew into a de facto "official" thread of K8NGM2-FID. So it is appropriate to start an "official" thread for K8NGM2-FID in place of the thread, and in fact such a thread should have been started a long time ago. This board is currently attracting a growing number of users and this will continue for a while until the release of the socket AM2 in June 2006. So I decided to start this thread.

There is an advantage in such a late-started "official" thread: as many problems were solved and tweaking the board is now well known, it is possible to collect them just in one place at the beginning of the tread and visitors will find them easily.

The thread begins with short expositions, titled "The Definitive Guide", on the board's specifications, BIOS details, installation procedures and several tips of tweaking the board. They constitute a supplement to the motherboard's User's Guide. I confirmed most of the contents myself by testing the actual motherboard. So they are very reliable. Please PM me if you find mistakes or you have suggestions. The rest of the thread will be the continuation of the prior thread. Please post messages freely concerning problems, solutions, new tips, news for K8NGM2-FID, mistakes in the contents of this post, or whatever you think is appropriate for the thread.

"The Definitive Guide" is not encyclopedic. In particular it lacks aspects of HTPC and Linux. Useful threads on these topics are

• Nvidia 6150 motherboards and htpc build questions/help in AVS Forum
• Linux on NForce 430 + GeForce 6150 in nV News Forums

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Table of Contents
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1. GeForce 6150/nForce 430 Chipsets
2. Choosing a GeForce 6150 Board
   • Available MicroATX Motherboards Based on GeForce 6150 and Other Equivalent Chipsets
     1. Socket 939 GeForce 6150 Boards
     2. Socket AM2 GeForce 6150 Boards
     3. Socket 939 Radeon Xpress 200 Boards
     4. Socket AM2 Radeon Xpress 1150 Boards
     5. Socket AM2 RS690 Boards
     6. Core 2 Duo Boards
   • Which Board to Choose
     1. Socket 939 GeForce 6150 Board
     2. Socket AM2 GeForce 6150 Board
     3. Socket 939 GeForce 6150 vs. Socket AM2 GeForce 6150
     4. GeForce 6150 vs. Radeon Xpress
     5. AMD vs. Intel
3. Specifications I. Motherboard
4. Specifications II. BIOS Features
5. Specifications III. Package Contents
   • Package Contents
   • Where to Buy Extra Brackets
   • Building a coaxial S/PDIF Bracket Yourself
6. GeForce 6150 I. Performance
   • Video Memory Size
   • Supported Resolutions
     1. Landscape Mode
     2. Portrait Mode
   • 3DMark Scores
   • Temperatures
7. GeForce 6150 II. Multiple Monitors & TV Support
   • Supported Configurations by Onboard Video
   • Unsupported Configurations by Onboard Video
   • Supported Configurations by Onboard Video + Dual-Head PCI-Express Video Card
8. Choosing Components
   • CPU
     1. X2 3800+ vs. Opteron 165
     2. Venice 3200+ vs. Venice 3000+/Opteron 144
     3. Venice 3200+ vs. the Rest (Venice 3500+/3800+, San Diego 3700+/4000+)
   • CPU Cooler
     1. Stock Cooler vs. Retail Cooler
     2. CPU Cooler that Fits K8NGM2-FID
     3. CPU Cooler that does not Fit K8NGM2-FID
   • Memory
     1. Value RAM vs. Performance RAM
     2. 1GB vs. 2GB
     3. 2 x 1 GB vs. 4 x 512MB
   • PSU
     1. Size
     2. ATX12V Version 2 is not necessary
     3. Selection Guides
   • Case
     1. Case Types
     2. Front Panel Audio
     3. Tips
   • Hardware Compatibility Issues
9. Installing Windows
   • Preliminary Work
     1. Building a Bare-Bones System
     2. Testing Memory
     3. Setting Up BIOS
     4. Obtaining Drivers
   • Installation Procedure
10. BIOS I. BIOS Versions; Which BIOS Version to Use
    • Available BIOS Versions
      1. v3.00
      2. v3.13 (beta)
      3. v3.10
      4. v3.22 (beta)
      5. v3.20
      6. v3.33 (beta)
      7. v3.35 (beta)
      8. v3.40
      9. v3.50
      10. v3.60
      11. v3.71 (beta)
      12. v3.70
      13. v3.80
    • Which BIOS Version to Use
11. BIOS II. Methods of Flashing BIOS
    • Three Methods of Flashing BIOS
      1. Flashing in Windows Mode
      2. Flashing in DOS Mode
      3. Flashing by BIOS Recovery Feature
    • Which Method to Use to Flash BIOS
12. Tweaking the System I. BIOS
13. Tweaking the System II. System Monitoring
    • MSI PC Alert 4
      1. Installing and Running MSI PC Alert 4
      2. Configuring MSI PC Alert 4
    • SpeedFan
      1. Installing and Running SpeedFan
      2. Configuring SpeedFan
14. Tweaking the System III. Cool'n'Quiet
    • Cool'n'Quiet Technology Overview
    • Implementing Cool Part (a.k.a. PowerNow!)
    • Implementing Quiet Part
      1. Using Smart Fan
      2. Using SpeedFan
    • Making your Case Quieter and Neater
      1. Adjusting Case Fan Speeds
      2. Wire Sleeving
15. Overclocking I. Overclockability of the Board
    • Overclockability of K8NGM2-FID
    • Detailed Test Results
      1. SuperPI (8M) for the First X2 3800+ Manchester
      2. Prime95 (12 hours) for the First X2 3800+ Manchester
      3. Prime95 (12 hours) for the Second X2 3800+ Manchester
      4. SuperPI (32M) for 3200+ Venice
16. Overclocking II. Quick Overclocking Recipes
    • Introduction
    • Quick Recipes
      1. Overclocking X2 3800+/Opteron 170
      2. Overclocking Venice 3200+/Opteron 146/Sempron 3400+
      3. Overclocking Venice 3000+/Opteron 144/Sempron 3000+/Sempron 3200+
      4. Overclocking Venice 3500+/San Diego 3700+/Opteron 148

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1. GeForce 6150/nForce 430 Chipsets
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The nVIDIA's chipset with integrated graphics for the AMD K8 platform, codenamed C51G, first appeared publicly in March 2005 at CeBIT 2005.

• NVIDIA's Integrated Chipset for AMD64 Revealed in X-bit labs

C51G was later named GeForce 6100/6150 and officially released on September 20, 2005. It is coupled with the southbridge MCP51, or nForce 430. For details of the chipset please read:

• NVIDIA GPU Motherboard Solutions
  

  The Most Flexible Platform Solutions for Innovative Mainstream PCs featuring world-class NVIDIA GeForce GPUs and NVIDIA nForce4 MCPs

• NVIDIA Announces AMD Integrated Graphics in AnandTech
• FIRST LOOK: NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Performance in AnandTech
• Asus A8N-VM CSM: NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Finally Arrives in AnandTech
• Second Generation of Integrated Graphics from NVIDIA: GeForce 6150 and GeForce 6100 in X-bit labs

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2. Choosing a GeForce 6150 Board
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Available MicroATX Motherboards Based on GeForce 6150 and Other Equivalent Chipsets
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A good starting place to find GeForce 6150 boards and compare them is NewEgg: NVIDIA GeForce 6150.

Socket 939 GeForce 6150 Boards

1. ASUS A8N-VM CSM (Global site) or ASUS A8N-VM CSM (USA site)
   
   This board was the earliest GeForce 6150 board. Consequently it was once very popular. However it lost its popularity quickly (at least in this forum) because of:
   
   
   • Numerous problems, BIOS-related or non BIOS-related
   • Poor overclockability
   • Audio is 5.1 channels and the driver is ASUS proprietary (Windows only).
   • Poor accessories (it comes with only an IEEE1394 bracket.)
   
   The ASUS board seems to have been designed for business users:
   
   
   • CSM = "Corporate Stable Model"
   
   That explains the last three weak points.
   
   
2. Foxconn 6150K8MA-8EKRS (Global site) or Foxconn 6150K8MA-8EKRS (USA site)
   
   This board is popular only among overclockers because of the lack of onboard DVI, poor audio (AC'97) and poor accessories (only an S-Video bracket).
   
   
3. GIGABYTE GA-K8N51PVMT-9 (Global site) or GIGABYTE GA-K8N51PVMT-9 (USA site)
   
   This board has good overclocking options, but seems to be a lemon according to many user reviews.
   
   
4. MSI K8NGM2-FID (Global site) or MSI K8NGM2-FID (USA site)
   
   This board was released a month later than the ASUS board, but gained popularity quickly because of:
   
   
   • Almost problem-free
   • Good overclockability
   • Rich accessories (it comes with a TV-out bracket, an audio-out/SPDIF bracket and a USB bracket.)
   
   MSI K8NGM2H-FID (Japanese site) is a variant of K8NGM2-FID that complies with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive).
   
   By the way, the naming rule is:
   
   
   • K8 = "Athlon 64"
   • N = "NVIDIA chipset based"
   • G = "Integrated graphics processor"
   • M = "microATX"
   • 2 = "Dual channel memory" (= Socket 939/AM2, not Socket 754; this is my guess from the Socket 754 board K8NGM-V)
   • F = "Gigabit LAN" (F perhaps indicates "Fast", although "Fast Ethernet" usually means 100Mb LAN.)
   • I = "IEEE1394"
   • D = "DVI" (this is also my guess)

There are also a bunch of nVIDIA Business Platform certified GeForce 6150 boards for business users. I am not sure why these motherboards are sold as a retail package. They are suitable for system builders.

1. ASUS A8N-VM CSM/NBP (Global site) or ASUS A8N-VM CSM/NBP (USA site)
   
   
   • NBP = "nVIDIA Business Platform"
   
   
2. Foxconn 6150BK8MC-KRSHN2 (USA site)
   
   
3. GIGABYTE GA-K8N51PVM9-RH (Global site) or GIGABYTE GA-K8N51PVM9-RH (USA site)
   
   
4. MSI K8NGM2-NBP (Global site) or MSI K8NGM2-NBP (USA site)
   
   The differences from K8NGM2-FID are:
   
   
   • No onboard TV out connector
   • No TV out bracket
   • No IEEE1394
   • Smaller SB heatsink
   • nVIDIA Business Platform certified
   • RoHS/WEEE compliant (the letter "H" printed on the motherboard indicates it.)
   • AMD Commercial Stable Image Platform
   • TPM (Trusted Platform Module), that is, comes with a security chip.

Socket AM2 GeForce 6150 Boards

1. Albatron KM51PV-AM2
   
   
2. abit NF-M2 nView (Global site)
   
   "nView" is just NVIDIA's multi-display technology. I guess abit attached this word to the model name to emphasize dual display capability via onboard VGA and DVI (although this is standard among all the GeForce 6150 boards except Foxconn).
   
   
   • Memory: DDR2-800/667/533 ECC and non-ECC, un-buffered memory, max 8GB
   • Audio: ALC883 7.1 Ch. HD
   • No onboard TV-out connector
   • Back Panel: 1 x VGA and 1 x DVI. No parallel port. Instead it comes with 7.1 Ch. HD audio connectors and optical S/PDIF in and out.
   • BIOS: CPU External Clock: 200 MHz to 400 MHz (1 MHz increment), K8<->NB HT Speed and NB<->SB HT Speed: 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 MHz, CPU Core Voltage: 1.35-2.15V, DDRII Voltage: 1.75-2.60V, Chipset Core Voltage: 1.20-1.60V, SB Core AUX Voltage: 1.50-1.74V, HyperTransport Voltage: 1.20-1.40V. Several users reported stable FSB over 300MHz.
   • Accessories: 1 x USB 2.0 (two ports) and IEEE 1394 (one port) bracket
   • AMD LIVE!™ ready
   
   
3. ASUS M2NPV-VM (Global site) or ASUS M2NPV-VM (USA site)
   
   The specifications are basically the same as ASUS A8N-VM CSM.
   
   
   • Memory: DDR2-800/667/533 ECC and non-ECC, un-buffered memory, max 8GB
   • Audio: AD1986A 5.1 Ch. HD, the same as A8N-VM CSM.
   • BIOS: FSB from 200MHz to 400MHz. No HTT multiplier options. No CPU voltage adjustment. DDR2 Voltage: Auto (1.8V) or 1.9V. Actual overclocking is very POOR. Many report no booting at FSB 215MHz to 220MHz.
   • Accessories: 1 x HDTV/AV/S output module (component, composite, S video). No S/PDIF module. 1 x IEEE1394a module.
   • AMD LIVE!™ ready
   
   
4. ASUS M2NPV-MX (Global site)
   
   The same as M2NPV-VM except that:
   
   
   • No IEEE1394a controller
   • No HDTV/AV/S output module (the onboard TV out connector exists though).
   
   
5. DFI INFINITY C51PV-M2/G
   
   
   • Memory: DDR2-667/533, max 4GB
   • Audio: ALC850 7.1 ch AC'97.
   • BIOS: Full overclocking options.
   • Rear panel: 1 x S-Video TV-out (no composite or component). 1 x optical S/PDIF out.
6. MSI K9NGM2-FID (Global site) or MSI K9NGM2-FID (USA site)[/B]
   
   Specifications are mostly the same as MSI K8NGM2-FID. But,
   
   • Memory: DDR2-800/667/533, max 8GB
   • Audio: ALC883 7.1 ch HD
   • BIOS: No overclocking options. No CPU voltage adjustment. No DDR2 voltage adjustment.
   • Accessories: No TV-out bracket. 1 x Audio and coaxial S/PDIF out bracket.
   • AMD LIVE!™ ready
   
   If you want to use onboard TV-out, you need to buy a TV-out bracket separately. A retailer has it:
   
   • TV-out Component, S-Video Connector Bracket at VidaBox

Socket 939 Radeon Xpress 200 Boards

ATI Radeon Xpress 200 chipset with Radeon X300 graphics core for Socket 939 (codenamed RS480/RS482) was designed basically for the same target users as GeForce 6150.

Socket AM2 Radeon Xpress 1150 Boards

ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 chipset with Radeon X300 graphics core for Socket AM2 (codenamed RS485) coupled with ATI SB600 southbridge is mostly equivalent to GeForce 6150 (SB600 still lacks native support for Gb LAN though). Unfortunately not so many manufactures are planning to release microATX motherboards based on this chipset (no ASUS, Foxconn, or GIGABYTE board). If you are interested in this solution, please look at Motherboards with ATI CrossFire Xpress 1150 for AMD AM2, notably:

1. DFI INFINITY RS485-M2/G
   
   
2. MSI K9AGM (Global site)
   
   
   • AMD LIVE!™ ready
   • BIOS: No RAID options. No overclocking options.

Socket AM2 RS690 Boards

"The very first product for the AMD-ATI Party will be an as yet unannounced ATI AMD RS690 chipset. The chipset is divided into RS690 north bridge and SB600 south bridge chips. The features include a Radeon X700 graphics processor with integrated DVI, HDTV-out and HDMI connectors, four S-ATA-II ports, eight USB 2.0 and two Firewire connectors - eight channel HD Audio is integrated as well, courtesy of Realtek's ALC chip." (DFI to launch AMD-ATI RS690 in Q4)

1. DFI INFINITY RS690-M2/G

Core 2 Duo Boards

There is no microATX motherboard for the desktop Core 2 Duo (Conroe) that is equivalent to GeForce 6150. Intel 945G Express or Intel G695 Express chipset with integrated graphics is not particularly intended for HTPC, e.g. it lacks support for DVI and TV-out.

Instead microATX motherboards for the mobile Core 2 Duo (Merom) are intended for HTPC and almost equivalent to GeForce 6150 boards. However the performance of the mobile Core 2 Duo is almost the same as Athlon 64 X2 with twice the cost and these motherboards are also very expensive.

Please check the following list for currently available Core 2 Duo microATX motherboards.

• Core 2 & AM2 Motherboards - Recommendations: With Complete Lists of Processors and Motherboards

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Which Board to Choose
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Socket 939 GeForce 6150 Board

Clearly MSI K8NGM2-FID is the best Socket 939 GeForce 6150 board. Choosing ASUS A8N-VM CSM is almost pointless unless you need ECC memory support (but many still choose it perhaps because of the ASUS brand). Don't buy K8NGM2-NBP unless you have particular reasons. If overclocking is your primary concern, Foxconn 6150K8MA-8EKRS could be a better choice.

Socket AM2 GeForce 6150 Board

abit NF-M2 nView is the best overall board. The only possible drawback is the lack of analogue TV out.

Socket 939 GeForce 6150 vs. Socket AM2 GeForce 6150

The performance of Socket AM2 is virtually identical with that of Socket 939 according to various reviews, for example, page 5 of AMD Socket-AM2: Same Performance, Faster Memory, Lower Power in AnandTech. The only advantage of choosing Socket AM2 is that DDR2 memory modules are reusable for future upgrade (if upgrade is done before the release of DDR3). Accordingly MSI K8NGM2-FID is the best choice among all the GeForce 6150 boards, Socket 939 or Socket AM2.

GeForce 6150 vs. Radeon Xpress

Radeon Xpress 200 + SB450 cannot compete with GeForce 6150 + nForce 430. Radeon Xpress 1150 + SB600 is almost as good as GeForce 6150 + nForce 430. Unfortunately there are not so many choices in motherboards perhaps because SB600 arrived too late.

AMD vs. Intel

Core 2 Duo is certainly attractive. But there is no chipset equivalent to GeForce 6150. We need to wait for a while (perhaps a year or longer) to see what chipsets are eventually available.

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3. Specifications I. Motherboard
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The following is cited from the MSI Global site.

• CPU
  
  
  • Supports 64-bit AMD Athlon 64/Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core/Athlon 64 FX/Opteron (Socket 939)/Sempron (Socket 939) Processor.
  • Supports up to 4800+ or higher CPU.
  • Supports AMD Cool'n'Quiet technology.
  
  
• Chipset
  
  
  • nVIDIA GeForce 6150 Chipset
    • HyperTransport connection to AMD K8 Athlon64 processor
    • 8 or 16 bit control/address/data transfer both directions
    • 1GHz "Double Data Rate" operation both direction
    • Supports one PCI-E x16 slot.
    • Integrated GeForce 6 GPU
    
    
  • nVIDIA nForce 430 Chipset
    • Dual channel native SATA II controller up to 300MB/s
    • Supports RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5.
    • Supports Ultra DMA 66/100/133 master mode PCI EIDE controller.
    • ACPI & PC2001 compliant enhanced power management
    • Supports USB2.0 up to 8 ports.
    • Supports HD audio.
  
  
• Main Memory
  
  
  • Supports DDR333/400 DDR SDRAM for dual channel.
  • Supports a maximum memory size of 4GB.
  
  
• Slots
  
  
  • One PCI Express x 16 slots
  • One PCI Express x 1 slots
  • Two 32-bit Master PCI bus slots (support 3.3v/5v PCI bus interface)
  
  
• On-Board IDE/SATA
  
  
  • An IDE controller on the nVIDIA nForce 430 chipset provides IDE HDD/CD-ROM with PIO, Bus Master and Ultra DMA133/100/66 operation modes.
    • Can connect up to 4 IDE devices.
    
    
  • Supports 4 SATA II ports.
    • Transfer rate is up to 300MB/s.
    • Supports RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5.
  
  
• Audio
  
  
  • 8 channel HD audio codec Realtek ALC 880
    • High Definition link controller integrated in nVIDIA nForce 430
  
  
• LAN
  
  
  • VITESSE VSC8201RX
    • Compliant with PCI v2.2.
    • Supports ACPI Power Management.
    • Supports 10Mb/s, 100Mb/s or 1000Mb/s.
  
  
• IEEE1394
  
  
  • VIA VT6307
    • Supports up to two 1394 ports. (Rear panel x1, pin header x1)
    • Transfer rate is up to 400Mbps.
  
  
• Super I/O
  
  
  • Winbond W83627EHF
  
  
• Internal I/O Connectors
  
  
  • ATX 24-pin power connector
  • 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
  • CPU / System / NB FAN connectors
  • CD-in connector
  • Audio-out connector
  • Serial port header
  • TV-out connector
  • Coaxial SPDIF-Out / SPDIF-in connectors
  • Front panel audio connector
  • Front panel connector
  • 2 x USB 2.0 connector support additional 4 ports
  • 1 x IEEE1394 connector supports additional 1 port.
  • 1 x Floppy disk drive connector
  • 4 x Serial ATA connectors
  • 2 x ATA133 HD connectors
  • Chassis intrusion switch connector
  • Clear CMOS button
  
  
• Back Panel I/O Ports
  
  
  • 1 x Parallel
  • 1 x PS/2 Keyboard
  • 1 x PS/2 Mouse
  • 1 x VGA
  • 1 x DVI port
  • 1 x IEEE1394 port
  • 1 x Audio I/O (Line-in/Line-out/MIC)
  • 4 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack
  
  
• Dimensions
  
  
  • Micro-ATX Form Factor

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4. Specifications II. BIOS Features
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• Adjustable Memclock Value
  
  
  • 100MHz, 133MHz, 166MHz, 183MHz, 200MHz, 216MHz, 233MHz, 250MHz; Default is 200MHz (v3.00)
  • 100MHz, 133MHz, 166MHz, 200MHz; Default is 200MHz (all the other versions)
  
  
• Adjustable CPU to NB Frequency
  
  
  • 400MHz, 600MHz, 800MHz, 1000MHz (all versions)
  
  
• Adjustable NB to SB Frequency
  
  
  • 400MHz, 600MHz, 800MHz, 1000MHz (all versions)
  
  
• Adjustable CPU to NB LinkWidth
  
  
  • [8 UP 8 DOWN], [16 UP 16 DOWN] (all versions)
  
  
• Adjustable NB to SB LinkWidth
  
  
  • [4 UP 4 DOWN], [8 UP 8 DOWN], [16 UP 16 DOWN] (v3.00)
  • Disabled (all the other versions)
  
  
• Adjustable CPU-LDT Frequency
  
  
  • 200MHz to 210MHz by 0.5MHz increments; 210MHz to 230MHz by 1MHz increment; 230MHz to 250MHz by 2MHz increments (all versions)
  
  
• Adjustable DDR Voltage
  
  
  • 2.50V to 2.90V by 0.05V increments; 2.90V to 3.10V by 0.1V increments; Default is 2.55V (all versions)
  
  
• Adjustable Processor Frequency Multiple
  
  
  • x4 to x19 (v3.00 and v3.13)
  • Disabled (all the other versions)
  
  
• Non-Adjustable CPU Voltage
  
  I encourage anyone who wants to see Adjustable CPU Voltage to write MSI Technical Support Team USA. The more users ask Adjustable CPU Voltage, the better chance there will be that MSI add it to BIOS.

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5. Specifications III. Package Contents
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Package Contents
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• MSI Motherboard
• Cables
  • 1 x SATA Cable
  • 1 x SATA Power Cable
  • 1 x Standard Cable for Floppy Disk
  • 1 x Standard Cable for IDE Devices
• Brackets
  • TV-out Bracket (S-Video, Component Video, Composite Video)
  • Audio-out Bracket (Rear Channels, Center and Subwoofer Channel, Side Channels)
  • Serial Port Bracket in the package released in December 2005
  • Coaxial S/PDIF out (or in) Bracket in the package released in March 2006 and July 2006
  • USB Bracket (actually D-Bracket 2) in the package released in July 2006. Note that there is no onboard connector for the diagnostic LEDs.
• Back IO Shield
• MSI Driver/Utility CD
• RAID Driver Floppy Disk
• User's Guide

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Where to Buy Extra Brackets
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• Serial Port Bracket
  
  
  • DB9M SERIAL ADD-A-PORT ADAPTER WITH BRACKET at Cables To Go
  
  
• Coaxial S/PDIF Bracket
  
  
  • MSI
  
  
• USB Bracket
  
  
  • USB INTERNAL AT MOTHERBOARD ADAPTER 2-PORT at Cables To Go

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Building a coaxial S/PDIF Bracket Yourself
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What you need (except for tools) to build a coaxial S/PDIF bracket are:

• An empty PCI bracket that comes with your case
• RCA COMPOSITE VIDEO 2.5' - PANEL F TO 1X3 F (buy it from FRONTX. $6.60 shipped.)

Drill holes on the PCI bracket and attach the RCA panel mount jack to it with the supplied two screws. Change the pin assignment according to Manual p. 2-19.

Remarks

The motherboard's S/PDIF out and in connectors support only coaxial cables. If you want to use optical cables, you need to buy a coaxial to optical converter such as Cables to Go COAXIAL TO OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO CONVERTER.

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6. GeForce 6150 I. Performance
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Video Memory Size
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The total amount of the physical memory (= RAM) locked by the BIOS for video is called the frame buffer size. In the MSI K8NGM2-FID board, a user can specify it by selecting

• BIOS Setup > Advanced Chipset Features > OnChip VGA Frame Buffer Size: [Disabled], [16MB], [32MB], [64MB], [128MB] ([64MB] is the default.)

However the total video memory size is roughly twice the frame buffer size. The rest comes from the page file or swap space (= a space on a hard disk used as the virtual memory extension of the physical memory). For example, if RAM is 1GB and OnChip VGA Frame Buffer Size is [64MB], then

• physical memory = 1024MB - 64MB = 960MB,
• video memory = 64MB (in RAM) + 64MB (in page file) = 128MB (in virtual memory)

By the way if OnChip VGA Frame Buffer Size is [disabled], onboard video will not be initialized in POST because video memory size is zero.

Larger frame buffer size increases video performance. (manual p. 3-12)

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Supported Resolutions
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Landscape Mode

• 320 by 200 pixels
• 320 by 240 pixels
• 400 by 300 pixels
• 480 by 360 pixels
• 512 by 384 pixels
• 640 by 400 pixels
• 640 by 480 pixels
• 720 by 480 pixels
• 720 by 576 pixels
• 800 by 600 pixels
• 848 by 480 pixels
• 960 by 600 pixels
• 1024 by 768 pixels
• 1088 by 612 pixels
• 1152 by 864 pixels
• 1280 by 720 pixels
• 1280 by 768 pixels
• 1280 by 800 pixels
• 1280 by 960 pixels
• 1280 by 1024 pixels
• 1360 by 768 pixels
• 1600 by 900 pixels
• 1600 by 1024 pixels
• 1600 by 1200 pixels
• 1920 by 1080 pixels
• 1920 by 1200 pixels
• 1920 by 1440 pixels
• 2048 by 1536 pixels
• Custom resolutions

Portrait Mode

• 480 by 640 pixels
• 480 by 720 pixels
• 480 by 848 pixels
• 576 by 720 pixels
• 600 by 800 pixels
• 600 by 960 pixels
• 612 by 1088 pixels
• 640 by 480 pixels
• 720 by 1280 pixels
• 768 by 1024 pixels
• 768 by 1280 pixels
• 800 by 1280 pixels
• 864 by 1152 pixels
• 960 by 1280 pixels
• 1024 by 1280 pixels
• Custom resolutions are not allowed.

____________
3DMark Scores
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

As the number indicates, GeForce 6150 is inferior to GeForce 6200 Turbo Cache. I tested 3DMark Free Versions. The test system was

• Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (2.0GHz)
• Corsair Value Select PC 3200 512MB x 2
• BIOS v3.00 (default setting)
• Windows 2000 SP4

The scores were

• 3DMark2001 SE: 5543
• 3DMark03: 1412
• 3DMark05: 692

The score of Radeon 9200 in my Athlon XP 2400+ system is

• 3DMark2001 SE: 6584

____________
Temperatures
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The chipset does not have a thermal sensor. The surface temperature of the NB heatsink I measured was:

• 57°C at load time
• 47°C at idle time

For comparison, the surface temperature of the passive heatsink of my PowerColor ATI Radeon 9200 video card was:

• 55°C at load time
• 52°C at idle time

The room temperature was 75°F. These are quite typical temperatures of the passive heatsink of a GPU. However, if you feel uncomfortable with these temperatures, you may attach a 30mm fan atop of the heatsink with screws or epoxy adhesive, or use a CPU cooler with 120mm fan that should be able to cool the NB heatsink.

__________________________________________
7. GeForce 6150 II. Multiple Monitors & TV Support
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
____________________________________
Supported Configurations by Onboard Video
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The following combinations are supported in DualView mode:

• digital monitor (onboard DVI) + analog monitor (onboard VGA)
• digital monitor (onboard DVI) + TV (onboard TV out)

______________________________________
Unsupported Configurations by Onboard Video
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

As GeForce 6150 has only one RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital/Analog Converter) and hence two analog outs are impossible, the following combinations are not supported:

• analog monitor (onboard DVI) + analog monitor (onboard VGA). (First of all connecting an analog monitor to onboard DVI is physically impossible because the onboard DVI connector is DVI-D that lacks 4-pin holes and hence a DVI to VGA adapter cannot be used.)
• analog monitor (onboard VGA) + TV (onboard TV out). (Note that signals from onboard TV out are analog.)

__________________________________________________________________
Supported Configurations by Onboard Video + Dual-Head PCI-Express Video Card
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The following combinations are supported in QuadView mode:

• monitor (video card) + monitor (video card)+ digital monitor (onboard DVI) + analog monitor (onboard VGA)
• monitor (video card) + monitor (video card)+ digital monitor (onboard DVI) + TV (onboard TV out)

This is in marked contrast to Intel IGP solutions (Extreme Graphics 2, GMA 950 etc.) that don't allow concurrent use of internal graphics and external graphics.

Remarks

1. In the above configurations, the video card is restricted to the nVIDIA brand. If you disable onboard video in BIOS, you can use an ATI video card.
   
   
2. Monitors can be used either landscape mode (default) or portrait mode. To change mode, right click NVIDIA Settings in the system tray, then choose "GPU name (Display #)" > Rotation Settings > Rotate 0, 90, 180, 270 degree.
   
   
3. The description of TV Setup in pages B6 to B8 of Quick User's Guide is wrong (referring to ATI software!). Please download the latest manual from MSI Global site.

 

[Physicist]

would it make sense to OC an opteron 144 on this mobo?

 

[renethx]

____________________
8. Choosing Components
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
____
CPU
¯¯¯¯

X2 3800+ vs. Opteron 165

The theoretically possible maximum frequency is:

• X2 3800+: maximum LDT 250MHz x 10 = 2500MHz
• Opteron 165: maximum LDT 250MHz x 9 = 2250MHz

where LDT (lightning data transport) = FSB (front side bus). For Opteron 165, 2250MHz should be no problem. However, for X2 3800+, the maximum stable frequency may be lower than 2500MHz. For my two X2 3800+, maximum stable frequency is 2480MHz and 2380MHz respectively (passed 12 hours of Prime95). In real world applications, the difference between 2480MHz and 2250MHz is large. The following is the time to finish a Workflow consisting of loading 30 600dpi color image files, OCR'ing them, and saving to a PDF file (text under image) with OmniPage 15.

• X2 3800+ @2480MHz: 2 min 33 sec
• X2 3800+ @2380MHz: 2 min 43 sec
• X2 3800+ @2250MHz: 2 min 52 sec
• X2 3800+ @2000MHz: 3 min 15 sec
• Venice 3200+ @2630MHz: 3 min 33 sec
• Venice 3200+ @2000MHz: 4 min 41 sec
• XP 2400+ @2163MHz: 6 min 54 sec

(Detailed analysis is found in Usenet comp.periphs.scanners.) The time difference between 2480MHz and 2250MHz is 19 sec. The time difference between 2250MHz and 2000MHz is 23 sec. (The result for Opteron 165 @2250MHz may be slightly different, though.) This is just one example of CPU intensive tasks, but similar results are expected for other tasks. X2 3800+ is the clear winner if you stick to K8NGM2-FID and want to draw maximum computing power from the system. From the overclocking viewpoint, choosing Opteron 165 with this board is pointless. Either chip is OK with this board otherwise.

Venice 3200+ vs. Venice 3000+/Opteron 144

Venice 3200+ is the clear winner exactly for the same reason as above.

Venice 3200+ vs. the Rest (Venice 3500+/3800+, San Diego 3700+/4000+)

Venice 3200+ can run at 2500MHz stably. It is reported that Venice 3500+/San Diego 3700+ (multiplier x11) can also run at its max speed 2750MHz in this board. If your applications are single-threaded and benefit from higher frequency, then these processors should be a good choice.

_________
CPU Cooler
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Stock Cooler vs. Retail Cooler

The stock CPU cooler should be fine even if the processor is overclocked because CPU Voltage is fixed (the CPU temperature mostly depends on the CPU voltage). However if you prefer quieter, more effective cooling environment, you may use a retail CPU cooler. A 120mm CPU fan could cool down the NB heatsink too.

CPU Cooler that Fits K8NGM2-FID

• AeroCool The Dominator
• ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 Pro (confirmed by avi85). The fan needs to be removed temporarily to install memory modules in DIMM1 and DIMM2.
• Scythe Mine (confirmed by bogolisk)
• Scythe Ninja (confirmed by sdheda and CthulpiSS). Please read the message posted on 07/27/2006 06:06 AM EST by CthulpiSS before buying this heatsink.
• Thermalright XP-90 and Thermalright XP-90C (confirmed by me and many others)
• Thermalright SI-120 (confirmed by a user in SPCR Forum)
• Thermalright SI-128
• Zalman CNPS7000-Cu and its variants (confirmed by Ivan05 and area123). Install a memory module in DIMM1 before you install the cooler.
• Zalman CNPS7700-Cu and its variants (confirmed by cganesh75). Install a memory module in DIMM1 before you install the cooler.
• Zalman CNPS9500 LED and its variants (confirmed by Msquared)

CPU Cooler that does not Fit K8NGM2-FID

• Thermalright XP-120 (reported by ultrachrome in the message posted on 04/14/2006 05:34 PM EST)
• Zalman CNPS8000 (reported by ajemm in the message posted on 07/07/2006 05:06 PM EST)

Selection Guides

• Recommended Heatsinks in Silent PC Review

_______
Memory
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Value RAM vs. Performance RAM

As will be analyzed in Remark 1: "Using Performance RAM (BIOS v3.00 only)" of Section 16: "Overclocking II. Quick Overclocking Recipes", there is no advantage of using performance RAM over value RAM unless you use BIOS v3.00. For general discussion concerning this point, please refer to two articles:

• Official 939 Memory Matrix (HL2 and Doom3 added) by Zebo in AnandTech Forums
  
  

  given the Athlon 64 architecture and its integrated memory controller, there is no significant advantage to buying expensive ram over the cheap stuff. All the time I'll say get the cheapest PC3200 value ram @ $140 for 1gig instead of overclockers RAM costing twice as much.

• "tight timings? loose timings? dividers? 1T or 2T? 754 or 939? (read here!)" by Happy_Games in DFI-STREET.com
  
  

  Ok...this has been the subject of MUCH discussion ever since the A64's first started clocking and we found out that dividers really don't mean diddly squat, and really neither does CAS latency, nor memory timings, nor anything...
  
  You've all heard me preach OVER and OVER again about how cpu Mhz is the king...cpu Mhz is the king...cpu Mhz is the important thing, forget about damn divider penalties and this or that

1GB vs. 2GB

I tested how much memory is used in various applications including heavy graphics applications and I was convinced that 1GB is enough for any consumer-level application. However it is reported that 2GB is better in gaming. Please read the following articles with this regard:

• How Much RAM Do You Really Need? in Tom's Hardware
• 2GB of RAM: Do We Really Need That Much? in X-bit labs
• Roundup of 2GB DDR SDRAM Memory Kits for Overclockers in X-bit labs

2 x 1 GB vs. 4 x 512MB

If you choose 2GB, there are three paths. I will explain them and describe possible problems.

1. Buy 2 x 1GB. This is the recommended way.
   
   
2. Buy 2 x 512MB and then add 2 X 512MB later. There are restrictions in this path.
   
   
   • Memory can run only as DDR-333. Choosing Memclock Value [Auto], [200 MHz], [183 MHz], [166 MHz] will all have the same effect as Memclock Value [166 MHz]. Please refer to Recommended Memory Combination List at the MSI USA site and AMD white paper for details.
   • Memory can run only at 2T. If you choose 1T, then the system will not POST or will hang when loading OS.
   
   So just leave the memory settings to Auto. These are really not big problems because if you overclock, you will eventually set Memclock Value to [166 MHz], and the penalty of 2T is very small (see Happy_Games' article at DFI-STREET.com).
   
   
3. Buy 1 x 1GB and add 1 x 1GB later. This should be avoided. Memory module of the same model number but manufactured later may use a different memory chip (the manufacturer constantly changes chips) and the dual channel mode may not work.

Memory Basics

• DDR SDRAM Specification - JESD79E (the "bible" of the DDR SDRAM)
• DDR2 SDRAM Specification - JESD79-2B (the "bible" of the DDR2 SDRAM)
• The Memory FAQ in PC Perspective Forums

____
PSU
¯¯¯¯

Size

MSI Reminds You...
2. Power supply of 350 watts (and above) is highly recommended for system stability.
3. ATX 12V power connection should be greater than 18A. (manual p. 2-9)

ATX12V Version 2 is not necessary

You may use the 20-pin ATX power supply as you like. (manual p. 2-9)

Selection Guides

• Power Supply Fundamentals and Recommended Power Supplies in Silent PC Review
• PSU Buying Guide (Consolidation of Previous Stickys) Includes PSU Calculator in Hard|Forum
• eXtreme PSU Calculator

____
Case
¯¯¯¯

Case Types

The board should fit not only any MicroATX case but also any ATX case (just change the position of a few standoffs).

Front Panel Audio

Right now front audio ports of almost all the PC cases are compliant only with AC'97 Audio, while MSI K8NGM2-FID's Front Panel Audio Connector JAUD1 is compliant with Intel HD (High Definition) Audio. For details of these specifications, please refer to Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide (Section 2.3, pp. 19 - 25) in formfactors.org (maintained by Intel). However the board's Front Panel Audio Connector also supports AC'97 Audio module, that is, you can still use your case front audio ports with the standard AC'97 pin assignments, but with a restriction. For your reference, the HD Audio pin assignments and the AC'97 pin assignments are:

1. Pin 1 - PORT 1L -MIC (Front panel microphone input signal)
2. Pin 2 - GND - AUD_GND (Ground)
3. Pin 3 - PORT 1R - MIC_BIAS (Microphone power)
4. Pin 4 - PRESENCE# - AUD_GND (usually no connection)
5. Pin 5 - PORT 2R - FP_OUT_R (Right channel audio signal to front panel)
6. Pin 6 - SENSE1_RETURN - FP_RETURN_R (Right channel audio signal return from front panel)
7. Pin 7 - SENSE_SEND - AUD_5V (usually no connection)
8. Pin 8 - KEY - KEY (No pin)
9. Pin 9 - PORT 2L - FP_OUT_L (Left channel audio signal to front panel)
10. Pin 10 - SENSE2_RETURN - FP_RETURN_L (Left channel audio signal return from front panel)

To enable the Front Panel Audio Connector to support AC'97 Audio mode, open "Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager" from the control panel or the system tray, then click the "Audio I/O" tab, then click the "Analog Connector Setting" button. In the "Connector Settings" dialog box, check "Disable front panel jack detection". Then "Mute rear panel output when front headphone plugged in" will be automatically disabled. A known restriction is that even if headphones are plugged in the front audio port, main speakers will not be turned off automatically.

Tips

If your pin connectors from the case are separate 1-pin connectors, I recommend to use a HEADER CONNECTOR 2 X 5 instead. Connecting wires to the motherboard will become far much easier. The same is true for IEEE1394 connector. (FRONTX offers free international shipping.)
_________________________
Hardware Compatibility Issues
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MSI is posting the compatibility test report.

• K8NGM2 Series Test Reports

The following is the list of issues confirmed by MSI or multiple users.

1. Hard Disk Drives
   
   
   • Maxtor DiamondMax 10 SATA (1.5Gb/s) drives (model number 6Bxxxxx and 6Lxxxxx). BIOS may not recognize the drive.
   • Maxtor DiamondMax 10 SATA (3.0Gb/s) drives (model number 6Vxxxxx). OS cannot be installed in this drive. Need to change the jumper from "Normal Operation (3Gbps)" to the "Limit Data Transfer Rate (1.5Gbps)". (Confirmed by MSI.)
   
   
2. PSU
   
   
   • Antec NeoHE. Several users reported issues. Please see Antec Neo HE PSU Users Poll in SPCR Forum.

__________________
9. Installing Windows
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______________
Preliminary Work
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Building a Bare-Bones System

When installing OS, you should attach bare minimum hardware components to the motherboard:

• CPU
• RAM
• Floppy disk drive (optional)
• Optical disk drive
• Graphics card (if you don't use IGP)
• One HDD for OS
• PSU

MSI Reminds You...
- To enable successful system boot-up, always insert the memory modules into the DIMM1 slots first. (manual p. 2-7)

Insert the memory modules into DIMM1 (Green) and DIMM2 (Purple), the two slots nearest to CPU. Using the combination DIMM1 (Green) and DIMM3 (Green) will function as single-channel DDR and will decrease the memory speed to DDR-333. Please read Recommended Memory Combination List at the MSI USA site for details.

Testing Memory

Memory malfunction may result in installation failure. Several users reported memory problems with BIOS v3.20 that is the default BIOS version in the second release of the motherboard. So it is recommended to test memory before installing OS. To test memory, use Memtest86+. This is also included in Ultimate Boot CD. Insert the CD or the floppy disk and restart the system. Then Memtest will start automatically. Usually a single pass consisting of eight individual tests is enough to detect errors. The time required to complete a single pass depends on the system speed and memory size. It is about 17 minutes in my system. If errors occur, do one of the following:

1. Select
   • BIOS Setup > Integrated Peripherals > USB Device Legacy Support: [Disabled]
   (first suggested in the message in page 33 posted on 04/17/2006 05:04 PM EST by cool).
2. Update BIOS to v3.50 (in DOS mode). Please see Section 11. BIOS II. Methods of Flashing BIOS.
3. The memory modules may be defective although this is very rare. Try other memory modules.

Setting Up BIOS

The default BIOS settings should be fine to install OS except the following.

1. Check
   
   
   • BIOS Setup > Standard CMOS Features > Date
   • BIOS Setup > Standard CMOS Features > Time
   
   and correct them if necessary. This is not so important but ensures correct time stamps of the system folders.
   
   
2. If you want to use the S3 power state for standby in Windows XP, select
   
   
   • BIOS Setup > Power Management Features > ACPI Standby State: [S3/STR mode]
   
   before installing OS. Otherwise you have to do registry tweaking later in order to get it to work properly. This remark does not apply to Windows 2000. (STR = Suspend to RAM. Differences between the S0-S5 power states are briefly explained in Advanced Configuration and Power Interface in Wikipedia.)

Obtaining Drivers

Drivers included in the MSI Drivers & Utilities CD are older versions. Download the latest chipset drivers.

• ForceWare v91.47 (north bridge driver)
• nForce 430/410 Drivers v8.26 (south bridge drivers)
• ALC 880 Driver (audio driver)

Unzip and burn them on a CD-R.

__________________
Installation Procedure
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

The following is the installation procedure of Windows 2000 or XP (in the non-RAID setup) I recommend.

1. Install Windows 2000 SP4 or Windows XP SP2. You don't have to install SATA driver by pressing F6 unless you use RAID.
   
   
2. Install ForceWare from the CD-R you created.
   
   
3. Change Windows font size if necessary (133% is recommended for the resolution 1280 x 1024 pixels or higher).
   
   
4. Install DirectX 9.0c. (This is built in Windows XP SP2.)
   
   
5. Install nForce 430/410 Drivers from the CD-R.
   
   
   • Install NVIDIA SMbus Driver.
   • Install NVIDIA Ethernet Driver, but you'd better avoid installing NVIDIA FireWall and ForceWare Network Access Manager (NAM).
   • You don't have to install "NVIDIA Storage Driver" unless you use RAID, NCQ or hot swapping.
   
   
6. Install ALC 880 Driver from the CD-R.
   
   
7. Download one of
   
   
   • AMD Athlon 64 Processor Cool'n'Quiet Software for a single or dual core processor under Windows 2000
   • AMD Athlon 64/FX Processor Driver for a single core processor under Windows XP
   • AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor Driver for a dual core processor under Windows XP
   
   from the AMD site and install it. See Section 14: "Tweaking the System III. Cool'n'Quiet" to get Cool'n'Quiet to work.
   
   
8. Download and install Windows Updates.
   
   
9. Install drivers and applications for hardware devices (monitor, mouse, keyboard, TV tuner, printer, scanner etc).
   
   
10. Download and install utilities. The utilities mentioned in this guide are
    
    
    • MSI Live Update (for updating BIOS)
    • MSI PC Alert 4 (for monitoring system hardware)
    • SpeedFan (for monitoring system hardware and controlling fan speeds)
    • CPU-Z (overclocking utility)
    • SuperPI (overclocking utility)
    • Prime95(overclocking utility)
    
    
11. Install applications of your choice (office applications, media players etc.).
    
    
12. Update BIOS if necessary. See Section 10: "BIOS I. BIOS Versions; Which BIOS to Use" and Section11: "BIOS II. Methods of Flashing BIOS".

Remarks

1. If you use Windows 2000, then you need to create a "Windows 2000 SP4 installation CD" by slipstreaming SP4. Use nLite for this purpose. The plain "Windows 2000 installation CD" will not work. Similarly if you use Windows XP with no SP or Windows XP SP1, slipstreaming SP2 is recommended.
   
   
2. If you use an ATI video card, download and burn ATI Display Driver instead of ForceWare.
   
   
3. For information about NVIDIA Network Access Manager (NAM) issues, see NAM bugs - others please confirm..
   
   
4. If you have problems in using Component Video, try earlier versions of ForceWare, e.g. Version 81.86 included in the MSI Drivers & Utilities CD.
   
   
5. To fix gaming problems with a dual-core CPU, please read Dual Core Gaming Fix Guide in Hard|Forum and follow the instruction there.
   
   
6. You may have the high CPU utilization problem after resuming from standby or hibernate if you installed NVIDIA Storage Driver and if the unused SATA controllers are not disabled in BIOS Setup > Integrated Peripherals > SATA Devices Configuration. Additional drivers for the unused controllers will be installed, which cause conflicts and high CPU utilization after resuming from standby or hibernate. Disabling the unused SATA controllers in BIOS will fix the problem (ohio68 in p. 20 and tomt4535 in p. 28).
   
   
7. References concerning resume problems from the S3 power state in Windows XP:
   
   
   • Description of how to enable the S3 system power state for standby when USB devices are armed for wake in Microsoft Knowledge Base
   • S3 Standby - Hardware & Software solution in The Green Button Forums

___________________________________________
10. BIOS I. BIOS Versions; Which BIOS Version to Use
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
___________________
Available BIOS Versions
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

So far the following four BIOS versions have been released (in the chronological order):

v3.00

The first official BIOS that comes with the original release of the motherboard, compiled on 11/18/2005, available in the MSI Europe site (7207v30.zip).

v3.13 (beta)

Beta BIOS, compiled on 12/05/2005, available in Post #544 of Nvidia 6150 motherboards and htpc build questions/help in AVS Forum (7207v313.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus from v3.00
  
  
  • Memclock Value has less optional values.
  • NB to SB LinkWidth was removed.
  
  
• Fixes reported by users:
  
  
  • Cool'n'Quiet problem for a certain combinations of OS and CPU was fixed.
  • Brightness problem using S-video/composite video/component video was fixed.

v3.10

The second official BIOS, compiled on 01/12/2006, available in the MSI Japanese site (7207v31.zip). This is basically the same as v3.13 with a few exceptions.

• Changes in BIOS Menus from v3.13
  
  
  • CPU Frequency Configuration was removed. (That means that Processor Frequency Multiple is default only.)
  
  
• Update Description:
  
  
  • Enabled "Flash Protect" item in BIOS.
  • Update NVMM version.
  • Update CPU ID.
  • Update VGA BIOS version
  
  
• Problems reported by users
  
  
  • Errors in Memtest86

v3.22 (beta)

Beta BIOS, complied on 01/20/2006, available in Post #867 of Nvidia 6150 motherboards and htpc build questions/help in AVS Forum (7207v322.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None

v3.20

The third official BIOS that comes with the second release of the motherboard in March 2006, compiled on 02/07/2006, available in the MSI Japanese site (7207v32.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus from v3.10
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Update Description:
  
  
  • Fixed BIOS report incorrect CPU temperature.
  • Support system resume from S3 via keyboard/mouse.
  
  
• Problems reported by users
  
  
  • Errors in Memtest86

v3.33 (beta)

Beta BIOS, complied on 03/03/2006, available in Post #867 of Nvidia 6150 motherboards and htpc build questions/help in AVS Forum (7207v333.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None

v3.35 (beta)

Beta BIOS, complied on 03/28/2006, available in Post #867 of Nvidia 6150 motherboards and htpc build questions/help in AVS Forum (7207v335.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None

v3.40

The fourth official BIOS, compiled on 05/09/2006, available in the MSI Japanese site (7207v34.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • The option [200 MHz] is added to Memclock Value when Memclock Mode [Limit] is selected.
  
  
• Update Description:
  
  
  • Update CPU ID.
  • Support Winbond W39V040BPZ flash ROM.
  
  
• Fixes reported by users:
  
  
  • No errors in Memtest86.

v3.50

The fifth official BIOS, compiled on 06/14/2006, available in the MSI Japanese site (7207v35.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Update Description:
  
  
  • Add safety recover function to revert BIOS into default setting when system unable to boot due to overclocking. To enable the function please press the reset button or power button 3 times.
  
  
• Fixes reported by users:
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Problems reported by users:
  
  
  • DDR-333 memory modules are recognized as DDR-400, hence the system fails to boot.

v3.60

The sixth official BIOS, dated 09/06/2006, available in the MSI Japanese site (7207v36.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Update Description:
  
  
  • This BIOS fixes the following problem of the previous version:
    - Support Realtek ALC883 audio chip.
  
  
• Fixes reported by users:
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Problems reported by users:
  
  
  • The system won't boot at power on; need to reset to make it boot (Artanis).

v3.71 (beta)

Beta BIOS, dated 09/15/2006, available in the Post #1036 of Nvidia 6150 motherboards and htpc build questions/help in AVS Forum (7207v371.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None

v3.70

The seventh official BIOS, dated 05/23/2007, available in the MSI Japanese site (7207v37.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Update Description:
  
  
  • This BIOS fixes the following problem of the previous version:
    - Fixed Cool and Quiet function cannot work properly under Vista.
  
  
• Fixes reported by users:
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Problems reported by users:
  
  
  • It won't POST at random times.

v3.80

The eighth official BIOS, dated 10/28/2008, available in the MSI Global site (7207v38.zip).

• Changes in BIOS Menus
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Update Description:
  
  
  • This BIOS fixes the following problem of the previous version:
    - Disabled PCI Prefetch.
  
  
• Fixes reported by users:
  
  
  • None
  
  
• Problems reported by users:
  
  
  • None.

______________________
Which BIOS Version to Use
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

BIOS v3.00 gives the best overclocking options. BIOS v3.13 fixed several problems and has still good overclocking options. So if overclocking is of your first priority, use BIOS v3.10 or v3.13. Otherwise I recommend to use BIOS v3.50 (the most stable) or v3.70 (for Vista). You'd better avoid v3.80 (the chipset PCI prefetch is disabled).

Remarks

1. You may see the error message NVRam Update Failed during boot with BIOS v3.13. Please read the message in page 41 posted on 05/08/2006 01:53 AM EST by RjG regarding this problem.
   
   
2. Some user reported that Memtest86 errors with BIOS v3.20 disappeared after selecting
   • BIOS Setup > Integrated Peripherals > USB Device Legacy Support: [Disabled]
   (the message in page 33 posted on 04/17/2006 05:04 PM EST by cool).

_______________________________
11. BIOS II. Methods of Flashing BIOS
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__________________________
Three Methods of Flashing BIOS
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

There are three methods of flashing BIOS described below. All three methods work to flash to any version (except for the third method where flashing to v3.13 does not work). All three were 100% safe and had 100% success rate in my test of dozens of flashing. However power failure during the flash (though only 20 seconds) will cause BIOS failure. If power outage often occurs in your area, you may want to use UPS.

Flashing in Windows Mode

Download from the MSI Global site and install MSI Live Update 3. Then you may use this program to flash BIOS to the latest official version. However this method does not allow you to flash to BIOS of a lower version number. To flash to any version, use the following method. Launch the Windows flash utility AMI WinFLASH by double clicking:

C:\Program Files\MSI\Live Update 3\FlashUty\AMI\WinSFI.exe​

Enable the following options:

• NVRam Programming
• Clear CMOS

and disable the other options. Choose "Load BIOS & Flash" from the File menu. In "Open" box, locate and select the BIOS file A7207NMS.3xx, where xx = 00, 13, ... according to the version of BIOS you want to flash to. Then click "Yes" in the next "Load BIOS" dialog box. Flashing begins and ends about in 20 seconds. Restart your computer and setup BIOS.

Flashing in DOS Mode

In this method you need a bootable floppy disk and a blank formatted floppy disk. You can create a bootable floppy disk from Windows XP CD or you may use Windows 98 or ME boot disk. You can also download a self creating copy from a website such as bootdisk.com. Copy the DOS flash utility AFDOS404.exe included in any of the latest files 7207v30.zip, 7207v313.zip, and 7207v31.zip and the BIOS file A7207NMS.3xx to the blank floppy disk (xx = 00, 13, ...). Insert the bootable floppy disk to the floppy disk drive and start your computer. After entering DOS, insert the floppy disk containing the flash utility and the BIOS file in the floppy disk drive. In the command prompt, type in

A:\> AFDOS404 A7207NMS.3xx​

and press Enter. Flashing begins. After flashing ends, restart your computer and setup BIOS.

You can also flash BIOS in DOS mode from a CD drive or a USB mass storage device.

Flashing by BIOS Recovery Feature

In this method you need only a blank formatted floppy disk. Copy the BIOS file A7207NMS.3xx to the blank floppy disk and rename it to AMIBOOT.ROM. To flash BIOS to v3.xx, insert this disk in the floppy disk drive, turn on the system and press and hold Ctrl + Home (the timing of pressing keys may be a little difficult). "FLASH Recovery" begins. The system restarts automatically after flashing. Somehow this method does not work to flash to the beta BIOS v3.13.
_____________________________
Which Method to Use to Flash BIOS
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Flashing in Windows mode is by far the easiest and recommended first. If you want to flash BIOS before installing Windows, DOS mode is the only choice. Use BIOS Recovery Feature in case of emergency (e.g. no POST).

Remarks

1. To flash BIOS v3.13 select
   • Advanced Chipset Features > Flash Protect: [Disabled]
   because the default value is [Enabled] and flashing would fail if you did not change it.
   
   
2. To pause POST (Power On Self Test), press the Pause/Break key. To resume POST, press the Enter key. Pausing POST is useful to read messages appearing on the screen.
   
   
3. After flashing BIOS, the system may not POST occasionally. Don't panic. Turn off the switch on PSU and leave the system for a couple of minutes. Then the system should POST.
   
   
4. After clearing CMOS (including flashing BIOS with Clear CMOS enabled) or loading Optimized Defaults, the following messages will appear at the first reboot between auto-detecting IDE drives and booting into Windows:
   
   
   CMOS Checksum Bad
   Press F1 to Run Setup
   Press F2 to load defaults value and continue.​
   
   If you press F1, change (or do not change) BIOS, and save & exit Setup, these messages will go away permanently. If you press F2, they will reappear at the next boot.
   
   
5. After flashing BIOS with Clear CMOS enabled, the messages CMOS Checksum Bad, Press F1 ... may appear repeatedly at each boot even if you run and save & exit Setup in a very rare case. Reflashing BIOS, perhaps with "Boot Block Programming" enabled, will fix it.
   
   
6. AMI WinFLASH WinSFI.exe is extracted as part of the MSI Live Update 3 install and can be used stand-alone to flash BIOS. MSI Live Update 3 is 5.36MB and WinSFI.exe is only 372KB. So it's a good idea to extract only WinSFI.exe if you don't need other part of MSI Live Update 3. However WinSFI.exe is contained in data1.cab of the self-extracted ZIP file LiveUpdate.exe. So the easiest way to extract WinSFI.exe is, first install MSI Live Update 3, then copy and save the file WinSFI.exe in another folder and uninstall MSI Live Update 3. User options are saved in
   
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AMI\WinSFI​
   
   when WinFLASH is closed. This is the only registry entry regarding WinFLASH.
   
   
7. Boot Block Programming in WinFLASH is enabled when you use MSI Live Update 3. According to Legolas_524288 in MSI HQ User to User Forum, it is safer to disable it. The above instruction followed his suggestion.
   
   

   The BIOS is roughly divided into 2 sections: the Boot Block and the System Block (also called 'Main Block'). The Boot Block is necessary for initialization of critical devices only, such as chipset, CPU and memory. The System Block is used to initialize all other devices. It performs also the Power On Self Test (POST). When a BIOS update fails, there is a little chance that the BIOS can be recovered. If the Boot Block part is still working (so you should never update the Boot Block) the BIOS can be recovered. The Boot Block is activated when the checksum of the System Block doesn't match with the expected value or when it's corrupted. The Boot Block will in most cases try to recover the BIOS by using a floppy. (HR Technologies, Inc.)

8. NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) is where the BIOS stores resource information for both PNP (Plug & Play) and non-PNP devices in a bit string format (manual p. 3-20).
   
   
9. The original DOS flash utility included in the official BIOS v3.00 and v3.10 (7207v30.zip and 7207v31.zip) was ADSFI719.EXE, which was a wrong utility and caused the "Unknown Chipset" error when flashing in DOS mode. Recently this was replaced with the correct utility AFDOS404.exe, the same one that came with the beta BIOS v3.13 (7207v313.zip).
   
   
10. The instruction included in 7207v30.zip, 7207v31.zip and 7207v32.zip (How to flash the BIOS.doc) is problematic. For example, it says:
    
    

    WARNING!!!!!
    DON'T FLASH FROM A FLOPPY DISK!!!!

    DON'T FOLLOW IT!!!! Follow my instruction instead to flash in DOS mode!!!! Such a false instruction makes novices believe that flashing BIOS is difficult or even dangerous. Actually there is nothing difficult or dangerous in flashing BIOS (at least regarding MSI K8NGM2-FID).

References

1. Articles on BIOS in general:
   
   
   • BIOS for Beginners in Tom's Hardware
   • BIOS from A to Z in Tom's Hardware
   
   
2. Documents about AMI BIOS:
   
   
   • AMIBIOS8 User's Guide
   • AMIBIOS8 Flash Update & BIOS Recovery Methods
   
   
3. Other documents about AMI BIOS (less important for general users) can be downloaded from the AMI site (Home > Support > Tech Support > AMIBIOS®8 Product Support).

 

[R3MF]

fantastic thread, thank you.

 

[Artanis]

Congrat. for this exhaustive thread !

Originally posted by: renethx

Originally posted by: Physicist
would it make sense to OC an opteron 144 on this mobo?

The answer is the same as "CPU: X2 3800+ vs Opteron 165" in the section "Choosing Components". Opteron 144 is x 9 multiplier. So the max possible freq is 2250MHz. If you buy Venice 3200+, you should be able to run it at 2500MHz with no problem.

Venice 3200+ rev.E3 seems to be able. At least mine is

 

[pctwo]

great thread! thanks, renethx.

I also have a X2 3800+ and dual prime stable @ 2420mhz.

kind of scary that CPU throttling doesn't work. But doesn't the AMD throttle itself? I thought all modern CPUs will do that regardless of BIOS or OS.

 

[renethx]

___________________________
12. Tweaking the System I. BIOS
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If you are not interested in overclocking, the default settings will be fine with a few exceptions described below.

1. If you don't use the onboard video, select
   
   
   • Advanced Chipset Features > OnChip and PCIe VGA selection: [Disable Onchip VGA if have PCIe VGA]
   
   because otherwise part of the physical memory will be locked for the onboard video whether you actually connect a display to it or not.
   
   
2. Select
   
   
   • Advanced Chipset Features > CPU to NB Frequency: [800 MHz] or [1000 MHz]
   • Advanced Chipset Features > NB to SB Frequency: [800 MHz] or [1000 MHz]
   
   The performance of the onboard video will degrade significantly if these values are lower than 800 MHz. Note that [400 MHz] is the default value in some versions of BIOS.
   
   
3. If your memory is "performance" RAM, then you may need to raise DDR Voltage slightly for the system to run stably. Check the specifications of your memory. To change DDR voltage, go to
   
   
   • Cell menu > Voltage control > Adjust DDR Voltage (V)
   
   and use the + or - key to increase or decrease the value.

_______________________________________
13. Tweaking the System II. System Monitoring
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The motherboard comes with the Super I/O chip Winbond W83627EHF, which is capable of monitoring temperatures, voltages and fan speeds as well as controlling fan speeds. There are several utilities that support this chip. I will mention them and explain briefly how to use them. I strongly recommend running one of them all the time for safety reason.

____________
MSI PC Alert 4
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MSI PC Alert 4 is MSI's own hardware monitoring software that supports alarms as the name "Alert" indicates. This is free (needless to say) and the simplest. Please note that alarm sounds are emitted not from the case speaker but from a PC speaker connected to the sound playback device of the system. So you need to always turn on your PC speaker.

Installing and Running MSI PC Alert 4

When MSI PC Alert 4 is installed, the program shortcut is created in All Users' Startup folder. So PC Alert will start automatically when you log in. However if you do not have the Administrator privilege, it won't run! So you have to edit Properties of the shortcut in Startup folder and check Run as Different User. Then right after you log in, the second logon prompt appears and MSI PC Alert 4 will be launched if you enter the Administrator password. Another workaround is to launch MSI PC Alert 4 as a scheduled task. But in this case, you cannot read CPU/system temperatures and fan speeds; you can only hear alarm sounds when something abnormal happened.

Configuring MSI PC Alert 4

You can see several meters in MSI PC Alert 4. Among them the most important ones are CPU temperature and CPU fan speed. You need to adjust two parameters: CPU temperature max threshold and CPU fan min threshold. Set them to 75°C and 1000rpm (or whatever numerical values you think good) by dragging the purple button on the upper right corner of the CPU TEMP figure and the purple button on the upper left corner of the CPU FAN figure; the numerical value appears in the title bar in red letters. If CPU temperature reaches the max threshold value, a shutdown warning sign will appear and the system will shutdown automatically in several seconds. If CPU fan speed reaches the min threshold value, beep sounds will be emitted from the PC speaker. All the settings are saved in the file

C:\Program Files\MSI\PC Alert 4\skins\SKIN.INI.​

________
Speedfan
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SpeedFan is a widely used free utility for hardware monitoring and fan speed controlling. Version 4.29 or later supports Winbond W83627EHF. It is more sophisticated than MSI PC Alert 4 and can also be used to enable the Quiet part of the Cool'n'Quiet technology in place of Smart Fan with finer settings. Schematically,

• SpeedFan = system monitoring + alarms + fan speed controlling
• SpeedFan > PC Alert 4 + Smart Fan

The usage of the program is well documented in the "Help and HOW-TO" file and in its website. So I will explain it only very briefly.

Installing and Running SpeedFan

Download SpeedFan and install it. The SpeedFan Program Folder in the Start menu is created only for Administrator. So move it to

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs​

and change the security of the folder and all of its child objects. Next copy and paste the shortcut SpeedFan in this folder to the folder

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup​

to start SpeedFan automatically at each logon. Open the properties dialog box of the shortcut in the Startup folder and select Minimized in the Run field. Unlike MSI PC Alert 4, you don't have to have the Administrator privilege to run it.

Configuring SpeedFan

Start SpeedFan. Click the Info tab and press the Get config button. Follow the instruction and download a configuration for MSI MS7207PV (K8NGM2-FID). I am using the configuration uploaded by PLAHDE on 04 jun 2006. Restart SpeedFan. The program will detect the sensor chip and read it. By default, CPU usage, rpm for Sys Fan and CPU Fan, temperatures for CPU, Sys, NB and HDDs, speeds of CPU Fan, and voltages of Vcore, +12V, AVcc are displayed in the Readings tab or the Main tab and CPU Temp is displayed in the system tray. When minimized CPU Temp remains in the system tray. Usually these default settings are enough for system monitoring. Note that the senor Temp3 is named NB Temp but this is apparently misnamed as this does not show the NB temperature at all.

To configure SpeedFan, open the Configure dialog box by pressing the Configure button in the Readings tab. For example,

• To hide meaningless NB Temp from the Main tab, click the Temperatures tab and uncheck NB Temp.
• To change font color and size of the icon in the system tray, click the Option tab and change them.
• To add alarms, click the Events tab and add events. "Help and HOW-TO" for this topic is available online. (Click "The HOW-TO is online at www.almico.com.") For example,
  
  
  • If you want a popup message when CPU temperature exceeds 60°C, select and enter:
    
    
    If "CPU Temp (temp) from Winbond W83627EHF" ">" "60"
    For "1" times Allow every "10" seconds
    Then "popup message" "CPU temperature is 60 deg C!!!"​
    
    and press the Add button. Now if the CPU temperature is higher than 60°C, the popup message "CPU temperature is 60 deg C!!!" appears with the refresh interval 10 seconds.
    
    
  • If you want to shut down the system when the CPU temperature reaches 65°C, install a shutdown utility (for example Quick ShutDown), then select and enter:
    
    
    If "CPU Temp (temp) from Winbond W83627EHF" ">" "65"
    For "1" times Allow every "0" seconds
    Then "execute" "C:\Program Files\Quick ShutDown\qsd.exe" "-s"​
    
    then press the Add button. Now if the CPU temperature reaches 65°C, the system shuts down immediately.

All the configurations are stored in three configuration files

C:\Program Files\SpeedFan\speedfansens.cfg, speedfanparams.cfg, speedfanevents.cfg​

I will explain the fan speed control feature of SpeedFan later in Section 14: "Tweaking the System III. Cool'n'Quiet". Actually this is the main feature of SpeedFan as the name indicates.

Remarks

1. EVEREST Ultimate Edition 2006 (version 2.80 or later) also supports the motherboard's sensor chip. But it lacks alarms and it's not free. So I won't explain it here.
   
   
2. As part of system monitoring, it is a good idea to keep the green CPU activity monitoring square of Task Manager permanently in the system tray. To do so, launch Task Manager and select Options menu > Hide when minimized. Then go into the folder
   
   
   C:\Windows (or WINNT)\system32​
   
   and create a shortcut to the file taskmgr.exe. Cut and paste this shortcut to the folder
   
   
   C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.​
   
   Open the Properties dialog box of the shortcut and select Minimized in the Run field.

Critical Temperature of CPU

If the CPU fan stopped working for some reason but no alarm works, then Windows begins malfunctioning as CPU temperature rises and eventually the system crashes. The critical temperature of CPU is 90°C and CPU may be damaged permanently above this temperature.
__________________________________
14. Tweaking the System III. Cool'n'Quiet
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____________________________
Cool'n'Quiet Technology Overview
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

AMD's Cool'n'Quiet technology is an innovative solution available on AMD Athlon 64 processor-based systems that can effectively lower the power consumption and enable a quieter-running system while delivering performance-on-demand, for the ultimate computing experience.

____________________________________
Implementing Cool Part (a.k.a. PowerNow!)
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When the CPU usage is low, this technology lowers the CPU multiplier from x10 to x5 (or the CPU frequency from 2.0GHz to 1.0GHz for the default CPU-LDT frequency) and the CPU voltage from 1.35V to 1.1V in the case of the X2 3800 processor. To get it to work, you need to:

1. Select
   
   
   • BIOS Setup > Cell_Menu > Cool'n'Quiet: [Enabled]
   
   
2. Download from the AMD site and install one of
   
   
   • AMD Athlon 64 Processor Cool'n'Quiet Software for Windows ME and Windows 2000 for a single or dual core processor under Windows 2000
   • AMD Athlon 64/FX Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 for a single core processor under Windows XP
   • AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 for a dual core processor under Windows XP
   
   
3. Select
   
   
   • For Windows 2000, Control Panel > Power Options > AMD's Cool'n'Quiet (tm) Technology > Performance: Automatic Mode
   • For Windows XP, Control Panel > Power Options > Power Schemes: Minimal Power Management

____________________
Implementing Quiet Part
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

When the CPU usage (actually the CPU temperature) is low, this technology allows lowering the CPU fan speed and hence enables a quieter system. It is implemented by an intelligent thermal fan control mechanism, usually consisting of a sensor chip on the motherboard capable of changing fan speeds and a software controlling the chip. In the MSI K8NGM2-FID board, the sensor chip is Winbond W83627EHF. The chip can be controlled by BIOS, called the Smart Fan system, without an additional software (the thermal cruise mode). The chip can be also controlled by a software like SpeedFan in the manual PWM control mode (PWM = Pulse Width Modulation). SpeedFan allows much finer settings than the Smart Fan system.

Using Smart Fan

Select

• BIOS Setup > H/W Monitor > Smart FAN1 Target Temperature: [40°C/104°C], [45°C/113°C], [50°C/122°C], [55°C/131°C], [60°C/140°C], [65°C/149°C], or [70°C/159°C]

Suppose that you have selected, say [50°C/122°C]. Then

1. If the CPU temperature is lower than 50°C, then CPU fan runs at the 50% speed (50% in voltage, not 50% in rpm; 1800 rpm in my system)
2. If the CPU temperature is higher than 50°C, then it runs at the 100% speed (2800rpm in my system).

Using SpeedFan

In SpeedFan you can specify two threshold temperatures, called Desired and Warning, and two fan speeds, Minimum value and Maximum value. Suppose that you have set, say

• CPU Temp
  
  
  • Desired = 45°C
  • Warning = 55°C
  
  
• CPU Fan Speed
  
  
  • Minimum value = 33%
  • Maximum value = 66%.

Then

1. If the CPU temperature is lower than 45°C, the CPU fan runs at the 33% speed (1300rpm in my system).
2. If the CPU temperature is between 45°C and 55°C, the CPU fan runs at the 66% speed (2200 rpm in my system).
3. If the CPU temperature is higher than 55°C, the CPU fan runs at the 100% speed (2800 rpm in my system).

Actually Sys Temp and HD temperatures can also affect the CPU fan speed, but this is meaningless unless you attach a CPU fan large enough to cool down Sys or HD sensors.

To set these variables and get SpeedFan to control the CPU fan speed,

1. Start SpeedFan and open the Configure dialog box.
2. In the Temperatures tab, select CPU Temp, then choose Desired and Warning temperatures.
3. In the Temperatures tab, click the plus sign next Sys Temp, NB Temp and HDx (x = 0, 1, ...) and uncheck CPU Fan Speed. This will disable the linking of the CPU fan speed with Sys Temp, NB Temp and HD temperatures.
4. In the Speeds tab, select CPU Fan Speed, specify Minimum value and Maximum value and check Automatically variated.
5. In the Advanced tab, select Chip Winbond W83627EHF at $A10 on ISA. Select PWM 2 mode. If it is in the Thermal Cruise mode, then set it to the Manual PWM Control mode. Check remember it. This ensures that the manual PWM control mode overrides the thermal cruise control mode (in other words the SpeedFan settings override the BIOS Smart Fan settings) as long as SpeedFan is running. (However the thermal cruise mode won't be automatically restored when you shut down SpeedFan.)
6. Click the OK button.
7. In the Readings tab, check Automatic fan speed.

_______________________________
Making your Case Quieter and Neater
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Adjusting Case Fan Speeds

Now your CPU fan became very quiet. However your system may be still noisy. There are three sources of noise:

• PSU fan
• Case fans
• Video card fan

If your PSU is noisy, the only way is replace it with a quiet one. However you can make case fans and video card fan quiet by lowering voltage in either of the following ways:

• Follow the instruction Get 12V, 7V or 5V for your Fans in Silent PC Review. If you lower voltage to 5V or 7V permanently, you don't need a 12V/5V switch.
• Use a fan controller like FAN MATE 1 or FAN MATE 2. FAN MATE 1 is cheaper and simpler than FAN MATE2, but has been discontinued. You may be able to find it at eBay or Froogle.

Molex connectors, headers and hook up wires to modify fan wiring can be purchased from, for example, Action Electronics. An indispensable tool to modify wiring is PSU Modding Tool Kit.

Wire Sleeving

I strongly recommend wire sleeving for all the power cables (including case and CPU fan cables) inside the computer case for three reasons:

• Good airflow.
• Maintaining the system is much easier because there is no clutter of wires.
• The inside of the case looks neat through the window (if the case has a window).

Recommended sizes of wire sleeving and heatshrink tubing are:

• 1/16&#8243; heatshrink tubing for a single wire
• 1/8&#8243; wire sleeving & 3/16&#8243; heatshrink tubing for fan and floppy drive power cables
• 1/4&#8243; wire sleeving & 3/8&#8243; heatshrink tubing for peripheral, SATA, and 12V power cables
• 1/2&#8243; wire sleeving & 3/4&#8243; heatshrink tubing for the main power cable
• A heat gun with concentration nozzle to heat heatshrink tubing

Wire sleeving and heatshrink tubing can be purchased from Jab-tech. A heat gun with concentration nozzle can be purchased from Home Depot at around $35 or from eBay.

Guides to Quieter Systems

• The References/Recommended section in Silent PC Review

Remarks

1. Cool'n'Quiet is optional. Some users are disabling the Cool part in BIOS or Windows for various reasons.
   
   

2. MSI Reminds You...
   For the purpose of ensuring the stability of Cool'n'Quiet function, it is always recommended to have the memories plugged in DIMM1. (Manual p. 3-24)

3. RMClock Utility allows much finer power management options than Windows power options. For example AMD's driver allows only two P-states (x10, 1.35V and x5, 1.10V). RMClock Utility allows up to seven intermediate P-states, from x4, 1.10V to x10, 1.40V. The usage is well documented in the README file. One note: to run RMClock Utility when you log in without the Administrator privilege, start it as a scheduled task. Unfortunately my system often locks up when RMClock Utility is running.
   
   
4. Overclocking and Cool'n'Quiet work together perfectly. For example, If the CPU-LDT frequency is set to 230MHz, then CPU frequency will be 230MHz x 10 = 2300MHz at load and 230MHz x 5 = 1150MHz at idle time. If you use RMClock Utility, additional intermediate states will change similarly.

_______________________________________
15. Overclocking I. Overclockability of the Board
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__________________________
Overclockability of K8NGM2-FID
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

K8NGM2-FID is perfectly stable up to its maximum CPU-LDT frequency 250MHz. Hence overclockability depends solely on how well your CPU runs at stock voltage.
_________________
Detailed Test Results
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

I did overclocking tests with SuperPI and Prime 95 for two Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Manchester and one Athlon 64 3200+ Venice.

SuperPI (8M) for the First X2 3800+ Manchester

• System
  
  
  • MSI K8NGM-2-FID
  • BIOS v3.13
  • Athlon 64 X2 3800+
  • Corsair Value Select PC3200 512MB x 2
  • Windows 2000 Professional SP4
  
  
• BIOS Setup
  
  
  • CPU Voltage: 1.40V (default plus +0.05V)
  • Memclock Value: [166 MHz]
  • CMD-ADDR Timing Mode: [1T]
  • DDR Voltage: [2.55V] (default)
  • CPU to NB Frequency: [1000 MHz]
  • NB to SB Frequency: [1000 MHz]
  • CPU to NB LinkWidth: [16 UP 16 DOWN]
  • Processor Frequency Multiple: [x10 2000 MHz]
  
  
• Testing Method
  
  
  • I launched two instances of SuperPI, assigned each instance to each core and ran them (8M). I increased the CPU-LDT frequency by 5MHz increments in BIOS from 220MHz and repeated the test until error message appeared.
  
  
• Results
  
  
  • CPU frequency: 2200MHz (memory frequency: 183.33MHz): Passed
  • CPU frequency: 2250MHz (memory frequency: 187.50MHz): Passed
  • CPU frequency: 2300MHz (memory frequency: 191.67MHz): Passed
  • CPU frequency: 2360MHz (memory frequency: 196.67MHz): Passed
  • CPU frequency: 2400MHz (memory frequency: 200.00MHz): Passed
  • CPU frequency: 2440MHz (memory frequency: 203.33MHz): Passed
  • CPU frequency: 2460MHz (memory frequency: 205.00MHz): Error (NOT EXACT IN ROUND)

Prime95 (12 hours) for the First X2 3800+ Manchester

• System and BIOS Setup
  
  
  • The same as above.
  
  
• Testing Method
  
  
  • I launched two instances of Prime95, assigned each instance to each core and ran Small FFTs for 12 hours. I lowered the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz decrements in BIOS from 244MHz and repeated until the system passed the test.
  
  
• Results
  
  
  • CPU frequency: 2440MHz (memory frequency: 203.33MHz): Failed in 5 min
  • CPU frequency: 2420MHz (memory frequency: 201.67MHz): Failed in 30 min
  • CPU frequency: 2400MHz (memory frequency: 200.00MHz): Failed in 6 hours
    [*]CPU frequency: 2380MHz (memory frequency: 198.33MHz): Passed
  
  
• Thoughts
  
  
  • Many X2 3800+ are reporting that the maximum stable frequency is around 2300MHz to 2500MHz. Actually this CPU's maximum stable frequency with abit AN8 Ultra is 2400MHz at a slight higher voltage. This board is almost perfect for overclocking X2 3800+.

Prime95 (12 hours) for the Second X2 3800+ Manchester

• System, BIOS Setup, and Testing Method
  
  
  • The same as my first system
  
  
• Results
  
  
  • CPU frequency: 2480MHz (memory frequency: 206.66MHz): Passed
  
  
• Thought
  
  
  • This CPU has much better overclockability than the first CPU. I am very happy with it.

SuperPI (32M) for 3200+ Venice

Single-core CPU is another story. My Venice is prime stable at 2630MHz, DDR 219.13MHz, and at 2800MHz, DDR 186.67MHz with Vcore 1.45V and vddr 2.70V in another motherboard. Of course there is no way to achieve this level of overclockability as MSI board's LDT is limited to 250MHz and Vcore/vddr is fixed. But it should still be stable at around 2400MHz to 2500MHz. So I did the following test.

• System and BIOS Setup
  
  
  • The same as above except for the processor, which is now Athlon 64 3200+ Venice.
  
  
• Testing Method
  
  
  • I launched SuperPI and ran it (32M). I began with the CPU-LDT frequency 250MHz and lowered it until it passed SuperPI (32M)
  
  
• Results
  
  
  • CPU frequency: 2500MHz (memory frequency: 208.33MHz): Passed
  
  
• Thoughts
  
  
  • Now it is evident that K8NGM2-FID is perfectly stable with the CPU-LDT frequency 250MHz and Venice 3200+ runs stably at 2500MHz with the default voltage.

_______________________________________
16. Overclocking II. Quick Overclocking Recipes
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__________
Introduction
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

In this section I will give short recipes for overclocking the following processors.

1. Dual-core, x10 multiplier CPU: Manchester X2 3800+/Opteron 170. Expected stable CPU frequency: 2300MHz to 2500MHz
2. Single-core, x10 multiplier CPUs: Venice 3200+/Opteron 146/Sempron 3400+. Expected stable CPU frequency: 2300MHz to 2500MHz
3. Single-core, x9 multiplier CPUs: Venice 3000+/Opteron 144/Sempron 3000+/Sempron 3200+. Expected stable CPU frequency: 2250MHz.
4. Single-core, x11 multiplier CPUs: Venice 3500+/San Diego 3700+/Opteron 148. Expected stable CPU frequency: 2300MHz to 2750MHz

The method described here is 100% safe, that is, you don't have to worry about damaging components or file corruption, because the default voltage is used for CPU and memory, and memory frequency will be raised only within a reasonable range. The method applies to any BIOS version. The basic strategy here is

1. First find the maximum possibly stable CPU frequency quickly by running SuperPI (8M) (it takes only several minutes).
2. Then determine the maximum truly stable CPU frequency by running Prime95 (it takes long time).

The utilities used here can be downloaded from

• CPU-Z
• SuperPI
• Prime95

Please DISABLE Cool'n'Quiet in BIOS before proceeding because CPU multiplier may not be restored to the maximum when running Prime95. Enable Cool'n'Quiet in BIOS after finishing your test.
___________
Quick Recipes
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Overclocking X2 3800+/Opteron 170

Enter BIOS Setup and select:

• Advanced Chipset Features
  
  
  • Memclock Mode: [Limit]
    • Memclock Value: [166 MHz]
  • User Config Mode: [Manual]
    • CMD-ADDR Timing Mode: [1T]
  • CPU to NB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • NB to SB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • CPU to NB Linkwidth: [16 UP 16 DOWN]
  • NB to SB Linkwidth: [8 UP 8 DOWN] (BIOS v3.00 only)
  • CPU-LDT Frequency, MHz: [230]
  
  
• Cell_Menu
  
  
  • Spread Spectrum
    • CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]

Save and restart the computer. Launch CPU-Z. The frequency will have changed to:

• CPU: 230MHz x 10 = 2300MHz
• Memory: 200/166.666... x 10 = 12, 2300MHz/12 = 191.67MHz

Create two new folders and copy SuperPI to each folder. Launch SuperPI from each folder and assign each instance to each core of the processor from Task Manager. Calculate 8M in each SuperPI. If your system passed both SuperPI, then restart your computer and enter BIOS Setup. Raise the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz. Then repeat the above steps. If the system passed two SuperPI, then raise the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz. Repeat this process until the system fails in one of SuperPI. If your system failed to POST, then clear CMOS, which will restore BIOS' default settings, and start again with milder overclocking. For example, suppose that the maximum the CPU-LDT frequency with which your system passed two SuperPI was 250MHz. Then

• CPU: 250MHz x 10= 2500MHz
• Memory: 2500MHz/12 = 208.33MHz

Create two folders and copy Prime95 to each folder. Then run Prime 95 from each folder and assign each instance of Prime95 to each core of the processor from Task Manager. Run Prime95 > Options > Torture Test... > Small FFTs in each Prime95. If your system passed both tests for 12 hours, then you may consider your system stable. If it failed in less than 12 hours, then lower the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz and run Prime95 again. Repeat this process until your system passes Prime95 12 hours. Find the maximum Prime95 stable the CPU-LDT frequency in this way. Use a little lower value as the default accounting for temperature differentials and voltage fluctuations overtime.

Overclocking Venice 3200+/Opteron 146/Sempron 3400+

Enter BIOS Setup and select:

• Advanced Chipset Features
  
  
  • Memclock Mode: [Limit]
    • Memclock Value: [166 MHz]
  • User Config Mode: [Manual]
    • CMD-ADDR Timing Mode: [1T]
  • CPU to NB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • NB to SB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • CPU to NB Linkwidth: [16 UP 16 DOWN]
  • NB to SB Linkwidth: [8 UP 8 DOWN] (BIOS v3.00 only)
  • CPU-LDT Frequency, MHz: [230]
  
  
• Cell_Menu
  
  
  • Spread Spectrum
    • CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]

Save and restart the computer. Launch CPU-Z. The frequency will have changed to:

• CPU: 230MHz x 10 = 2300MHz
• Memory: 200/166.666... x 10 = 12, 2300MHz/12 = 191.67MHz

Launch SuperPI and calculate 8M. If your system passed SuperPI, then restart your computer and enter BIOS Setup. Raise the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz. Then repeat the above steps. If the system passed two SuperPI, then raise the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz. Repeat this process until the system fails in SuperPI. If your system failed to POST, then clear CMOS, which will restore BIOS' default settings, and start again with milder overclocking. For example, suppose that the maximum the CPU-LDT frequency with which your system passed two SuperPI was 250MHz. Then

• CPU: 250MHz x 10= 2500MHz
• Memory: 2500MHz/12 = 208.33MHz

Run Prime95 > Options > Torture Test... > Small FFTs. If your system passed the test for 12 hours, then you may consider your system stable. If it failed in less than 12 hours, then lower the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz and run Prime95 again. Repeat this process until your system passes Prime95 12 hours. Find the maximum Prime95 stable the CPU-LDT frequency in this way. Use a little lower value as the default accounting for temperature differentials and voltage fluctuations overtime.

Overclocking Venice 3000+/Opteron 144/Sempron 3000+/Sempron 3200+

Enter BIOS Setup and select:

• Advanced Chipset Features
  
  
  • Memclock Mode: [Limit]
    • Memclock Value: [166 MHz]
  • User Config Mode: [Manual]
    • CMD-ADDR Timing Mode: [1T]
  • CPU to NB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • NB to SB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • CPU to NB Linkwidth: [16 UP 16 DOWN]
  • NB to SB Linkwidth: [8 UP 8 DOWN] (BIOS v3.00 only)
  • CPU-LDT Frequency, MHz: [250]
  
  
• Cell_Menu
  
  
  • Spread Spectrum
    • CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

Launch CPU-Z and check the actual frequency at load:

• CPU: 250MHz x 9 = 2250MHz
• Memory: 200/166.666... x 9 = 10.8 that is carried to 11, 2250MHz/11 = 204.55MHz

To check the stability run Prime 95 > Options > Torture Test... > Small FFTs for 12 hours. If your system failed in less than 12 hours, then lower the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz and run Prime95 again. Repeat this process until your system passes Prime95 12 hours. Find the maximum Prime95 stable the CPU-LDT frequency in this way. Use a little lower value as the default accounting for temperature differentials and voltage fluctuations overtime.

Overclocking Venice 3500+/San Diego 3700+/Opteron 148

Enter BIOS Setup and select:

• Advanced Chipset Features
  
  
  • Memclock Mode: [Limit]
    • Memclock Value: [166 MHz]
  • User Config Mode: [Manual]
    • CMD-ADDR Timing Mode: [1T]
  • CPU to NB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • NB to SB Frequency: [800 MHz]
  • CPU to NB Linkwidth: [16 UP 16 DOWN]
  • NB to SB Linkwidth: [8 UP 8 DOWN] (BIOS v3.00 only)
  • CPU-LDT Frequency, MHz [230]:
  
  
• Cell_Menu
  
  
  • Spread Spectrum
    • CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]

Save and restart the computer. Launch CPU-Z. The frequency will have changed to:

• CPU: 230MHz x 11 = 2530MHz
• Memory: 200/166.666... x 11 = 13.2 that is carried to 14, 2530MHz/14 = 180.71MHz

Launch SuperPI and calculate 8M. If your system passed SuperPI, then restart your computer and enter BIOS Setup. Raise the CPU-LDT frequency by 2 or 4MHz. Then repeat the above steps. If the system passed SuperPI, then raise the CPU-LDT frequency by 2 or 4MHz. Repeat this process until the system fails in SuperPI. If your system failed to POST, then clear CMOS, which will restore BIOS' default settings, and start again with milder overclocking. For example, suppose that your system passed SuperPI at the maximum the CPU-LDT frequency 250MHz. Then

• CPU: 250MHz x 11= 2750MHz
• Memory: 2750MHz/14 = 196.43MHz

Run Prime 95 > Options > Torture Test... > Small FFTs. If your system passed it for 12 hours, then you may consider your system stable. If it failed in less than 12 hours, then lower the CPU-LDT frequency by 2MHz and run Prime95 again. Repeat this process until your system passes Prime95 12 hours. Find the maximum Prime95 stable the CPU-LDT frequency in this way. Use a little lower value as the default accounting for temperature differentials and voltage fluctuations overtime.

Remarks

1. Cited from BIOS for Beginners in Tom's Hardware
   FSB Spread Spectrum: Disabled. This feature helps systems pass European electromagnetic interference (EMI) tests. It accomplishes this by constantly varying, ever so slightly, the frequency of the Front Side Bus (FSB). Be warned that enabling this feature with large values can result in Internet connection disruption, as well as stability problems if you overclock your system.

   You may also want to select
   
   • BIOS Setup > Cell_Menu > Spread Spectrum > PCIE Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
   • BIOS Setup > Cell_Menu > Spread Spectrum > SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]
   for similar reasons.
   
   
2. Using Performance RAM (BIOS v3.00 only)
   
   In the above description I assume that your memory is value RAM. If you use performance RAM, Memclock Value can be set to [183 MHz] by raising DDR Voltage slightly. In this case, if your CPU can run at the CPU-LDT frequency 250MHz, then
   
   
   1. For x10 multiplier CPU
      
      
      • CPU: 250MHz x 10 = 2500MHz
      • Memory: 200/183.333... x 10 = 10.909... that is carried to 11, 2500MHz/11 = 227.27MHz, 18.94MHz boost
      
      
   2. For x9 multiplier CPU
      
      
      • CPU: 250MHz x 9 = 2250MHz
      • Memory: 200/183.333... x 9 = 9.818... that is carried to 10, 2250MHz/10 = 225.00MHz, 20.45MHz boost
      
      
   3. For x11 multiplier CPU
      
      
      • CPU: 250MHz x 11 = 2750MHz
      • Memory: 200/183.333... x 11 = 12, 2750MHz/12 = 229.17MHz, 32.74MHz boost
   
   Raising memory frequency in this way boosts overall performance to a certain degree, but not significantly (see Zebo's article at AnandTech Forums and Happy_Games' articles at DFI-STREET.com). On the other hand, the maximum stable frequency for value RAM is around 220MHz. So there is no way to run value RAM with Memclock Value [183 MHz]. But this applies to only BIOS v3.00. With BIOS of other versions there is almost no difference between value RAM and performance RAM because you are forced to set Memclock Value to [166 MHz] (except for x9 multiplier CPU's, where Memclock Value [200 MHz] is possible).
   
   
3. Boosting CPU Voltage by +0.05V (BIOS v3.00 and v3.13 only)
   
   The CPU voltage can be raised by +0.05V for BIOS v3.00 and v3.13 if you select
   
   
   1. BIOS Setup > Cell_Menu > Cool'n'Quiet: [Disabled] (Disabling Cool'n'Quiet in Windows won't work.)
   2. BIOS Setup > Cell_Menu > Voltage Control Function > CPU Frequency Configuration > FID Change: [Manual]
      • Processor Frequency Multiple: [x10 2000 MHz] (in case of x10 multiplier CPU)
   
   By doing so, the maximum stable CPU frequency may increase by 0 MHz to 200 MHz. However your CPU will always run at the maximum speed with the maximum voltage even at idle time.
   
   Using RMClock Utility also allows you to boost CPU voltage by +0.05V (in any BIOS version), but stability is in question, in particular in a dual-core system.
   
   
4. ClockGen (version 1.0.4.2 or later) allows you to increase the CPU-LDT frequency beyond 250MHz.
   
   
5. CPU to NB Frequency and NB to SB Frequency in BIOS Setup represent not the actual frequency but multiplier:
   
   
   • [400 MHz] = x2
   • [600 MHz] = x3
   • [800 MHz] = x4
   • [1000 MHz] = x5
   
   You can check this with, for example, Sandra Lite. So if CPU to NB Frequency is [800 MHz] and CPU-LDT Frequency, MHz is [250], then the actual CPU to NB frequency will be 250MHz x 4 = 1000MHz, thus the stability of the system is guaranteed. (However my system is stable even if CPU to NB Frequency is set to [1000 MHz] and CPU-LDT Frequency, MHz to [250].)
   
   
6. For overclocking Athlon 64 Processor in general, please refer to the article Quick and dirty A64 clocking guide by Zebo in AnandTech Forums. Let us see how the principles of Isolate and Consolidate in this article are implemented in the above procedures. Actually we omitted many processes in the article because we already know very well about the motherboard.
   
   
   1. HyperTransport needs to be around 1000, meaning LDT (Lightning Data Transport) x HTT (aka FSB) ~ 1000MHz or less.
      
      
      • This is assured by lowering CPU to NB Frequency and NB to SB Frequency to [800 MHz].
      
      
   2. Isolate: the maximum HTT/FSB
      
      
      • We know very well that maximum HTT/FSB = CPU-LDT Frequency is 250MHz. So we don't need to do it.
      
      
   3. Isolate: the maximum chip capable
      
      
      • We set memory out of equation by setting Memclock Value to [166 MHz]. We spent most of our efforts to determine it in the above.
      
      
   4. Isolate: the maximum memory
      
      
      • This process was omitted. We don't need to know the maximum stable frequency of the memory. As a matter of fact it is impossible to know it without using BIOS v3.00 or v3.13 that is capable of changing Processor Frequency Multiple.
      
      
   5. Consolidate
      
      
      • This has been already done implicitly in the process of determining Memclock Value.
   
   If your overclocking result is unusually poor (e.g. 2200MHz), I recommend strictly following the above procedures to identify the problem using BIOS v3.00 or v3.13.

 

[BernardP]

Thanks for this very complete thread, renethx.

It is better than the board's User's Manual !

 

[tedward]

What is the best option for a 2x1GB RAM kit with this mobo?

I'll be using an X2 3800+ & would like to hit 2.4-2.5. If I'm going to spend $150 for Corsair VS cas3, I'd much rather spend another $20-$50, if it will increase the likelyhood of hitting 2.4-5 stable.

Whaddya think? Please list your recommendtaions & explain why, please.


BY the way: THANKS FOR THIS THREAD RENETHX!

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: tedward
What is the best option for a 2x1GB RAM kit with this mobo?

Frankly speaking, memory does not affect the overclocking of CPU. Mostly overclockability of CPU depends on your luck.

However the performance difference arises from actual mem freq. If you hit CPU freq 2.4GHz, then you can choose Memclock Value from one of the following:

• Memclock Value = 166MHz (all BIOS version)
  200/166 x 10 = 12, Mem Freq = CPU Freq/10 = 200MHz
• Memclock Value = 183MHz (v3.00 only)
  200/183 x 10 = 11, Mem Freq = CPU Freq/11 = 218.18MHz
• Memclock Value = 200MHz (all version)
  200/200 x 10 = 10, Mem Freq = CPU Freq/10 = 240MHz

Any DDR400 PC3200 RAM can achieve up to 220MHz with no problem. On the other hand you will need DDR500 PC4000 to achieve 240MHz. There is certainly performance difference between 218.18MHz and 240MHz, but it is not so big.

My recommendation is visit NewEgg, read user reviews, and buy any RAM with good reviews and within your budget.

 

[pctwo]

tedward: I'm dual prime stable @2420 with Corsair VS (see sig). Of course I got 2x1G for $140-$40 rebate, so it didn't make sense to spend more. Btw, this is NOT the board to get if you're into OC, but you know that already.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but it's hard to hit 2500mhz with the X2 3800+ on stock vcore. This board doesn't have vcore adjustment. I don't know if that's just a limitation with the board or something a new BIOS can address.

Incidentally, price for this board has gone up. I managed to get one for $86 shipped. Not any more.

 

[Bermuda]

Wow, great work renethx. Just bought the board and my X2 3800+ only runs on 2200Mhz without errors in prime95. :/ Does anyone see a chance that there will be a BIOS with adjustable vcore in the near future? I was able to set the vcore up to 1,4V with CrystalCPUID but I want to run Linux on it too so a BIOS option would be better.

 

[pctwo]

Bermuda: what are your memory settings?

Could someone using onboard video run 3DMark06 and let me know what you get? I got 216. Yes that's three digits. I wasn't expecting miracles, but that's pretty sad, no?

you can download 3dmark 06 (free version) here

http://www.futuremark.com/download/?3dmark06.shtml

 

[MaxDepth]

so who won the shootout?

 

[tedward]

Originally posted by: pctwo
tedward: I'm dual prime stable @2420 with Corsair VS (see sig). Of course I got 2x1G for $140-$40 rebate, so it didn't make sense to spend more.

Where'd ya get that deal & when??? I want!

 

[pctwo]

tedward: the ram deal was Fry's xmas sale. got that before I bought anything else.

 

[Bermuda]

pctwo: Memory (2x 512MB MDT PC3700) runs with 184,3Mhz 2,5-3-3-7.
But I don't think it is a memory problem because prime reports a rounding error:
FATAL ERROR: Rounding was 0.5, expected less than 0.4

3dMark06 score: 207 with onboard GPU, 64MB shared ram and X2 3800+@2200Mhz

 

[cbr1100xx25]

I need a spdif connector. I take it this board does not come with one. Where can I get one for it? Thanks

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: cbr1100xx25
I need a spdif connector. I take it this board does not come with one. Where can I get one for it? Thanks

MSI S-Bracket - Audio, SPDIF Out at PC CLUB

(I noticed that it is out of stock.)

 

[pctwo]

Not an expert, but I don't think just b/c you got a rounding error means the problem is the cpu. which torture test did you choose? small fft, large fft, or blend? you could try lowering ram speed to 166, although with pc3700 ram, you should be ok. maybe you just got unlucky with the cpu. anyway, try 166. i'll let somebody more knowledgable chime in now

 

[klaatu3]

Excellent, renethx :thumbsup:

really, appreciate all the hard work you have done and the work of others which lead to this thread.

Looks like I will getting this MSI motherboard.

Thanks, again.

Gary

 

[R3MF]

me too.

 

[amrl]

Anyone got NCQ working with this board? I see the option to turn it on under device manager but it's greyed out. Yes, my hard drive supports it.

 

[pctwo]

renethx: is your video card on the MSI a PCIe ccrd? Once you installed that and the vga cooler, do you have any PCI slot left open?

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: pctwo
renethx: is your video card on the MSI a PCIe ccrd? Once you installed that and the vga cooler, do you have any PCI slot left open?

Yes, my video card is a PCI-Express card. If you use a VGA cooler, it fills the PCI slot below. But you can still use the PCI slot in the bottom.